The 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT, which was launched
in India at an ex-showroom Delhi price tag of INR 7.46 lakh, has started to
arrive in the dealerships. Two units of the middleweight adventure-tourer have
landed at Dream Suzuki Mumbai. The tourer is available in two colour options –
Champion Yellow Color No. 2 and Pearl Glacier White.
Internationally, the motorcycle is sold in two
variants – Standard and XT. The Indian market will only get the XT variant.
Along with the XT badge, come a whole host of off-road spec upgrades to the
motorcycle.
The motorcycle uses wire-spoke wheels that are
wrapped in dual-purpose Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tyres. The wire-spoke
design enables Suzuki to install tubeless tyres on the bike. The XT variant
comes with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination that should offer
a proper balance between off-road and on-road handling characteristics.
The 2018 V-Strom 650 draws styling cues from the
litre-class version and comes with a semi-fairing and a windscreen to offer
better wind protection and enhanced comfort on long rides. Other features
include an engine belly guard and knuckle guards. Optional touring accessories
include hard-plastic panniers with saddle stay and a top-box. The bike also
comes with a 12V DC power socket for charging a Smartphone, navigation systems
and similar devices. It features a 20-litre fuel tank and has a kerb weight of
213 kg.
Mechanical specifications on the 2018 Suzuki V-Strom
650 XT include a 645 cc, 90-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled engine that delivers a
maximum power of 70 bhp at 8,800 rpm and peak torque of 62 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The
engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Electronic rider aids include switchable
traction control, Suzuki Easy Start system, two riding modes and a low-rpm
assist. The engine is claimed to return a fuel economy is 24.3 km/l. With the
20-litre fuel tank, the V-Strom 650 XT should be able to cover 480 km between
fuel stops.
A conventional telescopic fork at the front and a
rebound adjustable rear mono-shock with a remote preload adjuster perform
suspension tasks. Twin discs at the front and a single disc at the back provide
stopping power. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard.