While Japanese contemporaries Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha prepare to ring in the new year with a host of fresh new models, Suzuki will by comparison stick with what it knows by giving the venerable SV650 and V-Strom 650 ranges a mild update for 2021.
This isn’t an insignificant occasion for these two models though, which were threatened with an enforced axe because the 650 V-twin engine didn’t strictly meet Euro5 compliance required for 2021.
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT REVIEW
Perhaps understanding given the basic architecture can trace its roots right back to 1999 when ‘emissions’ rules barely existed, the 650 unit has been updated enough for Suzuki to name is ‘Euro5-compliant. In reality though it is thought to have required special dispensation from the EU to get the big tick as it reportedly just missed the cut-off.
To celebrate the stay of execution, both the SV650 and V-Strom 650 are getting some new wares for 2021 with some striking new colours and trims to contend against newer - but pricier - competition.
The V-Strom 650 XT now comes in the yellow hues and gold wheels available on the equivalent 1050 XT, a nod to Suzuki’s off-road heritage, while the standard V-Strom 650 is available in red, gold and white, with the latter also getting the gold wheel treatment.
The SV650, meanwhile, comes in a new ‘X’ trim level and sports cafe racer style dropped bars, headlight cowling and ribbed seat as standard, plus a gloss black and gold frame.
The updates come as Suzuki seemingly prepares to launch a brand new parallel twin engine that will form the basis of a new generation SV650 and V-Strom 650.
