Suzuki dealers across India have started accepting bookings for the upcoming V-Strom 650. According to sources, the adventure bike is set to be launched next month. The booking amount for the 650cc ADV bike has been set at Rs 50,000 and it is  expected to priced in the range of Rs 7 to Rs 8 lakh rupees. This will put it  on par with the Kawasaki Versys 650.

The V-Strom 650 comes in two variants – The standard V-Strom and the off-road focussed V-Strom 650 XT. The standard version gets long travel suspension in the form of telescopic forks upfront and rear monoshock. It gets a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels fitted with 110/80 R19 front and 150/70 R17 rear Bridgestone Battle Wing tyres. Braking is via twin front discs with Tokico 2-piston calipers at the front and a single Nissin disc at the rear. The bike weighs 213kg. While Suzuki has not specified the power output of the 650cc liquid-cooled V-twin motor, it should be capable enough to provide enough grunt for touring as well as off-road duties. It also gets electronic aids in the form of a two-stage traction control system and ABS.

The V-Strom 650 XT uses the same engine and suspension setup but gets more off-road oriented upgrades. They include knuckle guards and a plastic protector underneath the engine. The major upgrade comes in the form of a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels that accommodate off-road oriented Bridgestone Battlax Adventure tubeless tyres. These changes make it more durable and capable off-road. However,  they also increase the overall weight by 3kg. Both bikes have a seat height of 835mm.

Interestingly Suzuki dealers are only accepting bookings for the standard version for now as they are unsure if the V-Strom 650 XT will be launched next month. The V-Strom 650 series will be the third big bike from Suzuki to be assembled in India after the Hayabusa and GSX-S750. When launched, it will be a direct rival to the highly capable Kawasaki Versys 650.

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