Rich, it "may" explain the belt life. I read the article and would offer a few observations. 1) The comment on the belt life is second hand reporting. 2) The author did not identify the person giving the info as a "Suzuki design engineer". 3) This was apparently the first public showing of the bike and did the person giving out the info get it correct or did he get it confused. 4) When anyone quotes a CVT belt replacement mileage for the 650, it is similar the replacement mileage for the 400 drive belt.
The Suzuki site referenced in the article only provided the following info on the CVT belt life (translator error "the sea bass" ??).
"Long life was actualized
Dry hybrid belt
One dry hybrid belt of new technology of the sea bass is adopted for this SECVT. It constitutes due to the tension member of the heatproof rubber make which uses the H type block and the aramide fiber 204 with the strengthening aluminum alloy which resin coating is done it was made. By the fact that H type block and the tension member are used for the contact area of the pulley, long life was actualized, the lubrication by oil made unnecessary."
Until Suzuki releases some official info or someone has to replace the belt, we will not know for sure. I guess it comes down to a matter of what info you want to believe and a "best guess". I think I will continue believe Suzuki would not put out a MC that requires a very expensive replacement at a low mileage. However, if the CVT belt life is 14,000 to 20,000 miles and the cost of replacing is as high as expected, there will be a lot 650s for sell, both new and used.