It looks like Suzuki is finally on course to update the popular but aging V-Strom 650 for 2023.} A test mule, which looks like an updated V-Strom, was spotted on the Stelvio Pass in Italy and the spy shot reveals a handful of juicy details about what’s coming up. Let’s dive in.

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Spotted Testing

Alcune foto spia confermano quanto ipotizzato da tempo, con l'arrivo di un nuovo bicilindrico parallelo che manderà in pensione il V2 da 650 cc https://t.co/8IxesvBIGV #suzuki #vstrom #700bicilindrico #VStrom700

— GPOne.com (@gponedotcom) August 30, 2022

The test mule looks vastly different from the existing V-Strom 650 and in a good way. Gone is the chunky halogen headlight and in comes a sleeker, vertically stacked all-LED unit similar to the new Suzuki GSX-S1000.} Like the fascia, the mudguard, side shrouds, and the beak all appear new too but the heavy use of vinyl prevents us from seeing any more details.

The changes aren’t just skin deep, though. The new V-Strom employs chunky USD forks upfront, bidding adieu to the aging telescopic ones. Also, the new forks don a golden finish to complement the golden spoke wheels. However, just like the existing V-Strom, expect the spoke wheels to be exclusive to the off-road friendly XT variant, while the STD variant will boast alloys.

Besides all this, the biggest update here comes to the bike’s engine. If you look closely, the test mule is powered by an all-new parallel-twin engine compared to the existing V-Strom’s V-twin mill. Rumors even suggest the new engine will get a bump in capacity and peak power, but only a spec sheet can vouch for that. What we can confirm, though, is a new swingarm that appears sturdier than the conventional unit on today’s bike.

Finally, there’s a high chance Suzuki will upgrade the V-Strom’s features too. The current V-Strom 650 has a dated digi-analog instrument cluster with traction control and dual-channel ABS, and the new model could come ripe with a TFT setup. This is a need more than an option because the bike’s arch-rival, the Kawasaki Versys 650, also comes with a TFT now.

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650 - Expected Launch

We believe the updated V-Strom 650 will break cover at the EICMA in November 2022. Suzuki had done the same with the bigger V-Strom 1050 a few years back, so it makes perfect sense to do the same with the 650. Meanwhile, you can expect the bike to hit dealerships soon after, probably in December 2022.

Images: Motociclismo