Motorcycle specifications SuzukiDL 650 V-STROM 2012 Le twin en escapade

after almost 10 years of loyal service, the 650 V-Strom is ready to pass the baton to its replacement. A new face, new technical data, but in essence, Suzuki's all-purpose trail bike changes relatively little. Its 2012 mutation is more akin to a facelift. Makes you wonder what the engineers have been up to all these years. Especially as the trail bike market has been revitalizing itself and gaining in style and impact for some time now. Gone are the days of lightweight, woodland-biking monos; the BMW F 800 GS and Triumph 800 Tiger XC paved the way for a generation of powerful, fun trail bikes, refining a more-than-interesting compromise between gentle Transalp-style urbanites and imposing travelers like the R 1200 GS, Guzzi Stelvio, or XTZ 1200.

timid in its evolution, the new DL relies above all on a new fork head to assert itself. With its softer shapes, it almost looks like a diplodo (look up cartoons from the '80s). Chunky plastic side scoops and a protective strip of the same material on the tank are the main differences on this new version. As a result, the novelty effect blends with a more rugged yet more gentle impression, but the charm is quickly diluted. The new dashboard, more compact and discreet, completes the look. As for the rest of the machine, the essentials have been retained, with just a few fine alterations.

suzuki renews its faith in its sparkling 645 cm3 twin. This has given the SV / SVS duo a great reputation. Currently installed in the Gladius, it will continue to operate in the new DL 650, albeit with a revised compression ratio - up from 11.2 to 11.5. The cam profile has been revised to improve mid-range power and torque. The use of a single valve spring instead of a double reduces mechanical losses. The clutch is revised for greater flexibility, and the housing protecting it is thicker to reduce mechanical noise. For the same purpose, the crankshaft has been redesigned. Previously air-cooled, the oil cooler is now liquid-cooled.
Officially fuller and peppier across the entire engine speed range, the twin is also more sober: 10% less fuel consumption.
The trail bike has lost 3 kilos and 2 liters of fuel. The tank has been slimmed down to the knees, allowing greater control of the machine and better foot contact with the ground. ABS, more sophisticated and lighter (down from 1.5 kg to 0.7 kg), will be supplied as standard, as will a 3-way adjustable windscreen. The wheelbase increases by 5 mm and the seat by 15 mm. The rear luggage rack is now made of resin rather than aluminum. Also noteworthy is the new shape of the mudguard to improve cooling by directing a flow of air towards the radiator.

it's a pity that Suzuki's approach is so unadventurous, even if it appears that this V-Strom will be backed up by a more cross-country version, complete with roll bars, panniers, top case, double bubble and engine cowling. At a time when Europe is offering more typical products with success and image to match, the public would certainly not shy away from a twin with a larger displacement (thee (the 800 is fashionable), an inverted fork, a profile designed for trekking... In short, something that looks good, even if it's only used once a year. However, if this makeover makes it possible to keep an attractive machine while keeping the price down, we'll be less tempted to throw stones.

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