2012 V-Strom 650 ABS now on sale
The updated model is on dealer floors and, while not a radical departure from the predecessor, it still responds remarkably well to all types of riding inputsSuzuki’s 2012 V-Strom 650 ABS, which has just received a mid-life makeover, is now on sale Down Under for the same price as the old model -- $10,890.
The V-Strom 650 ABS, which first hit the design studio in late 2008, isn’t a radical departure from the philosophy which has made the old model such a roaring success, and Suzuki’s reasons for developing the new model are quite simple: to further improve its riding performance and comfort, all in a tough and smart package.
That means the sport and enduro monikers once used to describe the V-Strom have all but been abolished.
The new bike is much narrower from front to back, and it’s lost some weight too. The side cowlings on the tank, as well as the frame cover and rear carrier, all help to create a lither picture, a quantum leap from the heavy set styling of the previous model.
The engine is the same 90-degree V-twin as found in the SFV650 Gladius, Suzuki’s popular naked bike which was certified for Aussie roads in late 2008 and released in 2009.
But the cam profiles have been altered on the V-Strom to increase low to mid-range torque. Power is a claimed 68hp (51kW) at 8800rpm and 60Nm of torque at 6400rpm.
As with the old model, the new engine employs the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system, which uses two throttle valves on each of the 39mm throttle bodies and optimises the flow velocity of fuel/air mixture in each rpm range to improve combustions efficiency and lower emissions.
The engine also has a new clutch release mechanism, and the scissors-type primary gear is claimed to decrease mechanical noise at idle.
The ratios in the six-speed gearbox, including an overdrive sixth, have been carried over from the previous V-Strom. Fuel injection and ignition maps are provided for each cylinder and, compared to the old V-Strom 650, the new engine has 10 percent better fuel consumption.
Colours are Metallic Fox Orange or Pearl Mirage White, and accessories include the Givi-badged top box and panniers.
The Bikesales Network recently attended the world launch. Click on the following link to read the full review.
Contact your local Suzuki dealer for more information on the V-Strom 650 ABS.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
