Rumor: new V-strom to be released by end of June

[Rincewind]

European press outlets have received an invitation to a Suzuki new model launch.  The invitation only shows a new fairing style and a fuzzy looking pannier.  While the information given was vague, only saying that Suzuki will release a new middleweight by the end of June, it is widely speculated that it will be a revised V-Strom 650 to take on the likes of the BMW F-GS twins and the new Tiger 800's.  Further speculation is suggesting that the new Strom will incorporate elements from the Gladius.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/rumors/suzuki-v-strom-update-rumor/

[sammyseaman]

I just hope it's uglier or as ugly as the current model. And not a good, cool looking ugly either (i.e 800 Tiger and GS).

[Scratch33]

So they jammed a GSchnozz on it.  Brilliant!!

[Rincewind]

So they jammed a GSchnozz on it.  Brilliant!!

That last pic is just some photoshop job that I found.  It does not necessarily have anything to do with the new bike shown on the invitation image.  The bike on the invite looks more like a faired SV with bags.  We shall see.


There is a tease for a new adv bike at http://suzukicycles.com/  "Time for Real Adventures"

[jfurf]

Just say no to bird beaks.  

[County Tar]

Hopefully that is a photoshop.  Beaks seem to be the in thing these days.  

[TriumphTiger1050]

I had a DL650 back in 2006.  Was a decent little bike for the money.  I just don't like a V-Twin for some reason.  Just personal preference you might say.  Even with the balance of the engine and the rubber mounts......it had some buzz to it.  I like smooth with a little throaty!

[Justin]

Hopefully that is a photoshop.  Beaks seem to the in thing these days.  

It looks nothing like the outline on the invitation

And I hope they keep it ugly, otherwise the Busa will reclaim the title of ugliest Suzuki again  

[swingset]

I don't really care a ton about what it looks like. I can't see any bike I ride when I'm on the saddle.

I'm vastly more concerned with engine, reliability, comfort and cost. I hope Suzuki does a good job with all of those, because the current Stroms are very good bikes that don't break the wallet.

[UFO]

Ohh, another bike that can be the brunt of beak jokes.

[eye.surgeon]

Totally excited by this. I love my 2009 Wee but if a new one came out with better brakes/suspension and a little more displacement a la 800 cc, I'd be all over that like flies on poo. That would be taking it right to BMW/Triumphs back yard for 25% less if history means anything.

[caddydaddy]

  Further speculation is suggesting that the new Strom will incorporate elements from the Gladius.

   That's the way to wuss up a manly bike!  

[falconati]

Suzuki: the quest to make the Strom uglier.

[garry]

I rode a Wee for a season and really liked it. A bit more power, better (more? 8") suspension, and more ground clearance would be appreciated. Less fugly would be nice too.

I'm starting to think about what could replace the KTM next year (or the year after). Ninja 1000 sits on top of the short list, but an adv/touring bike like the Tiger 800 or a new Wee Strom would be in the running. I do miss the ability to be a long ways from home on a road trip and go exploring random dirt roads. The KTM doesn't really like rough dirt roads or thick gravel with 17" street tires and cast wheels.

[Rincewind]

I wonder if they will be able to increase the capacity of the Gladius engine, or if we will be left with an engine very similar to the existing Wee.  If it remains about the same size, how can it become more competitive to the Tiger/GS's?

 

[Roadscum]

I wonder if they will be able to increase the capacity of the Gladius engine, or if we will be left with an engine very similar to the existing Wee.  If it remains about the same size, how can it become more competitive to the Tiger/GS's?

 

If they keep the bargain basement price it will have a place in the market. More is not always better, I say that every time I look at my Pe..., oh never Mind!  

Regards, Paul

[Rincewind]

If they keep the bargain basement price it will have a place in the market. More is not always better, I say that every time I look at my Pe..., oh never Mind!   

Regards, Paul

Quite true!  About the pricing, that is... not about what's in your pan...  oh nevermind. 

I hear there IS a big-bore kit for the 650's, but that reliability can become an issue.  

[garry]

I wonder if they will be able to increase the capacity of the Gladius engine, or if we will be left with an engine very similar to the existing Wee.  If it remains about the same size, how can it become more competitive to the Tiger/GS's?

 

As a former Wee owner, the engine is OK as is. Smooth, fuel-efficient and peppy enough (but more power for passing couldn't hurt). I would put much better quality suspension (8" travel) and brakes on the bike. Perhaps restyle the tank to make it look better, be narrower  and carry its weight lower. 5 gals vs the current 5.8 (?) wouldn't be bad.

They must fix the turbulence/buffeting issues with the windscreen. It needs to be adjustable and "just work" for the majority of riders.

People bitched about the seat, but every mfgr gets that complaint. Adjustable height would be a bonus because these bikes tend to be tall and that alienates those short of leg. Low seat, lowering links, etc from the factory would be a nice touch.

It would cool to offer a street version with 17/19 cast wheels and an "adventure" version with wire wheels. I would stick with 17/19 because it really suits the ability of the bike given its weight.

Aside from the seat and windscreen, most people seemed to just bolt stuff on the bike to suit their intended usage rather than fix any inherent shortcomings.

[JReazor]

I hear there IS a big-bore kit for the 650's, but that reliability can become an issue.  

There is a 700cc kit available. Some guys claim 90-95hp with it but reliability does seem to be problem. To be honest, the 650 isn't a fire breather but it make it's power in all the right places. I don't think it needs more motor.

[caddydaddy]

 I don't think it needs more motor.

Every bike has owners who complain it needs more power!  The Wee has good power for what it needs to do!