We live in times when we’re flooded with a plethora of options everywhere we go, and that applies to adventure bikes as well. With so many options, it’s easy to get wowed by the latest and greatest ADV manufacturers have to offer. But in doing so, sometimes, we forget that other bikes also exist that may fly under the radar but aren’t all that bad, either.In fact, sometimes, these underdog adventure bikes can be just the thing you need. One middleweight adventure bike that does just that also happens to be an old bike that may look outdated at first, but still holds its own against newer competitors. Here’s all you need to know about this underrated Japanese adventure bike that can do it all while being super reliable. The Current State Of The Middleweight ADV Segment KTMThe middleweight adventure bike segment is where the most fun and practicality lies for most motorcyclists. Unlike smaller ADVs, these bikes can actually manage a multi-day tour and long highway stints without feeling stressed. And unlike flagship ADVs, these bikes are actually light enough to go proper off-roading and easy enough to pick up when you drop them while doing so.KawasakiDepending on what you’re after, you have many options to choose from. If touring is mostly the focus, then you can pick adventure tourers that may not do well on the trails but can give actual tourers a run for their money. These are versatile adventure bikes that can commute, tour, and occasionally handle a short ride up a fire road. Some awesome examples include the Kawasaki Versys 650, Honda Transalp, and Triumph Tiger 900 GT.YamahaOn the other end, if you want a bike that can handle the wild, you have options that help you live out your rally-raid dreams. These bikes bridge the gap between dirt and road bikes, and with the right set of skills, they can be pushed really hard on trails while being easy to manage on the road. Great examples of this segment are the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid, Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally, and KTM 890 Adventure R Rally.SuzukiBut when it comes to striking a balance and being a Jack of all trades, no adventure bike does it better than an old ADV that Suzuki still has in production, despite there being a much newer and modern Suzuki middleweight ADV like the V-Strom 800. The ADV in question is also a V-Strom, and it can tour, commute, and off-road, all while being dependable and easy to manage in the long run. It’s the V-Strom 650XT. The Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Is The Forgotten ADV That Still Holds Its Own In 2026 Suzuki CyclesSuzuki introduced the V-Strom lineup back in 2002 with the V-Strom 1000, and two years later, it introduced the V-Strom 650. Since then, this V-Strom has seen three generations, with the last major update being in 2017. Today, this generation is nine years old, and it continues to be a terrific adventure bike that people are still buying, especially in its XT avatar. And there are three reasons that keep the V-Strom 650XT still relevant in 2026. Do-It-All Character Suzuki CyclesThe first reason is that the V-Strom 650XT is an adventure tourer that offers one of the best balances in the segment. Sure, it may not be flashy or full of modern features, but it gets the job done. That’s a good thing because there are fewer distractions. The SV650-derived engine is versatile, the twin-spar frame keeps things nimble, and it offers friendly ergonomics. No Stress Ownership Suzuki CyclesThe next advantage is its reliability. The V-twin engine has already proved itself to be reliable and idiot-proof on the SV650, and it carries over that reliability on the V-Strom 650XT, too. Owners claim that this ADV offers easy, no-stress ownership with low running costs. And given that it’s an old platform, finding aftermarket support and parts for it is also very easy. This is why the bike has a cult status today, too. Undercuts The Competition SuzukiAll of this comes at a very tempting price of just $9,799. At first, this may seem like a lot, but in the real world, it's one of the most value-for-money ADVs you can buy for under $10k. It undercuts other popular middleweight ADVs, like the Versys 650, Tenere 700, Transalp, and CFMoto Ibex 950, by a significant margin. V-Twin Engine And Sports Bike Roots SuzukiWhile most middleweight ADVs have moved to parallel-twins, the V-Strom 650 stays authentic with a V-twin engine. The bike features a 645cc V-twin with a 90-degree layout, which offers inherent primary balance that eliminates vibrations. Suzuki says this layout results in smooth power and character. Speaking of power, it produces 69 horsepower and is said to offer a strong rush ofhigh-RPM powerthat should benefit any riding conditions.The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission, with the first through fifth gears being shorter for road riding and off-roading, while the sixth gear is tall for easy highway cruising. The bike also uses the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system paired with Suzuki’s Throttle-Body Integrated Idle Speed Control (TI-ISC), which is said to help stabilize engine idle to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. A Unique Mix Of Underpinnings Suzuki CyclesThe bike also uses a twin-spar frame, which is very different from the usual trellis or double-cradles used by most of its competitors. This sports bike-like frame is designed for high-performance riding and should offer nimble handling on the V-Strom 650XT. It sits on long-travel suspension with preload and rebound damping adjustments, and there’s enough ground clearance to go off-roading.The XT variant also trades in cast aluminum rims for aluminum wire-spoke wheels, with 19 inches on the front and 17 inches on the rear. These wheels are wrapped in tubeless tires, offering the best of both worlds: sturdiness for off-roading and ease of tubeless tires in case of punctures. Braking is taken care of by a simple setup, with twin 310 mm discs up front worked on by two-piston floating calipers. Distraction-Free, Comfortable Riding Experience Suzuki CyclesThe V-Strom 650XT features a unique, easily identifiable design, especially from the front, which is also said to serve a purpose. Suzuki says the front fascia and beak structure offer strong wind protection, and the windscreen is three-way height adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit. The fairing is also braced by stronger internal components, which should make it withstand drops while off-roading. Upright Ergonomics For Long Hours On The Highway SuzukiThe V-Strom 650XT offers upright ergonomics with a spacious saddle that sits at 32.9 inches for the rider. This is low enough to make the bike approachable even for shorter and newer riders. Its relatively light 476-pound curb weight should only make things even easier, especially at low speeds and while off-roading. Combined with the wind protection, these ergonomics should be perfectly good for long hours on the highway. Modest Feature Set Means No Distractions SuzukiUnlike newer ADVs, the V-Strom 650XT keeps things simple and analog. It features an LCD readout, traction control, and ABS (though non-switchable). Apart from these, the Suzuki Low RPM Assist and Easy Start System are also present, which should make riding it around town easier. Such a modest feature set translates to fewer distractions on the road and fewer things to go wrong.It’s this combination of the V-twin engine, unique underpinnings, and comfort-first ergonomics and design that have made the V-Strom 650XT so relevant over the years. It may lack the bells and whistles or performance of newer adventure bikes, but it doesn’t need those things. Instead, the V-Strom 650XT is all about offering a reliable do-it-all experience that will not distract you from the scenery around you.Source: Suzuki Cycles
