SR75 Builds A V-Strom 650XT Into An Off-Road Beast

[advrider]

SR75 World Team Suzuki competes in the FIM’s Arenacross series, but it turns out the team can do a lot more—check out the custom bike above.

This machine (which, far as we know, doesn’t actually have an official name) is a much-modified 2022 V-Strom 650XT that SR75 modified to show off at the UK’s Adventure Bike Rider festival. If you know anything about Stroms, you’ll instantly notice it’s a lot more stripped-down than the standard bike, and there are some upgraded bits, particularly in the suspension department.

Some of this is off-the-shelf aftermarket stuff (particularly the 21-18 wheelset), but much was modified in-house (the exhaust, the suspension, the bodywork), and other parts were adapted from existing machines in Suzuki’s lineup. The seat is a one-off from Motoseat.

Photo: Suzuki

Photo: Suzuki

Photo: Suzuki

Here’s what Suzuki said changed:

The standard 19” and 17” wheels have been replaced with 21” and 18” rims with bespoke Envy hubs, shod with Pirelli tyres. The whole chassis has been raised with in-house suspension mods and upgraded springs.

Ergonomics are changed with handlebar risers housing RM-Z450 Renthal ‘bars, protected by genuine Suzuki hand guards. Modified-to-fit RM-Z450 footpegs give an assured, planted feel off-road. California-based Motoseat took the standard V-Strom seat base and provided custom seat foam and ribbed cover to create the perfect shape and riding position in more challenging conditions.

Mated to SR75 modified headers, a custom FMF titanium pipe sits higher than the original and gives a racier exhaust note. There’s also a heavy duty sump guard and a lighter battery, while the aesthetic is completed with restyled bodywork to slim down the rear end and create a lighter, stripped-back aesthetic. A bespoke GP Grafix kit completes the unique look and mimics the team’s RM-Z race bikes.

The end result? A bike that leaves the Wee-Strom’s stodgy image far behind, with bodywork looking a lot more modern and sporty, and no doubt a significant weight saving. Of course, the skid plate and larger wheels will also benefit off-road capability.

Photo: Suzuki

But for now, it’s just a cool custom machine. Suzuki has certainly not indicated any intention to manufacture an updated, more aggressive V-Strom, sadly. This certainly looks like a bike plenty of riders might be interested in, if it came to market at a reasonable price. The contemporary, stripped-down look is exactly where the market is headed.

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