Suzuki’s entry into the quarter-litre adventure touring market comes in the form of the V-Strom SX. Based on the well-known Gixxer 250, the V-Strom SX promises to be a more adaptable motorbike.
The made-in-India Suzuki V-Strom SX marks the entry of Suzuki into the 250cc entry-level adventure sport touring segment. Billed as a crossover, the V-Strom SX caters to a segment of riders looking for a versatile adventure sport touring model capable of taking on the daily commute, highway riding, and exploring mild off-road trails.
The subframe and swingarm of the V-Strom SX are entirely different, while the main chassis is comparable to that of the Gixxer, albeit with “a few tweaks.”
It draws many components from the Suzuki parts bin because it is a standard model. For instance, the taillight is from the older-generation Gixxer 155, while the headlight unit is from the current Gixxer. The mirrors, switchgear, and indicators are other similarities.
The V-Strom SX is a handsome-looking motorcycle with a design that draws inspiration from the larger V-Stroms. It is massive and commanding, and numerous cuts and creases can be seen on the bodywork.
The cleanly formed thin tail portion comes equipped with a rack for luggage or a top box. Additionally, Suzuki has effectively incorporated textured panels on the side of the tank. The yellow colour on our test bike also caught people’s attention. However, the oversized saree guard is hideous.
The bike has a proper front fairing and a sizable, non-adjustable windscreen that effectively directs wind away from the rider.
The bike incorporates a comfortable, roomy seat, a wide handlebar with plastic knuckle guards, and an essential for the ADV formula, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.
The motorbike has undergone a complete makeover. Thanks to optimised aerodynamics developed using CFD models, it has race-inspired bodywork that offers class-leading wind protection and a higher top speed.
Suzuki V-Strom SX comes in three colours:
Suzuki V-Strom SX offers one variant:
It has Bluetooth, an LCD instrument console with call and message alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, LED headlights and taillights, and a USB charger, among other amenities.
The switchgear and body panels have a generally acceptable fit and finish. However, there is potential for improvement due to a gap between the bottom of the headlamp and the front beak and some shoddy welds on the foot peg mountings.
Due to its roomy, well-padded seat, wide handlebars, and moderately forward-set footpegs, the SX’s ergonomics are well suited to touring uses.
Although the seat height is 835mm, it is 35mm higher than the Gixxer’s, which can put off smaller riders. The handlebar is too low to allow you to stand on the pegs and ride when riding off-road.
A fully digital LCD instrument cluster that can get connected to your smartphone for turn-by-turn navigation displays all the pertinent data. The cluster now appears quite empty unless you link your phone, indicating that it should have a better build.
Suzuki V-Strom SX incorporates a well-calibrated dual-channel ABS for safety.
The toggle button on the handlebar enables the rider to adjust several settings, such as turning off the traction control or switching the ABS intervention between the Road and Supermoto modes.
The same 249cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that powers the Gixxer 250 also powers the Suzuki V-Strom SX. According to the spec sheet, it produces 26.1 horsepower at 9300 rpm and 22.2 Nm at 7300 rpm, indicating that it perfectly tunes with the Gixxers.
The Gixxer 250’s frame and suspension system are virtually identical to the Suzuki V-Strom SX. The combination of 17-inch rear and 19-inch front wheels is another significant change.
The suspension is limiting, but the front wheel and 205mm of ground clearance offer the off-road capability. It can engage in some little off-roading, although it prefers on-road activities. The bike gets a disc brake at the front and rear.
Based on the Suzuki Gixxer 250, the V-Strom SX strives to stand out in an already crowded market as a do-it-all, budget-friendly adventure touring motorcycle.
The brakes’ stopping power is decent, but you’ll have to pull the lever harder than you’d like.
There is no denying that motorcycles like the V-Strom SX, which have eye-catching colours, a tall stance, a mini-ADV aesthetic, respectable capability, and aren’t overly expensive, are very popular.
The motorcycle’s front telescopic forks have a 120 mm travel range, and the manufacturer’s rear suspension’s travel has not been made public. Although taller than Gixxers, it has excellent highway manners, and the rider enjoys the motorcycle handles.
With a perfect balance between performance and other features, the 2022 KTM RC 390 perfectly competes with KTM 250 Adventure, Benelli TRK 251 and Royal Enfield Himalayan.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX is Rs. 2.11 lakhs, which is Rs 33,000 cheaper than the KTM 250 Adventure base model, which costs Rs 2.44 lakhs.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX has a 249 cc engine, whereas the KTM 250 Adventure has a 248 cc engine. The Suzuki V-Strom SX provides a 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm torque, and the KTM 250 Adventure delivers a 24 Nm @7500 rpm torque.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX has a top speed of 140 kmph, whereas the KTM 250 Adventure has a top speed of 200 kmph.
In terms of colour options, the Suzuki V-Strom SX has three colours, orange, yellow, and black. On the other hand, the KTM 250 Adventure has two colours, orange and black.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX is Rs. 2.11 lakhs, which is Rs. 65,000 cheaper than the Benelli TRK 251 base model, which costs Rs. 2.76 lakhs.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX has a 249 cc engine, whereas the Benelli TRK 251 has a 248 cc engine. The Suzuki V-Strom SX provides a 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm torque, and the Benelli TRK 251 delivers a 21 Nm @ 8000 rpm torque.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX has a top speed of 170 kmph, whereas the Benelli TRK 251 has a top speed of 180 kmph.
In terms of colour options, the Suzuki V-Strom SX has three colours, orange, yellow, and black. On the other hand, the Benelli TRK 251 has three colours, white, grey and black.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX is Rs. 2.11 lakhs, which is Rs. 3,000 cheaper than the Royal Enfield Himalayan base model, which costs Rs. 2.144 lakhs.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX has a 249 cc engine, whereas the Royal Enfield Himalayan has a 411 cc engine. The Suzuki V-Strom SX provides a 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm torque, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan delivers a 32 Nm @ 4000 rpm torque.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX has a top speed of 170 kmph, whereas the Royal Enfield Himalayan has a top speed of 180 kmph.
In terms of colour options, the Suzuki V-Strom SX has three colours, orange, yellow, and black. On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Himalayan has six colours, rock red, mirage silver, lake blue, gravel grey, granite black and pine green.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX improves on the Gixxer 250’s well-established characteristics by providing improved ergonomics and light off-road capability. It is a fantastic touring vehicle that functions well as a daily commuter.
For a bike that costs less than 2.5 lakh rupees, Suzuki V-Strom SX has a lot of capability and excellent highway manners.
However, its only real off-road ADV potential is its 19-inch front wheel and 205mm ground clearance. Suzuki V-Strom SX is essentially a Gixxer 250 on stilts and is not off-road capable. However, it costs Rs 30,000 more than a street-naked machine, making it a good commuter and highway vehicle. However, the additional bodywork, larger wheel, tyres, Bluetooth connectivity, etc. offset the higher price.
It is a goes-will but not a hardcore off-roader in most off-road situations.
The word V-Strom is a combination of the letters V, which refers to the bike's V engine design, and Strom, which is German for stream or current.
The most affordable bikes in that price range, the V-Strom 650XT and Versys 650, do not have cruise control. Thus, that bike still competes with other middleweight adventure bikes, and Cruise is still a premium choice in that market.
Traction control, a slipper clutch, and ABS will be included on the stylish new Suzuki V-Strom DL1000, but not electronic suspension like many of its rivals.
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