After being showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo in Delhi, and then spending what seems like eons under the ‘Coming soon’ tag on the Suzuki Motorcycles India website, the BS6-compliant iteration of the V-Strom 650XT ABS has finally been launched in India at a sticker of Rs 8.84 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is a hike of around Rs 1.5 lakh over the BS4 iteration. The V-Strom 650 XT ABS, Suzuki’s ultimate ‘Do-it-All’ bike (as the brand calls it) becomes the first BS6-compliant big bike in the brand’s India portfolio. Bookings for Suzuki mid-size ADV tourer are open at all Suzuki big bikes dealerships across India and It can be had in two colour schemes: Champion Yellow No 2 and Pearl Glacier White.
The V-Strom 650 XT ABS is equipped with a 645cc 90deg V-twin liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Now, though Suzuki hasn’t shared the performance figures, we expect it to make the same 70bhp and 62Nm as before, albeit with a small bump in weight to account for the added BS6 tech bits. Additionally, it retains the ABS system and the switchable, three-mode traction control system, as well as the Suzuki Easy Start System for smoother cold starts.
Commenting on the launch, Koichiro Hirao, MD, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd said, “The V-Strom has made its own following in India. The ultimate adventure tourer has proved its mettle in the highway touring capabilities while exploring different terrains. It is truly a masterpiece with the ultimate balance provided by the natural riding position, comfortable seat and the flexible engine character. This is our first BS6-compliant big bike and we are confident that this cleaner and greener motorcycle will continue to win people’s hearts with its performance and manoeuvrability as it hit the Indian roads.”
At the moment, the only rival for the BS6-equipped V-Strom 650XT is the MY2021 (BS6-ready) Kawasaki Versys 650, which, at Rs 6.79 lakh (ex-showroom) handily undercuts the Suzuki in terms of price. The V-Strom, however, wins back some ground courtesy its off-roading chops.
At the end, it all boils down to a head-to-head comparo. What say Ed?