Suzuki’s been hard at work it seems – and not just working up its new GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R. Nope – the smallest of the Japanese firms has been tweaking and tidying its range of bikes, updating a host of models with new styling and electronics.

The V-Strom family probably needed this more than most. The 650 and 1000 versions are great bikes, but they had maybe lost their identity a little in the crowded adventure bike market. So for 2017, both bikes get a new family identity, that aims to hark back to Suzuki’s DR750 and DR800 DR BIG – amongst the first proper big trailie adventure bikes of the 1980s and 90s.

The styling is pretty sharp, with huge new ‘beak’ top fairing/mudguard installations on both the 650 and 1000 V-Stroms. There’s a general updating of the electronics – both for usability, and to pass Euro IV emissions regs. So the engines get new injectors, plus Suzuki’s smart new ‘one-touch’ starter system. The V-Strom 1000 gets a new advanced ‘leaning’ ABS system, and both bikes get updated traction control setups.

Performance is a little better all round – a bit more power, a little less weight. But the old ones weren’t so far off the pace. Much more important is the improvements in equipment and styling in this class – so better luggage options, tougher bodywork protection, new 12V sockets and updated windscreens are worth more than an extra 5bhp might be.