All-new Suzuki V-Strom breaks cover in spy shots, no more V2

Spy shots confirm the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom '700' is on the way to replace the long-serving V-Strom 650, which has been on sale since 2004 

Suzuki V-Strom 700 [credit: Motociclismo / Kanyarfoto]

The long-awaited replacement for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 has broken cover after being spotted out in the wild ahead of a likely world premiere at November’s EICMA show in Milan.

Two of the oldest models available in the mid-capacity adventure/ tourer and naked classes, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and sister SV650 roadster have nonetheless remained popular through to today thanks to aggressive pricing and its sweet - but now very aged - V-Twin engine.

Indeed, with mechanicals that can trace their roots back to the 1990s, both models are currently on the bubble for Euro5 emissions conformity.

It means replacements for both smaller the model in the V-Strom family and the SV650 with a fresh new twin engine have been anticipated for some time now.

Suzuki hasn’t confirmed what the new generation models will be packing underneath but, as expected, it won’t be an updated ‘V’ configuration with a new 700cc engine expected instead. Meanwhile, the model will likely retain the ‘V’ nomenclature despite the new twin-cylinder layout.

While it remains to be seen whether the SV650 will be updated at the same time, these spy shots reveal the V-Strom is well on the way.

Though the camouflage shrouds some of the finer details, a modern interpretation of the squared-off headlight - inspired by the Katana and similar to the V-Strom 1050 - and a jagged fairing looks set to give the new V-Strom a more striking appearance.

The shots also reveal updated suspension with an upside down fork, while wheels are likely to be 18” at the front and 21” at the rear.

Though Suzuki hasn’t formally announced the new V-Strom, the spy shots indicate it will be readied for November’s EICMA show, three years on from its 1050cc sibling being revealed there.

Currently the V-Strom 650 is available in two guises; a standard 650 tourer style model and a more off-road focused XT variant.