By sharing the easy to see and easy to operate/understand instrument cluster, along with the cowling image with its bigger brother, the V-Strom 650XT has rich information with a quality design. The instrument cluster incorporates a large analogue tachometer and digital readouts for the gear position and speedometer. The digital section below displays the odometer, twin-trip meter, clock, fuel level, coolant temperature, ambient temperature, battery voltage, range on remaining fuel, average and instantaneous fuel consumptions, and traction-control modes. The remaining fuel range continues to display after the fuel gauge shows empty, offering the rider with accurate and comforting information. Plus, instantly recognizable LEDs provide freeze*, high-beam, neutral, malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), ABS, traction-control mode, and water-temperature indicators. All of this information is accessible from the left handlebar switch, where it is also possible to reset the trip meter.

*The freeze indicator starts blinking when the ambient temperature falls below 3°C. It continues to blink for 30 seconds then remains lit until the ambient temperature rises above 5°C.

ABS-Equipped Brake System

Equipped with 310mm diameter twin discs with twin two piston calipers on the front and a 260mm diameter single disk with a single piston caliper on the rear, the V-Strom 650XT provides controllable and dependable stopping performance. Also the compact and light-weight ABS, to avoid wheel lock caused by excess hard braking, has been upgraded to the next generation with advanced settings for a further natural feel and secure activation.

Note: ABS is not designed to shorten the braking distance. ABS cannot prevent wheel skidding caused by braking while cornering. Please drive carefully and do not overly rely on ABS.

Low RPM Assist

By adopting the Low RPM assist system, the concern of an unexpected engine stall has been relieved. This system will automatically raise the idle speed when engaging the clutch or when riding at low rpms, assisting frequent clutch work in congested town rides and preventing sudden and unexpected engine stall when running in the low rpm range.

Suzuki Easy Start System

Conventional starter switches needed to be pressed by the rider until the engine starts, but the V-Strom 650XT has adopted the Suzuki Easy Start System enabling the engine to start with one push of the button. A computerized ECM checks the status and disengages the starter motor immediately after start, making the engine start easier for the rider.

The 645cm³ DOHC V-twin is a masterpiece of Suzuki engineering which has an evolving history. For the V-Strom 650XT, this unit has been tuned for ample low to mid-range torque for practical use while maintaining an exhilarating top-end. The unit meeting BS6 emission standards has undergone a rebuild, installing technology such as the resin-coated pistons, and revising over 60 components of the engine to achieve a higher output in a broad area of the rev-range while keeping the unique V-twin character with low fuel consumption. With low fuel consumption combined with the large 20L fuel tank, the riding rage between fill-ups are at the top in this class, relieving the rider from the stress of frequent refueling. The further evolved engine has succeeded in emphasizing the attractions of the V-Strom 650XT character, making it another masterpiece by Suzuki.

One of the upgraded features in the 645cm³ unit are the resin-coated pistons which is a coating technology to decrease friction in the cylinder, resulting in improved fuel economy and corresponding to latest emission control. Special L-shaped piston rings are also installed for enhanced sealing performance and blow-by gas reduction, all resulting in meeting up-to-date regulations while improving the output and the ease of use.

Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV)Fuel-Injection System

Featuring the performance-proven Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) injection system, each cylinder has two butterfly valves for enhanced power output and efficiency. One butterfly valve is directly linked to the riders throttle control while the other butterfly valve is controlled by the ECM and operates according to information from the throttle position sensor, engine speed sensor and gear position sensor for optimum intake flow, realizing an efficient and smooth power delivery with ample torque at low revs. Idle speed control is also a feature, supporting a steady idle speed and fewer emission. The injectors have been upgraded to a 10-hole type with a long nozzle for further efficiency.

Lighter and Lower Exhaust System

The down-type exhaust system is lighter and closer to the center of gravity, contributing to nimble handling while being able to accommodate the slim and smart optional luggage system.

The catalyzers have been positioned in a tandem configuration achieving the required level of emission control for BS6 emission standards, while successfully gaining exhaust efficiency to boost the output.

DR-BIG being the first Adventure model to have a “Beak”, the V-Strom brand has inherited that distinctive look. The 650XT has adopted the same image as the 1000, and with the design featuring a more direct line from the tip of the beak to the top of the tank, that challenging spirit of its ancestor is further exhilarated.

With the design concept “Design is in our DNA”, the V-Strom 650XT has an solid and smart look, in kin to its 1037cm³ brother bringing the V-Strom family together. Suzuki’s original “Beak” style has been further emphasized by making it a straight line from the tip to the top of the tank, expressing the DNA from the DR-BIG and the desert racer DR-Z. The heritage and history of Suzuki’s adventure models are further expressed, giving the owners pride of ownership. Champion yellow is a symbolic color for the V-Strom series, relating to the off-road racing scene of Suzuki and providing owners with an active and challenging adventure feel.

Contributing in giving the V-Strom 650XT image is the headlights and tail light, a common feature with the V-Strom 1000. The high and low beam of the light weight headlight is in a compact vertical configuration and realize brightness equivalent to the previous twin headlights, while when on high beam, both low and high bulbs illuminate providing a broader lit up area. The featured LED tail light, also in kin with its bigger brother, has a high visibility and contributes to weight savings.

The slimmer and smarter tank holds a capacity of 20L, realizing a long riding range combined with the excellent fuel consumption. Also by eliminating the plastic covers on both sides of the tank from the previous model, the tank has become slimmer and is able to accommodate magnetically attachable tank bags. The frame covers which wore positioned directly underneath the seat on the previous model have been slimmed down as well, allowing the rider to reach straight down to the ground, resulting in better access to the ground and more confidence.

*Above photos shown in this section are 2020 model.

Unique to the V-Strom 650XT are the knuckle covers to support harsh condition riding, and the engine under cowling to give the rider that extra adventure feel, both as standard equipment.