Kit Palmer | October 4, 2016
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 And 1000 First Look: While Suzuki was re-inventing its all-new GSX-R1000, it was also working on its popular adventure bikes, the all-new V-Strom 650 ABS/650XT ABS, and V-Strom 1000 ABS/1000XT ABS. Both the 650 and 1000 are heavily changed.
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650/650XT
The new Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS (picutred) and V-Strom 650XT ABS get more than just new looks.
As you can see, the V-Strom 650 looks quite a bit different, though it should look a little familiar to some of you, that’s because Suzuki styled it after its original “beaked” DR-BIG and DR-Z desert bikes of the early 1990s.
The 645cc V-twin engine meets tough Euro4 emissions standards now, yet is said to deliver even more power and torque than before, and is even little lighter in overall weight. The fuel injection system has been finely re-tuned for smoother operation and improved fuel range.
There will be plenty of accessories offered for both the 1000 and the 650.
Traction control is new to the V-Strom 650 for 2017. It’s a three-mode system (two modes plus off).
The V-Strom 650 also gets Suzuki Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist.
The windscreen, which is 9mm taller, has three-position adjustments settings, and there is a more informative multi-function instrument panel, similar to what the V-Strom 1000 already had. There’s now a 12V DC outlet, so you can charge you satellite navigation system and mobile devices as you ride.
Optional integrated three-luggage system is available and is now interchangeable with the V-Strom 1000.
The bike also gets new vertically positioned headlights, LED tail lights and hand guards.
The main difference between the V-Strom 650 ABS and the V-Strom 650XT ABS is the wheels. They are 19- and 17-inchers on both models, but the XT has wire-spoked wheels versus the 650’s cast wheels. Wire-spoked wheels are better suited for more hard-core off-road riding adventures, mainly because they are more durable and pliable, and you have more tire choices. You can still run tubeless tires with these rims if you want.
2018 V-Strom 1000 ABS/1000XT ABS
No, the 2018 is not a typo, Suzuki is calling the new V-Strom 1000 an ’18 model, even though it will be available well before January 1, 2018. Like the 650, the 1000 is plenty changed, many of those changes are similar to those of the 650.
Wire-spoked wheels on the XT
Some of the big updates to the 1000, include getting Motion Track Brake System, a reshaped windscreen with height and angle adjustments, new multi-function instrument panel, hand guards, Suzuki Easy Start System, Low RPM Assist, new bodywork and tapered handlebars for the XT.
The XT also gets wire-spoked wheels.
Suzuki has not yet announced pricing for any of the new V-Strom models.
This is DR-BIG (1991). See any similarities?
V-Strom 1000XT ABS
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