2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Review

First reaction on the blogosphere from the leak last week has been pretty lukewarm. After several teasers suggest a "new bike from the middle class" that many had anticipated the introduction of a radically changed Suzuki's new V-Strom, perhaps somewhere in the 800cc segment to compete with the new F800GS Tiger 800 Triumph and BMW.

Proclaims the "time of real adventure," Suzuki teaser campaign suggests something more off-road oriented than the previous Wee-Strom. The reality turned into something even better suited to pavement than dirt.

When the first pictures and information on the perception was born in 2012, Suzuki V-Strom 650 was, as the cliche goes into more evolutionary than revolutionary. But maybe it's not a bad thing. Previous V-Strom 650 was a very capable machine, powered by the good reception of the engine inherited from the Suzuki SV650 and SFV650 Gladius.

Injection engine 2012 Suzuki V-Strom has the same bore and stroke of the previous version (81.0 mm x 62.6 mm), but has been updated with new pistons, piston rings and cylinders. According to Suzuki, the updated engine provides more torque at low engine speeds, thanks to the modified cam profile, and more power was expensive.

Suzuki also claims a 10% improvement in fuel economy, resulting in a thinner, lighter fluid reservoir with a capacity of 5.3 gallons to 5.8 liters. Called an empty weight of 472 kg, the 2012 V-Strom ABS is about 13 pounds lighter than the 2011 version.

The new V-Strom uses the same aluminum twin spar frame and swingarm than the previous model. 43 mm telescopic fork front suspension uses five preload adjustments, and 150 shots. The rear suspension also features adjustable spring preload, a knob for tuning the chassis under the cover on the right side.

Like the 2011 model, the V-Strom 650 ABS available. According to Suzuki, ABS components are lighter and more compact, is a 2012 model, which weighs 1.5 pounds, less than half of the previous ABS system is 3.3 pounds.

Venue 2012 V-Strom 650 is a new one with embossed logo and red stitching. At 32.9 inches, seat sits 0.6 inches higher than the previous version, which according to Suzuki, reducing rider fatigue in driving distance. Riders with longer or shorter legs, Suzuki offers a couple of seats, which are the variation in height of the seat of both 33.7 inches or 32.1 inches.

Design-wise, the new Wee-Strom is thinner than the previous version. Closer the tank is easier to put your feet down, despite a higher seat height, when the previous version of the side of the plastic has been replaced with black resin with no drainage holes, the change is designed to improve cooling and provide protection against the wind better. Windscreen offers three different adjustable settings, with the top 30 mm in 2011 set back the default window model.

Behind the seat, Suzuki has replaced the aluminum frame and grab handles passengers with lighter components in black resin that are lighter and less affected by temperature.

Another update is the new instrument panel with an analog tachometer and an adjustable brightness LCD display. LCD screen displays a speedometer, fuel level, ambient temperature and odometer / tripmeter / fuel consumption. The speedometer includes a coolant and oil temperature warning and a way to freeze warning lights when the road temperature approaches zero.

For 2012 V-Strom 650 will be produced in three colors, but only two will be offered in the U.S. American consumers can choose between Fox metallic glass spark Orange and black, while other markets will be offered Pearl Mirage White.

2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS will arrive in U.S. dealerships in November, if the price has not been established. Suzuki will also offer a range of accessories, but in North America offering is not yet complete.