Suzuki Adds V-Strom 650XT Adventure For 2020

In the midst of its other new bike announcements, Suzuki’s{target=https://www.cycleworld.com/new-suzuki-motorcycles/} decided to reshuffle its ever-evolving V-Strom lineup once again. The new standard-bearer in the company’s middleweight “adventure” segment for 2020 will be the V-Strom 650XT Adventure, a clear wink at last year’s V-Strom 1000XT Adventure (which we have yet to see as a 2020 model). As you might have guessed, the newest Adventure uses the V-Strom 650XT as a starting point and ladles on a few extra travel accessories and several other convenience accoutrements to create the new 2020 model.

Unfortunately for some, it looks like the V-Strom 650XT Touring didn’t make the 2020 cut as a result, but if it’s any comfort, the 650XT Adventure is a similar animal. To the base 650XT model, Suzuki essentially added hard side cases, a centerstand, a handlebar cross brace, and what the marketing copy calls an “accessory bar” but which looks—and presumably acts—just like a crashbar. Apparently, its main function is as a mounting point for your adventuring gear though, so don’t forget the GoPro. You’ll see other rally-bike-like features on the 650XT Adventure too, with adventure-ready tubeless spoke wheels (shod with radial Bridgestone Battlax Adventure rubber), mirror extensions so you can get a better view of your roost, and even a handy centerstand.

At its core is that proven liquid-cooled 645cc twin engine that supplies a healthy torque hit to the low and midrange, but still delivers boost in higher revs as well. What’s more, it complies with worldwide emission standards. The 650XT Adventure also rides on the same trim chassis found on the XT, with an aluminum twin-spar frame and a relatively low curb weight of 476 pounds (without luggage), which is just 6 pounds more than the standard XT. Other carryover features include a 43mm fork with adjustable spring preload, and a coil-over monoshock; three traction control modes (1, 2, and Off) to let you choose between various levels of sensitivity to road conditions (or simply disengage traction control with Off; ABS is always on though); and robust brakes with front dual 310mm discs and a rear 260mm disc brake—along with ABS—to deliver controlled stopping power.

The big news on the XT Adventure, obviously, is the added cargo capacity; whereas the 650XT gives you just a couple of mounting points for luggage, the Adventure throws in a pair of Suzuki’s ADV-style, 37-liter aluminum panniers that attach to powdercoated, stainless steel carriers. These things are pretty stout too, rocking 1.5mm-thick aluminum plate with no-pierce rivet technology and waterproof hinged lids that stay in place when open. Tie-down points appear inside and out, plus there are keyed stainless steel latches and quick-release hardware. A lightweight stock rear rack gives additional storage possibilities. As with the 650XT, the 650XT Adventure also comes with plastic hand guards and a lower engine bash plate.

RELATED: 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 and 650 XT - FIRST RIDE REVIEW

In sum, the added features of the V-Strom 650XT Adventure make for a pretty attractive package. The cross brace should help front end feel and strengthen the handlebar, especially if you’re getting dirty; the centerstand will ease the drudgery of chain maintenance; and the beefy, quick-release panniers are a solid bonus for traveling. And they all add just $1,100 to the price of the 2020 V-Strom 650XT, bringing the MSRP of the V-Strom 650XT Adventure to $10,399—which we think is a pretty fair deal. You’ll see it in dealers in November 2019.