Suzuki’s V-Strom SX is one for the road

Suzuki has finally launched the V-Strom SX, its first foray into the quarter-litre adventure touring segment. The company refers to it as a ‘Sport Adventure Tourer’ which is interesting as it is based on the exciting and proven Gixxer 250 platform. It is similar to the Gixxer 250, yet different. So, what is the same and what is the difference between the two?

Firstly, what Suzuki has done is taken the main frame of the Gixxer 250 and made some modifications to the mounting points to accommodate the new bodywork. However, the subframe is brand new. The chassis is unchanged and so is the fuel tank capacity, which is 12 liters small for an adventure touring motorcycle. The headlight and indicators remain the same as the Gixxer 250, while the tail lights seem to be different from the previous 155cc Gixxer.

The fork and preload adjustable monoshock are both similar to the Gixxer, down to the amount of travel. However, the swingarm is newer and longer. In addition, the point where the front axle connects to the bottom of the fork is off-set to make it easier to accommodate the 19-inch front wheel. These tweaks have added 100mm to the wheelbase, taking it down to 1,440mm.

Like the chassis, the 249cc, oil-cooled engine also remains unchanged and is in the same condition as the Gixxer 250. The internal gearing and final drive sprocket sizes are also identical.

Ergonomics has seen a major change; The seat height has increased by 35 mm to 835 mm – longer, but still not as high as the KTM 250 Adventure’s 855 mm. The handlebar is all new and the footpegs have been pushed forward a bit.

It gets a decently sized aluminum top box rack as well as bungee hooks on the pillion footrest hanger.

In short, the V-Strom is a product of cost-conscious platform sharing, and its transformation from a road naked bike to an adventure motorcycle is admirable – visually, of course.

V-Strom SX Style: Fresh Look, Feature Packed

The styling of the V-Strom SX draws clear inspiration from the V-Strom 1050. The shape of the bodywork is primarily a flat surface with a few creases, whether it’s the beak under the headlight, the fuel tank, or the plastic extensions attached beneath it. It’s a similar story with the shape of the tail panels.

There’s also a non-adjustable windscreen, and it does a decent job of deflecting air over the head up to the chest area.

The layout and positioning of the LCD display makes it easy to read even when the sun is up. The unit includes Bluetooth connectivity features such as call and message alerts or turn-by-turn navigation. Another feature is the USB charger which is available as standard, but the current port cover is a bit flimsy to use.

V-Strom SX Engine: Smooth and Sublime

The engine of the Gixxer 250 is undoubtedly one of its strongest features and so is the case with the V-Strom SX. What is impressive is its excellent refinement and tractability that allows you to ride the bike comfortably in the city, without the need to change gears frequently. However, given the untuned state of the engine (from the Gixxer), you’ll really have to rev it up to reach all of its performance on the highways. The good news is that you will never get tired of doing this because of how comfortable the engine feels at high speeds. It should appeal to those looking for a sporty streak in their quarter-litre adventure touring motorcycle.

Importantly, at 80kph in sixth gear, the engine feels quiet. At that speed there is no vibration and even a steady 100-120kph doesn’t cause much stress on the engine. In addition, the performance starts to degrade.

V-Strom SX Ridability: Comfort Class

Suzuki has managed to overcome the rider’s triangle on this motorcycle keeping in mind the commuting and touring application. The seat is flat, wide, and quite roomy, even for a rider 6 feet tall. The new handlebar is located at comfortable reach from the seat and even the footpegs are not too far back. The riding position is comfortable enough that even after spending about a day in the saddle, you’re unlikely to feel tired or back pain.

As far as ergonomics is concerned, when you’re pegged and riding offroad, you’ll notice that the handlebars are placed slightly below ideal, especially for taller riders. This forces you to lean further than is comfortable to reach the handlebars.

That said, the 19-inch front wheel and MRF Mogrip Meteor tires give this bike the capability and grip needed to ride on a mild mud trail. In fact, with a ground clearance of 205mm, the V-Strom SX should be able to tackle the thicker stuff. However, the limiting factor is the suspension. It’s set up for road use and with just 120mm of travel in the front, you’ll do well to steer clear of mounds or climb rocks. On mild off-road trails, you’ll still have a great time.

The bottom line is that the V-Strom is a fine road-biased machine and the way it rides and handles is testament to that.

V-Strom SX Chassis: Stable and Predictable

Suzuki usually gets the chassis set-up on its motorcycles and it also gets the V-Strom SX. The bike feels comfortably mounted on the straights at high speeds as well as when leaning into a corner. Best of all, the front end of a bike running on the 19-inch front wheel doesn’t feel as numb. Also, while the tires provide ample amount of grip, the tire pattern adds to the road noise, which you will have to bear.

Ride quality, however, feels harsh at low speeds, but thankfully improves as you move at higher speeds on bumpy roads. The Gixxer 250 is being braked again, leaving almost nothing to complain about as there is a generous amount of bite and feedback available.

V-Strom SX Verdict: Eye of the Strom

The V-Strom SX has all the strong qualities of the Gixxer 250 and is bundled with a more spacious, upright and comfortable riding position. As a road tourer, the V-Strom SX is, perhaps, one of the most efficient options you will find at this price point. As far as off-road ADV capability is concerned, however, a 19-inch front wheel and 205mm of ground clearance is about it. It is not an off-road ready motorcycle and is essentially a Gixxer 250 on stilts. It makes for a good commuting as well as highway machine, albeit at a premium of ₹30,000 over a naked machine on the road.

In fact, at ₹2.11 lakh, it undercuts its primary rival, the KTM 250 Adventure, by ₹25,000, even though it certainly isn’t as capable off-road as the Austrian bike. V-Strom badge-worthy, then? Actually it is not so. What it is, is a good tarmac-touring bike with all the quality and reliability you can associate with a Japanese motorcycle.