Though often outshined by flashier, fancier adventure motorcycles, the Suzuki V-Strom has quite a loyal niche following in the ADV community. And, it’s easy to see why when you consider the V-Strom’s track record of reliability, reasonable price point, and ease of sourcing parts when you need them in a pinch.
Suzuki’s 2021 lineup includes the V-Strom 650XT Adventure. With a 5.3 gallon tank, a curb weight right around 500 pounds, and a liquid-cooled, 645cc V-twin engine, the 650XT sits solid in the middleweight adventure category. Though it lacks some of the glitz and glamour of others in the class, the ‘Strom was born ready for any road.
Photo: Suzuki
The V-Strom features an Easy Start System, which allows you to save face on failed hill climbs with the press of a button without pulling in the clutch lever. The bike also has Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control System, which continuously monitors wheel speeds and the amount of espresso you had in the morning (just kidding, it actually monitors front and rear wheel speeds, throttle opening, engine speed, and the selected transmission gear) to adjust engine output when your tires spin.
The V-Strom 650XT Adventure is a motorcycle that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It comes in Champion Yellow with tubeless-spoke wheels and gold-anodized rims and, it might not be my first choice for off-road adventuring, but with an MSRP of $10,449 I’d be happy to pack my gear into Suzuki’s 37-liter aluminum panniers and take it for a spin anytime.
Header Photo Credit: Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash
Motorcycle Industry News by Eva Rupert. Follow Eva @augusteva.
