Suzuki V-Strom 250 Review (2017)
What Is It?
The Suzuki V-Strom 250 is an A2 licence friendly small adventure style bike and is powered by a Euro 4 compliant liquid cooled 248 cc parallel twin engine, producing 24.7 bhp at 8,000 rpm and maximum torque at 6,500 rpm. It's the same engine as the GSX-250R.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (800 mm / 31.5 inches)
- Weight: Average (188 kg / 415 lbs)
- Economy: Very good (85 mpg / 3.3 l/100km / 30.1 km/l)
- Range: Very high (320 miles / 515 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.133 bhp/kg / 0.099 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Average (85 mph / 137 km/h)
Pros
- Capable all-rounder
- Light
Cons
- Limited power and electronics
What Is It Like?
What's Good?
The V-Strom 250 (DL250) has an engine which originates from the Suzuki Inazuma 250 and outputs 25 bhp with maximum torque at 6,500rpm. It probably does not seem a lot, but once once you are riding it this seems to pale into insignificance if you ride to the laws of the land.
The little V-Strom offers a light weight (188kg) and low seat height (800mm) package which is capable of keeping up with other traffic and even the odd, well planned, overtake! Whilst returning a commendable 90mpg in real world riding.
Dash
The package includes a negative LCD display showing gear position, fuel range and service schedules. It's easily reset by pushing in the sel button and turning the ignition on. The seat is all day comfy and the gearbox is typical Suzuki - light and precise.
Any Downsides?
Well the first one is the running in period. Not so much the length at 600 miles, but more so the speed. 125cc learner bikes and de-restricted 50cc mopeds will over take you if you ride the letter of the manual.
I can confirm I did not follow the manual and I can confirm the engine did not blow up and the valve clearances were fine at the first service. Which is another point, the valve clearances need checking and adjusting at every service. Fortunately this is a quick screwdriver and feeler gauge affair.
Handling
The DL250 performs superbly, is lightweight and nimble on its IRC tyres. I've never heard of them and to be honest I would much prefer a better brand of tyre. And that is where an issue appears - the tyre sizes really reduce your options. In fact the choice is:
- Bridgestone BT45
- Pirelli Sport Demon
So not a lot! The stock tyres are fine, though if you do a lot of wet riding the Pirelli offer a lot more grip.
Mods
The options list is reasonable, if not cheap. The official top box is £310 vs a standard top box from the dealer at £55 fitted! I have fitted a centre stand for £120, which offers decent value for the quality and functionality.
Also hand guards, although I have fitted the DL650 set at £65 vs £140 for the ‘knuckle guard set’ designed for the DL250. Although your dealer will need to put bar ends on with a longer thread. The DL650 ones also don’t have holes in them - so they actually keep the wind off your hands.
To Sum Up
If you want a light weight, low seat height and economical package in an adventure bike form this could be the one for you!
- Nigel H, 2017
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Suzuki GSX-250R - Sports bike with the same engine.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.
More Info
Check out this video review from A Very British Biker.