Suzuki V-Strom SX

The Suzuki V-Strom SX is the Japanese manufacturer’s third bike in the 250cc segment and it is a very good option for long distance touring. And it is quite good to live with on a daily basis as well. But is it a proper ADV or a sports tourer? 

The bike looks like a scaled-down version of the bigger (and now discontinued) Suzuki V-Strom 650 and that is a good thing as it has a bold road presence. The tall windscreen along with the high-rise beak-like front fender and the sharp looking fuel tank with the extensions look really good. On top of that, the build quality is really good and even during our long-term test where we tested the bike to its limits, the panels never rattled and the fit and finish levels of the bike are very good as well. Overall, the bike has a big presence up close and demands attention from onlookers every time you are on the move. 

The 249cc, oil-cooled single-cylinder engine on the V-Strom SX offers peppy acceleration and the tall third gear will allow you to move around the city comfortably without the need of rapid gear changes. The mid-range performance could have been better and you’ll need to downshift to make quick overtakes. But the motor can handle speeds of 100-120kmph all day without breaking a sweat. So, the overall performance from the motor is suitable for long range touring. 

That said, vibrations can be felt even at low speeds under 4,500rpm and there’s a fair bit of engine noise as well. The gearbox feels clunky and even after riding the bike for long distances, it didn’t smoothen out.

The V-Strom SX has great handling dynamics and tips into corners very easily. The tyres offer good grip while cornering. They can make you feel a bit unsettled at high speeds but it’s not a deal breaker. The chassis offers superb balance and the bike feels very compact when you’re on the move. The brakes offer good bite but the sharpness faded away after just a couple of thousand kilometres during our road tests. 

The V-Strom SX is more of a sports tourer than a full-blown ADV and the suspension setup does a good job absorbing the usual bumps and potholes. It does a good job over some minor off-road trails but not that suited for longer or more technical trails and proper off-road rides. 

The upright ergonomics are what makes this a great tourer. The flat and wide handlebar and mid-set footpegs means you’ll always be sitting with a comfortable posture all day long. The sculpted fuel tank makes you feel like you’re part of the bike, which makes the bike engaging to ride as well. Shorter riders might find the 835mm tall seat height a bit difficult to manage, especially when trying to flat-foot the bike. So, opting for the optional 810mm seat should sort out this issue.

The bike has an LCD instrument console with the speedometer, odometer, tachometer and other regular readouts being pretty well laid-out. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS alerts along with turn-by-turn navigation, which is quite handy while touring. You can also keep your phone charged at all times with the USB-C charging port. 

The V-Strom SX offers a good blend of eye-catching looks, top-notch build quality, mile-munching performance, excellent riding dynamics and comfortable and spacious seating position. Sure, it has its share of faults. But, if you don’t think of this bike as an ADV and are looking for a great 250cc tourer, then the Suzuki V-Strom SX will be a good option to consider.