Suzuki V-Strom 250, the little one that wants to be big [ROAD TEST]

A new entry-level with an already established name in its range. With a design directly inspired by its bigger sisters in the 1000 and 650 versions, both of which we had the pleasure of trying not even a year ago, this little 250 is the right compromise for those who don't want to risk too much. It confirms itself as one of the interesting and original models, contributing to growth in the Suzuki market in small displacements, thanks also to the classic "beak", a now identifying signature of its enduro sports. The little one from the Japanese company is an excellent start for new recruits, both for those who want to have fun on dirt roads and for those looking for a vehicle to use every day for their travels.

Suzuki V-Strom 250 ABS: combines a slim, streamlined and bold style, for easy handling in traffic but pleasant to drive both on road and off-road. A small crossover capable of convincing even the most experienced drivers despite its low horsepower. It can also be driven with an A2 license with serenity and pleasure, also because the engine (Euro 4 approved) delivers 25 HP with a double cradle frame in steel tubes. A beautiful bike, undoubtedly competitive for the segment.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Very similar to its older sister, it differs from the front headlight

The design of the Suzuki V-Strom 250 ABS is undoubtedly inspired by its older sister and even seen from afar it can be confusing, but when you get closer, you realize that we are talking about the 250cc. An undoubtedly original motorbike, with aggressive lines and sporty instruments, the same as those used on the Suzuki GSX250R, with liquid crystals, easily readable thanks to the high position as on rally motorbikes. That the little V-Strom is an intelligent motorbike, it is made evident by many details, as well as by the choices relating to the engine or horsepower it makes available. On the left side of the dashboard there is a power socket (12 V 36W) useful for powering a navigator or simply charging your smartphone. At the rear of the saddle there is an aluminum luggage rack (8,5 kg of load) equipped with comfortable handles for the passenger because, despite its small displacement and dimensions, the small V-Strom 250 ABS can be an excellent travel companion capable of accommodating a set of top cases, a tank bag and a center stand. Compared to its bigger sister, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 ABS has a round front light cluster. In addition to the shape of the most visible elements, such as the headlight, we really liked the combination of all the plastics and finishes.

The exhaust terminal, together with the "beak" and the radiator ducts, are the elements that remove any doubt about the fact that we are talking about the V-Strom family, characterized by good attention to detail.
The controls on the handlebar are simple, but as standard there is an adjustable brake lever, which mainly serves to allow appropriate adjustment of the lever-grip distance in order to ensure a more or less effective action of the control. The prerogative of the Suzuki V-Strom 250 ABS is the low center of gravity, which translates into ease of driving, having the feet always firmly planted on the ground and a true enduro rider's setup.

The riding position (well padded) is comfortable and with the tapering that allows good support on the ground. We would have definitely preferred the saddle - footrest - handlebar triangulation to be different, as in our opinion the handlebar is a bit high, to also accommodate off-road use. The small dome guarantees good air protection. The instrument console is very functional and easy to read. Finally, in the centre, the 17,3 liter tank for great autonomy given the small displacement we are talking about.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

Few horsepower, but with a fluid and linear delivery

The Euro 4 engine, an inline twin-cylinder (despite the "V" Strom name), which delivers 25 hp at 8.000 rpm and is the same as the GSX250R, with single-cam distribution, liquid-cooled and with a torque of 23,4 Nm. This engine has been designed to guarantee effective delivery at low and medium speeds, smooth and regular up to 10.000 rpm. Its strong point remains the fullness in the first half of the rev counter, which is capable of giving a pleasure in travelling, with great ease, completing its versatility of use.

The amount of power this small Suzuki V-Strom 250 ABS it certainly won't leave the most experts speechless, but it is able to entertain those customers who don't have much experience on two wheels, as, if used in the right doses, it is an excellent travel companion. When starting it is particularly silent and the exhaust note certainly doesn't excite, but in city use it is snappy when starting from a standstill thanks to the first two short ratios.

With third and fourth gear we do almost everything in the city and, if we go beyond the 10.000 rpm threshold, the limiter kicks in to remind us that we are driving the small 4-stroke twin-cylinder. The clean delivery of the in-line twin never causes difficulty, even if you use the gas recklessly. The gearbox is smooth and quick, with precise engagements, both when downshifting and when shifting up a gear.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Light and easy to handle, it can be fun even on dirt roads

When you get into the saddle the sensation of lightness is almost absolute, with your feet firmly on the ground. This allows, even without having long legs, standing movements with both legs. It's all very easy to maneuver and move slowly in city traffic. The weight is declared as 188 kg and even moving it from a standstill is not a particularly difficult operation.

The saddle is comfortable and has good dimensions, while what imposes an "enduro" posture is the handlebar which, in our opinion, is quite closed. When moving, the bike immediately offers an incredible perception of comfort, the set up is set to soft, to dampen the roughness of the most difficult surfaces, but adjusted to the harder front, where the fork (telescopic with adjustable spring preload) does not sink excessively. The small Suzuki V-Strom 250 ABS is precise in inputs and rapid in changes of direction, more than you might imagine and for this reason it becomes fun to ride even on dirt roads.

Once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun on dirt roads to get little "twists" when exiting corners. At high speeds, small vibrations can be felt on the handlebars and footrests.
The braking system (with Bosch ABS) it is powerful and well modulated on the front, while on the rear it is more sensitive and therefore management must be more precise on dirt roads. The system consists of a single 290 mm petal front disc, while at the rear it is 240 mm, also petal. The wheels are 17″ with a spoke design. They fit tires in sizes 110/80 at the front and 140/70 at the rear.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Very low consumption and you can also drive with an A2 licence

To become a tireless little traveller, the Suzuki V-strom 250 ABS can be accessorised with a set of top cases (Price: 366,43 Euros) and a tank bag. It can also be driven with an A2 license and is available from October 2017 at a price of 5.740 euros, in yellow-black, black or red.
As for consumption, thanks to the great attention that Suzuki dedicates to the efficiency chapter, the declared consumption is 3,2 liters per 100 km and in our test we were not far from this value, with mileages in the order of 30 km/l.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Ease of driving, consumption
We do not like it:
ABS cannot be deactivated for off-road driving

Suzuki V-Strom 250 ABS MY 2017: the Motorionline Report Card

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Test clothing:

Jacket, trousers, gloves and shoes: OJ Atmosfere Metropolitane

Helmet: Scorpion Sports Europe – Dual