Suzuki V-Strom SX Review: Likeable & Very Friendly

This V-Strom is Suzuki’s noteworthy answer to the Royal Enfield Himalayan. 

• The Suzuki V-Strom takes styling cues from its older sibling, the V-Strom 650XT. 
• This ADV shares its 250cc heart from its streetfighter sibling, the Gixxer 250. 
• With its Rs 2.12 lakh price tag, it rivals the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Yezdi Adventure and the KTM 250 Adventure.

Introducing the Suzuki V-Strom 250SX, the newest adventure motorcycle from Suzuki in our country. It's their third bike in the 250cc range and the most affordable option for adventure enthusiasts in India. We took the V-Strom 250SX for a test ride in the beautiful Himalayas to see if it lives up to its promises. 

However, we have to admit that the specifications of this bike don't seem too impressive. So, can the Suzuki V-Strom 250SX still have that special Suzuki touch and prove that numbers aren't everything? Let's find out!

Suzuki V-Strom SX: Design & Features

The V-Strom 250 SX has a similar style to the larger V-Strom models and older Suzuki adventure bikes like the DR-BIG. It has a sleek fairing, a tall windscreen, and a pointed front end that gives it a proper adventure bike appearance. You can choose from three colours: Pearl Blaze Orange, Champion Yellow No. 2, and Glass Sparkle Black.

The V-Strom 250 SX takes its LED headlight and halogen indicators from the Gixxer 250. It has a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for turn-by-turn navigation and provides alerts for missed calls, over-speeding, SMS, and even shows the phone's battery level. 

The small 12-litre fuel tank is also borrowed from the Gixxer 250. Suzuki has made the subframe longer to give both the rider and passenger more space to move around. Additionally, it features a tail rack-cum-grab rail for attaching luggage and a standard USB charger, making it a practical choice for touring on the compact V-Strom 250 SX.

Suzuki V-Strom SX: Engine

The V-Strom 250 SX is equipped with the same engine as the Gixxer 250 and the Gixxer SF 250. The 249 cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC engine delivers a power output of 26.5PS and 22.2Nm of torque, while being mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

The V-Strom 250 SX features an engine that can easily maintain speeds of 100-120 kmph throughout the day. What makes it a capable touring bike is its ergonomic design. The upright riding position and wide handlebar provide excellent leverage. 

The bike's comfort is further enhanced by the spacious seat, which offers plenty of room to move around, and the seat padding is perfectly suited for long hours on the road. The small windshield effectively reduces windblast, allowing the rider to have a clear and commanding view of the road ahead. Even for relatively taller riders, this V-Strom is very accommodating and feels quite spacious. 

Suzuki V-Strom SX: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

In the beginning, the brakes of the V-Strom 250 SX had a strong bite, but after riding several thousand kilometres, their effectiveness decreased. This meant that a rider had to apply the brakes a little earlier than preferred. While the brakes are not terrible, they are not as sharp as they were before. One possible solution to this issue could be replacing the brake pads during the next service or considering an upgrade to higher-performance brake pads.

Suzuki V-Strom SX: Dimensions

The seat height of the V-Strom 250 SX is 835 mm, which is 35 mm higher than the Gixxer's seat height. While the bike offers a commendable ground clearance of 205 mm, one notable drawback is the limited 120 mm of suspension travel at the front.

Suzuki V-Strom SX: Price

The Suzuki V-Strom is priced at Rs 2,11,600 (ex-showroom Delhi). It comes in a single variant and offers three colour options: Champion Yellow No. 2, Pearl Blaze Orange, and Glass Sparkle Black.

Verdict

After spending many miles on the bike, our perspective about this bike has definitely changed. It's important to acknowledge that this motorcycle isn't perfect and has its flaws. However, what it does well, it does brilliantly.The main issue with this bike is its name. The V-Strom name carries a legacy of being a proper off-road motorcycle, but in reality, the V-Strom 250 is more of a sports tourer disguised as an adventure tourer.

If you're looking for a motorcycle that provides comfortable touring, reliability, fuel efficiency, and is also a good option for commuting, then the V-Strom 250 makes a lot of sense. However, if you're seeking a hard-core off-road machine that can handle unexplored terrains, then this bike may not be the right choice for you.