Suzuki SR75 Race Team Give V-Strom 650XT RM-Z Treatment

[Advpulse]

The V-Strom 650 has been one of Suzuki’s best selling models for nearly two decades, liked around the globe for its well-mannered, versatile nature and reasonable entry price. Now, after earning several Arenacross titles, Suzuki is celebrating its wins with a modded version of the popular V-Strom 650XT, inspired by their championship-winning RM-Z450 machine.  

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The special V-Strom was built in partnership with SR75 World Team Suzuki, who has five UK Arenacross rider titles under their belt, plus multiple team championships and titles in Denmark and France. To boost its off-road capabilities and performance, the team has taken the standard mid-weight adventure machine and stripped it back to its component parts, before modifying and replacing a number of elements. 

One of the first things the team did away with are the standard 19”/17” wheels, replaced with dirt-worthy 21”/18” hoops fitted with Envy hubs custom-built for the bike and shod in aggressive Pirelli motocross tires. SR75 also raised the whole chassis with in-house suspension mods and upgraded springs, giving the bike more ground clearance and significantly boosting its ability to take on the gnar.

“The Envy wheel set is a work of art, truly, and are absolutely bespoke to this build, and the whole look is only completed through the fine work of the crew at GP Grafix who have done an amazing job,” said SR75 team owner, Geoff Walker.

Ergonomics are changed with handlebar risers housing RM-Z450 Renthal bars, protected by genuine Suzuki handguards. Also borrowed from the RM-Z450 model are modified-to-fit footpegs for a planted feel off-road. In turn, California-based Motoseat added custom foam and a ribbed cover to the standard V-Strom seat base designed to optimize the shape and riding position in more challenging conditions.

A custom FMF titanium pipe mated to modified headers sits higher than the original and gives a racier exhaust note. There’s also a heavy duty sump guard and a lighter battery. The whole look is completed with re-designed bodywork to slim down the rear end and create a lighter, stripped-back aesthetic. Finally, a custom GP Grafix kit completes the build, inspired by the team’s RM-Z race bikes.

SR75 will be putting the bike to the test in the coming months and say they would be eager to help V-Strom owners that want to take their machine to the next level. “We’ve got some big plans to do some cool things with it this summer. And for any V-Strom owners looking to recreate or take inspiration, we’d be happy to help with parts and share our knowhow.”