The recently launched V-Strom SX 250 looks impressive on paper. However, there are certain bits we dislike about the motorcycle
In recent years, the Indian automobile industry has realised the importance of adventure-tourer motorcycles and therefore, as of 2022, we have several motorcycles ranging from the Yezdi ADV to the KTM 250 ADV in the INR 2-2.50 lakh price category. A few days back, Suzuki launched the V-Strom SX 250 with no prior hints which proves that everyone wants a share of the freshly-baked pie.
The newly-launched V-Strom SX 250 is heavily based on the existing Gixxer 250. However, to make it ADV worthy, Suzuki has made several changes to justify the V-Strom moniker. On the paper, the newly-launched motorcycle is impressive and we love it. However, certain elements disappoint us and, in the following paragraphs, we have drafted the good and the bad about the all-new V-Strom 250.
The engine, no complaints there
The V-Strom 250 features the same 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC unit mated to a six-speed gearbox that makes 26.5PS at 9,300rpm and 22.2Nm at 7,300rpm; the same as the Gixxer. It is also in a similar state of tune, which is good enough for us because the engine is a torquey unit and there is enough low-end grunt. Overall, the motor is decent enough for daily commutes and occasional long highway runs.
Style quotient and features
The V-Strom looks like a proper ADV with a ground clearance of 205mm, raised seat height of 835mm, raised handlebar, a flat comfortable seat along with a windshield and tons of touring accessories. For the tech-savvy riders, the motorcycle features an all-new modern-day instrument cluster with turn-by-turn navigation and a USB charger for charging on the go. In terms of features, it is rich.
Let us run you through the veggies
The above two paragraphs were your dessert, but this one is your veggies. 19/17-inch tyre with block-pattern slicks are good enough and so is the telescopic-mono suspension setup. However, what we dislike is the travel of the front suspension which, as per many sources, is 120mm. It is similar to the Gixxer and therefore; it makes little sense because, with 120mm of travel, the motorcycle will simply not blaze through poor terrain. Not to forget, we also do not like the 12-litre tank and instead, would have preferred a 14-15-litre tank.
All positive and negative said, at INR 2.12 lakh, the V-Strom is more affordable than the KTM ADV 250. Also, it is not a hardcore ADV like the Himalayan and Yezdi ADV, but the V-Strom is a premium machine compared to the mentioned two and therefore; it is an ADV that must be considered.
