Suzuki V-Strom SX: Your Versatile Companion for Touring and Daily Rides

In India, where motorcycles are more than transport, they’re a way of life, the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 CC captures that spirit perfectly. Launched as an entry-level adventure tourer, this BMW motorcycle-inspired machine blends the thrill of touring with the practicality of daily commuting. Built on the proven Gixxer 250 platform, the V-Strom SX is a versatile companion that invites riders to explore city streets and highways with confidence. Let’s dive into why the Suzuki V-Strom SX is winning hearts across India in 2025, offering a balance of style, comfort, and reliability for every journey.

Image Source: https://www.suzukimotorcycle.co.in

A New Star in Adventure Touring

The Suzuki V-Strom SX entered India’s bustling motorcycle market in 2022, targeting riders seeking an affordable yet capable adventure tourer. Priced at Rs. 2.16 lakh (ex-showroom) in 2025, it’s a compelling option in the quarter-litre segment, rivaling the likes of the KTM 250 Adventure, Benelli TRK 251, and Royal Enfield Himalayan. Drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the V-Strom 650, the SX brings adventure styling to a more accessible price point. Suzuki calls it a “sports adventure tourer,” a nod to its road-focused versatility rather than hardcore off-road prowess. For riders dreaming of weekend escapes or seamless daily rides, the V-Strom SX delivers a taste of adventure without breaking the bank.

Design: Bold Looks with a Familiar Heart

At first glance, the Suzuki V-Strom SX channels the bold aesthetics of its bigger V-Strom cousins. Its design is a scaled-down version of the V-Strom 1050, featuring a prominent beak-style front fender inspired by Suzuki’s DR-Z and DR-BIG rally bikes. The octagonal LED headlight, borrowed from the Gixxer 250, is framed by a sleek plastic shroud, while a tall windscreen and handguards complete the adventure-ready look. Available in three striking colors—Champion Yellow No. 2, Glass Sparkle Black, and Metallic Sonoma Red—the SX stands out on crowded Indian roads.

The bike’s muscular fuel tank, with dual-tone shrouds, flows seamlessly into a slim tail section, though the rear design feels slightly understated compared to the bold front. A 12-litre fuel tank, identical to the Gixxer 250, keeps the bike compact, while a luggage rack doubles as a grab bar, perfect for strapping on gear for long rides. The fit and finish are top-notch, with high-quality plastics and no loose ends, reflecting Suzuki’s attention to detail. However, the slim tail and shared components with the Gixxer give it a slightly less aggressive stance than a true off-road ADV.

Engine and Performance: A Refined Workhorse

The heart of the Suzuki V-Strom SX is its 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC, four-valve engine, lifted directly from the Gixxer 250 and SF 250. Producing 26.5 horsepower at 9,300 rpm and 22.2 Nm of torque at 7,300 rpm, it’s paired with a six-speed gearbox for smooth power delivery. The Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) ensures quick warm-up and optimal temperature management, enhancing fuel efficiency and durability. Owners report real-world mileage of 36-42 kmpl, making it a frugal choice for both city commutes and highway cruises.

In city traffic, the engine shines with its tractable nature. You can glide through congested streets at 35-45 kmph in higher gears without strain, thanks to the light clutch and slick gearbox. However, some riders note vibrations below 5,500 rpm and stiff gear shifts in the first three gears, which can be noticeable in stop-and-go traffic. Finding neutral can also feel like a small challenge, requiring deliberate shifts.

On highways, the V-Strom SX finds its sweet spot at 100-120 kmph, where vibrations fade, and the engine cruises effortlessly. Overtaking is a breeze drop a gear, and the bike surges past slower vehicles with confidence. Push it to its limit, and you’ll hit a top speed of around 140 kmph, though vibrations and wind resistance from the windscreen become more pronounced beyond 110 kmph. For sedate riders, this performance is more than adequate, offering a stress-free ride for long journeys.

Ergonomics: Built for Comfort

The Suzuki V-Strom SX excels in rider comfort, a critical factor for touring and daily rides. Its upright riding position, with a wide handlebar and center-set footpegs, creates an ideal riding triangle for extended journeys. The seat, at 835 mm, is well-padded and spacious, accommodating riders of various sizes, though shorter riders (under 5’10”) may need to tiptoe at stops. The split-seat design offers ample room for both rider and pillion, with bungee hooks and a luggage rack for added practicality.

The bike’s 205 mm ground clearance and 19-inch front wheel (compared to the Gixxer’s 17-inch) give it a commanding stance, perfect for navigating India’s uneven roads. However, the suspension—telescopic forks upfront and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear—is carried over from the Gixxer, resulting in a slightly stiff ride. Speed bumps and potholes are felt more than on a dedicated ADV, requiring riders to slow down or stand on the pegs to absorb shocks. For light off-roading, the SX can handle mild trails, but its road-biased tires and suspension make it less suited for rugged terrain.

Handling and Braking: Steady and Reliable

The Suzuki V-Strom SX offers predictable handling, though its 19-inch front wheel makes it slightly less agile than its Gixxer siblings. The longer wheelbase (1,440 mm) and solid chassis provide stability, especially in sweeping corners, making it a joy on winding highways. The stock MRF tires, with their block pattern, prioritize durability over aggressive cornering, producing a slight buzzing sound on smooth roads. For riders seeking sporty handling, these tires may feel limiting, but they suit the bike’s touring focus.

Braking is a strong suit, with single-disc brakes on both wheels and dual-channel ABS ensuring confident stops. The brakes offer good bite and progression, ideal for both city traffic and high-speed scenarios. However, some riders suggest the brakes could be sharper for faster-paced riding.

Features: Modern Touches for Convenience

The V-Strom SX stands out with modern features not found on its Gixxer cousins. The Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument cluster is a highlight, displaying call and SMS alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, speed warnings, and phone battery levels. A USB charging port, glowing blue for easy access in low light, adds practicality for long rides. The Suzuki Ride Connect app enhances connectivity, though some users find its navigation less reliable than Google Maps. A minor gripe is the Bluetooth system activating automatically, cluttering the display unless manually disabled.

LED lighting for the headlight and taillight ensures visibility, while the windscreen provides decent protection up to 100 kmph. The Suzuki Easy Start System simplifies ignition with a single button press, a small but welcome touch. However, the USB port’s cover feels flimsy, and the lack of off-road ABS or spoke wheels limits its adventure credentials.

Real-World Appeal: A Record-Breaking Tourer

The Suzuki V-Strom SX proved its mettle in 2024, setting a national record by covering nine mountain passes in Ladakh, spanning 780 km in 18 hours, from Tanglang La to Umling La. This feat, recognized by the India Book of Records, showcases the bike’s reliability and endurance under extreme conditions. Its lightweight 167 kg frame, long-travel suspension, and wide handlebars made it a capable partner for such a grueling journey, earning praise from Suzuki’s leadership for its engineering prowess.

Owners echo this sentiment, with many highlighting its fuel efficiency (38-42 kmpl on highways) and comfort for long rides. One rider, after 7,700 km, praised its lightweight handling and highway stability but noted the stiff suspension and heavy clutch in city conditions. Another, after 5,000 km, appreciated the sturdy build but mentioned suspension noise on rough roads. These real-world insights underline the SX’s strengths as a road-focused tourer.

Where It Stands: Value and Versatility

Priced at Rs. 2.16 lakh, the Suzuki V-Strom SX is a strong value proposition, undercutting the KTM 250 Adventure (Rs. 2.60 lakh) while offering comparable features. However, competitors like the Royal Enfield Himalayan (discontinued 411cc model) provide more off-road capability for a similar price. The SX’s shared platform with the Gixxer 250 keeps costs down, but some riders wish for a more powerful engine or plusher suspension to match its ADV styling.

As a daily commuter, the SX excels with its refined engine, light clutch, and ergonomic design. For weekend getaways, its stability and fuel efficiency make it a reliable partner. However, it’s not a true off-road machine—riders seeking rugged trails may prefer the KTM or Hero XPulse 200. The SX shines for those who want a stylish, practical bike that handles both city streets and highways with ease.

Conclusion: A Friendly Tourer for Every Rider

The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 CC is a love letter to riders who crave adventure without complexity. It’s not the most powerful or off-road-ready ADV, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it offers a refined engine, comfortable ergonomics, and modern features in a package that’s accessible to beginners and seasoned riders alike. Whether you’re weaving through Mumbai’s traffic or cruising to the hills, the V-Strom SX is a versatile companion that delivers joy and reliability.

For Indian riders, it’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t always need a big budget or a big bike. With its bold looks, practical features, and proven performance, the Suzuki V-Strom SX invites you to hit the road, chase the horizon, and make every ride a story worth telling. If you’re ready to explore, this friendly tourer is ready to roll.

FAQ's

1. Can a short rider handle a Suzuki V-Strom?

   The seat height is 835 mm, which is tall, and if it's difficult for you, Suzuki will give you a seat that is 15 mm lower, which is being achieved by shaving the form down further; this seat will be less comfortable than the stock higher seat. I would recommend you to learn to ride a tall motorcycle, which will allow you to ride a taller motorcycle later on in life.

2. Rivals of the Suzuki V-Strom SX?

   3 bikes that compete against SX that are Himalayan, KTM 250 Adventure, Hero XPulse 200.

3. Who is better off-roader XPulse 200 or V-Strom SX?

   Undoubtedly, XPulse remains the king of off-road, the V-Stom SX is better on the highway.