Suzuki V Strom :Everything you want to know about ADV News, Photos & Exclusive stories.

The Suzuki V-Strom name may have gained fame as a tourer but the V-Strom 800DE is a new breed altogether. From it's touring-friendly origins, the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE 2024 has evolved into a beast that can not just do hundreds of kilometres in a day but get down and dirty offroad, at the same time. Is it too good to be true? Karan Mathur has been itching to find out if it can do more than just tootling about on city streets looking cool. And cool, 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE definitely looks. So the gloves are ON and it’s time to start riding.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE On & Off-Road Review | Only Motorcycle You Will Ever Need? | 2024 India | autoX

The Suzuki V-Strom name may have gained fame as a tourer but the V-Strom 800DE is a new breed altogether. From it's touring-friendly origins, the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE 2024 has evolved into a beast that can not just do hundreds of kilometres in a day but get down and dirty offroad, at the same time.

Is it an ADV? Is it a Gixxer 250 on stilts? Can it do long-distance touring? Is it capable off-road? We've finally ridden the brand-new Suzuki V-Strom SX to answer all of your queries!

Entry-level ADVs are to motorcyclists what lollipops are to kids. You don’t really know if they solve the purpose or if it’s a mere distraction to keep you away from big and expensive toys, but as long as you’ve got one in your mouth, it’s a sweet feeling.

The brand-new Suzuki V-Strom SX is a bit like that. On paper, it comes across as a little underwhelming. For starters, it’s not a hardcore ADV, it shares the same 250cc engine and other bits and bobs with its naked Gixxer sibling, and there aren’t any real off-road frills that will make you go W-O-W. However, at the same time, if you aren’t very choosy and are on a budget, the V-Strom SX has got everything that’ll keep you calm and content.

Mini V-Strom or Gixxer Max?

<img alt="2022 Suzuki V Strom SX 250 side design" height="720" src="/uploads/2022/05/2022-Suzuki-V-Strom-SX-250-side-design.jpg" width="1280" />

While this quarter-litre ADV features V-Strom badging, it’s not as Strom-y as its elder siblings. Under the skin, it shares much of its components with the Gixxer SF. Think of it as a naked motorcycle with an outdoorsy and adventurous outfit. That’s not to say that it looks unimaginative or commonplace though. In fact, if you ask me, the design of the baby V-Strom is one of its main USPs.

Keeping up with its ADV traditions, the V-Strom SX features a long beak, a small windscreen, knuckle guards, a big 19-inch front wheel, and an aluminium luggage rack (which can hold up to 6kgs of load) at the back. The meaty semi-block pattern MRF Mogrip tyres further show that it is adventure-ready. According to <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/suzuki/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, the frame has been tweaked slightly and the swingarm is new. The wheelbase has been stretched by 100mm – 1,440mm vs Gixxer’s 1,340mm. The rake angle is also relatively relaxed at 27-degrees. The full-LED headlamp unit and the 12-litre fuel tank are lifted directly from the current Gixxer’s parts bin, while the tail lamp comes from the old Gixxer. Overall, it’s a compact and cohesive design. No panel on it looks out-of-place or a last-minute thought. Long story short, it’s a good-looking ADV and one that’s got the V-Strom DNA in its design.

The instrument cluster is a basic LCD display like the one offered with the Gixxer. It’s got a digital tach, speedo, gear-position indicator, a clock, fuel level indicator, and usual tell-tale lights. However, the V-Strom SX brings Suzuki Ride Connect Bluetooth connectivity to the mix, meaning you can pair your phone and use turn-by-turn navigation, get call alerts, and more. You do also get a USB outlet. The plastic quality of switchgear and general fit-and-finish is satisfactory if not remarkable. As expected, the standard features are quite basic, albeit functionality wise there’s nothing more that you can expect from a bike at this price point, competing in its segment.

Grunt Business

<img alt="2022 Suzuki V Strom SX 250 review" height="720" src="/uploads/2022/05/2022-Suzuki-V-Strom-SX-250-review.jpg" width="1280" />

The baby V-Strom draws power from the same oil-cooled 249cc single-cylinder engine that also does duty in the Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250. Power output and torque figures are identical at 26.3bhp and 22.2Nm. The drive is channelled to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox. There’s no slipper clutch if you’re wondering.

Performance-wise, it’s a familiar affair. Like the Gixxer, the V-Strom’s powertrain offers crisp throttle response, and punchy performance at low rpm, followed by a slightly flat-ish mid-range, and then a strong surge post 6,000rpm. It isn’t exactly exciting but the kind of performance that’s on offer here is more than enough for all occasions. The six-speed gearbox has short ratios for the first three gears, so you have to work the gearbox quite often.

More than the gearbox, though, it’s the vibrations from the engine that force you to upshift quickly. From 5,000rpm upwards, you’ll notice the footpegs and bars start buzzing and the NVH levels increase progressively as the revs climb. This can bother you over long distances. Since I got to ride the motorcycle only in the hills – barely got to do triple-digit speeds for longer durations – it remains to be seen if the V-Strom SX can cruise effortlessly on highways. That said, there’s definitely more speed in the engine to offer, so hitting 120km/h or speeds above shouldn’t be a problem. What’s more, you’ll be comfortable cruising on it at high speeds because, dynamically, the SX is a potent tool. &nbsp;

The suspension is stiff, and the ride quality is on the firmer side. It doesn’t get uncomfortable or jarring at any point, but it isn’t as plush as the RE <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/royal-enfield/himalayan/" target="_blank">Himalayan</a>. This rigidity, however, helps it around the bends as the V-Strom SX is a great handler. Despite featuring a 19-inch front wheel, it flows in corners rather beautifully. Sure, it isn’t as sharp or quick turning during side-to-side transitions as the Gixxer, but it isn’t a lousy ADV.

If there’s one thing that I can’t really wrap my head around here, it’s got to be the choice of tyres on this motorcycle. Suzuki surely knows that the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/suzuki/v-strom-sx/" target="_blank">V-Strom SX</a> is an adventure tourer that’s primarily going to be ridden on the tarmac, so why would they fit it with semi-block pattern MRF MOGRIP tyres? Now, the tyres aren’t bad per se, but they don’t inspire enough confidence, and the grip isn’t that great either, especially at full tilt. From what I understand, the lack of options (since it’s a 19-incher) might have forced Suzuki to opt for these tyres.

Can it do ADV-enture?

<img alt="2022 Suzuki V Strom SX 250 off road" height="720" src="/uploads/2022/05/2022-Suzuki-V-Strom-SX-250-off-road.jpg" width="1280" />

So, the V-Strom is all good on the road and that was, kind of expected. But is it as good off-road? Well, there’s no straightforward answer. And that’s both a good and a bad thing.

Let’s start with the least impressive bits first. Now, even though it looks like an adventure-ready motorcycle with a long-travel suspension, this isn’t actually the case. The front forks have only 120mm of travel and if you compare this to the Himalayan, it’s 80mm less! And that means there’s a good chance of the V-Strom quickly running out of travel and bottoming out while doing jumps or going over big rocks.&nbsp; Secondly, the riding position is not suited for off-road riding – the bars are placed too low, and the exhaust constantly rubs against your heel when you’re standing up on pegs. This means you can’t really ride it like that for a very long time.

It’s also got a seat height of 835mm, which makes it substantially taller than the Himalayan’s saddle at 800mm. Then, there’s the ABS, it’s not switchable and the system kicks in rather aggressively when it detects slip, which again isn’t that great when you’re on loose surfaces. Lastly, the brakes have a very wooden feel, and there’s no initial bite. This is something that you notice on the tarmac as well. So, overall, the Vstrom SX is not an outright off-roader or as rugged as a Himalayan, that’s for sure.

That said, there are a couple of things that are very likeable about the V-Strom when you take it off-road. First off, it’s a lightweight motorcycle. It weighs just 167 kilograms – which makes it more than 30 kilograms lighter than the Himalayan. This is quite evident on the move as the Suzuki is much lighter and easier to handle off-road. Next up is the ground clearance of 205mm, which is more than adequate for light-off roading. As for the suspension, it may not have a lot of travel, but it’s taut and firm and this results in a&nbsp;communicative and planted front-end feel when you’re riding over uneven surfaces. The tyres are very grippy, too. And the best part is the engine’s tractability. Even at speeds below 30km/h, it pulls effortlessly in 2nd gear and the low-end grunt is strong. On the whole, with a couple of modifications, I feel the V-Strom can be turned into a very capable and enjoyable off-roader.

Verdict

<img alt="2022 Suzuki V Strom SX 250 road trip" height="720" src="/uploads/2022/05/2022-Suzuki-V-Strom-SX-250-road-trip.jpg" width="1280" />

Before jumping to conclusions, let’s be very clear that the V-Strom SX is not a hardcore adventure motorcycle – neither is it promoted like that. What it actually is, well, it’s a relaxed sports tourer that’s inspired by the company’s premium V-Strom range of adventure motorcycles.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say that I wasn’t particularly blown away by the V-Strom SX, but it was rather pleasantly surprising. It’s not a thrilling ADV, but one that’s balanced in virtually all departments. And the icing on the cake is its pricing – at Rs 2.11 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s a pretty tempting proposition. Yes, it’s a make-shift arrangement (lollipop, remember?)&nbsp;instead of an actual ADV, but at the same time, it’s got plenty of flavours to keep you entertained before you’re ready to upgrade to an actual V-Strom.

[tabs]

[tab title="Suzuki V-Strom SX 250"]

Engine: 249cc / Single-Cylinder / Oil-Cooled

Transmission: 6-Speed

Power: 26.3bhp @ 9,300rpm

Torque: 22.2Nm @ 7,300rpm

Price: ₹2.11 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)

X-Factor: &nbsp;The Suzuki V-Strom SX is more than the sum of its parts, for it is a very well-rounded ADV than can do-it-all.

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Pros &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
			•&nbsp;Punchy performance 
			• Comfort 
			• Handling
			</td>
			<td>
			Cons 
			• Not an off-roader 
			• Engine vibrations

			&nbsp;
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

[/tab]

[/tabs]

Also read,

<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/suzuki-v-strom-sx-launched-at-rs-211-lakh-110905/">Suzuki V-Strom SX launched at Rs 2.11 lakh</a>

<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/bs6-suzuki-v-strom-650-xt-launched-108708/">BS6 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT launched</a>

Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 Review: First Ride

Is it an ADV? Is it a Gixxer on stilts? Can it do long-distance touring? Is it capable off-road? We've finally ridden the brand-new Suzuki V-Strom SX to answer all of your queries!

Priced at Rs 8.84 lakh, the BS6 Suzuki V-Strom is Rs 1.38 lakh more expensive than its predecessor. Suzuki has updated the 645cc V-twin to meet the new BS6 emission norms and it continues to feature ABS and a three-mode traction control system 

After showcasing it at the Auto Expo 2020, Suzuki Motorcycles India listed the BS6 V-Strom 650 XT on their official website in April. Since then there has been ample of reports about its launch date. Well, the updated V-Strom 650 is finally here and it is the first Suzuki big bike to be BS6 compliant. The Japanese marquee has priced the V-Strom 650 XT at Rs 8.84 lakh – that’s a substantial Rs 1.38 lakh more than the outgoing model.

Speaking about the launch, Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “V-Strom has made its own following in India. The ultimate adventure tourer has proved its mettle in the highway touring capabilities while exploring different terrains. It is truly a masterpiece with the ultimate balance provided by the natural riding position, comfortable seat and the flexible engine character. This is our first BS6 compliant big bike and we are confident that this cleaner and greener motorcycle will continue to win people’s hearts with its performance and maneuverability as it hit the Indian roads”.

Powering the V-Strom 650 XT is the same 645cc V-twin. Suzuki hasn’t officially revealed the power and torque figures, but we don’t expect to see a major change from the previous 71bhp and 62Nm. Aside from the engine, everything else too remains largely unchanged. The design continues to sport an identical stubby beak at the front with the diamond-shaped headlight above it. The fuel tank, seat, exhaust and the contrast golden wheel are the same as before. In terms of tech, the V-Strom gets ABS as standard, along with three-levels of traction control (including a disengage option). Surprisingly, it still misses out on LED headlamps and a fully-digital instrument cluster – features that are now becoming standard in more affordable motorcycles. &nbsp;

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 competes against the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650. The latter has already been updated to meet the BS6 emission norms and is priced at Rs 6.79 lakh.

Also Read:

<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/2020-kawasaki-versys-650-bs6-launched-at-679-lakh-108247/">2020 Kawasaki Versys 650 BS6 launched at ₹6.79 lakh</a>

<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/ducati-multistrada-950s-bs6-launched-at-rs-1549-lakh-108588/">Ducati Multistrada 950S BS6 launched at Rs 15.49 lakh</a>

BS6 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT launched

Priced at Rs 8.84 lakh, the BS6 Suzuki V-Strom is Rs 1.38 lakh more expensive than its predecessor. Suzuki has updated the 645cc V-twin to meet the new BS6 emission norms and it continues to feature ABS and a three-mode traction control system

A recent video from Suzuki teases a motorcycle that is scheduled to be unveiled on 5th November. Although they don’t officially reveal the name of the motorcycle, certain video elements hint at it being the new V-Strom 

A few days back, Suzuki released a rather mysterious video which showed some really random clips glued together. The video commences with the visual of a man placing a watch and a Suzuki key on a table, followed by him texting a friend about going riding. Subsequent visuals are of jogging, fishing and hiking. When this cryptic teaser was released, it was hard to decode the motorcycle in question. In retrospect though, it has adventure written all over it. And the second teaser only makes it obvious.

The motorcycle teased in both these videos is quite possibly the V-Strom. And the biggest innuendo is without a hint of doubt the ‘V’ beam of light at the start. Subsequent clips reveal an adjustable windscreen, knuckle guards, and a large fuel tank – all of which are pretty similar to the DL1000 V-Strom. Moving on to the lower half of the motorcycle, a bash plate and grippy off-road focused foot-pegs are also visible. The red-orange-white colour combination seems to pay homage to the 80’s DR 800. &nbsp;

&nbsp;While each of these aspects somewhat hint at the motorcycle being a V-Strom, there is still a debate of it being a litre class or something smaller. Our bet is on the latter – the small-ish engine casing is a major indicator. Suzuki is all set to unveil the new V-Strom on 5th November at the EICMA Show in Milan.

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<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/supercharged-kawasaki-z-h2-four-cylinder-ninja-zx-25r-revealed-106729/" title="Supercharged Kawasaki Z H2 &amp; four-cylinder Ninja ZX-25R revealed">Supercharged Kawasaki Z H2 &amp; four-cylinder Ninja ZX-25R revealed</a>

EICMA 2019: Suzuki to unveil a new V-Strom on 5th November

A recent video from Suzuki teases a motorcycle that is scheduled to be unveiled on 5th November. Although they don’t officially reveal the name of the motorcycle, certain video elements hint at it being the new V-Strom

Suzuki V Strom

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE On & Off-Road Review | Only Motorcycle You Will Ever Need? | 2024 India | autoX

Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 Review: First Ride

BS6 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT launched

EICMA 2019: Suzuki to unveil a new V-Strom on 5th November

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