As the international launch for the new-generation Suzuki middleweight adventure edges closer, we've noticed some water seeping in through the cracks. Well it's more like a cascade...
There's been a leak of photos and information on the new bike, which we can confirm will be called the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS.
After what was a drip-feed of info and teaser images, the flood gates have opened prematurely and some technical specifications and images appear to have come from the official Suzuki website (via industrious hypertext mark-up language experts).
These tech specs reveal new details about the new bike, such as its 645cc 90-degree V-twin engine.
The water-cooled lump is hooked up to a six-speed transmission and though no power or torque figures have been noted, the engine looks very similar to the outgoing DL 650 engine. It has exactly the same dimensions (81mm x 62.6mm bore and stroke) though the compression ratio has dropped from 11.5:1 to 11.2:1.
Dimensionally the new 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS has grown. It's now longer and taller, with the seat height up by 15mm to 835mm, and features 43mm stanchion tube front forks adjustable for spring preload. The rear end gets a link-type shock with preload and rebound adjustments.
There's also a pair of air intakes underneath the headlight, but whether these are ram-air intakes or just cosmetic is not yet clear.
Offered in what appears to be three colours - white, orange and black - the new Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS also has a new look, which a somewhat curvy design motif. The front cowling and headlights are underpinned by plastic infills that surround the radiator which give the bike a modern appearance.
Riding on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear, the new 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS will rival bikes such as the new Triumph Tiger 800 and ageing Honda Transalp.
Stay tuned for more details and in the meantime let us know what you think about the new design/name/features of the updated V-Strom 650 in the comments section below.
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