Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
Suzuki’s new adventure motorcycle heats up the middleweight segment
The motorcycling world is abuzz with the term ADV. It means adventure, specifically referring to the genre of motorcycles classifying as one. More than the mechanical categorisation, it’s the ability of these motorcycles to traverse kilometres on end on tarmac and continue forward, even when the black stuff ends. An ADV is the answer to the need for being limitless, to go anywhere one fancies, head on quest to find uncharted territories and Suzu- ki has just come out with what may very well be the perfect key to your next adventure.
Just how well the new Suzuki V-Strom 650 performs on the road is surprising and exciting at the same time. This duality of its character is partly helped by the supple suspension, comfortable ergonomics and in centre of it all, the torquey and refined 645cc V-twin motor. The fuel-injected 71bhp engine also produces 62Nm of torque at 6,500rpm and that happens to be the engine’s sweet spot, easily managing triple digit speeds at that rpm. Giving the motor some beans will unleash yet more power till it’s 10,000rpm redline, all the while feeling unstressed and retaining its smoothness. Gear shifts are smooth and the wide ratio box almost never calls for the need to slot the sixth cog. The liquid-cooled, 90-degree, V-twin motor’s refinement is unlike the gruff European Vtwins and is rather linear in its power delivery throughout the rev range. The smooth-
ness however, hides the oodles of low-end grunt that this motor has to offer. The engine builds up speed rapidly and the throttle response is immediate. It’s just what you need to keep the pace up on the road and sideways off it. But that very sideways action can be controlled with a beautifully set, simple traction control system.
Traction control is a major boon for safety and if calibrated well, can also offer the scope for a bit of fun. Suzuki has kept things simple by offering just two presets that cannot be customised but are tuned just right. TC 1 allows for limited slip of the rear wheel and catches the over revs before things get out of hand while TC 2 provides the full protection of zero slippage to tackle slippery conditions like rain. You can also choose to switch it off completely for all the fun that can be had while riding off-road. What makes having that fun easier, is the sure-footed handling afforded by the V-Strom’s underpinnings.
SUZUKI HAS KEPT THINGS SIMPLE BY OFFERING JUST TWO TRACTION CONTROL PRESETS THAT CANNOT BE CUSTOMISED BUT ARE TUNED JUST RIGHT
An aluminium twin-spar frame offers the robustness needed to handle punishing off-road terrain while being light weight to aide the VStrom’s agility on the road. It is what helps dissipate the V-Strom’s 216kg kerb weight, distributing it better between the front and rear axles. The non-adjustable front suspension is adept at soaking up bad roads, offer firmness while cornering and displays impeccable manners to handle light off-road duties. The rear suspension gets a handy remote adjuster to bump up preload and dial in rebound settings when you’re ready to load luggage or to travel with a passenger.
The XT tag on the V-Strom brings a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels by DID that offer the convenience of using tubeless tyres due to their unique design. The dual-purpose Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tyres cope up with their intended purposes well on varied surfaces. With these in place, the 650XT is serious about being an ADV which isn’t only limited to road-touring. Adding onto this trait, touring features also include an adjustable windscreen, a charging socket and hand guards that come as standard fitment while there’s also an option of a low seat.