THE UNDERRATED ADV BIKE SUZUKI V STORM 250
Adventure bikes are special. They are made for people who love exploring, traveling long distances, and riding on rough off-road paths. When you think about adventure bikes, big names come to mind: Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM Adventure, Yezdi Adventure, or even bigger bikes like the BMW GS series. But there is one bike that many people forget. It does not get the same hype, but it truly deserves respect. That bike is the Suzuki V-Strom 250.
In my opinion, the V-Strom 250 is one of the most underrated adventure motorcycles in India. It has everything that a touring or off-road rider would want – a reliable Japanese engine, comfortable riding position, smooth performance, and good mileage. On top of all this, it comes at an attractive price of around ₹1.95 lakh (ex-showroom). For this price, you get a trusted machine that can take you on city rides, highways, and even rough country roads without breaking a sweat.
Let’s explore why the Suzuki V-Strom 250 is such a hidden gem. We will look at its specifications, how they help riders in real life, and why this bike should not be ignored.
SUZUKI V STORM BIKE SPECIFICATION
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 249cc, 4 stroke, single cylinder, oil cooled, SOHC, 4 valves |
| Max power | 26 Hp @ 9300 rpm |
| Max torque | 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 76mm x 54.9mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Transmission | 6 speed manual |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection |
| Ignition sytem | Electronic |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 litres |
| Curb weight | 167 kg |
| Seat height | 835mm |
| Ground clerance | 205mm |
| Front suspension | Telescopic front fork, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear suspension | Swingram type, coil spring, oil damped |
| Front tyre | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tyre | 140/70-17 |
| Front brake | Disc brake |
| Rear brake | Disc brake |
| Top speed | 150 km/h |
| Mileage | 40 km/l |
| Lights | LED lighting |
| Price | 1.95 lakh - 2.70 lakh |
1. Engine – 249cc Single Cylinder, Oil-Cooled
The Suzuki V-Strom 250 comes with a 249cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine. This engine produces around 26.5 bhp power and 22.2 Nm torque.
In simple words, this engine is strong enough for city rides, smooth on highways, and capable of handling off-road roads. Being a Japanese engine, it is very reliable and refined. You will not feel much vibration, even on long rides. The oil-cooling system keeps the engine temperature under control, so it performs well even in hot Indian conditions.
2. Mileage – Around 40+ kmpl
Mileage is one of the biggest reasons to buy this bike. The Suzuki V-Strom 250 can give you 40 to 45 kmpl in real-world conditions. For an adventure bike, this is very impressive.
Think about it: if you are going on a long ride of 500 km, you will save a lot of fuel money compared to other heavy ADVs. This makes the bike pocket-friendly for riders who love touring regularly.
3. Suspension – Long Travel Telescopic Front and Mono-Shock Rear
Adventure bikes need good suspension to handle bumps, potholes, and rough paths. The V-Strom 250 comes with telescopic front forks and a mono-shock rear suspension.
This setup is simple but effective. It gives good comfort on highways and absorbs shocks on bad roads. You may not jump like on a dirt bike, but you can easily handle broken roads and off-road trails without feeling uncomfortable.
4. Ground Clearance – 205 mm
Ground clearance is very important for an ADV. The V-Strom 250 has 205 mm ground clearance, which is quite good for this segment.
This means you can ride on village roads, hilly areas, or even rocky paths without worrying about the bike hitting the ground. It is not as tall as the Himalayan, but it is enough for 90% of Indian road conditions.
5. Weight – 167 kg
The Suzuki V-Strom 250 weighs around 167 kg, which is lighter compared to some other adventure bikes like the Himalayan (199 kg).
This lighter weight makes the bike easier to handle, especially for beginners or riders who are not very tall. It is less scary in traffic, and you can manage it better on off-road sections. This balance of light weight and ADV design makes it a great choice for daily use as well.
6. Brakes – Dual Disc with Dual-Channel ABS
Safety is a top priority, and the V-Strom 250 offers disc brakes on both front and rear wheels, along with dual-channel ABS.
This means you can stop confidently even on wet or slippery roads. The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up, giving you control at all times. For an ADV that goes on highways and off-roads, this is a very important feature.
7. Price – Around ₹1.95 Lakh
One of the strongest points of the V-Strom 250 is its price. At ₹1.95 lakh, it is much cheaper than the Himalayan or KTM Adventure.
For this money, you are getting a Japanese bike with good build quality, reliable engine, comfortable seating, and excellent mileage. Service costs are also low compared to European brands, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious riders.
MY OPINION
The Suzuki V-Strom 250 is truly an underrated gem in the adventure motorcycle segment. It may not have the highest power, but it offers a perfect mix of reliability, comfort, mileage, and price. For ₹1.95 lakh, you get a Japanese-engineered machine that can take you on long tours, daily commutes, and light off-road adventures.
If you are looking for a bike that is practical, affordable, and built to last, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 should definitely be on your list. Do not judge it by numbers alone – ride it once, and you will understand why it deserves much more recognition.
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