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ADV NewsSuzuki Adds V-Strom 650XT Adventure Variant to 2020 Lineup

Suzuki Adds V-Strom 650XT Adventure Variant to 2020 Lineup

The ‘V-Strom 650XT Adventure’ is the latest addition to the V-Strom family.

Published on 08.30.2019

Suzuki has debuted a new V-Strom 650 model variant for 2020 – the V-Strom 650XT Adventure. The new Adventure model starts out as a 650XT with the same versatility, reliability, and value the V-Strom is renowned for. Next Suzuki adds a range of adventure-ready extras to make it an even more effective mount for touring, commuting or exploring the back of beyond.

Equipped with additional touring and off-road equipment, the V-Strom 650XT Adventure is ready to take on long-distance journeys right off the showroom floor. The latest addition to the V-Strom family arrives with adventure-ready tubeless-spoke wheels, a handlebar cross-brace that’s an excellent foundation to mount accessories like a GPS, a rugged accessory bar, plus a center stand that makes chain service and tire changes easier. 

The new model variant is also ready to carry the gear you need as it is equipped with Suzuki’s 37-liter aluminum panniers that attach to powder-coated, stainless steel carriers. Fashioned out of 1.5mm thick aluminum plate with strong, no-pierce rivet technology, these panniers offer a number of features, including hinged lids that stay in place when open, internal and external tie-down points, plus keyed stainless steel latches and quick-release hardware. Built to be waterproof with rubber-sealing lids, these panniers have powder-coated interiors that avoid aluminum stains on cargo.


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The V-Strom 650XT Adventure also comes with hand guards, a protective lower engine cowl, and mirror extensions so you see less of you and more of what’s behind you. All these extras come with a $1,100 increase in price over the base V-Strom 650XT and it features unique Pearl Vigor Blue bodywork.

• MSRP: $10,399
• Colors: Pearl Vigor Blue
• Availability: Arriving November 2019

Suzuki will also return with two other V-Strom 650 models for 2020 – the standard V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT. No major changes in the platform have been announced but the V-Strom 650 has become a mainstay in the Adventure Segment thanks to its natural riding position, comfortable seating and character-filled 645cc v-twin engine that are perfect for high-mile adventures.

2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT

Once again, Suzuki will offer the V-Strom 650XT with its tubeless, wire-spoke wheels and gold-anodized rims. It comes equipped with off-road protection like hand guards and a sump guard standard. Available in a new color for 2020 – Glass Sparkle Black.

• MSRP: $9,299
• Colors: Glass Sparkle Black
• Availability: Arriving October 2019

2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650

Back for 2020, the standard V-Strom 650 steps in with a new Solid Iron Gray paint scheme. The standard V-Strom 650 features cast wheels and no off-road protection for a more street-oriented rider and also comes in at $500 less than the XT.

• MSRP $8,799
• Colors: Solid Iron Gray
• Availability: Arriving October 2019

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Adventure

engine 645cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC 90˚, V-twin
Fuel System Fuel injection, SDTV-equipped
Lubrication Wet sump
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive Chain, RK525SMOZ8, 118 links
Suspension Front Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Tokico, 2-piston calipers, twin disc, ABS-equipped
Brakes Rear Nissin, 1-piston, single disc, ABS-equipped
Tires Front 110/80R19 M/C (59V), tubeless
Tires Rear 150/70R17 M/C (69V), tubeless
Fuel Tank Capacity 20.0 L (5.3 US gal.)
Wheelbase 1560 mm (61.4 in.)
Ground Clearance 170 mm (6.7 in.)
Seat Height 835 mm (32.9 in.)
Curb Weight TBA (std. XT: 216 kg; 476 lb)
Color Pearl Vigor Blue

Author: ADV Pulse Staff
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BCTenerizer
BCTenerizer
August 30, 2019 9:41 am

Suzy may have something going here finally!
Suzuki should look at bringing back the old European model DR850 engine and mounted it into the Vstrom frame! Can’t see 1.5mm aluminium being better than 3mm used by other pannier manufactures – these must be made by TraX. Just stare at them and causes that brand to dent or box rims crack or lids don’t close properly! Nice to see Suzy keeping the price in an affordable range at least in US dollars. Suzuki Japan likely hasn’t pissed in Trumps Corporation of American cornflakes and slapped on Tariffs! Nobody tell him the bikes are built in Japan!

W. Wilkins
W. Wilkins
August 31, 2019 5:43 am
Reply to  BCTenerizer

After having bought three new ‘Stroms over the last decade (‘09, ‘12, ‘15) I can attest to their value. Cumulatively, I’ve put over 160 000 kilometers on these bikes and my ‘12 alone (sold to a friend) has close to 100 000 trouble free kilometers. The cost of ownership is incredibly low, and they just work.

That said, Suzuki can gild the lily with paint and plastic as much as they want – the bike screams for farkles which usually translates to a buy and replace approach to suspension, brakes and exhaust systems. The solution seems simple: Offer the basic model at a price point as they do now AND offer an upgraded model with much better suspension, brakes and exhaust system for those who are able and willing to pay for it. The Wee 650 has a jewel of an engine but the rest of the package is long in the tooth.

Patriot159
Patriot159
August 30, 2019 9:59 pm

Almost there: The XT version still needs better bash plate, 21″ front wheel and two more inches of suspension to delineate it more from standard. Would be a much more viable option to the Tenere 700 since it has about the same power.

W.Wilkins
W.Wilkins
August 31, 2019 5:56 am
Reply to  Patriot159

I agree with all you said but please, no 21” front wheel. While I’ve ridden ‘Stroms for thousands of kilometers off pavement, it’s really – at best – a 90/10 on road bike. And, as long as it it is ridden mostly on the road, I like the tire choice and flick-ability of the 19” wheels just fine.

Patriot159
Patriot159
September 1, 2019 6:31 am
Reply to  W.Wilkins

The point is to make it a closer competitor to the Yamaha and KTM for off road ability. 21″ front does make a difference off road (and very chewed up paved ones) and the Yammy and KTM are still great handling bikes on road. My DR650 has a 21″ front and I can ride it like a motard…handles fine. 19″ on the standard absolutely.

Dave
Dave
August 30, 2019 11:35 pm

Nice upgrade ,colour looks superb
I hope the 1000 gets the upgrades as well , but please Suzuki
Get rid of the pathetic plastic bash plate

nordicbiker
nordicbiker
August 30, 2019 11:52 pm

A bit disappointing. Again nothing really new from Suzuki for 2020. The V-Strom is still a (great!) touring bike that works also on smooth unpaved roads. But still it’s miles away from what the competition offers – just look at KTM 790 Adv (R) and Yamaya Tenere 700. It should not be too difficult to develop the V-Strom base into something more offroad worthy. Do they still have a development department at Suzuki?

Anthony
Anthony
August 31, 2019 2:39 am

I am assuming it has a new TFT Screen with multiple riding modes? Or just the same old dash?

R W
R W
September 3, 2019 5:48 pm

What a Bunch of Frging Complainers!!!
Build your own, then put it to market and find out how easy it is to SATISFY EVERYONE!

Tim
Tim
January 30, 2020 9:51 pm

I put in my order for a new Vstrom 2020 650 adventure and discovered that the center stand is a $300 option. I was told they removed the centerstand to afford the aluminum panniers.

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