Suzuki V-Strom 650 2024 — Specifications

Who would have bet on the longevity of this 645 cm3 V-twin? Yet, the heart of the Suzuki V-Strom 650, this 90° V-twin, still beats with the same Swiss watch regularity. While the market is rushing into the race for power and displacement, Suzuki persists with proven mechanics, retouched for Euro5. We’re talking about 71 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 62.8 Nm of torque, figures that won’t make the route tremble but ensure smooth and usable progress. Faced with a more eye-catching Triumph Tiger 660 or a more nervous Yamaha Tracer 7, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 relies on reliability and an accessible character. Its 20-liter tank promises beautiful trouble-free getaways, a significant argument for the traveler who counts kilometers more than tenths on the stopwatch.

The real change is the face. Suzuki has finally put away the teddy bear style to adopt the stern face of its big sister, the 1000. A radical transformation that divides: you either love or hate this cyclops gaze and these angular lines. The goal is clear, to stand out in a very competitive segment. The seat height of 835 mm remains reasonable, and the announced weight of 213 kg fully fueled is average. The chassis, an aluminum double-beam frame, has not changed, but the settings and the loss of a few kilos contribute to a feeling of lightness. The 43 mm fork and the single shock absorber, with 150 mm of travel, are proven values, designed for endurance more than for pure performance. It’s a machine that swallows the asphalt without fuss, with reassuring stability.

The equipment takes a leap forward, a sign that Suzuki has listened to the market. The dashboard inherited from the 1000 is modern and readable. Above all, traction control makes its debut, with two adjustable intervention modes. On a 71 hp motorcycle, is this essential? Maybe not, but on wet or gravelly roads, it’s a welcome safety feature. We also appreciate the start assist, the speed limiter for low-speed maneuvers, and the tool-free adjustable screen. On the other hand, Suzuki remains faithful to its reputation for charging for extras: the center stand and luggage racks are optional. For a touring trail displaying nearly 9000 euros, that stings a bit. Look for a used Suzuki V-Strom 650, and you will often find these equipment already mounted, which can be a good deal.

So, who is this third version of the V-Strom 650 for? Clearly for the pragmatic motorcyclist, the traveler who prioritizes serenity over showiness. It doesn’t have the flair of a BMW F 750 GS, nor the character of a Kawasaki Versys 650. But it has this unwavering robustness, this ease of riding that makes it an ideal companion for everyday use as well as for long journeys. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT variant, with its spoked wheels and adventurer equipment, will appeal to those who venture off the beaten path. For others, the standard version remains a safe bet. It’s not the motorcycle that will make you fall in love at first sight, but it’s often the one with which you end up doing the most kilometers, without incident. In a world of ephemeral novelties, that’s priceless.