2018 Suzuki V-Strom 650 to launch next month

Shortly after the launch of the GSX-S750 and Burgman Street, Suzuki is gearing up to launch yet another motorcycle in India. August 2018 will see the launch of the company’s mid-size adventure motorcycle – the Suzuki V-Strom 650. Interestingly, India will likely only get the adventure-focused XT variant of the V-Strom 650. We expect it to be priced between Rs 7.5-7.7 lakh (ex-showroom).

The V-Strom will be the third motorcycle from the bike maker to be locally assembled, after the Hayabusa and the recently launched GSX-S750. Internationally, the V-Strom adventure tourer is offered in two variants – the standard V-Strom, which is a more road-biased motorcycle, and the off-road-specific V-Strom XT, the version that is expected to be sold in India.

The styling of the V-Strom XT is inspired by its larger sibling, the V-Strom 1000. The smaller engine motorcycle gets premium anodized wire-spoke rims shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tubeless tyres. The twin-spar alloy frame is suspended on a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock with rebound adjustment and a remote preload adjuster at the rear. The seat height of the V-Strom 650 XT is 835mm, as opposed to the 840mm of the its main rival, the Kawasaki Versys 650. The Suzuki’s fuel tank is quite generous at 20 litres and the motorcycle tips the scales at 216kg (kerb weight).

The bike is powered by a 645cc, V-twin engine that makes 71hp and 62Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Versys 650’s engine makes 69hp and 64Nm, but also uses a six-speed transmission.  The V-Strom 650 XT gets a three-stage traction control system (two levels and a disengage option). Other features include three-way height adjustable windscreen, Suzuki’s useful Easy Start System and standard ABS (off-road enthusiasts will be disappointed to know that it cannot be disengaged).

The Kawasaki Versys 650 retails for Rs 6.69 lakh (ex-showroom), which is significantly cheaper than the expected pricing of the V-Strom 650 XT. However, the Versys 650 sold in India is a more road-oriented model and doesn’t come with the V-Strom's expensive wheels or electronic aids like traction control, which could work to Suzuki’s advantage.