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Suzuki is developing a new 700cc parallel-twin engine for middleweight models
Could the successor to the SV650 and V-Strom 650 be in the works?
It goes without saying that Suzuki hasn't been particularly innovative in recent years. The V-Strom 1050, Hayabusa, GSX-S1000, and GSX-S1000 GT were all modified by the House of Hamamatsu, although these changes just brought the brand's style and electronics up to date. Suzuki relied on its current engine platforms to complete the task, with some of these bikes relying on decades-old technology to this day. Case in point: the Suzuki SV650.
Something has to give in the competitive middleweight market of today, which is heavily reliant on technology and performance. In fact, the majority of rival manufacturers—both Japanese and European—switched to parallel twin engines for their simplicity in mechanics and compact dimensions, but Suzuki stuck to its guns with its 645cc 90-degree V-twin in the SV650 and V-Strom 650. All of that might change in 2023 as the company gets ready for the launch of its 700cc parallel twin.
Up until now, Suzuki's middleweight mill has been seen in a variety of forms. The business unveiled the Recursion concept, which is powered by a 588cc parallel twin engine that has been turbocharged, during the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. With the XE7 concept, Suzuki improved the engine for the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, exhibiting the turbocharged, DOHC, 700cc twin. In the years that followed, the business filed patents for both turbocharged and naturally-aspirated variants, but most reports indicate that the non-turbocharged model will be available first.
We doubt Suzuki will continue using the names V-Strom and SV without a V-twin crammed into that updated chassis. On the other hand, consistency would help the V-Strom family's reputation. That branding choice might have an effect, especially in light of the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Triumph Tiger Sport 660's fierce rivalry. Furthermore, we expect Suzuki to use the new 700cc engine for an updated SV650, a model which a lot of enthusiasts will agree is in dire need of an update.
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