Suzuki V-Strom 650 adventure motorcycle has been showcased at the ongoing 2018 Auto Expo.
Suzuki had made it clear earlier this year that it will be showcasing a total of 17 products at the 2018 Auto Expo. The list included two all-new products as well and one of them is the Suzuki V-Strom 650. The middle-weight adventure motorcycle has been showcased at the event and comes across as a direct competitor to the well-established Kawasaki Versys 650. With a seat height of 835 mm and kerb weight of 216 kgs, the bike won’t be easily suited to shorter riders.
In India, the Japanese automaker aims to come up with a competitive asking price and is considering domestic assembly of the vehicle to achieve the same. True to its adventure pedigree, the V-Strom comes with minimal bodywork and gets a standard riding posture with raised suspension and ride height. It sits on an aluminium frame, gets adjustable Showa suspension at either end and flaunts aluminium wheels with anodized wire spokes. Off-road tyres come from Bridgestone with 110-section and 150-section rubber at the front and rear respectively.
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 draws power from a 645cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine that develops 71 HP of power and 66 Nm of torque. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox and is known for its refinement. Apart from height adjustable windshield and Suzuki Easy Start System, ABS and traction control are also part of the equipment list. Globally, the motorcycle is sold in two variants – V-Strom 650 standard and V-Strom 650XT – and is a pretty successful model as it offers greater versatility than its 1000cc counterpart.
Braking is performed via dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear. The V-Strom 650 gets 170 mm of ground clearance and a 20-litre fuel tank. Suzuki is likely to bring the top-of-the-line 650XT variant to India but it would be no surprise if they launch the standard variant as well. The brand will be currently ascertaining audience response at the event. Expected to come with a price tag of around Rs. 6.5 lakhs (ex-showroom), the V-Strom 650 India launch is still some time away as the manufacturer will have to align its assembly process first.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
– The V-Strom 650 shares stage with 16 other Suzuki products at 2018 Auto Expo
– Powered by 645cc V-Twin motor developing 71 HP of power
– To be launched in India via the CKD route
– Rivals the Kawasaki Versys 650 primarily
