Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Launch Ride Review

Fact Sheet

The V-Strom 650 XT is the modern world’s go-to-anywhere bike. It gets a host of things that make it versatile and practical. The most important aspect, its engine, is a 645cc V-twin liquid cooled. This motor makes around 71bhp at 8800rpm and peak torque of 62Nm at 6500rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that transfers power to the rear wheel via a chain-drive. The torque characteristics of this engine have been played around to get the best behaviour out of it. 

This Suzuki is built around a twin-spar aluminium frame, just like most of the adventure tourers out there. With a seat height of 835mm, it’s not the most accessible among tourers, but it does get a lower seat option. The ground clearance is quite good at 170mm. The tank can hold a whopping 20-litres of fuel. On a full tank, the motorcycle tips the scale at 216kg. The suspension is a pair of non-adjustable telescopic forks at the front and monoshock with pre-load adjust at the rear. Brakes consist of 310mm dual-discs with Tokico two-piston calipers in the front and a 260mm disc at the rear. ABS is standard and cannot be switched off. The bike is equipped with 19-inch and 17-inch spoke-wheels at the front and rear respectively. These wheels get Bridgestone Battlax tyres and they are tubeless. 

The instrument cluster is good to look at. It gets an analog tachometer. Rest are all enclosed inside the digital LCD screen. So things like speed, gear shift indicator, clock, fuel range, ambient temperature and other warning lamps are present. There’s also a three-level traction control system to meet high-safety standard. The settings for this could be adjusted via a toggle-switch situated on the left side of the handlebar. Being an XT variant, the bike gets a 12V DC water-proof charging port. It gets rear-rack as standard for future top-box installation. There are mounting brackets for side panniers too. The hand guards are present to complete the overall adventure look. There’s a three-step adjustable touring windscreen but one needs tools for that and it can’t be done on the go.

On the move

Firstly, the V-Strom 650 XT doesn’t look like a 650cc tourer at all. In fact, it largely resembles its bigger sibling, the V-Strom 1000, thanks to its bigger-sized components and hardware. But is this intimidating? Not at all! Once on the saddle, the view is good. In fact, it takes no time at all to get used to the ergonomics . The riding position is neutral and comfortable. In fact, at 6.2ft, this Suzuki was right-sized for me. The large seat is fantastic and offers ample space for movement during long hauls. The overall shape helps keep the lower back safe and sound. 

This Suzuki adventure touring motorcycle felt right at home on the fast and empty Jaipur highway. The engine provides ample torque from the word go, and that makes life very easy on city roads. Overtaking was a piece of cake as well. There are virtually no vibrations on this bike. The 645cc motor offers mindboggling refinement and smoothness. The fuelling is crisp and on the mark. The power delivery is linear, accessible and very predictable. It’s tractable too, which I discovered while doing 50kmph in sixth gear without any unwanted feedback from the engine. The six-speed gearbox works flawlessly and with a light clutch, stop-go riding experience wouldn’t be much of a headache. 

The V-Strom 650 XT is a bit front heavy. This is why steering doesn’t feel as light as I wished for. In the corners too, the bike feels a bit lazy and there’s some effort required to turn in. It’s just not natural. But in straight lines, the V-Strom 650 XT is a winner. The bike cuts through the wind with ease, and no drama. Off-the road, this Suzuki performs way better than its real rival, but fails to churn out that adrenaline experience.  Suzuki says that the V-Strom 650 XT is majorly road focused, but can do mild off-roading. The ride quality is good, but could have been much better if it was loaded with fancier equipment. The brakes are wonderful. The bite, progression and feel are great. 

The V-Strom 650’s new traction control system works efficiently. At level 1, it takes care of any surprises that come your way with ease. Level 2 comes with its highest intervention and controls all that drama. With the ‘off’ setting, I could get the rear out for some sliding shots for the camera. The windscreen was at the highest setting for me, because I'm 6.2ft. It works decently. There’s a bit of buffeting but a touring helmet could cancel that out. 

The wishlist

In today’s world, some fancier equipment like upside-down forks which are adjustable could have been good for the V-Strom 650. The bike also misses out on LED turn indicators and headlight. Also, it’s slightly difficult to see the lower-section of the LCD screen on the instrument cluster as all the details are closely stacked to each other. 

Verdict

At 8.63 lakhs (on-road Mumbai), the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT is a great bike to have. It’s a mile muncher, comfortable and has very good road presence. It’s loaded with some great safety equipment too. But if Suzuki managed to squeeze in the crash guard, centre stand and skid plate as standard in this price tag, the V-Strom 650 would have been a value-for-money purchase.