Suzuki V-STROM 650/XT

The long-suffering 645cc V-twin engine has been around so long that universities let their students practice archaeology on it – but not only does its perky engagement mean that it’s never been anything less than great, Suzuki have now updated it for 2017

The old exhaust is gone, too – replaced with one that looks very redolent of its bigger 1000cc stablemate. It’s lower and lighter, and tuned for increased power and midrange, while still packing enough precious metal into the catalysers to satisfy the green movement.

For added security, the new Strom comes with three-mode traction control lifted straight from the V-Strom 1000. The rider can select three modes (1,2 and off). Mode 1 has a lower level of intervention applied at a later timing allowing a certain degree of rear wheel spin, while Mode 2 has a higher level of intervention that’s applied instantly, controlling and preventing the slightest amount of spin.

The road-focused 650 gets newly- designed 10-spoke cast aluminium rims (front and rear are 100g lighter combined) while the XT gets a set of bling new goldie-looking laced rims. Both wheel options wear a 110/80 R19 up front, and 150/70 R17 where the drive comes from

The pilfering of the V-Strom 1000 stock cupboard continues with the instrument panel, which includes an analogue tachometer and a brightness-adjustable LCD speedometer (as well as odometer, dual trip meters, gear position, coolant and air temperatures, battery voltage, range on remaining fuel, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, traction control mode, a fuel gauge and clock). There’s also a 12v power outlet to power your satnav, phone, kettle or curling tongs.

But the most striking thing about the new middleweight adventurer is the overall effect. While it steals much from its bigger brother in terms of parts and style – both were inspired by the legendary DR-BIG – the proportions and balance feel absolutely bespoke: it just works. It’s easy for the XT to become a bit overladen with fripperies, but, kept simple the duo are a massive improvement over the old models. Having seen them in action on a recent visit to Japan, we can attest to them looking good on the move, too. And the whole package is a kilo lighter, despite the higher spec – what’s not to like? Well, if we’re being picky, those gold wheels don’t go well with that yellow.