A smaller version of the V-Strom 1000 debuted in 2004, marketed as a mid-weight sport-touring motorcycle. The same motorcycle but with a smaller engine and chassis. In 2005, Suzuki released the second-year model for the V-Strom 650, which had just a few changes.
The 2005 model had the same chassis as the DL1000 model but with a 10 cm (4 inches) shorter wheelbase. The difference between the 2004 and 2005 V-Strom 650 was the frame, which came in a black-finished paint, as well as the swingarm and wheels, unlike the silver from the first model. In 2005, this change of color became a standard for the future models that were yet to come.
Another update for the 2005 model was the interrupting headlight at the start of the engine.
The V-Strom 650 was a touring motorcycle made for city and countryside roads, but with its cast aluminum wheels and without the right suspension, the model could not perform under rough off-road conditions.
The 2005 Suzuki V-Strom 650 was packing a 645cc V-Twin liquid-cooled engine with a power output of 67 hp at 9,000 rpm and 64 Nm (47 lb-ft) of torque at 7,600 rpm.
Suzuki created only 100 special units of the V-Strom 650 that included several unique accessories and a tire mark painted on the fairing.