The wait is finally over on what Suzuki has been brewing for its middleweight adventure bike offering. Through some HTML trickery, we were able to glean this unreleased information off the Suzuki website, and as such are bringing you the first photos, technical specifications, and design features on the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS. An evolution of the current V-Strom 650, the new middleweight V-Strom is longer, taller, and lighter than its predecessor, while boasting an updated look to the aging V-Strom exterior.
If you were expecting more, and feel let down…welcome to the club. Though this represents a large portion of the information Suzuki plans on unveiling in the coming days, we still have some unanswered questions: like what’s been changed in the motor (we have yet to see any power figures quoted), though the general specifications on the 645cc v-twin lump appear to be the same. More as we get it. Find the massively underwhelming leaked photos, details, and specifications after the jump. Thanks for the tip Yellow Ranger!
Design Features of the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS:
- Compact, slim styling featuring a vivid combination of expressive painted sections and functional black resin components accentuates the sporty profile.
- The sporty, dynamic front fairing houses compact dual multi-reflector headlight delivering superb light distribution.
- Stylish and functional front air intakes and side air outlets contribute to both looks and rider comfort.
- 3-way height-adjustable windscreen, carefully shaped with extensive wind tunnel testing, efficiently reduces wind noise and rider fatigue.
- Comfortable riding position composed with a well-shaped seat, slim 20-liter fuel tank and compactly tucked-in frame covers make the rider feel at one with the machine.
- Functional seat, combining red-stitched leather-look sections and suede-look, slip-resistant surfaces, and topped with an embossed V-Strom logo.
- The upswept muffler, topped with a silver cover and a buffed-finish end cap is gracing the rear end.
- Lightweight resin luggage carrier comes with a slip-resistant rubber mat and is one piece with well-shaped, easy-to-grasp grab bars.
- Instruments with an analog tachometer and brightness-adjustable LCD speedometer. LCD readouts include odometer, dual trip meter, gear position, coolant and ambient temperature, average fuel consumption, fuel gauge and clock.
- Switching between LCD readings can be done with the left handlebar switch.
- LED indicators include a road freeze warning indicator which, together with the ambient temperature display, helps riders’ awareness of road conditions.
- 645cm3 V-Twin engine features broad torque delivery, signature V-Twin power pulses and sporty quick-revving high rpm range power surges for a full-range riding enjoyment.
- Efficient engine designs deliver high mileage and class-leading riding range.
- Radiator with a more compact core, flanked by wind-directing plates shaped with holes* for enhancing cooling efficiency and allowing hot radiator air to flow out to the side air outlets and away from the rider’s legs.(*Suzuki-patented design.)
- The fuel injection system uses fine-atomization 10-hole fuel injectors for high combustion efficiency.
- The 6-speed transmission is tailored for active sporty rides with tighter 1st through 5th gear ratios, while keeping highway cruises comfortable with a tall top gear.
- A high-speed 32-bit ECU controls Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system, contributing to enhanced low-to-mid rpm range torque, a linear throttle response and lower emissions.
- Twin iridium spark plugs for each cylinder heighten the spark strength and combustion efficiency, contributing to increased power, a more linear throttle response, easier engine start-up and a more stable idle.
- Suzuki-developed and patented Throttle-body Integrated Idle Speed Control (TI-ISC) contributes to easy cold starting, stable idle and lower emissions.
- Lightweight and rigid twin-spar aluminum-alloy frame and swingarm contribute to smooth handling performance and well-poised running at high-speeds.
- Spring-preload-adjustable 43mm-stanchion-tube front forks and link-type rear suspension with rebound stepless damping adjuster as well as a preload adjuster.
- 19-inch front and 17-inch rear radial tires specifically designed for the V-Strom 650 ABS.
- Front dual 310mm-disc brakes and rear 260mm-disc brake deliver smooth, controllable stopping power. Expansion-resistant high-pressure brake hose enhances the responsive brake feel.
- Antilock Brake System (ABS)* unit features a lightweight, compact design. The ABS monitors wheel speed, and matches stopping power to available traction.
*Please note that ABS is a supplemental device for brake operation, not a device for shortening stopping distance. Always remember to reduce speed sufficiently before approaching curves and corners. - Transponder-type Suzuki Advanced Immobilizer System (SAIS) helps prevent theft with an electronic code ID system built into the owner’s key.(excluding North American specifications)
- A wide selection of Suzuki Genuine Accessories, designed for a smooth, easy fit with the V-Strom 650 ABS, adds to both adventure tourer profile and function.
Technical Specifications of the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS:
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90°V-Twin | |
| Bore x Stroke | 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.2 in x 2.5 in) | |
| Engine Displacement | 645 cm3 (40.2 cu.in) | |
| Compression Ratio | 11.2 : 1 | |
| Carburetion | Fuel injection | |
| Oil Capacity (overhaul) | 3.0 L (3.2 / 2.6 US / Imp qt) | |
| Starter System | Electronic ignition (Transistorized) | |
| Lubrication System | Wet sump | |
| Transmission | 6-speed constant mesh | |
| Primary Reduction Ratio | 2.088 (71 / 34) | |
| Final Reduction Ratio | 3.133 (47 / 15) | |
| Rake/Trail | 26°/ 110 mm (4.3 in) | |
| Suspension | Front | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear | Link type, coil spring, oil damped | |
| Brakes | Front | Disc, twin |
| Rear | Disc | |
| Tires | Front | 110/80R19M/C 59H |
| Rear | 150/70R17M/C 69H | |
| Fuel tank | 20.0 L (5.3 / 4.4 US / Imp gal) | |
| Overall length | 2,290 mm (90.2 in) | |
| Overall Width | 835 mm (32.9 in) | |
| Overall height | 1,405 mm (55.3 in) | |
| Wheelbase | 1,560 mm (61.4 in) | |
| Seat height | 835 mm (32.9 in) | |
| Curb mass | 214 kg (472 lbs) | |
Source: Suzuki
No real need to do anything to the motor…maybe more torque. But that ONLY because in the real world torque is king and Hp secondary imho. But for ghu’s sake…abs?
This is how the bike should have been the first time around – lets hope its not too little, too late for wee-fans.
The bike definitely looks better after the front fairing girth reduction.
I was hoping for a 21″ front wheel, 18″ rear, spokes and a little more suspension travel. More KLR like. But I guess they gotta build what will sell.
A 21″ front wheel would sell with spoked wheels. Another worthless middle weight touring bike that would never meet my needs as an adventure bike. KTM is still the king…
@skadamo
Suzuki sell the DR650 for people who want more of a KLR-style big dirt-bike dualsport. They’re not going to cut in to their own sales. But I agree that it would make the V-Strom more appealing to me. I ride a KLR now for dual-sporting. My next bike will probably be a Tiger 800XC, to get more power, better road handling, and still have good off-road specs.
The old Wee-Strom was great. Glad to see an update, but I think it probably is too minimal an update.
I understand there is pressure for abs, but what a bunch of worthless tech. If you need abs on your motorcycle, just end yourself.
Is this a joke…?
Wow,
talk about lipstick on a pig!
didnt even change the suspension or swingarm..
Lets hope they at least put the Gladius motor and its EFI components into it.
That bike was a dude in sales but amazing to ride with its new 650 twin motor, next gen EFI and perfect shifting tranny.
again, lets just hope they put those Gladius motors in this (There must be tons of them sitting around without any buyers for that bike.) or else it will be the end of the line (EOL) for the suzuki V-strom.
also;
is a 650cc engine really considered a ‘middle weight’ at this point?
I mean really. shouldn’t a middle weight be a 800cc bike??
650cc seems so ‘lower weight’ to me….!
btw: Suz, in case you’re listening. A large size ( or weight ) displacement bike is now considered 1100cc and above. especially if its a V-twin!
Just a FYI in case you’re listening…
@Jc – FYI, the tide is turning and bikes are growing smaller again, as demonstrated for example by all the hoopla about CBR250R… Mark my words, in a couple of years 650 will be considered large. And yes, even now 650cc is considered middle weight by most people on this planet, including whole of third world where 125cc is the norm, Europe where young new riders are restricted to 125cc or Australia where we can’t ride anything above 600cc (and power limits come into it as well) for the first two years.
Still looks terrible, like a crash between a sports bike and a trail bike. Take a clean sheet of paper and put those great engines in something that is designed by desingers not engineers and accountants. Jeez. The GS has been killing it for years and others still can’t come up with a competitive look.
There is zero reason for a bigger engine in a bike like this. Even the 650 is pretty much overkill if you’re going to be doing any trail riding. I rode an SV650 for a while and it’s still an engine I look back on with fondness. Very smooth, very crisp throttle response, great power characteristics.
But, Suzuki, where’d you get the time machine that you clearly used to go back to the ’80s and acquire a shipment of forks and brakes?
I like it! I love my 2006 DL650 and was worried they would totally screw it up. They haven’t, just made some nice improvements. I would have like a larger tank but perhaps increaxed fuel mileage will make up for that. The Thermometer and trip computer are nice updates, the liquid based oil coooler is a nice improvement, and styling was cleaned up a bit. All in all a nice upgrade for when I need to repalce my Strom (which has ove 101,000 miles on it.)
You’re welcome. Though I can’t claim credit; someone on Stromtrooper.com posted up the link. I just payed it forward.
It’s amusing to see all the enzyte buyers saying things like “650 is middle weight” or “it doesn’t have enough power” and the ever popular “it isn’t a BMW”.
News flash people…800 is a BIG bike and no amount of compensating with more cc’s will make up for your lack of ability to ride. 8^\ Y’all sound as sissyfied as the limey prats at mcn. Gutless, spineless fair weather riders. Adventure riders? NOT! Do like the lads who did last years cannonball…oh wait those OLD non suspended bike don’t have enough cc’s for you lot of whiny little cry babies. Kiss my kick starter…whiners.
I think the new styling is cool for a strom . I was hoping to see a 750cc engine and I was surprised the fuel tank is now only 4.4 gal. I will wait to see if they come out with a 1000cc big-strom and check out the reviews for the new 650 . Ideally I would like to see at least a 5gal. tank , upgraded suspension and brakes with 180 rear tire set up like on the multistrada (190) and Gs 1200 (150) . They have that cool rear tire fender . But if they did all this than the bike may not be as affordable to the mass public and affordability is their main objective . Well done suzuki . Nice refresh for what it is . Looking forward to the ride reviews , dyno info , mpg info , and checking out the accesssories . Big-strom on the way (o:
20L fuel tank and smaller engine capacity compared to other midrange bikes destroys my hope of this bike being an adventure bike in Australian conditions.
now it looks like the previous generation Triumph Tiger. Smaller gas tank is fine, keeps it from getting so top heavy. If you need 5+ gal range you are 1 in 50,000 people. Get an accessory fuel cell and go away.
Agreed that this is basically a BNG update but that’s not all bad. Nobody sane wants a 180 section tire. I agree the suspension needs to be upgraded to the cheap end of Showa’s cartridges like even cheaper bikes have from Kawasaki etc. I have GSXR K1-3 cartridges in my otherwise stock SV forks and the transformation is profound.
The 2-pot calipers are more than adequate. Legions of SV racers use the stock brakes.
Bella nel complesso,ma sella troppo alta per persone di media statura,speriamo arrivi versione con altezza sella 800 o 815 e versione con motore quattro cilindri (750),sicuramente più proporzionato alla mole complessiva.Saluti
The Vstrom is NOT meant to be a dedicated adventure bike, even though it’s introduced (incorrectly by the author) in this article as one, this bike is an allrounder. And the Vstrom does the allround thing very well indeed.
IE, if you want to make like those jolly actor-buddies you watch on the videos on your 50″ flatscreens you shouldn’t be buying this bike. If you want a bike that can do a bit of everything; scratching, touring, dirt, then I think in the market today there is little that matches the sheer capability and competency of the Vstrom 650, and I think this update is a very nice one indeed.