Identifying a specific bike based on its trim is often confusing as the nomenclatures are usually identical to one another, except for a few interchangeable letters. Suzuki->ke371 is one brand that has this kind of issue, specifically with its line of popular V-Strom->ke1814 tourer models. Such is the case with the new Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT, which has finally made it to dealerships, adding yet another model to an already stout V-Strom 650 range.

Don’t be confused by their names because the V-Strom 650 XT offers a wide range of unique features that are different from other V-Strom 650 models. While it is based on the 650, the 650 XT has a new front beak inspired by the much bigger V-Strom 1000. It also has new hand guards, an aluminum sump protector, new engine bars, and lightweight DID wire-spoked wheels that offer improved strength and stability when the tourer is ridding unpaved roads.

It’s essentially a recrafted and highly more sophisticated version of the 650 range, which is probably what Suzuki was going for in the first place. With the V-Strom 650 XT now in dealerships, Suzuki can begin offering the bike to interested customers. The price tag for one has been set at £7,499 in the UK. Fortunately, the bike is priced a little bit cheaper in the uS at just $10,399.

Additional accessories will also be part of the model, but as always, availing these add-ons will come at an added cost.

Click past the jump to read more about the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT.

Why it matters

A lot of bikers have probably waited for a long time for the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT to hit dealerships. Granted, the bike wasn’t in my wish-list heading into 2015, but I was still curious to see how the bike would be received given how many V-Strom tourers Suzuki already has at its disposal. A new V-Strom 650 with a few bells and whistles added to make it different? Doesn’t sound too enticing to me.

But I’m probably in the minority here, which I completely understand. The V-Strom is arguably one of Suzuki’s most popular models and there will be a market for the new 650XT, a lot of whom can probably justify the minor differentiations of the model from the rest of the V-Strom lot. That’s why the announcement of the 650XT finally arriving in dealerships is being treated as big news.

The wait is over for a lot of these folks. Now its time to see if the V-Strom 650XT can live up to all the hype.

Suzuki V-Strom 650XT

The 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT is the latest line of popular V-Strom models Suzuki has released. While still carrying the V-Strom name, the 650XT differentiates itself pretty impressively with a number of aerodynamic changes to its body.

Chief among them is a new front beak that has integrated air ducts that allows air to the wind directing plates, thus improving the bike’s overall cooling performance.

The 650XT also has a new adjustable windscreen, new aluminum side cases, a rugged accessory bar, and a Metallic Matte Fibroin Gray paint finish that complements the tourer’s impressive performance credentials.

Speaking of performance, the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT is powered by a handy 645 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that pumps out close to 66 horsepower and 42 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the wheels courtesy of a six-speed constant mesh transmission, ensuring that the model creates enough power to make it a wild-scoring tourer.

Pricing for the V-Strom 650XT begins at $10,399 in the US.