Suzuki's V-Strom 650 continues the family tradition with its carryover model for MY2023. The last major update was in 2017 when this, the third generation, launched itself onto the world stage.
Modern electronics join with a sporty, mid-range V-twin engine, and comfort-related items to make this bike a candidate for commuting, touring, and grocery-getting equally. Adjustable suspension and light, cast-alloy wheels ensure a controlled and responsive ride, no matter how rough the urban jungle gets out there.
It rolls with a clean build, but there is plenty of luggage available in the accessories catalog. This allows you to easily gear up for your own adventures.
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650
- Adjustable Suspension, Front And Rear
- Three-Way Height-Adjustable Windscreen
- ABS
- Ample Low-To-Mid-Range Torque
- Generous Electronics Suite
- Model: V-Strom 650
- Engine:: 645 cc V-twin
- Power Output: 70 HP
- Torque: 46 LB-FT
- Transmission: 6-Speed manual
- MSRP: $9,104
- Very Attractive Build For The Genre
- Ample Power
- Comfort Items Are A Plus
- Rather Tall Seat
- No Handguards
- Small Windscreen
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Performance And Capability
Power comes from a water-cooled, 90-degree V-twin, or call it an L-twin if you prefer. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 produces 70 horsepower and 46 pound-feet of torque with a top speed estimated at around 125 MPH. An 81 mm bore and 62.6 mm stroke give it a 645 cc displacement with a warmish, 11.2-to-1 compression ratio that is sure to prefer higher octane pusholine.
The pistons come with a resin coating and the cylinders with an SCEM coating. Together, they lower friction and minimize mechanical losses in the engine. Each head sports a pair of spark plugs for efficient flame-front propagation that leads to more power and better emissions. The throttle bodies come with Suzuki's Dual Throttle Valve setup that runs a second, computer-controlled butterfly plate behind the rider-controlled one. This dual function smooths out the differences between rider demand and the engine's capacity to respond.
An Idle Speed Control and Low RPM Assist feature combine to prevent stalling upon launch and stabilize the overall operation, with an Easy Start system to help with cold starts. A stock Advanced Traction Control feature adds more safety with a pair of profiles and an “Off” setting if you'd rather ride bareback.
Engine & Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
Engine | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 90˚ V-twin |
Displacement | 645 cc |
Bore x Stroke | 81 mm x 62.6 mm |
Compression | 11.2:1 |
Power | 70 HP |
Torque | 46 LB-FT |
Fuel System | Fuel injection, SDTV-equipped |
Final Drive | Chain, RK525SMOZ8, 118 links |
Clutch | Wet, multi-plate type |
Gearbox | 6-speed constant mesh |
Design
As a motorcycle suited for overlanding, the V-Strom 650 leads the way with a molded front fender that sports a channel to pull cooling air down and into the radiator that rides right behind. Stacked dual headlights split the night with conventional projectors, but the taillight is a high-visibility LED unit for improved safety from behind. A wind tunnel-tested windscreen punches a hole in the wind for the pilot. It's adjustable with three positions and vented to prevent the wearisome head-buffet effect. That's just the thing for low-stress riding.
The 5.3-gallon fuel tank contributes a gentle hump to the flyline that is decidedly more graceful than many of its peers, and it tumbles down at the backside to meet the narrow seat and waist. Seat height is lofty at 32.9 inches off the deck, and the pillion is even higher to provide your passenger with an improved view of the world around them. Stock passenger footpegs and a beefy J.C. handle join with a small luggage rack over a subframe-mount, LED taillight. A small mudguard carries the rest of the gear in the rear including the tag and blinkers.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 Specs | |
|---|---|
Length | 89.6 in |
Width | 32.9 in |
Height | 55.3 in |
Seat Height | 32.9 in |
Wheelbase | 61.4 in |
Ground Clearance | 6.7 in |
Fuel Capacity | 5.3 gals |
Curb Weight | 470 lbs |
Chassis
Aluminum was the material of choice in both the twin-spar frame and the swingarm for the lightweight rigidity it adds to the mix. The suspension comes off the top shelf with spring preload-adjustable, 43 mm front forks, and a monoshock out back with adjustable rebound-damping and a hand-wheel for the spring-preload adjuster. That's pretty good ride-quality control for the given displacement bracket, and is sure to improve long- and even medium-distance rider comfort and stamina.
Cast wheels round out the rolling chassis with Bridgestone Battlax hoops in a 110/80-19 ahead of a 150/70 to make the connection to the pavement. Twin-bore Tokico calipers bite dual front discs to haul things down in a hurry with a single-cylinder Nissin binder out back and ABS protection all around.
Chassis & Suspension | |
|---|---|
Frame | Aluminum rigid twin-spar |
Front Suspension | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
Rear Suspension | Link type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped |
Front Wheel | 10-spoke cast, 19 in |
Rear Wheel | 10-spoke cast, 17 in |
Front Tire | 110/80R19 M/C (59V), tubeless |
Rear Tire | 150/70R17 M/C (69V), tubeless |
Front Brake | Dual Tokico 310 mm disc, 2-piston calipers, ABS-equipped |
Rear Brake | Nissin 260 mm disc, 1-piston caliper, ABS-equipped |
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Price And Availability
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom costs $9,104. It comes in a fetching Pearl Vigor Blue colorway with splashes of color at the fairing and fuel tank over a fairly uniform blackout treatment.
Pricing & Features | |
|---|---|
Features | Adjustable suspension, ABS, traction control |
Warranty | 12-month limited warranty |
Colors | |
└ 2017 | Pearl Glacier White |
└ 2018 | Glass Sparkle Black |
└ 2019 | Glass Sparkle Black, Pearl Glacier White |
└ 2020 | Solid Iron Gray |
└ 2021 | Candy Daring Red |
└ 2022 | Pearl Brilliant White |
└ 2023 | Pearl Vigor Blue |
Price | |
└ 2020 | $8,799 |
└ 2021 | $8,849 |
└ 2022 | $8,904 |
└ 2023 | $9,104 |
Competitors
Rather than going to one of Suzuki's domestic foes, I instead looked to the Brits. Let's look at the Tiger Sport 660 from Triumph Motorcycles.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Trumpet keeps to a similar clean look with only a front fairing, cheeks, tank, and little fairing lowers to shroud the radiator grille. The rest is wide open for plenty of ventilation.
A 660 cc triple delivers 80 horsepower with 47.2 pound-feet of torque against 70/46 from the Suzuki to give Triumph a small performance edge. The Brits rise to the electronic challenge with switchable traction control, dual riding modes, and a shift-assist function to meet the Suzuki on even ground.
The Tiger is a little proud with its $9,695 sticker, but that isn't too much more. However, the trio of colorways gives potential buyers some choice with two-tone packages over blackout.
He Said
“If street-adventure models are the new sport-tourers, you can count me in. They're more comfortable, and look less like you are trying too hard. Throw on some bags, and you will really have something useful for day-to-day adventures.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “The V-Strom 650 didn't really float my boat so much when I looked at it in 2016. The update in 2017 really spruced it up as far as its capabilities in the adventure market. We're seeing promises of a new V-Strom 700 spotted on test runs in Italy. Preliminary reports show it is a notable improvement over the 650. Fingers crossed for 2024.”
FAQ
Q: How much horsepower does a V-Strom 650 have?
Suzuki claims 70 HP and 46 LB-FT of torque on the 645 cc V-twin engine in the V-Strom 650 line. Cycle World put the 650XT on their dyno and got a peak 66.85 horsepower at 9,210 RPM and 43.04 pound-feet of torque at 6,560 RPM.
Q: How much does a Suzuki V-Strom 650 weigh?
The 2023 V-Strom 650 has a curb weight of 470 pounds with standard equipment before adding options or accessories.
Q: How much is a Suzuki V-Strom 650XT in USA?
The base MSRP on the 2023 V-Strom 650XT is $9,599. Its sibling the V-Strom 650XT Adventure starts at $10,799.
Q: What is the mMPG of Suzuki V-Strom 650?
Depending on use and maintenance, owners report the V-Strom 650 gets between 50 ad 60 MPG as noted by Cycle World. With the 5.3-gallon fuel tank, you can expect a range of 250 to 300 miles.