Suzuki launched their first BS6 big bike in India – the V-Strom 650 XT – for Rs 8.84 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s quite a steep hike over the BS4 model which was priced at Rs 7.46 lakh but the motorcycle itself hasn’t been updated apart from BS6 compliance.
Suzuki launched their first BS6 big bike in India a few days ago and that’s the V-Strom 650 XT. The BS6 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT has been priced in India at Rs 8.84 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s quite a steep hike over the BS4 model which was priced at Rs 7.46 lakh, ex-showroom. The bump in price is by a massive Rs 1.37 lakh. The V-Strom 650 XT was showcased earlier this year at the 2020 Auto Expo but it took the company so long to actually launch the motorcycle in the country because of Covid-19 related delays.
The steep hike in price is quite a surprise and frankly, unjustified, as the motorcycle isn’t significantly updated and not much has actually changed on the motorcycle. It continues to be powered by a 645cc DOHC 90-degree V-twin engine that produces 70.7PS and 62Nm. The numbers are very marginally lower by 0.3PS and 0.3Nm as compared to the BS4-spec model. Peak torque is however produced 200rpm earlier at 6,300rpm. Suzuki also offers dual-channel ABS and a 3-level traction control system (2 levels + off) with the V-Strom 650 XT.
The XT is actually the more hardcore off-road variant of the V-Strom 650. The motorcycle rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire spoke wheels. Suspension duties are handled by 43mm telescopic forks at the front and linked monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping at the rear. Braking is taken care by twin 320mm discs up front with two-piston calipers at the front while the rear gets a single 260mm disc clamped on by a single-piston caliper.
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The motorcycle actually hasn’t changed any bit other than it now meeting the BS6 emission norms. Even the features and the design are exactly the same as before. Suzuki is offering the BS6 V-Strom 650 XT in two color options – Champion Yellow and Glacier White. In terms of rivals, the V-Strom 650 XT is pitted directly against the BS6 Kawasaki Versys 650, the latter being a lot more affordable at Rs 6.79 lakh.
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In fact, at this price, the V-Strom 650 XT now sits between the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the larger four-cylinder Versys 1000 which is priced at Rs 10.99 lakh. The latter is available with great discounts at Kawasaki dealerships and that is why the Suzuki may find it difficult to justify its price. Suzuki is however offering accessories worth Rs 60,000 for the first 30 customers of the BS6 V-Strom 650 XT and these include a center stand, chainguard, riding jacket, and crash protectors. Suzuki is also offering benefits of free insurance worth Rs 40,000.
