SUZUKI V-Strom 650 XT ABS (2014-2015) Specs, Performance & Photos

It took them long enough, but finally, Suzuki responded to the countless demands from V-Strom enthusiasts who complained about the poor performance of the cast aluminum wheels on rougher roads. Suzuki decided to equip the 2015 V-Strom 650 XT ABS model with reversed wire-spoked rims for better performance on rough off-road terrains.

In addition to the wired-spoked wheels, which was a bold step outside the traditional V-Strom 650 path, Hamamatsu decided to add two aluminum panniers and a top case, strong crash bars on each side of the bike, an aluminum engine shield, and auxiliary lights.

A visual upgrade of the bike was a beak with integrated air ducts directing the air to the engine for better cooling. In my eyes, the beak combined with the headlights resulted in a look similar to an ostrich figure. By adding the beak, Suzuki probably wanted to play in line with the iconic BMW machines.

The 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT ABS packs an adjustable suspension, ABS, and a rich instrument cluster as stock features.

Both the V-Strom 650 XT and standard V-Strom 650 were powered by the same 645cc V-Twin liquid-cooled engine with an output of 69 hp at 8,000 rpm and 69 Nm (44 lb-ft) of torque at 6,400 rpm.

The engine was running smoother and quieter due to its updates in 2012.