V Strom 250 - You got how far? Range & Touring Test

I wanted to find out if the V Strom 250 could be ridden all day in comfort and what she was like to tour on. I also wanted to find out potential range between fill-ups. Join me on my adventure to find out!

[@maquiavelo50]

I have run mine for six thousand km. When riding on asphalt secondary roads at no more than 80 km/h and no mor than 6000 rpm, the screen shows me 30 km per liter which should give me up to 510 km wit a full 17 liters tank. The best of this kind of riding is that you get no vibrations at all. When I move to more open roads the figures drop down dramatically. At speeds between 100 and 135 km / h (Top speed) I get only 24 km per liter or 408 km per tank. Slight vibrations show on the left handlebar grip, but not annoying. ThankYou for your enjoyable experiment. Cheers from Mexico!

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank you David for your comment. It seems you are getting lower fuel economy than I am, and there are many potential reasons for this. The experiment was fun and I am glad you enjoyed it. Blessings from Australia and safe riding my friend :)

[@publicNickname]

Thank you for the time and effort to do this experiment. I ride a V-Strom 250 myself since about half a year now and am happy to see that I didn't urgently need to fill up when I hit the last bar on the dash with 450 km in :). I ride a lot in the city and usually get between 3.4 and 3.6 l/100km. The last tour I took was mostly highway with a lot of 6th gear at 9.5k rpm with ~120 km/h and there the fuel consumption was also around 3.4 l/100km. I plan a longer tour next year with lots of main roads and less luggage, so I hope I will drop below 3 liters then :). I was originally quite displeased with the bike when I got it, but I have since then warmed up to it and am considering to keep it for longer. I sometimes miss a little bit more power though, but overall it's a very capable machine. Looking forward to your future videos!

[@sergeantmagi]

I enjoyed putting this vid together, 'Bertie bogit' does a couple of vids on changing out the rear sprocket to reduce engine revs, check that out. Thanks again

[@publicNickname]

Just an update on my fuel economy results. I did another tour recently of about 1000 km over country roads at mostly 70 to 80 km/h speeds with little luggage (10kg) and no side bags attached. I got an average fuel consumption of 2.5 l/100km, which is absolutely insane. This seems to really be the most efficient way to ride this bike. I also realized that my tire pressure was too low, so that probably got it an extra few liters over that distance once I corrected it. Still, even with 3.5 l/100km in the city it's still very cheap to ride, especially with nowadays rising gas prices, so needless to say I'm definitely keeping it now :).

[@cubgsan]

Good day to you! I am a senior rider on HONDA Cross Cub from Japan. I am enjoying camping,touring and upload video. This is so nice review video for V-Strom 250 Awesome! Have a nice day my friend!

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank you for your kind comment. I am working nights at the moment but will check out your videos soon. Safe travels, best wishes from Australia.

[@transylvanianrider]

Very good test for a very good bike ! I usually get 3.2 - 3.5l/100km (on the odometer) with topbox and side case installed. Maybe next year i'll do the same test ;) Best regards from Romania !

[@sergeantmagi]

Buna ziua, look forward to your version, thanks again!

[@sandytraveller85]

Thank you for this informative and well thought out content.

[@sergeantmagi]

Hi StarGazer85, thank you for your kind feedback, glad you enjoyed it.

[@madplumber8187]

Another Northerner living in SE Qld? Crackin video mate, gunna try one of the new V-Storms out today, appen I’ll see you up on Mt Glorious as it’s very close to where we live

[@sergeantmagi]

Thanks Mad Plumber, did you check out my vid "About Brisbane" where we went over Nebo & Glorious? I think it was my best so far but got hardly any views, I appreciate the comment & hope to bump into you sometime.

[@bushpig6837]

It looks like Suzuki is planning to release this bike again in a few months according to their website. There seems to be huge disparity in price between V-Strom models with the 250/650/800/1050 being about $6.5k, $15k ,$18.5k ,$22k. Either the 250 is a bargain or it will be hard to justify the 650 costing over twice the price. I enjoy your videos, and recognising some of the roads around Mount Mee and Dayboro.

[@sergeantmagi]

I didn't know about the release and if the pricing is as above I'm sticking with the 250! You're right my friend, the little V-Strom is a bargain. Safe riding.

[@getslimdad]

Liquid Containment fuel bladders are brilliant, had mine for 9 years, do not leak, or have an odour of anykind. abused, used, and still useable

[@sergeantmagi]

Did the job beautifully 😎

[@gavinearls2935]

Thank you for such a well done video series so far! Would love to hear more about the area that your in on your vstrom adventures

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank you for that Gavin. I work full-time and the weather and flooding in Brisbane has kept me from getting out on the bike. Hope to get back to it soon 😎

[@renukacharyathakare2527]

Wonderful Video!! Thank you.

[@sergeantmagi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@saranraajmahalingam8387]

Thanks a lot for the wounderful video seargent. Appreciate your time and effort. Planning to buy v Strom 250 if it launches in India next year. Really helpful video keep going cheers 🎉.

[@sergeantmagi]

Many thanks SaranRaaj, I enjoyed making it and it has generated some good questions / comments. Fingers crossed for the V-Strom coming to India!

[@jasondias7011]

It's here😃

[@ademo07]

Thankyou for this video. Very well explained.

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank-you Ademo, for your kind comment.

[@elioz99]

first video i watch by sergeant magi and already subscribed ! helpful test

[@sergeantmagi]

Thanks elioz99, for the sub & the feedback

[@JoshSinnott97]

A great detailed video on this bike, thank you! This will go a long way in my decision making In your previous video where you mentioned the other bikes that were on your short list, it sounds like we have similar needs. I have been leaning more towards the crf300 but i do worry that will be a chore to ride on the freeway. Some people have reported that the front wheel can bounce around but the idea of being able to tackle the harder tracks if need be is a nice peace of mind. I don't go out looking for those kinds of tracks but sometimes you need to go through them to get to a campsite Im not able to test ride anything yet as im on my L's but im considering selling my 4wd for whatever bike i choose as my boot is always empty and a camping trip will cost me $120 in fuel which stops me going out as often as id like to and im certainly not getting 615km to a tank that's for sure ahaha

[@sergeantmagi]

Good luck with your new bike acquisition Josh, and thank you for your comments. I've heard that the CRF is not too bad on the highway and is far more capable off road than the rest of the bikes I looked at. My V-strom is not great off-road but ok on unsurfaced gravel roads. All the best buddy and safe riding.

[@emmanuelsehlabele1396]

Thank you alot sir coz me 2 I'm about to get my v strom 250 in RSA

[@sergeantmagi]

I think you made a great choice 😎

[@sreeram2494]

Thank you for a genuine review.. ❤ from INDIA..

[@sergeantmagi]

My pleasure 😊, I work with beautiful Indian people (Nurses) thank you for your kind comment.

[@the.real.dwight.schrute]

Great video! Subscribed.

[@sergeantmagi]

Many thanks Dwight, welcome along!

[@woongtv-naturehealing273]

Hello! My new friend. Wow! It's the most fun and touching motorcycle driving video. I watch your video until the end. I hope everything you do will be successful in 2022. 👍👍👍

[@sergeantmagi]

That's very kind, thank you. I'm a beginner just learning as I go

[@superpapiringo]

That 250cc takes better range and economy than my 150 gixxer... I need one of those❤️

[@sergeantmagi]

It appears that there is a sweet spot in terms of capacity of say 200cc to 400cc where the best economy is to be had, and you have better torque & power than say a smaller 150cc bike. Can't recommend this bike enough!

[@jasondias7011]

Wow. This may be my next bike.👏👏

[@sergeantmagi]

I've no complaints 😎

[@kevindarkstar]

You are aware that with injection systems you are not supposed to run the tank dry, due to the possibility of damage to the fuel pump if running it dry, in the case you did I guess you'd get away with it for very short periods, but non the less it's not advised to do it 👍🏻

[@sergeantmagi]

Hi kevindarkstar, thanks for the comment. I've been a Nurse for 20 years but worked for 15 years as a mechanic in my first job. Again you're right. as soon as the engine spluttered, I pulled off the road and turned off the ignition as you could hear the fuel pump complaining immediately she ran dry. Safe riding my friend and thanks for watching & taking the time to comment.

[@adventurouswarrior]

Great video, I’m thinking about getting a Suzuki V Strom 250 as a second bike. I’m looking for something light that handles well on back roads. How is the finish of the bike holding up?

[@sergeantmagi]

Mine's only done 3.5k but holding up well - fit and finish good. My V-Strom is my second bike, but I find it's my go to now! take a look at my previous vid if you haven't already for more info. Thanks again for the comment.

[@Sureshdonthi]

Hi Sergeant Magi, Thanks for the wonderful video. I have ridden higher capacity bikes like Tiger800 and BMW750GS. I found those bikes to be quite heavy and heat dissipation is considerable within the city limits. Planning to buy a light weight adventure bike after Vstorm 250 was launched in India last week. Considering my preference to ride around 100 kmph this should fit the bill. Would test ride once it’s made available in my city. Scorpion helmet and heavy duty luggage can be put to good use finally. Your video did influence my choice. thanks once again and look forward to seeing more videos.

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank you Suresh for your comment. The 250 is great up to about 100kmh, but to maintain this or more, it would need a smaller rear sprocket. All the best with your new bike :)

[@ranjitchougale2142]

Hey Suresh. In case you are unaware, the vstrom 250 in India has a different engine, fairing, headlight, brake levers etc. Hence, the SX in its name. I've booked it! :)

[@DaoiriFarrell]

Hello Sarg. Can i ask you what the name and model of the side panniers are if you dont mind? Thanks so much.

[@sergeantmagi]

The top box is a GIVI and the panniers are by SHAD SH23 I believe. Sorry for the delay in responding and thanks for the comment 😃

[@neillawson4252]

Must admit I tend to look for a petrol station no later than the last bar just starting to flash,any idea roughly how many miles are left when you’re on the last bar?looking forward to next year so I can go camping again,cheers for a cracking vid 👀

[@sergeantmagi]

Thanks for the comment, in this instance I got about 160km or 100 miles, but don't do that without a contingency 😎

[@albion2742]

Hello Sarge, one thing you didn,t do was tell us your average speed during the test, did you ride at normal highway speeds or did you nurse the bike at 50 mph and under, Thanks for the nice video.

[@sergeantmagi]

Hi George, good point, but as I said, at least half the distance on motorways at 90-100kmh, the rest on fast roads, probably less than 20% in and through towns. Hope this helps. Thanks again for the comment.

[@df3yt]

Would you consider the Kawa Versys 300 over this, even if just doing gravel roads mixed with tar?

[@sergeantmagi]

Yeah, that was my second choice, but it has tubed tyres. The versys has better power and easily does highway speeds. Keen to try one out one day 😎

[@animegaming4613]

Hello, that was an enjoyable video. I've now bought the little v-strom! Could you tell me the brand of the panniers and any frame that may support them?

[@sergeantmagi]

Hi AnimaGaming, thanks for your comment. The panniers are by SHAD, model SH23. Looks like they came with bracket kit, but were on the bile when I bought it. Please see my video "V-Strom 250 perfect bike" for more info.

[@FreedomRider1982]

👍💯

[@sergeantmagi]

:)

[@AdvExOz]

Sat Sri akaal... Love it.

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank you 😎

[@damania3]

Namaste, I m planing to buy this bike . Want to know cruising speed of this bike..can u full day can you be at speed of 120kmp.hr

[@sergeantmagi]

Namaste Rahoul, the bike will go a maximum of 136kmh indicated. It's comfortable at an indicated 95 to 100 km. I think you would shorten its life driving at 120kmh for longer distances. Hope this helps 🙏

[@tombartram7384]

You're gonna get a artificial reading on an economy test run because, try as you might not to, you're gonna ride slower than normal. I did it on my cbr250 and was, like, yay! 90mpg!! Then I went back to normal and I'm down to 80mpg, which is still flipping good as I generally ride at 75/80mph on motorways.

[@sergeantmagi]

Yeah, you're probably right Tom. I did try though! You're only seeing 10% change though. Thanks again for the comment.

[@jcmatospt]

Hi. I have a problem, do you have the same problem? My Vstrom 250 with 7000kms has a very noise gear box in the low gear from 1 to 4. When i change a gear i fill like a very noise clack.

[@sergeantmagi]

My V-Strom has 3500km on the clock and the gearbox is quite noisy, I think it is normal and not a sign of something wrong. As for the clunky gear change, again, there's no syncromesh on a bike gearbox (as cars have) so changes are noisier. Check your oil levels and service bike as recommended. If you're still concerned, ask a mechanic to check it out. Hope this helps - it's been nearly 30 years since I was a mechanic. Good luck and safe riding my friend.

[@Jasvinder_Singh13]

🙏🙏

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank you

[@mindfcuk101]

I can't understand why some people say it's a twin cylinder and others say it's a single.. Is there 2 models???

[@sergeantmagi]

Mine is definitely a twin (DL250), not sure about the recently released SX? model released in India and elsewhere? I sold my TTR (single cyl) for the twin - I'd never go back! Thanks again for the comment

[@garthoberg8853]

I have got the 2023 v strom 250 single cylinder oil cooled 6 speed box it’s as smooth as you can get great bike for the price cheers I’m in west qld

[@NikhilKumarM]

Hello Magi, what are your thoughts on the himalyan ?

[@sergeantmagi]

Hi Nikhil, thanks for the question. I believe the Himalyan ha more power / torque and more rugged than the V-strom. As it is a single cylinder engine it was not on my shortlist, very capable Bike though!

[@trickzter6071]

What are the handguards you are using ? I need a new pair as the ones that came on mine where flimsy plastic and broke

[@sergeantmagi]

Hi Ryan, the guards are Barkbusters, very sturdy - fitted by previous owner :)

[@johnrocker2986]

Are your figures measured from speedometer distance and did you allow for speedo error?

[@sergeantmagi]

That's a good point John, no, I went off the speedo. Maybe I'll integrate "Speedo verses google maps" in the next one. thanks again!

[@wolfe1970]

How easy was it to start after you had run out of fuel ?

[@sergeantmagi]

Hi Wolfe1970, good question - I was a bit apprehensive about that! The fuel-pump ran for a full 4-5 seconds but she started up no problem after the pump primed. Safe travels my friend.

[@animegaming4613]

What brand are the panniers?

[@sergeantmagi]

SHAD SH23 with GIVI top box 😊

[@animegaming4613]

@@sergeantmagi Cheers, thanks sarge!

[@petertaylor2148]

If you're in Australia , Dont greet us like that.. its ridiculous.. It's trendy but that's all .

[@sergeantmagi]

Dear Peter, there were nine mistakes in your rather pointless comment, but thank-you anyway. Perhaps you meant, “If you're in Australia, don’t greet us like that. It’s ridiculous. It's trendy, but that's all.” Have a great day mate!

[@xxxJuan91xxx]

Lol he edited some of the comment but still fucked up

[@bikesbabes4721]

Great video... but, the most important factor on economy you failed to mention, or I failed to hear? From the video it apears you were riding less than 80kmh. Can you elaborate? Did you record or aimed or managed an average speed? What speed?

[@sergeantmagi]

Thank you bikesbabes4721 for your comment. I did mention that this trip was 50% motorway, 50% other - so half the distance was undertaken at an indicated 100-110 kmh. The remainder was at 80kmh or less at the limits imposed. in QLD, road speeds are heavily enforced and penalties (fines + points) are easy to accumulate if not careful. I do like thoughtful comments such as yours. safe riding my friend.

[@bikesbabes4721]

Thanks for the clarification. I lived in Brisbane for two years. Happy riding Mate! It seems in South AFrica we only get the single cylinder V-Strom 😮‍💨