Suzuki’s V-Strom dual-purpose motorcycles, which last got an update in 2014, have now been revised for the 2017 season. The range is now rationalised into the V-Strom 1000 and 650, and both bikes get ‘XT’ suffixes to denote the more off-road oriented machines.
As Suzuki’s top-end dual-purpose sports-touring machine, the V-Strom 1000 comes with a 1,037 cc, DOHC 90-degree V-twin that is fed by EFI with Suzuki Dual-Throttle Valves (SDTV). There are two versions – the base model V-Strom 1000 which comes with alloy wheels and road-biased suspension, and the XT version with spoke wheels and a taller ride height.
Traction control is now available for the V-Strom 1000, along with a five-axis IMU and combined braking – which links the rear brake and one of the front brakes when the brakes are actuated. Twin catalytic convertors in the exhaust allow the engine to be Euro 4 compliant.
More changes have been made to the V-Strom 650, which has new 10-point injectors feeding the 645 cc V-twin with SDTV on new 39 mm throttle bodies. Twin-spark cylinder heads improve combustion efficiency, while improving throttle response.
The smaller V-Strom also gets its bigger sibling’s traction control, with three modes – mode one for good grip conditions, mode two for wet surfaces and off. A new LCD instrument panel and stacked headlight – like the GSX-R1000 – complete the major changes for 2017.
There is an XT version of the Suzuki V-Strom 650, which comes with spoked wheels and slightly taller suspension. Braking, with ABS, is done by Nissin two-piston calipers in front and a single-piston caliper at the back.
In Malaysia, the 2016 Suzuki V-Strom retails for RM74,500 excluding GST. For the smaller V-Strom, the 650A goes for RM40,500 while the XT version can be had for RM42,350. Both prices exclude GST.
Love the 650XT but kinda wishes it has the normal 650’s alloy wheels
Bila nak sampai Malaysia model baru ni