Mark Fattore•15 Dec 2022

REVIEW

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX Launch Review

Name: 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX Launch Review
Brand: Suzuki

The versatile Suzuki V-Strom range is expanding, and will shortly include a ripping entry-level learner-approved machine

The Suzuki V-Strom family is certainly going to steal some headlines in 2023, with four new models to go on sale in Australia: the single-cylinder V-Strom 250 SX and multi-cylinder V-Strom 800DE, V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE trio.

Those additions will join the two existing 650XTs (full-powered and LAMS) in the line-up to make it a six-strong adventure touring assault from Suzuki. And the expansion comes at the perfect time, as more riders switch allegiances towards dual-purpose models at the expense of cruisers and sportsbikes.

At the high-performance end of the equation, we’re looking forward to sampling the all-new 800DE and revamped 1050s, but in this forum we’re going to ratchet back the intensity and take a look at the new baby of the family – the entry-level learner-approved Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX.

The quarter-litre machine (with the ‘S’ standing for sports and the ‘X’ for crossover) will officially go on sale in March 2023 for a tasty $6490 ride away, but Suzuki Australia pulled some levers to get a pre-production unit to Oz for some early launch activity.

Although we were confined to a small closed-loop circuit on private property to ride the V-Strom 250 SX – licencing restrictions and all – it was a large enough sample size to realise that Suzuki is introducing a nifty little prize fighter which is light, manageable and well-mannered. No constant battle with managing an abundance of power here – instead it’s fun, playful and practical. In other words, very LAMS-friendly and all about finesse rather than fury.

Trade ties

Suzuki has always done its own thing with its V-Strom adventure-touring family, not getting drawn into the vortex of mimicking its major competitors. The ‘versatile’ card has served it well, with over 430,000 units sold globally since 2002. Go on a trip around Oz and you’ll see plenty of V-Stroms plying their trade, including the bulletproof 650s.

While Suzuki may be moving away from the one-bike multi-purpose narrative with the new 1050 range – there will be road- and dirt-friendly options depending on your riding preference – the V-Strom 250 SX is a standalone merchant, which is simply all you need in this category.

The V-Strom 250 SX is manufactured by Suzuki’s fully owned subsidiary in India, which is the first time that Suzuki Australia has engaged in a business transaction with its counterpart in the world’s second most populous nation.

Well, equal first if we’re splitting hairs, as the V-Strom 250 SX was joined on the launch by the new Avenis 125 sports scooter, which will go on sale in January 2023. Keep an eye on Bikesales for a write-up on the Avenis as well.

But back to the 250 SX, which is based on the GSX250R road platform but with ‘scramblery’ changes such as the ubiquitous front ‘beak’, 19-inch front wheel, increased ground clearance (205mm) and longer-travel suspension. It has cast wheels and an 835mm seat height, while major tech is limited to dual-channel ABS. It has LED lighting and will be available in two liveries: Pearl Blaze Orange or the company’s signature Suzuki Champion Yellow – the latter on test, and my favourite.

Competitors include the BMW G 310 GS ($7590 plus ORC), Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ($7439 plus ORC) and the Honda CRF300 Rally ($9199 plus ORC).

Fun tickets

Based on past experiences riding the G 310 GS and CRF300 Rally, I was expecting a similar ‘vibe’ from the Suzuki – and it didn’t disappoint.

First up, at 172cm tall (5ft 8in) I was cock-a-hoop to be able to get both feet flat to the ground, which is a function of the bike’s slim waist and svelte 12-litre fuel tank.

We were confined to grass- and dirt-tracks, but no resistance from this author as it was straight down to some real fun, the tactility of the 250 SX enhanced by its paltry 167kg wet weight. That didn’t stop me from going arse-over, though…

The oil-cooled, four-valve, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine is what it is: the power is modest but it’s certainly not languid. It gets up and about with ease, likes to rev, and has the wherewithal to sit at highway speeds, which is also a nod for its touring capability.

Peak power and torque are 26hp (19.5kW) and 22Nm respectively, while the sporty short-style dual-exit muffler is a bespoke design for the 250 SX. The muffler, like the frame and swingarm, is black – a nice contrast to the yellow bodywork.

Everything is just so light, from the clutch to the gearbox to the whole shebang. Its temperament, level of specification and plush suspension are ideal for light off-road terrain. Nothing more or nothing less, and the semi-block pattern of the Indian-sourced MRF tyres bite well enough in the loose stuff.

I presume the hoops will be up to tarmac duties as well, where aggressive riding will quickly use up all that suspension travel as the Bybre brakes (twin-piston front and single-piston rear) are put to the test.

The rear tyre is only a small 140-section unit, so no massive unsprung weight to deal with.

ABS can’t be disengaged at the rear, which may put some into a tailspin. However, the Suzuki – including its 10-spoke cast-aluminium wheels – are not about pushing boundaries but more attuned to searching for that next scenic vista via an unpaved road.

Form and function

With knuckle covers, a windscreen, decent pillion accommodation and an ample rear rack, don’t be afraid to hit the open road on the V-Strom 250 SX – and if you pre-order one, Suzuki Australia will include a topbox (and mounting kit) free of charge. No excuses then…

There’s seven-position adjustable preload on the rear suspension to fine-tune the V-Strom for a variety of duties and loads.

There’s also an LCD dash, which resides under a small canopy so glare doesn’t become such an acute issue. There’s a wealth of information: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, gear position indicator, two trip meters, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, fuel level indicator, clock, and voltage meter.

Like all V-Stroms, accessories are available to personalise the ride and include engine protection bars, heated grips, a fuel tank pad, wheel decals (red and yellow) and a 30mm lower seat – and all at extraordinarily low prices. The seat, for example, retails for just $96.10.

Summing up

When the production models lob in Australia, rest assured we’ll be using the V-Strom 250 SX across the full spectrum of its abilities: light trail riding, commuting and frollicking.

Because that’s what the V-Strom 250 SX is all about: being sure-footed and revelling in all sorts of different conditions, from being a commuter’s friend with its commanding 835mm seat height to showing its versatility in more open terrain.

And it’s just ridiculously good fun, which is the very essence of why we start riding motorcycles in the first place.

Specs: 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX

ENGINE
Type: Oil-cooled, four-valve, SOHC single-cylinder
Capacity: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 76mm x 54.9mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 26hp (19.5kW) at 9300rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 22Nm at 7300rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Final drive: Chain

ELECTRONICS
Rider aids: ABS
Modes: N/A

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel
Front suspension: Telescopic fork, non-adjustable, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable preload, travel not given
Front brake: 310mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: MRF MoGrip Meteor – 110/90-19 front, 140/70-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 167kg
Rake: 27 degrees
Trail: 97mm
Seat height: 835mm
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Fuel capacity: 12 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $6490 ride away
Colours: Pearl Blaze Orange or Suzuki Champion Yellow
Availability: March 2023
Bike supplied by: Suzuki Motorcycles Australia
Warranty: 36 months, unlimited kilometres