2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, V-Strom 1000 Adventure and V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure Announced

Suzuki is bringing back its V-Strom 1000 for 2012 and adding a new U.S.-only  “Adventure” version with luggage.

The 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is unchanged from its previous version, last offered as a 2009 model. It’s powered by the same 996cc liquid cooled, fuel-injected 90-degree V-Twin engine as the previous model.

What is new is the V-Strom 1000 Adventure which is exclusive to the U.S. market. However, the only feature denoting the Adventure model are nylon (plastic rather than, say, aluminum) side cases and top box. This luggage set is more along the lines of traditional aftermarket luggage rather than the luggage standard on the 650 ABS Adventure. The 1000 Adventure also lacks engine guards and adjustable upper windscreen deflector that are standard features on the 650 Adventure

The base 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 will retail for $10,399 while the V-Strom 1000 Adventure (available only in black) will cost just $600 more at $10,999.

The suspension system is still comprised of a cartridge-style 43mm front fork with adjustable preload and a link-type rear suspension with adjustable rebound damping and preload. Both offer 6.3 inches of travel.

Stopping power is provided by twin-piston calipers with a 310mm rotor up front and a single-piston caliper gripping a 260mm rotor at the rear. Unlike with the 650 version, the V-Strom 1000 models will not be offered with ABS.

Other features include a three-position adjustable windshield, hand guards, and a 5.8 gallon fuel tank.

The 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 will be offered in Pearl Mira Red and Black while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Adventure will be available in Pearl Nebular Black.

2012 VStrom 650 ABS Adventure

The WeeStrom also gets the Adventure name extension, but unlike the VStrom 1000 Adventure that is more adventure in name only, the 650 Adventure receives a few adventure-touring add-ons that distinctly set apart the smaller displaced VStrom from its bigger Adventure brother.

A pair of aluminum panniers come standard on the V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure

The adjustable lip on the upper portion of the shield is one of the features on the 650 Adventure

Engine/crash bars are also part of the 650 Adventure package.

A set of BMW-esque, rugged-looking rectangular aluminum panniers give the 650 some touring capacity, while a standard-issue rear rack will readily accept an accessory top box that matches perfectly to the panniers. A manually adjustable deflector sits on the upper portion of the windscreen. According to Suzuki this adjustable windscreen lip makes a world of difference when it comes to reducing wind buffeting, a key issue that V-Strom owners said Suzuki needed to address in V-Strom revisions. Additionally, a set of crash/engine protector bars are standard.

The V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure retails for $9799 and comes in black (Glass Sparkle Black) only. The V-Strom 650 ABS retails for $8299 and is available in the same black or Metallic Fox Orange.

[Source: Suzuki]

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By Dennis Chung