Test Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2017: right in the "thousand" !
The V-Strom 650, a real best-seller with more than 170,000 sales since 2004, takes advantage of Euro4 to evolve technically and aesthetically in 2017 by copying the V-Strom 1000. Better equipped and more comfortable, the mid-capacity trail Suzuki reaches a rare level of efficiency. Trial of the XT adventurer version.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test page 3 – MNC technical point
Engine
The 645 cc twin-cylinder of the V-Strom receives many modifications for 2017, modeled on those made in 2016 on the last generation of the SV650 roadster from which the trail takes over the engine. Some "60 new parts" are appearing on this block with double overhead camshaft, including double ignition provided by two spark plugs per cylinder. Its cooling is also the subject of improvements via redesigned fins.
In addition, the 81mm diameter pistons (for 62.6mm stroke) receive a resin-based treatment that reduces friction and improves heat exchange, to the benefit of efficiency. The cylinder heads and camshafts are also redesigned, always with the aim of improving efficiency. The objective has been achieved since the V-Strom 650 displays 71 hp and 62 Nm against 69 and 60 Nm in 2016, i.e. + 2 hp and + 2 Nm of torque. All while respecting Euro4 !
Injection also evolves with the introduction of the "Suzuki double throttle valve" (SDTV), a double butterfly body with management of the secondary butterflies via a servomotor. The new injectors show ten holes. The exhaust has been redesigned to boost mid-range and make it easier to carry suitcases, thanks to its lowered position. Its diameter is larger than in 2016, despite an announced drop in weight of "40 grams".
Finally, the engine of the V-Strom 650 receives electronic assistance "Low RPM Assist" and "Suzuki Easy Start System", as on the last SV650. The first facilitates starting by increasing the engine speed of approximately 250 rpm when releasing the clutch, gas cut. The second allows you to activate the engine with a single press on the starter, without having to keep it pressed..
Cycle part
The chassis of the V-Strom 650 starts again on the same bases, in particular at the level of the geometrical values: 1560 mm of wheelbase, 26 ° of caster angle and 110 mm of chassis. This frame is made up of two aluminum spars to which a square section rear loop is bolted. This frame is redesigned and consolidated to allow simultaneous transport of a 35-liter top-case and suitcases. A 55 liter top case is also available as an option, but it cannot be installed at the same time as the suitcases.
The damping is based on a 43 mm Kayaba telescopic fork – not adjustable – and on a mono-shock from the same manufacturer, adjustable in preload and rebound. We appreciate the presence of a remote wheel at the rear, to easily adjust the preload for a duo trip. The low travel of these suspensions (150 and 169 mm) promotes accessibility: the redesigned saddle peaks at 830 mm, a rather low value for a trail.
Braking is still entrusted to 2-piston calipers at the front, which pinch 310 mm discs. At the rear, the single piston clamp closes on a 260 mm disc. Everything is supported by a Bosch ABS, not adjustable or deactivatable as on the previous model. A certain handicap in off-roading, an area towards which the XT version is moving with its spoked rims, its hand guards and its plastic shoe..
The 20-liter tank is refined on its front part to improve accessibility, which remains excellent thanks to the narrowness of the V-twin. In detail, we can also mention the use of new lighter 10 spoke rims (- 100 gr), which reduces the unsprung weight for the benefit of liveliness. On the V-Strom 650 XT, the rims are spoked and tubeless type. The dimensions of these wheels are identical whatever the model: 110/80/19 and 150/70/17. They receive Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tires.
Let’s finish this overview by specifying that the V-Strom 650 model 2017 is announced at 213 kg all full (216 kg for the XT), or one kilo less than in 2016. This drop is remarkable insofar as the motorcycle receives additional equipment, such as a 12V socket on the dashboard, a thicker saddle "2 mm" or a screen – adjustable in 3 positions – higher by 9 mm !
This weight loss of 1 kg is explained in particular by the grafting of an LED light, a new lighter headlight unit of "290 gr" or even by the lighter rims and exhaust. Still, on a motorcycle of this category, a shoe to protect the engine (standard on XT) and a center stand to maintain the chain would not be luxury …
Electronic
In addition to the "Low RPM Assist" and "Suzuki Easy Start System" described above as well as the ABS, the V-Strom 650 also receives anti-slip for 2017. This device is similar to that of the V-Strom 1000: its operation is based on the comparison of the rotation speed of the ABS toothed crowns installed on each wheel. In addition to this calculation carried out every 4 milliseconds, the control unit also takes into account the position of the accelerator and the crankshaft but also the gear engaged.
Depending on all these parameters, this traction control acts on the injection then on the ignition in the event of slipping. As on the 1000, this traction control has two operating modes – level 1 being the least intrusive – and can be deactivated. The choice between each mode can be made while driving, with the gas off, using the arrows and the "Sel" button on the left stalk. It is also possible to disengage it without stopping, something quite rare on a Japanese motorcycle..
Another interesting technological development on the 2017 V-Strom 650: the grafting of a new instrumentation controlled by the handlebars, pinched to the V-Strom 1000. This dashboard is made up of a needle tachometer on the left and two LCD screens on the right. Inside these digital windows are displayed the speed, the gear engaged, the odometer, two trips, the air and engine temperature, the battery voltage, the range, the average and instantaneous consumption. , fuel level and time.
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