2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS

The first time I laid eyes on a Suzuki V Strom was that it was a nice looking motorcycle. The one concern I had being a 5’6 female was that it was wide and looked heavy. The 2012 Suzuki V Strom has narrowed the body and the tank to make it a slimmer version of its old self. This motorcycle is a perfect fit for riders seeking a multipurpose machine capable of handling the street and fun dirt back roads. The versatility of this 650 ABS machine can take any terrain and suit any lifestyle; even a 5’6 female rider. They even managed to shave off about 13 pounds which will make some of us smaller riders happy. Nothing worse than handling a 650 that feels like a big gorilla.

The V-Strom 650 ABS features the latest in technology and made rider comfort a priority. In ’02 Suzuki introduced the 1000 to the public and set the standard for the adventure touring class of multipurpose bikes. In 2003 they did not disappoint when they launched the 650 to the line-up. This latest version of the 650 has set a new benchmark for others to follow. There are differences in the appearance and the first thing you will notice is the slimmer tank. You will see a newly designed muffler with less overhang, a new carrier, and is constructed out of resin which makes it lighter. The headlight is reshaped and the windscreen is now 3-way adjustable and is moved back 1.2 inches to provide better wind protection.

One fun new feature for those that live in areas where it freezes is the instrument cluster now features a LED indicator warning about road freeze, which together with the ambient temperature display, aids a rider's awareness of road conditions. Then having ABS is like having chocolate on top of you ice cream. Things have sure changed since I started riding 30 years ago. Who would have thought?

In the U.S., the V-Strom 650 will be available in two color choices - black and orange.

Engine

Displacement 645 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90° V-Twin
Fuel System Suzuki fuel injection
Starter Electric
Ignition Electronic ignition (transistorized)

Chassis

Overall Length 90.2 in
Overall Width 32.9 in
Overall Height 55.3 in
Wheelbase 61.4 in
Ground Clearance 6.9 in
Seat Height 32.9 in
Curb Weight 472 lbs
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Suspension Front Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc brake, twin
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Tires Front 110/80R19M/C 59H
Tires Rear 150/70R17M/C 69H
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.3 / 4.4 US / Imp gal

Warranty

Warranty 12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty.

“BMW may have been first to rediscover the “adventure bike” in the modern era, but Suzuki was right there in 2002 with the V-Strom 1000, which it followed up with the 650 a year later. For 2012, here it comes again with a highly restyled version of the popular 650, complete with a more powerful and fuel-efficient 90-degree V-Twin.” John Burns, Cycle World

“Even when I was winding my way up mountainous roads strewn with tight, hairpin corners, second and sometimes even third gear provided good exit drives without the need to drop down to first.” Blake Conner, Cycle World

Happy riding and keep the rubber side down.