Suzuki V-Strom 250SX | How good is it?

Summary

In this review of the Suzuki V-Strom 250, the host discusses the bike's design, performance, and features in a candid and humorous manner. The V-Strom 250 is praised for its striking looks, with a modern design that stands out in its segment. However, its ergonomics are slightly off, with the seat height and handlebar position leaving room for improvement. The engine provides strong mid-range performance but suffers from vibration and combustion clatter at higher RPMs. The bike excels on paved roads but is less suited for rough terrain. Ultimately, the reviewer prefers the KTM 250 Adventure, but the V-Strom 250 earns a respectable second place.

Takeaways

• 😀 The V-Strom is praised for its looks, with the reviewer calling it the best-looking motorcycle in its segment, giving it an impressive 11/10 rating for aesthetics.
• 😀 Ergonomically, the bike is slightly tall for an adventure tourer, with the reviewer noting the handlebars could be higher. Despite this, it earns an 8/10 rating for comfort.
• 😀 The engine performance is rated 7/10 due to strong mid-range power and tractability, but it loses points for combustion clatter during acceleration and vibration starting around 7,000 RPM.
• 😀 As a road motorcycle, the bike performs excellently, with sharp handling and good stability, earning a 9/10 rating for road touring comfort.
• 😀 Off-road capability is less impressive, with the bike rated 6/10 for adventure touring due to its inability to handle rougher terrains well.
• 😀 Braking is considered adequate but not outstanding, with the rear brake feeling a bit wooden, earning a rating of 7.5/10.
• 😀 The bike’s tires are criticized for not aligning with its 'adventure tourer' classification. The reviewer suggests road-oriented tires would be more appropriate.
• 😀 The KTM 250 Adventure is the reviewer’s top choice in this segment, praised for its refined engine and minimal vibrations compared to the V-Strom.
• 😀 Despite the V-Strom's good looks and comfort, the reviewer questions whether it truly justifies its 'V-Strom' name, as it doesn’t fully match the capabilities of other bikes in the same family.
• 😀 The build quality is decent but criticized for excessive plastic parts, especially on the tank, which may lead to rattling over time.
• 😀 The clutch is described as slightly heavy, but the bike is well-balanced at low speeds, making U-turns and handling around town easy.
• 😀 The reviewer appreciates the motorcycle's road performance but emphasizes that its off-road capabilities could be better, particularly when compared to rivals like the Himalayan.

Q & A

How does the Suzuki V-Strom compare to its competitors in terms of looks?

The Suzuki V-Strom is considered the best looking motorcycle in its segment by the reviewer. Its design features modern, edgy lines that stand out compared to its competitors. The bike's appearance is praised for being sleek, slim, and visually appealing, earning an 11/10 rating for looks.

What are the key ergonomics issues with the V-Strom?

The reviewer finds the V-Strom's seat slightly too high for an adventure tourer, which makes it feel a bit perched. Additionally, the handlebar is a bit too low for comfort. Despite these minor ergonomics flaws, the overall rating for ergonomics is 8/10.

How does the engine perform on the V-Strom?

The V-Strom’s engine delivers strong mid-range power, making it very tractable. However, it does suffer from combustion clatter under hard acceleration, which reminded the reviewer of Royal Enfield's older models. Additionally, the engine generates vibrations above 7,000 RPM, especially noticeable in the foot pegs. The reviewer rates the engine performance at 7/10.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the V-Strom’s handling and suspension?

The V-Strom is praised for its sharp, responsive handling on paved roads, with a rating of 9/10 for road touring. However, the suspension is a bit too stiff for off-roading, which reduces its off-road performance to a 6/10 rating. The bike can handle 90% of typical adventure touring conditions, but it's not suited for intense off-road use.

How does the braking perform on the V-Strom?

The brakes on the V-Strom are described as adequate, with a slightly wooden feel on the rear brake. While the braking system works well for everyday use, it doesn't stand out as extraordinary. The reviewer gives the braking system a score of 7.5/10.

What kind of tires does the reviewer suggest the V-Strom should have?

The reviewer suggests that the V-Strom could benefit from more road-oriented tires. He compares the choice of tires to TVS Ronin's decision to use commuter tires on an adventure bike. The reviewer believes it would make more sense for Suzuki to opt for street tires instead of adventure-focused ones for this bike.

Which bike does the reviewer consider as their top pick in this segment?

The reviewer’s first choice is the KTM 250 Adventure, which they believe offers superior engine refinement and performance compared to the V-Strom and other competitors. The KTM is favored for its smooth engine, minimal vibrations, and better performance overall.

Does the reviewer think the V-Strom truly lives up to its 'Adventure Tourer' label?

The reviewer feels that while the V-Strom carries the 'Adventure Tourer' label, it doesn't fully justify it. The bike's performance on rough terrain and gravel roads is lacking, making it less suited for serious off-roading. However, it still handles well for road touring, which is where it shines.

What does the reviewer think about the V-Strom's fit and finish?

The fit and finish of the V-Strom are generally considered good, but there are some areas where the plastics could be better. The reviewer notes that while the build quality is acceptable for the price, it’s clear that some of the materials, especially around the windscreen, might wear down over time.

What would the reviewer change about the V-Strom?

The reviewer suggests improving the suspension to make it more compliant for off-road use, as the current setup is too firm for gravel and bad roads. Additionally, they would prefer less plastic around the tank, as it could rattle over time and degrade the bike’s build quality.