According to Suzuki, changes to the 2012 V-Strom 650 were implemented at the behest of European customer focus groups. Nothing radical was inflicted, rather a host of evolutionary upgrades. During our two-day stint riding among the colorful fall foliage of the Blue Ridge Parkway I found the majority of changes beneficial and/or useful to the V-Strom rider. If you disagree with the direction of the new Strom, blame current Euro V-Strom owners and their suggestions.
Regarded as a well-balanced bike by the powersports media as well as motorcycle consumers, a notion supported by sales figures far in excess of its 1000cc counterpart, the V-Strom 650 continues its legacy with the 2012 iteration. Engine, suspension, aesthetics and accessories, all receive tweaks aimed at improving the V-Strom’s performance, comfort and versatility.
Hot off the 2011 V-Strom 650 ABS press bike parked in my garage, certain characteristics were immediately obvious after boarding the 2012 Strom, the first being new suspension settings. Besides coming from the factory with more preload applied, the V-Strom’s fork is otherwise unchanged. The rear shock, however, boasts an increased spring rate.
Suzuki engineers differentiated the Gladius-sourced engine in the Strom by revising intake camshafts. This version of the Gladius engine also boasts new pistons, rings and cylinders (with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material plating), and two iridium spark plugs each, and single instead of double valve springs — all conspiring to reduce frictional loss and increase fuel efficiency by a claimed 10%.
Suzuki asserts the modifications result in modest torque advantages on the low end of the rev range and a few more peak ponies on the higher end. I noticed during our trip that an indicated 70 mph has the 645cc V-Twin spinning at 5,000rpm, right in the heart of its improved torque curve which is very useful when riding off-road or when needing to pass four-wheel cagers. Aggressive canyon riders will gladly make use of the extra horsepower, keeping the engine spinning between 6,000 rpm and its 10,000-rpm redline.
The 15mm higher standard seat height (32.9”) of the 2012 Strom may be discouraging to short riders, but the new 650 Strom features a narrower seat design. Suzuki claims the reduced width retains an almost identical reach for planting feet on the ground. While I have no problem flat-footing the Strom, the seat-to-footpeg distance seemed somewhat cramped and I quickly exchanged the stock seat for the optional high seat and its increase of 20mm, elevating the seat to 33.6 inches. Still able to comfortably touch terra firma, the taller saddle lessened the amount of knee-bend, making freeway distance riding more tolerable. For riders with less inseam, there’s also a low seat that reduces seat height by 20mm to 32.1 inches. A selection of seat heights is nice, but I’d prefer one seat that includes built-in height adjustments like Triumph’s 800 Tigers. All three seats feature a new, non-slip covering and V-Strom embossing comparable to a quality aftermarket product.
In addition to the optional seats and touring screen, Suzuki focused on improving and expanding the available accessories for the 650 Strom including hand guards, heated grips, crash guards, power outlets, a centerstand and two different luggage systems. Improving on the previous model’s luggage system shouldn’t have been difficult and I can report the new system addresses past issues.
The Touring side cases and top box are constructed of a composite material with exterior latches and locks (the previous luggage’s was internal). Mounting brackets, while Erector Set in nature, provide a more custom fit to the bike and, more importantly, solidly and easily mounts the side cases. The same cannot be said about the top box. Riding sans earplugs down a Blue Ridge fire road, the jangling from the loosely mounted top box was made obvious. Otherwise, the new luggage system is a big improvement over the previous design.
Another luggage option exists in the form of aluminum construction. More rugged than its composite material counterpart, the aluminum cases and top box also feature exterior latches and locks, and use the same mounting brackets, only the mounting plates are specific to luggage type. Like the Touring bags, the aluminum cases and top box affix firmly to the bike, but some of the latches were loose fitting which rattled and raised some security concerns.
Both models are equipped with a lighter version of the previous model’s ABS. Both also sport a restyled look that incorporates better air-flow — the combination of front fender and radiator shrouds working to increase cooling capacity while also directing hot air away from a rider’s feet.
In the rider cockpit, Suzuki redesigned the Strom’s instrumentation to include a digital speedometer and analog tach. New information includes a gear-position indicator, ambient air temperature and the backlight is adjustable for brightness. When the ambient air temperature reaches 32 degrees a frozen road warning indicator illuminates. The new gauge layout is practical and easy to read and an improvement over the previous model’s dual analog gauges.
Availability begins this month with Adventure models hitting dealer showroom floors by the end of November. Standard V-Strom 650 ABS models follow shortly behind coming to North American dealers in January, 2012.
For $8300, the standard V-Strom 650 is a solid deal, especially being equipped with ABS. Considering Suzuki managed to retain the qualities that have made the mid-displacement Strom a hit among motorcyclists while addressing its shortcomings and improving the design should maintain the model’s popularity. The time period for an improved Strom has been much longer than the annual iPhone upgrade, but like the gotta-have gadget, the revised Strom was worth the wait.
Motorcycle
