Suzuki VStrom SX 250 First Ride Review / Impressions

[@wheelsontarmac]

If you would like to support me: buymeacoffee.com/wheelsontarmac

[@saswatsenapati7870]

If you are guy who is working and mostly will be city and want to go touring on weekends, v-storm is perfect. No nonsense bike with very low maintenance cost, amazingly smooth engine. Amazing fuel efficiency (suzuki) No heating issue. If its your single garage bike then you will never regret buying it. And about suspension you will never need a longer travel umtill you have plans to do crazy offroads. In that case you should buy xpulse. Why i didnt buy ktm or dominar ? My biggest concern was when i took test rides i had to shift gear very regularly in other bikes, while its was not the same case with suzuki, even 6th gear can do 35 to 120 without shifting, engine knocking is bery well handled and it feels like a premium engine. My usecase was 70% 30% it doesnt both wise ease. I did 1100 km bangalore-munnar-ooty-bangalore with pillion and 17-18km luggage easily in steaf hilly roads.

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thank you for this detailed breakup of your thoughts and experience. I am sure that this would be of immense help to viewers. Thanks again.

[@navatej6957]

I feel ur channel is really underrated after going through your review completely Great review man!!

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thanks a ton for the compliment. Hoping to get back to making more videos consistently.

[@mridulbhasy7406]

A no nonsense and scientific approach to review...kudos

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thank you very much. Glad you liked it.

[@mohammedyounusnawaz1572]

On point and very sensible first ride impressions, brother! Kudos to you for the great video. Believe me, I am owning a Gixxer 155 myself, since 2017. And I have been in love with KTM 250 Adv after having watched umpteen videos of reviewers and owners alike. It has been stuck with for a while. And I had decided that, my next buy will be the 250 Adv. Now, came the VStrom and took me by surprise. However, its suspension has been the talk of the town and I had been confused ever since. The moment this video dropped, I was excited to know your thoughts, since I could resonate with your opinion/thoughts when I saw your KTM 250 review videos, considering the fact that you have been a Gixxer 155 owner yourself. Thanks for the video, brother! More power to you.

[@wheelsontarmac]

Hi, first of all, sorry for missing your comment. I received a notification yesterday only about this comment. Been happening to me of late. Thank you so much for your comment and wishes brother :) I would like to know whether you have went ahead with the 250 Adventure and your thoughts on the VStrom in case you rode it.

[@thebailesh]

Well said sir. Even I have only one problem with this bike. The pillion footpegs. Otherwise, just love this bike.

[@wheelsontarmac]

I would like to know if you have found some option for swapping it for a wider one?

[@rubbersidedown7992]

Hello Sir! Very Crisp no nonsense pointed review ... now 1 req ,since u were on of the fewest of observers 2 note that legs feel cramped while on footrests ,, pls give this same as feedback on the official site... i hv already given my input , coz after TD i stepped back fr this same reason .. We seriously want this 2 b bettered in the nxt iteration. ThnkU

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thank you so much for your time and comment. I will definitely provide feedback on the official site, thank you for that suggestion. Hopefully they listen to people, and I will mention about the suspension as well.

[@wheelsontarmac]

In this video I will share my thoughts on the all-new Suzuki V Strom SX 250 after having ridden it for a short duration, just like my previous video about the RC 200, I would like to mention that this is not a full review, rather a first ride impression of the bike. You can watch the KTM 250 Adventure Review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX_Ue3V_jbWtoZo

[@joshuajohnson9332]

Great video as always brother ❤️❤️

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thank you so much brother. Did you go for a test ride?

[@triptogamy3365]

U want quick response then definitely ktm 250 adv

[@joshuajohnson9332]

@@wheelsontarmac Actually I didn't got the time, but this video was so helpful even though it was not a full review. V strom 250 is indeed a great bike but I felt like I should better go for the adv 250. Anyways thanks for asking. Keep posting new content brother. Ride safe ❤️.

[@wheelsontarmac]

I felt the throttle response to be better on the Vstrom to be honest, the KTM has a delay till torque comes in to play at 6k to 7k RPM (there's almost a feeling of turbo cars once it pulls), whereas the Suzuki pulls from low to mid to high, providing a smoother experience overall.

[@srsarath2011]

Channel ക്ലിക്ക് ആയി തുടങ്ങി ❤️❤️❤️

[@lokesh3428]

How was suspension especially rear compare to ktm n compare to xpulse

[@wheelsontarmac]

Compared to the KTM Adventure series, it is on the harder side. The KTM itself is hard and this felt really stiff. I can't draw a comparison to the XPulse since I have never ridden it.

[@shailshetty12345]

I like your videos straight to facts no bull shitting

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thank you so much Shailesh. Your comment is much appreciated :) I will definitely keep up this style.

[@vineshsookun9166]

The suspension is adjustable, you can loosen it or make it stiff

[@wheelsontarmac]

Yes, the preload can be adjusted, but I was mentioning about the overall travel of the suspension.

[@bhushandandgavhal4995]

Hello, this is one of the best and very natural videos I have come across. I have a question, should I buy xpulse2004v or this, I have some back pain and mostly ride in city roads(though they are not less than offroad in india). I look forward to your suggestion.

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thank you so much Bhushan, it means a lot. I think you should get an XPulse and get the upholstery work done in a local store, for a more accommodating use since you have back pain. For the Vstrom, the suspension is a copy of the Gixxer, which has always been handling focused, so it can come at the expense of more back pain. This is my suggestion for you. And I sincerely hope you can rectify your back pain sooner than later.

[@bhushandandgavhal4995]

@@wheelsontarmac Thank you so much for your suggestion, I really loved the looks and bulkieness in vstrom but loved the suspension in xpulse, that's the reason for confusion. On a side note will it be fine to buy himalayan (as it has good suspension ) considering a new himalayan will launch next year only( but i dont want to wait for it)

[@aravindkumar4625]

@@bhushandandgavhal4995 there is another option Honda cb200x go for it value for money and worthy also ,unlike suzuki

[@sasokuzmanovski985]

Hi, What is total weight load including the passenger on this bike? Thank you Sasha

[@wheelsontarmac]

Hi, I'm unsure of the weight loading capacity of the bike to be honest. But I'm guessing 150 to 180 kilograms can be easily handled.

[@sasokuzmanovski985]

@@wheelsontarmac Thank you...👍

[@renjan297]

Hello, Love the video. I have a question, I am a beginner rider (20k km in a 125cc bike) and above six feet tall. I have zero experience in off roading. I want to go for long rides, mostly on highways, since I am not confident off the road. Would you recommend the suzuki or the ktm to me? Or should I consider the other brands like Honda, RE, Mojo, BMW as well?

[@aravindkumar4625]

Go for KTM if you have budget ,dont gor for Suzuki not worthy

[@renjan297]

@@aravindkumar4625 Thanks, man. I will definitely test ride the ktm.

[@aravindkumar4625]

@@renjan297 you can also consider Honda and RE also

[@wheelsontarmac]

I seem to have missed this comment of yours. I would not recommend Suzuki because it won't be comfortable for your height. The same goes with RE Himalayan, the tank cut out will be a major obstruction for your knees. If you feel the beemer is worth the money and is okay with the spare part costs and service costs, it is a good option. The KTM is suitable and friendly but not so refined. I can't comment on Mojo because I've never ridden it. Honda doesn't have a good option too in my opinion. The 200X is just the Hornet with taller seat height.

[@thomastom5945]

I'm an sf 155 owner...I'm going to upgrade... confused bwn v Strom and ktm adventure....can you please help me out ..which one is better.....

[@wheelsontarmac]

Hi Thomas, thank you for reaching out. If you are okay with the same suspension set up and more or less of a same seating posture with a little more front set foot peg, don't mind the limited off-roading capabilities, then Suzuki VStrom is a good option. But if you want a higher seat, much more relaxed posture and far better off road capabilities; the KTM is the way to go, you will have to slightly compromise on engine refinement. As always, I highly recommend going for multiple test rides (if possible in different showrooms) for these two bikes to understand what suits you better. Hopw this helps.

[@thomastom5945]

@@wheelsontarmac and...about service costs...since you knew own a ktm....how much is it....and could you please mention the milage you get on ktm....and in future...even though we care about the bike...which will be more trust worthy....

[@wheelsontarmac]

Hi, I made a video on the 1000km service cost and my general experience with the bike. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX_Ue3V_jbWtoZo The first free service itself cost me Rs.1627/- so you can expect 2k or more after the free service options. So far I'm impressed with the KTM service center than the Suzuki. Engine wise I trust the Suzuki more than the KTM, but service wise, KTM is doing a better job is what I feel personally. When I incorporate long rides I get a fuel economy of 41/42; whereas in the city limits the average reduces to the range of 34 to 36kmpl.

[@aravindkumar4625]

Go for KTM, don't go for Suzuki waste of money

[@sradhasumandas]

Hi Buddy... I am an owner of suzuki gixxer 1st gen (2015) and thinking about upgrading to vstorm 250 sx, what do you say?

[@wheelsontarmac]

Hi, first of all thank you for your comment. If you don't mind the suspension travel of the bike, it's a good upgrade from the Gixxer 150. What are you looking for, is it touring? Any other specific use case scenarios and such?

[@sradhasumandas]

@@wheelsontarmac specifically for touring… I have my gixxer for day to day ride, but on weekends I miss power on highways, as a Suzuki owner I know these bikes are reliable, low maintenance and efficient… just need to something to tour on

[@wheelsontarmac]

Really sorry for missing your reply. I don't get notifications properly... If you're not above 5'10" then for touring purposes alone, the Vstrom 250 is a good pick. And since you want a reliable engine, I would suggest a Suzuki any day over a KTM.

[@sradhasumandas]

@@wheelsontarmac it’s okay brother, I will get the V Storm SX in few months. but I didn’t get the 5’10” height thing, can you tell me what is it about specifically?

[@sudhakar8251]

For 5.3" rider is suitable?

[@wheelsontarmac]

Hi Sudhakar, I think it would be tall for a 5' 3" rider. But do go for a test ride to know whether you can lean slightly to one side and reach the floor.

[@ermelindaespillarga3919]

Please waiting here in the Philippines..I buy it that Vstrom SX250 bring in Philippines💰❤

[@wheelsontarmac]

Is it not available in the Philippines?

[@shailshetty12345]

Yezdi adventure review would be nice

[@wheelsontarmac]

I want to do that too, unfortunately I couldn't find a bike in the showroom near me. But, I'll be travelling this weekend, hopefully I can find it somewhere on the way.

[@shailshetty12345]

@@wheelsontarmac thx bro I am in market for a bike I really like the xpulse 4v for the price its unbeatable but the pillion seat is a bit disappointing also I have a kawasaki er6n so spending much on bike does not make sense will still have look. At vstrom and yezdi adventure

[@wheelsontarmac]

Wow, that's great to hear brother. I would like a ride on the er6n. If you liked everything else about the XPulse go for it and change the seat. Go to some good upholstery shop and get it done according to your preference. Low maintenance cost, light, you can take it anywhere, friendly on the wallet and reliable.

[@shailshetty12345]

@@wheelsontarmac thx bro if you coming to mumbai surely you can ride my er6n thanks

[@wheelsontarmac]

Definitely! i would love that...

[@ushasful]

KTM Adventure 250 or Vstorm 250 ?

[@wheelsontarmac]

I would personally go with the Adventure 250. As the Vstrom is Gixxer with more height, same suspension & same engine. What's your use case?

[@wheelsontarmac]

Sorry, but I got notified of your comment now only 😐

[@ushasful]

First of all, thanks for your reply. I will use the bike for daily commuting with weekend on road trips. No hard core offroading plans at all 😀

[@kumaril05]

This looks like the Best Touring Bike, if wanna go off-road go buy a xpulse and break it

[@wheelsontarmac]

Thank you very much for your inputs and for the affirmation on similar thoughts.

[@kumaril05]

@@wheelsontarmac they don't understand that you need specialized metallurgy in the frame & high tensile components to withstand the dirt bike landings, just giving aa long travel suspension will cause chassis breakage & component failures that the Himalayan is famous for

[@nashikkarbhushan]

I didn't understand your comment about xpulse ? do you mean it may break on off roads because of long travel suspension?

[@wheelsontarmac]

@@nashikkarbhushan No he meant that it can be used rough. Hence the slang "break it". XPulse is built for off-road adventures.

[@Sinserg]

@@kumaril05 You are correct, it's not just looks but overall build engineering, interesting how manufacturers can get away with misleading information uh?

[@art_seer]

I had expectations from Suzuki but I am now completely disappointed especially after knowing it costs 2.5 lakhs in my area. Bike literally has nothing to offer. Even Honda cb 350 is cheaper than this bike. Just because Japanese engines are praised highly it doesn't mean they will literally sell people anything at any price.

[@wheelsontarmac]

For 2.5 lakhs this is an unwanted premium just for higher ground clearance. It's Suzuki's lost opportunity, they have a belief that Indian customers will buy anything. Sadly they do have bookings. 3 bookings where I got the test bike.

[@art_seer]

@@wheelsontarmac coz there is severe identity crisis. And what could be better than becoming an adventure motorcyclist than riding a bike which is a simple regular road bike with a tag of a adv or tourer, which does not require you to recruit any new riding skill. Strom sx was riding next to me today morning and it's height and body language was exactly like my gixxer 150 I said 2.5 lakhs for this ? People go to ladakh on Splendour. Any who wants a tag of a biker or a tourer or a adventurer just by any bike with similar keywords that is in your budget and ride in city with ladakh flag wrapped on your handle bar.

[@aravindkumar4625]

Yes i agree go for Honda don't go for Suzuki waste of money

[@wheelsontarmac]

@@art_seer True, honestly I think you can take sturdy bikes (be it street sport or a common commuter) in situations where it is not pure off road. I still stand up and ride my Gixxer on broken roads; is it weird? Yes, but I got used to it and its better than breaking my back sitting on the saddle on such roads. So, if one has to do the same on the VStrom which they branded as an adventure motorcycle it makes no sense. But on road, I think people might prefer the relaxed stance and the better ground clearance. I wouldn't buy it but many are flocking around due to the identity crisis like you mentioned.

[@art_seer]

@@wheelsontarmac Adventure is not in the bike it is in the biker. Having said that, there used to be this amazing event called Motorcycle Travelers Meet here is the link kzbin.info and while going across their videos i came across riders who travelled in Kinetic Hondas and old 2stroke 100 cc bikes. If i want to ride on road comfortably why will i buy a bike that costs 2.5 lakhs i will buy platina or hero splendour and get fuel economy as well. Why should anyone buy these bikes to ride on roads. People are traveling on bikes since ages but it is only when a manufacturer tells general population that they need Fi/ABS it becomes a norm and a new demand. Otherwise up until 90s even MotoGP bikes did not have Fi/ABS.

[@babbarshera1667]

Suzuki has better engine , how ?

[@wheelsontarmac]

I own a KTM 250 Adventure (from March 2022) and a Gixxer (from August 2015). Even now the Suzuki engine is highly refined compared to the KTM which is too buzzy. Suzuki's single cylinders (as far as I have driven, never rode a Suzuki dual cylinder so far) are one of the most refined in India; however their service is not upto the mark.

[@nibedankaran]

Ktm ka sabse bekar part hai engine

[@wheelsontarmac]

Wish they would make it more refined.

[@nibedankaran]

@@wheelsontarmac KTM didn't have good engineers like Yamaha & Suzuki