Intermot 2014: new Suzuki V-Strom 650XT ABS unveiled

Wee-Strom gets new off-road styling including a beak

Intermot 2014: new Suzuki V-Strom 650XT ABS unveiled

Intermot 2014: new Suzuki V-Strom 650XT ABS unveiled

AS revealed by Visordown last week, Suzuki has given the V-Strom 650 new off-road styling including a beak and wire wheels for 2015.

Suzuki says the new V-Strom 650XT ABS offers more shock-absorption on unpaved roads thanks to its new wire-spoked wheels.

The beak is a nod to the 1988 DR-Z ridden by former motocross world champion Gaston Rahier at the Paris-Dakar Rally. Suzuki says its distinctive beak-like front cowl design had a major impact on motorcycle design.

Wheel sizes are the same as the current model, 19” up front and a 17” rear designed to be used with tubeless tyres.

Pricing is yet to be announced.

Suzuki said in a release: 'Based on the already popular V-Strom 650, which has been the top-selling dual purpose machine in the 650-800cc class in the last decade, the V-Strom 650XT comes with more adventure as standard.

'The new V-Strom 650XT takes design cues from the Dr Big, the first dual-purpose machine to feature the now standard 'beak' design synonymous with models in the adventure sector. A new beak blends smoothly into the existing front bodywork, with air ducts that channel airflow to the radiator.

'Newly designed, lightweight, wire-spoked aluminium wheels aid in the adventure styling of the new V-Strom 650XT, and shock absorption performance is increased on unpaved roads. Its arrival is anticipated as early as December this year.' 

Specifications:

Overall Length2290 mm (90.2 in)
Overall width835 mm (32.9 in)
Overall height1405 mm (55.4 in)
Wheelbase1560 mm (61.4 in)
Ground clearance175 mm (6.9 in)
Seat height835 mm (32.9 in)
Curb mass215 kg
Engine type4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90° V-Twin
Bore x stroke81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.2 in x 2.5 in)
Engine displacement645 cm³
Compression ratio11.2 : 1
Fuel systemFuel injection
Starter systemElectric
Lubrication systemWet sump
Transmission6-speed constant mesh
Primary reduction ratio2.088 (71/34)
Final reduction ratio3.133 (47/15)
SuspensionFrontTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped
RearLink type, coil spring, oil damped
Rake / trail26° / 110 mm (4.3 in)
BrakesFrontDisc brake, twin
RearDisc brake
TiresFront110/80R19M/C 59H, tubeless
Rear150/70R17M/C 69H, tubeless
Ignition systemElectronic ignition (Transistorized)
Fuel tank capacity20.0 L(5.3 / 4.4US / lmp gal)
Oil capacity (Overhaul)2400 ml (2.5/2.1 US/lmp qt)

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