Trail – Test Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2017: right in “the” thousand! – Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test page 1 – Static: good in all respects

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Test Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2017: right in the "thousand" !

Trail - 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test: right in the & # 39; la & quot; thousand! - Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test page 1 - Static: good in all respects

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 1 – Static: good in all respects

Suzuki frankly admits this by presenting us with its: the primary quality of its does not depend on the elegance of its silhouette. And yet, the manufacturer Hamamatsu replicates it feature for feature on the 2017 vintage of its V-Strom 650, the youngest of the V-Strom siblings! Go figure it out, Charles…

Trail - 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test: right in the & quot; the & quot; thousand! - Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test page 1 - Static: good in all respects

Still, the two novelties almost pass for binoculars, especially wearing the same yellow “Champion” dress derived from Suzuki off-road motorcycles. To differentiate them, the fastest way is to observe their front axle: that of the V-Strom 650 has a telescopic fork – not adjustable – and modest two-piston calipers, while that of the V-Strom 1000 exhibits bravely its fully adjustable inverted fork and radial 4-piston calipers. 

  • MNC Video : 2017 V-Strom 650 XT review in video
  • MNC of April 28, 2015 : 2015 V-Strom range review
  • MNC of February 3, 2015 : Duel V-Strom 650 XT Vs Tiger 800 XCx

For the rest, it’s kif-kif: the proof below! The "small" as the "big" V-Strom share the same rather consensual look, their superimposed double front optics (juxtaposed on the previous V-Strom 650) to the LED rear light. Valuing for the 650, this marketing choice is less for the 1000: the owners of the large displacement are likely to moderately appreciate this twinning, potentially perceived as a loss of identity.  

The resemblance is all the more striking as the 650 receives the same rear loop as the 1000 – with integrated luggage racks and luggage racks – and the same type of muffler in the low position to Euro4 standards (all). This displacement of the exhaust also allows a better integration of the optional cases, while the old V-Strom 650 with its luggage had a rear, say, "paste" due to its silencer in the high position.. 

Trail - 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test: right in the & quot; the & quot; thousand! - Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test page 1 - Static: good in all respects

As on the V-Strom 1000, two top cases are optional on the V-Strom 650: one of 35 liters and the other of 55 liters. But for a matter of weight, only the smallest model can be used at the same time as the suitcases. Another parallel with the large displacement: the V-Strom 650 steals its on-board console, rich in information and readable, with remote controls on the handlebars and 12V socket located just below. In addition, the "small" also inherits the traction control adjustable and deactivable while driving, gas cut, from the "big".

This standard traction control – rare in the category – is responsible for regulating the potential excess of fieriness of the 645 cc twin, which takes advantage of the improvements discovered last year on the SV650 to meet the Euro4 configurations while gaining 2 hp and 2 Nm of torque (71 hp and 62 Nm). An excellent operation for this engine common to the roadster and the trail, long acclaimed for its playful character !

Lighter and better motorized: the winning cocktail !

Other promising improvements on this 2017 V-Strom 650 model: a weight loss of one kilo (213 kg), a slimmer size of 5 mm thanks to the new trim (narrower tank covers, in particular), lightened 10-spoke rims of 100 g (to the benefits of the unsprung weight, and therefore of the agility), a higher bubble of 9 mm – adjustable with tools – and a saddle thicker of 2 mm. Suzuki has clearly given itself the means to improve an already very convincing package !

Trail - 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test: right in the & quot; the & quot; thousand! - Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT test page 1 - Static: good in all respects

The only annoying details concern the finish, just correct: if they are effective, the square mirrors refer to the design of the 80s, while the engine integrates hoses and cables without discretion … especially on the right side, where a regulator and multicolored cables are clearly visible. A cover on the front of the Neiman and more careful welds on the aluminum frame would also be appreciated, as would a center stand and a trunk capable of carrying a U-lock..

We console ourselves with the flawless fit of the plastics and the pretty DID spoke rims unique to the V-Strom 650 XT. On this version tested here by Site, the handguards and the engine guard are also part (optional on standard). Be careful, however, to keep in mind the motorcycle’s limited travel (150 and 169 mm) and the fragility of its plastic shoe before attempting dangerous crossings! The inability to adjust or deactivate the ABS will also put a "brake" on your off-road claims..

Still at 8,399 € (+ 500 euros in XT version), the new Suzuki V-Strom 650 offers an extremely advantageous equipment / price ratio, even if its price shows an increase of 400 euros compared to the previous model. If this increase is easily justifiable on paper with regard to its improvements, let’s see what is happening on the asphalt in our dynamic part in !

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