Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT ABS 2015, road test

2/3 of a thousand and more desire enduro

di Matteo Pozzi 19 February 2015

Photo Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT ABS 2015 road test

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT ABS 2015: After having told you about it at the presentation a few days ago, we tried the little V-Strom, which does its make-up and thanks to the spoked rims and the beak it becomes more enduro and eye-catching. The beautiful aluminum tubeless rims are more suitable for off-roading, but they are also an aesthetic feature that many do not want to give up. Displacement and price are essentially a portion, two thirds in fact, of the older sister. 650 against 1000, just over 8.500 euros against 12.500. But the fun and usability remain at excellent levels. For those who don't believe that the rise in power and displacement is a necessary evolution, the new V-Strom 650 XT represents an excellent example of how a 650 with "just" 69 horsepower is perfect in every context, from the city to the final journey in the world, as well as a more "classic" alternative to the Honda NC750, with or without the dual clutch gearbox.

Aesthetics and finishes:
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A strong character and many refinements to make it better

The XT is not just a version of the “base” V-Strom 650, it represents one of the many cartridges that Suzuki is preparing to fire between now and 2017 in the dual purpose segment, with the desire to decisively relaunch the brand. The standard 650 has been touched up, with a look made more adventurous and also versatile. The most obvious innovations are the rims ed the beak that, we remember it, even if it is very fashionable and used by many competitors, it is an "invention" of Casa Suzuki, with the DR-Big from the late 80s. Under the skin, however, the most important thing is the modifications to the frame, now reinforced, in addition to those on the engine. Thanks to the aluminum it also becomes lighter, as well as more rigid. The double aluminum beam moreover, it is a gem that few competitors in this segment can boast. On the aesthetic front, the look is more similar to the big sister 1000, especially for that beaked mudguard, which in reality is also used to better convey the air towards the engine cooling system, at the same time trying to keep the hot air away from the driver. The tank, while guaranteeing the excellent capacity of 20 litres, it is now narrower and tapered. The saddle, with aheight of 83,5 cm from the ground, is available in two further variants, one lower and one higher, and is also a hallmark of the XT, with a redesigned look and reduced width to give more space for leg movements. Overall, we are faced with a bike that has been largely confirmed, but which benefits greatly from many refinements and some gems. The level of quality of materials and assembly is very good, sometimes simple solutions, but always well made and functional. As for the multifunctional instrumentation which offers a convenient button on the left light switch block to scroll through the functions, there is no consumption data, but there is an indication of the gear engaged and the tank level, as well as excellent readability. The three-position adjustable windshield guarantees discreet aerodynamic protection even for the tallest.

Engine and performance:
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It is confirmed and improves in delivery

When you happen to try a bike like this, in particular the V-Strom 650 XT, it is truly a well-made product, with a usability and a truly incredible price/content ratio, we can't help but think that the rise in power and displacement is a trend destined to implode. Above all because few people have the desire and ability to exploit certain monsters on everyday roads. Only a few years ago an enduro with 70 horsepower was considered a top motorcycle in this segment, capable of taking us anywhere, in comfort and on any road and type of route, the dream motorbike for many, many were satisfied with much less. Now, unfairly, they seem like the entry level, to which if one can, one prefers the older sister. It may be for an economic reason, but we believe that it is not only for this reason that the bikes in this segment are regaining the center of attention. The 69 horsepower pleases everyone, or almost, the desires of the driver, making the new Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT suitable for use in the city as well as for holidays and long journeys. The 90° twin-cylinder it is an increasingly rare solution in a market full of front-facing vehicles (F800GS and NC750 first and foremost). The XT maintains the same power as the 650, capable of 69 horsepower, but thanks to the changes, including those for the cooling system and the new air conveyors combined with the beak, Suzuki promises a more full-bodied delivery at higher rpm. Also 60 Nm at 6.400 rpm they seem to be tastier and more usable. Thanks to many small modifications, refinements such as the modification of the valve angle, the shape of the piston crown, cylinders treated with the system Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) and updates to Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) injection system. The XT then benefits from one extended sixth gear, synonymous with a vocation for long journeys, but also with attention to consumption. For those who are convinced that three-digit power is needed to have fun, we recommend taking a nice ride with the new V-Strom 650 XT.

Ride and handling:
rating:

Versatile as any dual purpose should be

Spoked rims they are the detail that should most differentiate it from the standard in the guide. The aluminum channels and a new design allow it to contain its weight, making them as suitable for driving on asphalt as normal alloy wheels. On the other hand, on dirt roads the spokes provide cushioning and are more suitable for off-road driving. The dimensions remain unchanged, with the 19 at the front and a 17" at the rear, combined with a 110/80 and a 150/70. Improved ergonomics, with narrower saddle and tank, and a rather compact bike allow drive it easily. The V-Strom 650 XT is manageable, also ideal for the city where it is as comfortable as a scooter and where it only needs a top case (the bag kit is obviously available optionally, however) to store a chain to tie it or helmets when parking it. In particular the tapered saddle allows when standing still, support on the ground is easy even for those who are not very tall, at the same time while driving you move more easily with your legs. The V-Strom 650 XT is especially perfect for a nice ride on winding roads, where the perfect balance between the engine and the simple but effective chassis allow you to have fun in complete safety. It is based on traditional front fork, with 43 stanchions and adjustable preload, combined with a mono with a convenient postponement of the mechanism for the similar adjustment. On the motorway, the good aerodynamic protection and low vibrations make it loved by serious travellers. The only flaw, if we want to find one, is braking is not 10/XNUMXFurthermore, the braking system, with 310 mm discs at the front, is assisted comes standard with an excellent ABS (not disengageable as usual for Suzuki). The 215 kilos are not noticeable at all when driving "ON", when the wheels are off road they are all in all manageable, the V-Strom 650 XT is basically made for this, even if dual purpose off-road vehicles nowadays do very little. Certainly if you are looking an "all-rounder" that can take you for a holiday of a few thousand kilometers in comfort, but with which you won't be afraid of a gravel road or a bit of real off-roading, it's for you, standing on the footrests and off you go, enjoying even some nice sideways, given that the 69 horsepower is very manageable and the delivery is very regular. Furthermore, the V-shaped engine switches off less easily than the forward-facing ones, which is no small detail when moving between obstacles at very slow speeds.

Price and consumption:
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Attractive price, 3 colors and numerous accessories to personalize it

Most of the interventions on the engine have been done, or have led anyway significant improvements in consumption. In our test we collected data from scooters in the city, with mileages around 20 km/l, while on extra-urban routes you can travel almost 25 km/l. Thanks to 20 liter tank the guaranteed autonomy is therefore excellent. Available in three colours, white, red and matt grey the new Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT is on sale these days starting from 8.590 euros. The main accessories available are: engine bar and skid plates, central stand, 12 volt socket, touring windshield, LED fog lights, as well as the metal bag kit.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
A true dual purpose, easy and ready for anything, modern and captivating look

We do not like it:
Braking can be improved

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT ABS: the Motorionline Report Card

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