Suzuki step into a parallel universe: Next-gen V-Strom and SV spied with new engine platform

Suzuki’s SV650 family, including the V-Strom 650, is one of the most successful and long-lived of modern middleweights, dating way back to 1999, but these spy shots reveal an all-new successor is coming.

Spotted undergoing testing in mainland Europe, the shots reveal two models: a naked, SV-type roadster and V-Strom adventure bike; both using the same all-new engine platform.

The much-loved old 645cc V-twin of the current SV and V-Strom has finally bitten the dust and has been replaced by an all-new twin – but now not in a ‘V’ configuration but in the parallel-twin layout, which now dominates the category with the Yamaha MT-07 family, KTM’s 790 and 890 Dukes and Adventures, the Aprilia RS660 and Tuono 660 and even Honda’s expected new 750 Transalp.

Exact capacity of the new engine is not yet known, although 800cc seems most likely. It’ll also be fuel-injected and ECU controlled and is expected to offer riding modes plus other electronic aids.

The new engine also means an all-new chassis. Although the exact frame type can’t be discerned from these pictures, it is likely to be a tubular steel trellis, mostly for cost reasons. A matching tubular steel rear subframe can be seen; the monoshock-operated swingarm is in cast aluminium while both models have beefy inverted forks and multifunction LCD – not TFT– digital displays.

But that is where the similarities between the two end. The SV replacement has 17in cast alloy wheels, twin Nissin radial brakes, a stubby, underslung exhaust and all-new bodywork with styling, particularly at the front with a new headlamp cowling housing two stacked LEDs, clearly inspired by Suzuki’s recent GSX-S1000.

The adventure V-Strom version, has 19/17in off-road-style wire wheels, more basic brakes, a higher exhaust (for off-road clearance), bashplate and bodywork and styling influenced by the current model– albeit also with the new stacked headlights.

Although disguised, the two bikes look largely finished, suggesting they will be unveiled at the EICMA show in November as 2023 models.

Suzuki’s new parallel-twin models in detail

Parallel lives: Out goes the old, much-loved, 645cc V-twin, in comes an all-new, more conventional parallel-twin, similar to that of the MT-07 and other rivals.

Sassy chassis: The new frame is likely to be tubular steel trellis, while suspension and brakes comprise beefy USDs and a mix of radial and conventional Nissins.

GSX-S styling: SV roadster replacement may get the GSX-S name – it’s no longer a V-twin and has styling clearly derived from the GSX-S1000.

It’s stacked: Both models have twin, stacked LED headlights which also debuted on the GSX-S1000 and are a Suzuki ‘signature’.