Introduction
Why should I buy it?
- Pleasant Engine
- Exceptional handling abilities
- Strong road presence
Why avoid it, then?
- Stiffness of the ride
- Not very effective windscreen
- High cost
With the exact same engine and the majority of the components from the quarter-liter roadster, the new V-Strom SX is an adventure tourer based on the Suzuki Gixxer 250. However, it also receives additional advantages that are common to adventure tourists. We conducted a thorough road test assessment of this new product from the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer in order to evaluate its levels of comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency. The V-Strom SX’s price premium over the Gixxer 250 is discussed here, along with whether you should choose it over the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Design & Quality
The V-Strom SX is built for touring, and it has the necessary styling cues. As a result, it gets a semi-fairing design, a windscreen, and upright ergonomics to improve comfort. The motorcycle’s ADV styling includes a beak-style front fender, knuckle guards, increased ground clearance, a higher seat height, an engine bash plate, and a rear luggage rack. The ground clearance is 40mm higher, and the saddle is 35mm higher, compared to the Gixxer 250.
All of this contributes to a tall stance and a strong road presence. However, this increases the kerb weight, and the V-Strom SX is six kilogrammes heavier than the naked roadster. On the plus side, despite weighing 167kg, this adventure-tourer carries that weight well and is almost effortless to ride or navigate through traffic.
The V-Strom SX’s appealing design is supported by the reassuring Japanese build quality. As a result, the panels are well-assembled, with no visible uneven gaps. The paintwork appears to be of high quality, and the switchgear on the handlebar operates with a satisfying click. However, the ‘Mode’ and ‘Set’ switches have a rubber cover and require more effort to use while wearing gloves.
The luggage rack and engine bash plate, for example, are of excellent quality and feel strong and sturdy. There were no unpleasant noises from the panels, and our only complaint was about the vibrations from the footpegs, which became noticeable after 6,500rpm.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The comfort level is one of the advantages of the V-Strom SX over its quarter-litre Gixxer branded siblings. The handlebar is set high, and the footpegs are set fairly neutrally, all of which contribute to upright ergonomics. The rider and pillion seats are both large and well-padded, providing adequate comfort during long rides. Then there are front-end components such as the semi-fairing and windscreen to protect against windblasts.
While the package appears to be promising, there is room for improvement. Even though the windscreen is tall, it doesn’t provide much protection from windblasts when cruising at speeds above 100kmph. Because the V-Strom SX uses the same hardware as the Gixxer 250, the ride quality isn’t particularly impressive. As a result, it isn’t very friendly over rough terrain. There is a way to get around the V-Strom SX’s stiff ride quality by standing on the footpegs, but it is easier said than done. Why?
While the handlebar is higher than on the Gixxer 250, taller riders may struggle. I had to lean forward at 5’10” to reach the handlebar while standing on the footpegs. The seat height is also on the higher side, and while I was able to place both of my feet on the ground, people 5’5″ or shorter would struggle on the saddle, especially while moving the motorcycle around in the parking lot. Although the ride quality and ergonomics aren’t the best in the segment, the V-Strom SX makes up for it in terms of performance and handling.
Performance and drivability
The design is a significant departure from the naked roadster and semi-faired versions. The engine, on the other hand, is identical to that of the quarter-litre Gixxer models. Thus, the V-Strom SX’s 249cc, oil-cooled, four-valve engine produces the same 26.1bhp and 22.2Nm of peak torque as the Gixxer 250s. The motor on the V-Strom SX, like the Gixxer 250, feels comfortable above 4,000rpm and there is a noticeable step-up in acceleration above 6,000rpm. Indeed, the motor builds momentum even closer to the redline, making it very engaging and fun to ride.
At highway speeds, the engine is quiet and vibrations are minimal. As a result, you can cruise at 80-90kmph all day. It is also possible to cruise at triple-digit speeds, with the metre happily crossing the 130kmph mark. However, once you pass 90kmph, the sound and vibrations become noticeably louder, and it begins to feel stressed at triple-digit speeds. Meanwhile, the six-speed transmission is crisp and smooth, and we had no problems with it. Furthermore, the light clutch action is a godsend when riding in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
As previously stated, the suspension is stiff and does not effectively smooth out the undulations. The tuning, on the other hand, comes in handy when riding enthusiastically over well-laid surfaces and around corners. True, the 19-inch front wheel and dual-purpose tyres make it less manoeuvrable than the Gixxer 250. Nonetheless, it feels sporty enough to enjoy the twisty roads. Furthermore, the braking system is adequate but not exceptional. While it feels progressive, it lacks the initial bite and thus lacks confidence.
Technology & Features
This Suzuki outperforms the competition in terms of features and technology. An LED headlight, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charger, a single-push start, and dual-channel ABS are all standard features.
The Bluetooth connectivity feature, which works with a dedicated smartphone app, provides turn-by-turn navigation, call, SMS, and WhatsApp notifications, and phone battery level indication on the LCD. The headlight performance is excellent, and the V-Strom SX has a good light spread and throw after dark. The Bluetooth module on the motorcycle, as well as the smartphone app, are simple to understand and use. Our only criticism was the lack of a slipper clutch mechanism and non-switchable ABS.
Fuel Economy
The new V-Strom SX had a 36kmpl fuel economy. This means that with a 12-litre fuel tank, the V-Strom SX can travel 430 kilometres between fill-ups.
Should you buy it?
The V-Strom SX attempts to be a jack of all trades and succeeds admirably. It will transport you to the office while also allowing you to munch miles on the highway. It provides adequate performance and is supported by the reassuring Japanese build quality. However, the stiff suspension setup, poor braking performance, and high price all work against it.
The Gixxer 250, which is nearly Rs 40,000 less expensive, performs most of the same functions as the V-Storm SX. Furthermore, the Royal Enfield Himalayan, which retails in the same price range as the V-Strom SX, is a far more versatile and comfortable motorcycle. This is not good news for the Japanese adventure tourer.
