Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT has been launched in India for INR 7.46 lakh (ex-showroom). As buyers earlier had no other option than Kawasaki Versys 650 in this segment, Suzuki V-Strom 650 is here to excite customers with its exceptionally great ride quality. The bookings for this impressive middleweight model were already open. It measures 2275 mm in length and carries impressive 1560mm of wheelbase. The dimensions make riding with a pillion and loads of luggage easier than ever. Suzuki V-Strom 650 weighs just 216 kg and carries 20 liters worth of fuel carrying capacity. The motorcycle has arrived through the CKD route for better pricing.
The 650cc, liquid cooled engine is good for 71 HP and 62 Nm, getting a twin cylinder layout and fuel injection as standard. The motorcycle rides on 110/80-19 inch front tire while the rear is relatively wide at 150/70-17. The name XT signifies more prominent off-road equipment. Kawasaki offers the Versys with alloy wheels and thus, Suzuki gets an advantage of spoke wheels when going off-road. Braking on new Suzuki V-Strom 650 is handled by 310mm twin front discs and 260mm rear disc brakes. It even comes with a high seat height.
Suzuki’s primary focus is the commuter segment in India as they wish to cross the one million sales barrier before 2020. If this happens, they have promised the entry of lightweight performance motorcycles like GSX-R150 and GSX-250R. Before that, their image as a superbike manufacturer needs some highlights and V-Strom 650 does that in the best possible manner. Among Yamaha and Honda, they have the largest lineup of superbikes in India. Kawasaki stays ahead but, lacks the volume generating products like Access and Gixxer as Suzuki. Hayabusa is still their highest selling superbike with INR 13.60 lakh price tag.
