BS6 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT adventure tourer to launch soon

Suzuki India has released a teaser image of the BS6 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT, indicating the imminent launch of the adventure motorcycle. Suzuki showcased the BS6 V-Strom 650 XT at the 2020 Auto Expo in February and we had reported back then that the launch was scheduled for some time later in the year. The V-Strom's price is expected to be revealed on Suzuki India's social media platforms and the company may also throw open online bookings since its dealerships are temporarily closed due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

The 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT gets a new colour scheme that looks rather fetching. The yellow motorcycle we saw at the Auto Expo looked attractive, replete with contrasting blue stickers that enhance the motorcycle's appearance. The decision of painting the beak has also added a dash of freshness to the design, even though the body panels are exactly the same as before. Then there are the signature copper-gold rims that look great. The fact that these are shod with tubeless tyres is a big boon, especially on our terrible roads.

The biggest highlight of the V-Strom, however, is its 645cc, liquid-cooled motor. It develops 71hp and 62.3Nm of torque in its BS4 form and we don't think the power and torque figures may change in the transition to BS6. What is also expected to remain unchanged is the engine's refined and tractable nature. 

The rest of the BS6 V-Strom 650 XT is just as before, be it the equipment, comfortable ergonomics or the chassis. Which means the BS6 V-Strom 650 should remain the same, sweet adventure tourer that we’ve always loved. The model’s intuitive handling makes it surprisingly easy to ride on twisty roads.

With no additional equipment over the BS4 version we can assume that Suzuki will only charge a tiny premium over the BS4-spec V-Strom 650 XT. 

Internationally, the V-Strom 650 XT is also available in the Adventure trim. This variant is mechanically identical to the XT; however, it is loaded with features that make it ready to go globe-trotting, right out of the box. Some of features include aluminium panniers, a handlebar brace, crash protection and a centre stand (optional extras on the XT). Whether Suzuki India brings this higher-spec variant to India along with the standard XT trim remains to be see.