SUZUKI V-STROM 650XT ABS (2016-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

Going back to 2004, we can learn something about the V-Strom 650 family. Suzuki introduced the first model in 2004 and marketed it as a middleweight sport tourer motorcycle that kept the versatile performance of the Dl1000 and mixed it with its lightweight agility.

The first model of the V-Strom family debuted with a borrowed engine from the 1999 Suzuki SV650 fine-tuned to match the bike’s characteristics.

The first update on the model occurred in 2007 when Suzuki introduced the optional ABS, increased the wheelbase, removed the idle screw, and fitted the engine with dual sparkplugs at each end of the cylinder.

In 2009, the V-Strom 650 got clear signal light lenses and an all-steel locknut on the rear axle.

Eight years have passed, and Suzuki didn’t change that much on the V-Strom 650 models until 2012 when the bike maker realized that the model was a bit tired and released a new, refreshed version of the V-Strom 650.

In 2012 updates consisted of black resin body panels, a redesigned front fender, a raised seat, less weight, more torque, a revised suspension, and 8 kg (18 lbs) lighter than the 2011 model.

In 2015, after countless demands from V-Strom enthusiasts who complained about the poor performance of the cast aluminum wheels in rough off-road conditions, Suzuki responded with the 2015 model that rolled on wired-spoke wheels with tubeless tires and a beak-like front cowl.

The subject in this story is the 2016 V-Strom 650XT ABS which came with improved performance, a more adventurous style, a distinctive front beak with air ducts, wired-spoked wheels, and the 645cc engine with less mechanical noise, and improved performance in the low-mid range of power and torque.