Spy photos have surfaced of a new 2015 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. The long-distance photographs were captured by MCN while the bike was being prepared for transport from a Suzuki facility in Europe. Suzuki reps tried to cover the front of the bike in an effort to hide what looks like a beak. Also visible in the photos are a skid plate and wire spoked rims. As to be expected, the bike in the photos exhibits a resemblance in styling to the V-Strom 1000 released last year.

These spy photos appear to confirm reports last month from Australian Motorcycle News revealing a new, more off-road oriented, 2015 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. An unnamed source at Suzuki Japan gave AMCN details about a front beak, wire spoked rims, a 21″ front wheel and improved off-road suspension. The source reported the new off-road-oriented V-Strom 650 would be released alongside the standard V-Strom, and the engine and frame would remain unchanged for 2015.

Spy photo of the new V-Strom 650 getting loaded into a trailer for transport at a Suzuki facility in Europe. (Photo Courtesy MCN)

Last week, Dutch motorcycling website Oliepeil also provided evidence of the 2015 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom with off-road intentions. The publication discovered leaked images of a motorcycle labeled the DL650X in Suzuki’s parts catalog. The parts catalog images are consistent with the beak and wire spoked wheels reported by other sources. A dual headlight design, similar to the current V-Strom 650 model, are also visible, along with dual sport tires.

Leaked parts catalog photos of the 2015 DL650X show wire spoked rims, dual sport tires and beak styling. (Photo Courtesy Oliepeil)

The V-Strom 650 has always been more of an upright sport-tourer than a true Adventure Bike, but that hasn’t stopped it from gaining a large following with ADV enthusiasts. A powerful 645cc V-Twin provides smooth highway cruising while the bike’s weight makes it easier to manage off-road than many of the oversized liter-class Adventure Bikes on the market.

This new adventure outfitted 2015 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom could become strong competition for another off-road capable twin-cylinder middle-weight Adventure Bike, the BMW F800GS. A large dealer network, excellent reliability, low cost of maintenance and good fuel range are strong selling points that would make it a great option for both experienced and New Adventure Riders alike.

We won’t have to wait long to find out all the details. Suzuki is expected to officially unveil the new model at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany this week.

News Update – 09/30/2014
The 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 has been revealed at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. Check out all the specs, photos and promo video of the new Suzuki V-Strom 650XT.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.