The middle-weight ADV segment is one of the most exciting spaces in the motorcycle industry. When it comes to off-road credibility, models like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 outshine the likes of other Japanese bikes like the Suzuki V-Strom 650. French custom shop Trail Découverte Concept aims to rectify this with an aftermarket kit for the V-Strom, and the end product is quite promising.
Called the V-Strom 650 Dark Evo 2, the company’s fully-kitted motorcycle features higher-spec hardware and a different paint job, which, at first glance, is the most apparent difference between this motorcycle and a stock bike. More purposeful changes come in the form of a larger 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheel setup in place of the 19-inch front/17-inch rear setup on the stock bike. The wire-spoke wheels are shod in off-road-spec Metzeler Karoo Extreme tires.
RideApart mentions in its report that Trail Découverte Concept has also equipped the bike’s suspension with a cartridge kit. The upgraded suspension setup offers 50mm more suspension travel and offers preload, compression, and rebound adjustability. The monoshock has been swapped out for a custom EMC unit which is also fully adjustable.
Other changes include a Pro Taper Suzuki Factory handlebar and a Rally seat, improving handling and off-road comfort. To further aid ergonomics, the bike is fitted with adjustable footpegs, courtesy SW-Motech. There’s also crash protection all-around (again, from SW-Motech) to keep expensive elements like the engine and forks from severe impact. The V-Strom 650 Dark Evo 2 gets a lightweight lithium-ion battery to reduce weight.
Trail Découverte Concept states that the entire kit, excluding labor, costs 3,900 Euros (around $4,407) — that’s nearly half as much as the cost of the V-Strom 650 itself, prices for which start at $8,904. However, these updates will drastically improve the off-road ability of the bike and are worth considering if you intend on extracting even more from your motorcycle.
Sweet bike. Suzuki needs to finally get in the game and produce a serious middle weight ADV bike.
It’s a lot of money but if you buy a used VStrom .which are pretty cheap or own one,this may not be a bad idea.
A welcome option, but as they say, “you can lipstick on a football, but it’s still a pig.” As long as you never plan on picking it up, the changes to suspension and wheel sizes would be very welcome. But, having to lift a +500lb bike that is very top heavy is not ever an enjoyable task.
I still love my simple, do it all 09 Wee for most everything, but am looking forward to taking delivery next spring, of a totally practical and FUN 300cc dual sport for real off road use.
I ride a ‘16 650XA that I have altered a fair bit to increase this fantastic all-rounder’s capabilities. It’s now well protected, and has better brakes and lighting. This kit’s wheels and suspension would be very welcomed improvements. I can’t see why good ol’Zuki can’t make their ‘Adventure’ model like this bike. The Strom is essentially still the same bike since they started the model. Just more specific wheels, suspension and brakes is all it needs to be a bettah contendah. My bike is 473 lbs wet.
Agreed picking up any top heavy off (most ADV & off road bikes )400+ lb bike isn’t easy but if you look at the dropped bike and it’s orientation to likely being on a slope, lifting it is much easier if you position it both wheels pointing downhill.