Suzuki V Strom 250 - Not What It Says on the Tin...

[@georginiuss]

This is my bike, it´s a great bike, it´s fast? no, it has great power, no?, but for me, it´s so comfortable, you can ride it for hours feeling great. Very low vibrations. It´s suzuki quality. You have a excellent and modern engine for decades with minimun maintenance. Fuel efficiency ? amazing. 3.1 L /100 km with a fuel deposit of more than 17 L. You can ride it for about 500 km without refueling. The instrument panel is very bright even during a sunny day, clear, with enough information. Good brakes, Don´t expect riding a 250cc bike and spend all your video complaining it´s not a 700cc or bigger, and expecting a similar performance. Very partial review with a very poor and misleading information.

[@DickWhistles]

JORGE A Thanks for the comment and the owner’s perspective. I do, however, take exception to your little dig at the end. I did not mention once in the video that I expected the bike to be on par with a 700cc or larger bike. I also fail to see where my information was biased or misleading. It is a budget Chinese made Suzuki - that is wearing its Dad’s suit. I love small displacement bikes, and have no illusions that they will perform like mid to high displacement machines. I just don’t like this one. Ride safe.

[@alexandrostroupis6148]

I think the specific vlogger ignores that all the small displacement japanesse bikes are build in countries like china , india, thailand and indonesia. I think he is too young to apreciate the merits of this motorcycle.

[@HomeBudgetComputing]

@@DickWhistles But you did compare it to the bigger versions more than once. You said it was like the little brother wearing the big brother's suit, and you even had a cute little graphic to go with it. This clearly says you were comparing it directly to the bigger versions of the bike instead of weighing it on its own merits. It's a 250 and should be reviewed as such. I have a Rebel 250cc I love and am thinking of trading it for one of these if I can find one here in the US. Every other review I've seen of it was very positive.

[@DickWhistles]

Robert Roye it says V-Strom on the side. Suzuki is begging for comparison. In any event, call it anything you like, it is a poor excuse for a 250.

[@DickWhistles]

Alexandros Troupis ha! Just saw this. Absurd. How old do you think I am?

[@rhiannonstudios]

JORGE A I’ve got this bike and it’s an absolute beauty, 90mpg and over 300 mile tank range, so comfortable and holds 70 to 80 on the motorway with all my camping gear on board, had a great trip over to the Isle Of Man earlier this year with plenty of runs over the mountain, I’m coming from much larger bikes like Bonneville 900, Transalp 650, Honda CBF500 and this does not feel wanting in anything I do on it, it’s the best bike I’ve had and so cheap to run, if I lost it, I’d buy another straight away, Highly recommended 👍🏻

[@DickWhistles]

Rhiannon studios 🤔

[@1960ARC]

You make this sound like the type of bike I want. I drive a smart diesel that has slow acceleration, been up to 90 and always does around 500 miles to a tank. I also ride a Honda SH125i that does around 200 miles to a tank. So a car with 45 bhp a 125 with just over 12 bhp, the Suzuki would probably feel really fast to me. I have an A1, next year I will do my A2.

[@fingerhorn4]

This bike is not "trying" to be anything other than what it is. You complain about gearing. Well that's the excellent small engine squeezing every drop of horsepower available, and it does that extremely well. It will still beat 90% of cars on UK roads for acceleration to legal speeds. This move to smaller capacity bikes is the right thing to do. Too many deaths and injuries with nutters unable to cope with powerful bikes that are the obsession of the motorcycle press. This bike is extremely capable round corners and amazingly comfortable. The problem is you, not the bike. Suggest you book some lessons on competence and handling. If you simply don't like it, fair enough, but the reasons you gave were not convincing.

[@DickWhistles]

fingerhorn4 Nope. It says, “Adventure Sport Tourer” on the side! Not, “Competent Commuter.” Clearly trying to be something it’s not. And there are better examples available in the range from other manufacturers. It’s crap.

[@fingerhorn4]

@@DickWhistles I agree on the adventure sports thing. But frankly nor are the bigger V-stroms and a host of other bikes. It's just marketing, but that doesn't make it a "crap" bike. Your complaints about cornering and handling are not valid, but I do agree it's a bit too low geared. As for commuting, most town, cities and outskirts are limited to 30 mph, some 20 mph, so this bike is way faster than just a commuter bike. Many owners have done international touring on them. It's not under-powered.

[@EndritAl]

@@fingerhorn4 25 HP is good.Only problem is weight.188 kg kinda heavy.If it was lighter,it will be different feeling.Otherwise 90 mpg,that is brilliant for a 250cc.Even my 150cc scooter struggle to achieve those mpgs.

[@ToroSAS]

I rode one yesterday. It was very confident in corners. U-turns are made on a friggin poststamp, and I rode 135km/h (84eagles/T-bonesteak for the USAliens out there) without it really screaming for help. It was just gently flashing the maxrev-light to tell me I should maybe slow down a bit. The suspencion could be a little better, but doesn't have to be if you mainly stick to roads. Long story short, I bought it immediately. I just love love love this little peppy bike. I wouldn't say it is a little brother that yells he can do what his brothers can, and then disappoints. I would agrue the opposite. I'd say, when you look at it, and during the first 3mins of riding you find yourself thinking "what can this do? Probably not much" and it just starts and never stops surprising you.

[@DickWhistles]

Curious. Perhaps time for another ride. Thanks for your comment.

[@MHWRESTLIN]

This isn't a review, it's a bashing. Not even an accurate one, poor!

[@DickWhistles]

Marc Hale Ha!

[@jimmymac9388]

This review clearly goes against all the good reviews this bike gets on you tube from more competent bikers.

[@DickWhistles]

Jimmy Mac clearly.

[@wolters19811]

Haven't ridden the bike yet, but your 'review' makes me want to give it the benefit of the doubt.

[@DickWhistles]

Bert it’s your time to waste. I have to say, if I saw as many V-Strom 250s on the road as I’ve gotten negative comments defending the hunk of junk, I’d reconsider my initial impressions. Alas... I have not. Thanks for the comment.

[@abagthisbig2894]

Seems they found the recipe for this one. Undersquare for good torque, economy and clean combustion. Balance shaft for those puny cylinders plus the 180 crank should give you no vibration of the first order barring the rocking couple. And a decent weight for comfort.

[@DickWhistles]

A Bag This Big But it’s boring as sh*t. Thanks for the comment.

[@xtc2v]

​@@DickWhistles Your stuffing it into a corner too fast on the ride was not boring. Perhaps the bike is not giving you the sensation of speed because it is smooth, quiet and comfortable?

[@DickWhistles]

xtc2v perhaps. I do, however, ride bikes for the sensations - otherwise I’d drive a car. Thanks for the comment.

[@erikpannemans2865]

This bike is perfect, you don't need more. A bike don't make faults, drivers do.82 miles is everything you need as a top speed. I get 400 miles+ easely. With a tank of petrol.

[@d.w.bigglybigleague1709]

Nice to know about the revs, but I think it's a bike not to be driven hard...and probably last forever if looked after. It is water cooled...big plus.

[@geoffhalsey2184]

Let's face it a 250cc four-stroke twin is never going to be the bike of choice for performance. It is what it is, a dressed up commuter.

[@attilaantal421]

The Suzuki gsf 250 was a nice bike with 48 hp. That was fun to ride.

[@xtc2v]

@@attilaantal421 The 250 bandit produced that power at 14,500 rpm. Its emissions would be well outside Euro 4 standards. You are making an unfair comparison

[@zeal00001]

@@xtc2v Wait a few months and there will be the new kawasaki zx25r. I am not sure in the euro 3, 4 or 5 level, but it is modern motorbike with high performance. Or there is the new cbr250rr over 40 hp. I think 250cc can be fun.

[@xtc2v]

@@zeal00001 Euro5 is being phased in as of 1st January this year so those bikes will definitely need to comply to Euro 5. Euro 5 will be tricky for bikes since it now includes hydrocarbons. Not so hard to meet the spec for a slow revving car. The Suzuki 250 has a long stroke engine which gives the fuel more time to burn completely before the exhaust stroke. It is a modern design made to be future proof as far as emissions legislation

[@zeal00001]

@@xtc2v Lets hope the EU will rethink this regulation. Under the new circumstances, with the broken economy, the euro 4 bikes should not be the enemy. I want a new zx25r, so I am biased. :)

[@griffinclements3908]

All you review really said was that a 250cc bike is not as powerful as a 650 or 1000cc one.

[@rodrigopacas9413]

Always can buy your own favorite bike!! Don't buy no harm! Cheers

[@bikersquest]

The original version of the bike was the Inazuma 250 which I own, and it's probably what the bike should've been TBH like you mentioned on the CB500X video Suzuki sort of slapped the name and pulled out the Inazuma engine for use in this and I think it's called the GSX250R leaving some people disappointed. I could see this being a great city commuter but that's probably because that's exactly what the Inazuma is.

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

The new 2023 revamp Vstrom 250SX has the engine from the GSXR250

[@DickWhistles]

I’ll have to take a look. But I ask all of the haters in the comments section of this video, if the bike was so good in its original form, why upgrade the engine for ‘23? Thanks for your comment.

[@pmfsify]

Sorry to dig up the topic. Kawasaki J300 made in Taiwan, Kymco. KTM 390/ Husqvarna 401 made in Índia, Bajaj. Kawasaki Versys 650 engine made in China - CFmoto. Honda CB500x engine is Chinese same as Voge and so on. Suzuki vstrom 250 is not cheap but, with time will be.

[@DickWhistles]

Pretty sure all of the CB500x is produced in Thailand as is the Versys. But, sure. Bikes are made all over. Not a fan of the Indian made stuff (other than the Royal Enfields). Not a fan of Chinese produced bikes - yet. Sure they make great components under strict oversight, but I haven’t seen a full production bike that I’d feel good buying.

[@pmfsify]

@@DickWhistles i own a vstrom 250, 2020 model. The bike make me smile every day. after so many models i owned with bigger cc's, cant think for the 1st time on my life in buying other bike. Happy riding!

[@DashRendar308]

Yeah, but why V-Strom 250? Isnt this a parrallel twin?

[@whorayful9361]

'I'm Bored', two words you will never hear spoken while riding a Royal Enfield. ;-D

[@DickWhistles]

whorayful No Doubt!

[@scootyman2974]

whorayful correct but you’ll probably here “I’m broken down”.

[@bepacman]

Dude it definitely shows you are one hell of SAT rider with the big bores!! Question: why do you do reviews on small crappy bikes then if you don't even ride them or much less have them??

[@DickWhistles]

be pacman Huh?

[@bepacman]

@@DickWhistles just wondering was your advice for your big bore SAT buddies? If then your video makes sense because otherwise you are expecting for the new crowd in bikes to buy a big bore SAT for what? Review videos should be constructive not destructive. Don't want to offend you either just a comment.

[@DickWhistles]

be pacman Thanks for the comment. I still don’t know what you mean by big bore SAT. As for buddies, I don’t have any. Of the 19 motorcycles currently in my fleet (and of the 25+ I have owned in total) there are: 2 - 50cc, 2 - 90cc, 5 - 125cc, 2 - 250cc, 1 -305cc, 3 - 400cc, and 1 - 500cc. The remaining bikes have all been under 800cc, which is the biggest displacement bike I’ve owned, and I have only owned one of them. If you have watched any of my other videos you might have learned that about my preferred bikes. As for offering major motorcycle manufacturers constructive criticism, I am pretty sure I am a bug on the windscreen. I am not influential enough to sway multi-layered international product line. I will continue to say what I think regardless of hurt corporate feelings. That bike is boring. Funnily enough the Chinese clone of the Suzuki 125 I am currently riding is fun as hell. Perhaps take a gander at that video. Ride safe.

[@bepacman]

@@DickWhistles SAT = Sport Adventure Tourer

[@bepacman]

@@DickWhistles fair enough, thanks for the explanation, wish I was from the suzuki corporate though!!

[@paulridgwell3273]

Did you not check it over before you rode it.then it your fault that the mirrors are loose and checking the tyre pressures would’ve helped

[@DickWhistles]

You’re right. I should have checked a dealer demo bike for tyre pressures and mirror tightness. I’m sure they would let me into the workshop to make adjustments. My fault completely. Unreasonable expectations on my part. Thanks so much for your input.

[@christianweller4288]

Once you factor in the lack of "V" in the engine layout it's just a "Strom".... and what the hell is a Strom? Other than a typo.:D

[@paulsven7923]

means tree in Czech language.....

[@christianweller4288]

Škoda!

[@paulsven7923]

Simply clever :)

[@christianweller4288]

;D

[@whorayful9361]

Well there's your problem! In German strom means electricity, it's an ebike, and the cord probably fell out. Ray

[@johnofypres]

Good honest review. It looks like a cheap Chinese copy of my 650 V Strom.

[@DoctorZisIN]

Of course it's not what it says on the tin. It's called a "V-Strom" and there's no "V".

[@DickWhistles]

AutoTuna should have known.

[@privia700]

So coooooooooooooooL!

[@shaneweightman]

Didn’t hear the price ,,, wasn’t this a motorcycle review , normally you get the facts and figures ?

[@DickWhistles]

shaneweightman so sorry. Of course. Mea culpa. It’s Rs. 2.5 lakh. Hope that helps.

[@MrAndrew1953]

See if you can get hold of a KTM 390 Adventure R - from a commuter/off road Adventure bike. Do I really need to spend a fortune on a KTM 790 Adventure R? That Suzuki VStrom 650 is a big bike to hustle off road.

[@DickWhistles]

Andrew Hoffman I’ll look for one in the new year. If it is built on the Duke platform, the. It should be good. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@jeffferguson899]

wtf is up with those bars lol

[@toby621]

yea fkin shit

[@mloclam6917]

Can somebody explain to me why theses bikes have beaks

[@peterchapel572]

It is homige . to the front mudguard on an 70s of road motorcycle, which were bolted to the under side of the front lights

[@rhiannonstudios]

To stop the crap sludge muck whatever hitting the headlamp

[@goldentimes1998]

Probably honest review ,enjoyed your video production, could be a case you have ridden bigger bikes and more expensive bikes , enjoyed

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

Hungover ?

[@DickWhistles]

MissAdventures Motorcycle Diary you own one?

[@DickWhistles]

MissAdventures Motorcycle Diary I see a response on my feed, but not in the video. We’re you really asking? I didn’t think I needed to rise to any occasion since your quip was one word. My question was genuine. Do you own one? I am always amazed at the vitriol I receive from viewers about models that they don’t own. I got a lot of flack for my opinion of this bike and I haven’t seen one in or around London. A city with millions of commuters. I got the same sort of comments for my opinion of the BMW 310 GS. I’ve seen four! Where is this revolution? None of the jokers who comment on my negative opinions put their money where their balls are!

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

Spectacles

[@thechojiin]

You should try the Kawasaki versys X 300 next. A great bike ruined by God awful gearing. I saw 99mph at 11.5k rpm in 6th gear?! Seriously whoever signed the gearing off at Kawasaki wants sacking. Try to fix it and get too giddy changing the gearing and you run the risk of a engine warning light on the dash...oh the joy.

[@DickWhistles]

thechojiin yeesh. I can't understand the abundance of crap transmissions on bikes these days. So prevalent, that I am overjoyed when riding a bike with a transmission that is simply adequate. I'll try the x300, thanks for the suggestion. Do you own one? Ride safe.

[@thechojiin]

Dick Whistles Yes in 2018 you'd expect by now they'd have nailed the basics but no they haven't evidently. Yes I own a versys x 300 and a crf250rally. I prefer the look of the rally but it's engine is a little too asthmatic on the motorways for my daily commute. (I changed job location after I bought it which added a 21 mile motorway stint) So I picked up a versys x as I too am interested in these small adventure bikes. I probably need to start test riding before purchase 😂. Hopefully Yamaha will dip their toes soon, although judging by the tenere 700 world raids release progress or lack of I won't hold my breath! I don't fancy the Suzuki and the BMW g310 needs a sertao version like rally raid's effort but I'll be damned if I'm paying nearly 8k for a g310gs to be rally raid converted for me to never actually go off road. (I just like the look of the rally raid version) I'm warming to the cb500x since it's facelift and honda ditched that 1990's round chrome rear muffler though. As its similar in concept to the versys X but with a more sensible gearing!

[@DickWhistles]

thechojiin Sounds like you and I share similar sensibilities. Yeah - take em for a test ride! Used to be a policy with US dealers that they didn't allow test rides - so you had to really trust reviews, or just really like the look of a bike. Yeah - why won't Yamaha get with it! MT-03 based Tenere! Come on. Yamaha is like the motorcycle equivalent of Warner Bros./DC. Is the Versys better than the Rally on the motorway? Test the CB! Ride safe.

[@thechojiin]

Dick Whistles I should test ride more but I tend to want anything I ride so I'm avoiding the cb500x for now as I also have a 2017 ninja 650 as well as the CRF and the versys and alone bike would have to go to accommodate the garage and more importantly my bank balance! Yes come on Yamaha that engine would make a great addition to a mini tenere I a 15 plate R3 and that extra 20 cc made it more torquier low down than the ninja 300 I'd had previously. Yes the versys X is better on the motorway than the CRF rally as its more willing at the top end so you feel more capable in motorway traffic and it holds its speed on inclines where the crf will drop a few mph but the gearing really does make it sound like it's going to blow itself up while doing it. I wasn't jesting at being at 11,500 rpm in 6th gear. It beggars belief. You too sir! 😉

[@DickWhistles]

thechojiin I'll have to definitely try the X300 as I like the crf and if the x300 can out perform at cruising speed, I'd be interested. From your current Fleet, sounds like you've bought three bikes in the last year! A little green and over here. Ride safe.

[@stanislavmelis1290]

no idea what u doing xD on that road tyres my dl act like motard xD u can trust it ...check tyre presure or smtin xD