Suzuki Introduces 2017 And 2018 V-Stroms

Brea, Calif, (October 4, 2016) - Suzuki adds more excitement to the Adventure-bike category with athoroughly updated 2017 V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT. Suzuki also announced the impending arrival of the refined and improved 2018 V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT. Fifteen years after the launch of the 2002 V-Strom 1000, Suzuki has evolved the V-Strom lineup into a family of highly respected adventure bikes. Long-distance riders, commuters and weekend adventurers will appreciate the updates Suzuki brings in engine performance, electronics advancements and rider comfort.

2017 V-Strom 650 & V-Strom 650XT

The V-Strom 650 get aggressive new styling for 2017 with a new beak-style fairing, featuring vertically stacked headlights that helps the V-Strom 650 and 650XT cut through the wind and protecting the rider in style. The new 3-way height-adjustable windscreen was wind-tunnel tested to reduce wind sounds, buffeting and rider fatigue. The fairing holds a new multi-function instrument panel is similar to the V-Strom 1000 panel, but has functions unique to the V-Strom 650 models.

The new fuel tank maintains its 5.3 gallon capacity, but is shaped to be thin at the rear to flow into the slimmer, two-up seat which aids the rider in touching the ground. The sub-frame is updated with a strong, resin cargo rack and mounting points for optional luggage now unitized across the entire V-Strom family.
Using fresh SV650 engineering, the 645cc, 90^O V-Twin engine uses new camshafts and low-friction pistons to boost torque in the low to mid-RPM range, but still retain a strong rush of high RPM power that's ideal for any riding mission. A new, sleek two-into-one exhaust system with twin catalyzers' routes below the chassis to reduce weight, centralize mass, and provide space for the narrow seat and tail section.

The V-Strom 650's revised fuel injection system employs the innovative, SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) on new 39mm throttle bodies featuring ten-hole; long-nose type fuel injectors. The patented, Throttle-body Integrated Idle Speed Control (TI-ISC) has Suzuki's Low RPM Assist feature that seamlessly adjusts engine speed during take-off and low-speed riding to smooth the power delivery and to help reduce the possibility of the rider stalling the motorcycle.

A very important new feature on the V-Strom 650 and 650XT that is not found on Adventure bikes of this size is Suzuki's advanced Traction Control System*, which lets the rider control the throttle with more confidence in various riding conditions. It continuously monitors front and rear wheel speeds, throttle opening, engine speed, and the selected transmission gear to adjust engine output if wheel spin is detected. There are three traction control modes (1, 2, and OFF) and the difference between the modes are their sensitivity to road conditions.

The V-Strom 650 and 650XT now feature the Suzuki Easy Start system which lets the rider start the motorcycle with a momentary press of the start button without pulling in the clutch lever when the transmission is in neutral.

The V-Strom 650 is supplied with new, lighter ten-spoke cast wheels shod with Adventure-spec Bridgestone BATTLAX 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless radial tires for good all-around performance. The V-Strom 650XT offers the same tubeless radial tires mounted to spoke-style wheels for good all-around performance. The 650XT also features handguards with larger handlebar vibration damper weights and a lower engine protector.

Front dual 310mm-disc brakes and a rear 260mm-disc brake deliver controlled stopping power. The compact Antilock Brake System (ABS) ** system monitors wheel speed to match braking to available traction.

Color and Pricing for the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT are TBA with units hitting dealership floors on February 2017.

* The Traction Control System is not a substitute for the rider's throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and/or applies the brakes. Neither can it prevent the front wheel from losing grip.

** Depending on road surface conditions, such as wet, loose, or uneven roads, braking distance for an ABS-equipped vehicle may be longer than for a vehicle not equipped with ABS. ABS cannot prevent wheel skidding caused by braking while cornering. Please drive carefully and do not overly rely on ABS.

2018 V-Strom 1000 & V-Strom 1000XT
The V-Strom 1000 and 1000XT's bold new fairing design is achieved by a straight styling line from the tip of its beak back to the fuel tank. This is a sharp and aggressive refinement of the Suzuki DR-Big inspired appearance. The height- and angle-adjustable windscreen has a new shape and is 49mm taller. The windscreen was developed through extensive wind-tunnel testing to reduce wind noise and rider fatigue. Suzuki's patented mechanism allows the windscreen angle to be easily adjusted by hand.

The V-Strom 1000 and 1000XT's Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) has been updated with Suzuki's new Motion Track & Combination Brake System. This system aids rider control during sudden braking, even in corners, and will help the rider continue cornering on the originally intended line.

• This advanced ABS system adjusts brake pressure during upright riding with other pressure adjustments when the motorcycle is leaning to either side, so the stopping force matches the available traction.
  
• Information about the motorcycle's attitude is continually measured by a BOSCH five-axis IMU. Sensors on the front and rear wheels continually measure speed. The wheel speed and IMU measurements, plus the amount of brake lever or pedal pressure, are calculated by the ABS control unit to instantly adjust the fluid pressure to the brake calipers as required.
  
• Additionally, this combination system can apply rear brake pressure when the front brake pressure reaches a certain point to help stabilize the vehicle. This contributes to increase stability and maneuverability during cornering.
  
• The rider has customary, independent control of the front and rear brakes unless a situation occurs to activate the Anti-lock or combination braking features.
  

Thanks to the new, advanced ABS control unit, the amount of kickback from anti-lock function to the lever and pedal has been significantly reduced.

Tokico mono-block front brake calipers are mated with 310mm floating-mount dual discs are connected to the new Motion Track Anti-lock & Combination Brake system for strong stopping performance.

Suzuki's debuted its first motorcycle traction control system on the V-Strom 1000, which enables the rider to control the throttle with more confidence in a variety of riding conditions.

• The traction control system continuously monitors front and rear wheel speeds, throttle opening, engine speed, and transmission gear. It quickly reduces engine output when it detects wheel spin by adjusting ignition timing and air delivery.
  
• The rider can select one of three modes (1, 2, and OFF). Modes 1 and 2 differ in terms of sensitivity. Mode 1 has lower sensitivity; it allows a certain degree of rear wheel spin for good road conditions. Mode 2 has higher sensitivity; the system engages traction control sooner and is for poor road conditions.
  

The V-Strom 1000 features lightweight 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels (manufactured for Suzuki by Enkei) combine nimble handling with sporty looks. Handguards with larger handlebar vibration damper weights and a lower engine protector are now standard.

The V-Strom 1000XT is supplied with new, large diameter, tapered style handlebars which have handguards with large vibration damper weights. The lower engine protector is also standard.

Color and Pricing for the V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT are TBA with V-Strom 1000's hitting dealership floors on March 2017 and V-Strom 1000XT's hitting dealership floors on April 2017.

* The Traction Control System is not a substitute for the rider's throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and/or applies the brakes. Neither can it prevent the front wheel from losing grip.

** Depending on road surface conditions, such as wet, loose, or uneven roads, braking distance for an ABS-equipped vehicle may be longer than for a vehicle not equipped with ABS. ABS cannot prevent wheel skidding caused by braking while cornering. Please drive carefully and do not overly rely on ABS.

Chaparral Motorsports is an authorized Suzuki dealer