As a journalist who has ridden everything from a Splendor to a Superbike on Indian blacktop, let me tell you, the Adventure Tourer segment is the most exciting space right now. People want one bike that can handle the city’s broken roads on Monday and the Himalayas on a weekend.
Suzuki, with its pedigree, stepped into this crowded quarter-litre segment with the V-Strom SX . But unlike its bigger, more serious siblings, this one is built on the trusty Gixxer 250 platform. It’s a road-biased ADV, an ‘Adventure Crossover,’ that promises big bike looks and Japanese reliability without the huge price tag.
But does it deliver? We rode it hard through city traffic, open highways, and some seriously bad stretches to give you the real verdict.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 starts at an Ex-Showroom price of approximately ₹2.00 Lakh. Let’s dive in and see if this price is justified for what you get.
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine | 249cc, Single-Cylinder, Oil-Cooled, SOHC |
| Max Power | 26.5 PS} 9300 rpm} |
| Max Torque | 22.2Nm} 7300 rpm} |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 167 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 Litres |
| Brakes | Front & Rear Disc with Dual Channel ABS |
| Tyres | 19-inch Front, 17-inch Rear (Alloy Wheels) |
| Claimed Mileage (ARAI) | 32(Owner-reported closer to 36 |
EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE: The ‘Beak’ Identity
The first thing anyone notices is that unmistakable “Beak”—a classic V-Strom design cue borrowed from its larger $1050 \text{XT}$ sibling. It instantly gives the SX the aggressive, tall-stance identity of an Adventure bike, even if its underpinnings are pure street fighter.
- Headlight Unit: The all-LED headlight cluster is compact and distinct, giving it a modern, rugged face.
- Stance: The bike stands tall. The 835 mm seat height is definitely on the higher side, which can be intimidating for shorter riders (those under 5’8″ will struggle for a flat-foot). However, it’s what gives it that commanding road presence.
- Wheels: It runs on a typical ADV setup: a larger 19-inch alloy wheel at the front and a 17-inch alloy at the rear. I appreciate that they provided alloy wheels for better road riding, but a spoken wheel option for serious off-roaders would have been a bonus.
- Build Quality: The fit and finish are pure Japanese—tight, consistent, and reliable. Nothing rattles, even when tackling bad roads, which is a big win in the Indian context.
Does it turn heads? Absolutely. Especially in the brighter colours, it looks like a much larger, more expensive motorcycle. It’s an instant upgrade in road respect compared to a standard street naked.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS: The Gixxer DNA
The heart of the V-Strom SX is the proven 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine from the Gixxer 250 series. This is where Suzuki played it safe, and it’s a smart move. This engine is legendary for its refinement and reliability.
City Ride: Smooth Operator
In city traffic, the V-Strom SX feels effortless.
- Refinement: The engine is exceptionally smooth. You can trundle along in second or third gear without any stuttering or knocking, which is fantastic for our bumper-to-bumper commutes. Vibrations are minimal, only creeping in past the $8000 \text{ rpm}$ mark.
- Low-End Torque: Torque delivery is linear and readily available. You don’t have to constantly work the 6-speed gearbox to make quick overtakes, which is a relief.
- Clutch/Steering: The clutch pull is light, making long commutes less tiring. The steering is quick enough for weaving through traffic, thanks to its relatively light kerb weight of 167 kg (lighter than many of its rivals).
Highway Drive: The Cruiser Test
This is an ADV, so highway cruising is critical.
- Cruising Speed: The V-Strom SX is very comfortable cruising between andThe engine feels relaxed, and the windscreen does a decent job of deflecting the windblast off your chest.
- Stability: Stability at is excellent. The longer wheelbase (1440 mm) and the 19-inch front wheel give it a planted, secure feel. You don’t get that nervous twitchiness that some lighter bikes exhibit.
- Suspension: The suspension setup uses telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. They are on the softer side, tuned perfectly for the Indian urban environment. The suspension absorbs potholes easily… and manages speed breakers without jarring your spine. While this is great for comfort, it does introduce a noticeable degree of body roll when you push it hard into corners on a winding highway. This isn’t a sportbike, and you’re reminded of it here.
COMFORT & FEATURES: Practicality Wins
The V-Strom SX scores highly on touring practicality, but it does miss a few premium touches.
Ergonomics & Comfort
- Riding Posture: The ergonomics are spot-on for long-distance touring. The upright seating position, wide handlebars, and slightly rear-set footpegs create a neutral rider triangle that is easy on the wrists and back.
- Seat: The split seat is wide and well-cushioned. The pillion seat is also very generous, making this a genuinely comfortable bike for two-up riding, unlike some of its rivals.
- Ground Clearance: The 205 mm ground clearance is a game-changer. It means you can tackle rough patches, river crossings, and oversized speed breakers without scraping the underbelly. This clearance is arguably the V-Strom SX’s biggest practical advantage.
Features Checklist
The features list is functional, though it uses a basic LCD console instead of a flashy TFT screen.
- Digital Console: It gets a full digital display. It’s legible even in bright sunlight, but it’s a simple monochrome unit.
- Connectivity: Suzuki provides its Ride Connect Bluetooth system, offering turn-by-turn navigation (which is essential for touring), call/SMS alerts, and other basic functions.
- Charging: It comes equipped with a USB charging port, which is a must-have for modern tourers.
- Missing Features: While it covers the basics, I wish Suzuki had included features like Traction Control (found on some rivals) or a Slipper Clutch, which would significantly enhance its sporty riding credentials, especially in a 250cc ADV.
SAFETY & BUILD: Japanese Dependability
While the V-Strom SX doesn’t have a Global NCAP rating (as bikes don’t typically undergo this testing), we look at structural and component safety.
- Chassis: The bike uses a reliable diamond frame chassis, a known quantity from Suzuki that offers predictability and stiffness.
- Brakes: It gets disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, paired with a Dual Channel ABS system. This is a crucial safety feature, especially on unpredictable surfaces like sand, gravel, or wet roads, giving the rider maximum confidence and control during hard braking.
- Weight: At 167 kg, it’s a manageable weight, making it easier to pick up if it falls and less cumbersome during slow off-road maneuvers compared to heavier ADV bikes.
REAL WORLD MILEAGE: The Truth
ARAI figures are rarely what you get on the road. The official ARAI Claimed Mileage for the V-Strom SX is 3mpHowever, through our testing and owner-reported data, we found a much more encouraging picture thanks to Suzuki’s efficiency-focused SEP (Suzuki Eco Performance) engine technology.
| Riding Condition | Mileage Figure | Notes |
| ARAI Claimed | 32 kmpl | Tested under ideal lab conditions. |
| Real World City | 34 – 36 kmp | Steady city riding with average traffic. |
| Real World Highway | 37 – 40 kmp | Cruising between 90-100 kmph. |
| Tank Range | 430 km | Based on a 12-litre tank and 36 verage. |
The real mileage in city traffic is consistently around 36which is excellent for a 250cc motorcycle. This makes the V-Strom SX a highly fuel-efficient option in the quarter-litre ADV space, reducing your running costs significantly.
Read more : Yamaha MT-15
THE COMPETITION: V-Strom SX vs The Rivals
In the fiercely contested entry-level ADV/Crossover market, the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 faces two very strong, distinct rivals: the off-road-focused KTM 250 Adventure and the retro-modern Yezdi Adventure.
Suzuki V-Strom SX vs KTM 250 Adventure vs Yezdi Adventure
| Feature | Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 | KTM 250 Adventure | Yezdi Adventure |
| Engine (CC) | 249cc, Oil-Cooled | 248.8cc, Liquid-Cooled | 334cc, Liquid-Cooled |
| Max Power (PS) | 26.5 PS | 30 PS | 30.2 { PS |
| Max Torque (Nm) | 22.2 Nm | 24Nm | 29.9 Nm |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 167 kg (Lightest) | 177 kg | 188 kg (Heaviest) |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 205 mm | 200 mm | 220 mm (Highest) |
| Suspension | Telescopic Forks | USD Forks | Telescopic Forks |
| Starting Price (Ex-S) | ₹2.00 Lakh}(Cheapest) | ₹2.40Lakh | ₹2.00 Lakh} |
Winner: Which One Provides Better Value For Money (VFM)?
- Choose KTM 250 Adventure if: You prioritize outright performance, better tech (USD forks, better display), and a more aggressive, faster-revving liquid-cooled engine. You pay a substantial premium for the KTM badge and its performance edge.
- Choose Yezdi Adventure if: You are a serious off-roader who needs maximum ground clearance (220 mm) and a larger, more torquey engine for lugging gear, and you prefer a retro/classic design language.
- Choose Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 if: You want reliability, refinement, and low running costs. It’s the smartest all-rounder. The V-Strom offers Japanese refinement, the best overall mileage, the lightest kerb weight, and the most comfortable highway cruising experience for the price. It’s the best Crossover ADV for road use andtrail fun. It is, arguably, the better VFM package for the average Indian rider.
FINAL VERDICT: The Pragmatic Choice
The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 is not an extreme off-roader, and it’s not a blisteringly fast performance machine. It is a brilliant, dependable, and highly practical all-rounder that blends the Gixxer’s potent and refined engine with comfortable ADV ergonomics. Is it worth the price tag? For someone seeking a refined, low-maintenance touring partner with excellent real-world mileage and the capability to handle any bad road, the answer is a resounding yes.
Buy it if:
- You want Japanese reliability and engine refinement for a smooth, stress-free ownership experience.
- You prioritize real-world mileage over peak performance (getting a genuine $36 \text{ kmpl}$ is a huge win).
- You need excellent ground clearance (205 mm) and comfortable ergonomics for long-distance touring and pillion comfort.
Skip it if:
- You are a short rider (835 mm seat height will be a struggle).
- You are an extreme off-roader who needs long-travel suspension and a spoke wheel setup.
- You absolutely must have premium features like a colourful TFT screen or aggressive performance figures like the KTM.
A fantastic, pragmatic choice for the Indian Adventure Tourer market.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: What is the exact On-Road Price of the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250?
A: The Ex-Showroom price starts at approximately ₹2.00 Lakh} The On-Road Price varies significantly by city, but in a metro like New Delhi or Bangalore, expect it to be around ₹2.25 Lakh} ₹2.40 Lakh} including RTO, insurance, and taxes.
Q: What is the service interval and cost for the V-Strom SX?
A: Being a Suzuki, the service costs are generally lower and the reliability is higher than some European rivals. The initial service intervals are typically every 4,500km} 5,000 km after the first free service. Expect a routine service to cost in the range of ₹1,500 to } ₹2,500, which is quite pocket-friendly.
Q: Does the V-Strom SX 250 have a slipper clutch?
A: No, the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 does not come with a Slipper Clutch, which is a notable omission compared to some rivals. It features a standard wet multi-plate clutch, which is smooth and functional, but lacks the aggressive downshift assist of a slipper unit.
Q: Is the V-Strom SX 250 good for daily city commuting?
A: Yes, it is excellent for city commuting. Its light weight (167 kg), refined engine, light clutch, and high ground clearance make it easy to maneuver, manage broken roads, and handle city traffic comfortably while delivering good mileage.