Trust Suzuki to pull a rabbit out of their hat when no one’s expecting. The launch of the India-spec V-Strom 250 SX took everyone by surprise. Suzuki has specifically developed the V-Strom 250 SX for the Indian market but the one that is on sale overseas utilizes a twin-cylinder engine configuration that harks back to the Inazuma 250. The V-Strom 250 SX’s price is pegged at INR 2.11 Lakh and here’s everything that you need to know about this latest Japanese ADV-tourer:
Design
Suzuki has borrowed design cues from the V-Strom 1050 and DR-BIG while composing the V-Strom 250 SX. While it does look like it is meant for exploring uncharted territories, the overall design is slim as compared to other ADVs in its class. A sharp beak, tank extensions and edgy body panels make the V-Strom 250 SX look streamlined. A large windscreen and knuckle guards coupled with the headlight unit sourced from the Gixxer 250 complete its athletic look. This Japanese ADV can be had in three colours, Champion Yellow No. 2, Pearl Blaze Orange, and Glass Sparkle Black.
Features
Since it is going to compete with some seriously feature-packed ADVs out there, Suzuki had to load the V-Strom 250 SX with enough tech wizardry. And they have done just that as the V-Strom 250 SX comes with Bluetooth connectivity via the Suzuki Ride Connect app which lets you access features like SMS alert, WhatsApp alert, incoming call, turn-by-turn navigation, phone battery level display, speed exceeding waring and also, estimated time of arrival. It also comes with Suzuki Easy Start System and a USB outlet on the left side of the instrument console.
Powertrain
While the International-spec V-Strom 250 utilizes the same 250cc parallel-twin motor found in the Inazuma 250, Suzuki couldn’t have trodden the same path in the Indian market. The story of Inazuma’s failure in India is still fresh in our minds. Lucky for us, the engine found in the V-Strom 250 SX is the same 249 cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled single overhead cam (SOHC), four-valve mill that is found in the Gixxer 250 series.
This powertrain is good enough to belt out 26 bhp at 9,300 rpm and 22.2 Nm of peak torque at 7,300 rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed tranny but the overall difference in performance could be felt, given that the V-Strom 250 SX is a whole 11 kg heavier than the Gixxer.
Getting under the skin
The change in ergonomics and geometry has resulted in the seat height climbing up to 835mm which might pose a hindrance for shorter riders. It is suspended on a telescopic fork up front which gets a minuscule 120mm of travel. At the rear, suspension duties are handled by 7-step adjustable monoshock. The overall suspension travel might give you second thoughts about its off-roading capabilities but its ground clearance of 205mm brings some relief into the mix. Discs on both ends and non-switchable dual-channel ABS look after the braking department. The V-Strom 250 SX rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast aluminium wheels.
Pricing and rivals
The ex-showroom price of this latest adventurous kid on the block is pegged at INR 2,11,600. It is around INR 30,000 dearer than its naked sibling but on the other hand, it is around INR 25,000 more affordable than one of its direct rivals – the KTM 250 Adventure.
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