THE 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX (S = Sports, X = Crossover) strikes me as a compelling entry into the adventure touring segment, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance that, honestly, exceeded my expectations for a modest 250cc engine.
I’ve always admired the rugged styling and upright ergonomics of the V-Strom lineup, and this smaller sibling carries that DNA effortlessly.
It’s a versatile motorcycle, equally at home on daily commutes or weekend adventures, which I found perfect for my kind of riding.
The V-Strom 250 SX's design felt like a direct nod to its larger siblings.
The sharp lines, signature beak-style front fender, and angular bodywork reminded me of Suzuki’s iconic adventure touring bikes.
The LED headlight and tail lamp aren’t just stylish but are functional and offer good visibility during evening rides.
The minimalist decals and tasteful colour schemes add a touch of class, making it stand out in a crowd.
Despite its adventure-ready looks, I found the bike surprisingly compact.
Its 800mm seat height made it easy for me to plant both feet on the ground, giving me confidence during city rides and occasional off-road trails.
The lightweight trellis-style frame feels sturdy yet nimble, and the integrated luggage mounting points are a nice touch for those of us who enjoy strapping on gear for longer trips.
The suspension setup impressed me with its versatility.
The 37mm telescopic front forks and the preload-adjustable mono-shock at the rear absorbed bumps and potholes effortlessly, keeping me comfortable on uneven roads.
With 150mm of ground clearance, I didn’t worry about scraping the undercarriage, even on slightly rougher terrain.
The seat was a standout feature for me as it is wide, well-padded, and supportive enough for hours of riding without any discomfort.
I also loved the neutral ergonomics, with a relaxed handlebar reach and well-positioned foot pegs that work for both cruising and light off-road exploration.
When it comes to power, the 250cc single-cylinder engine wasn’t ground breaking but it did exactly what I needed it to.
Producing 26.15hp and 22.2Nm of torque, it delivered smooth, linear power that made city commuting and light touring a breeze.
There was no vibration at all from any part of the bike, even at higher revs.
Meanwhile, the six-speed gearbox was a joy to use as it is smooth and precise.
The clutch pull is light which I found helpful during stop-and-go traffic especially during the office rush hour.
On the highway, the bike cruises comfortably between 100kph and 120kph, with the engine humming around 6,000rpm.
The windscreen did a decent job of protecting my upper body from wind blasts although taller riders might experience some buffeting.
Stability in crosswinds is excellent, thanks to the low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution.
The engine’s power delivery is smooth and steady rather than outright explosive.
A quick downshift helped make the most of the mid-range torque during acceleration.
What surprised me the most was how the V-Strom 250 SX handled hilly roads.
Its lightweight and nimble handling made twisty roads an absolute joy.
The suspension soaked up imperfections easily and the bike felt composed even in tight corners.
The brakes feature a 310mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc providing solid stopping power, and the dual-channel ABS adds a layer of confidence, especially on slippery roads.
I appreciated the dual-channel ABS, which added a layer of safety when I encountered wet or slippery roads.
The lever feel was reassuring, and the progressive braking response made sudden stops less intimidating and more controlled.
The suspension setup impressed me as well.
The front telescopic fork and rear mono-shock at the rear struck a great balance between comfort and performance..
With 150mm of front suspension travel, I felt the bike effortlessly absorb road imperfections, keeping the ride smooth even on uneven terrain.
I also liked that the rear suspension is preload-adjustable, which allowed me to fine-tune it when riding solo or with a pillion.
Overall, this setup delivered a stable ride on highways and handled rougher surfaces without a fuss, making the bike feel incredibly versatile for urban commutes and light off-road adventures.
Taking it off-road, I was pleased with its capability.
The long-travel suspension, decent ground clearance, and dual-purpose tyres handled dirt roads and gravel tracks surprisingly well.
It’s not a hardcore off-roader but good for light adventure riding.
The relatively low seat height made it easy for me to get on and off, and I appreciated the stability the low centre of gravity provided, even on uneven surfaces.
For daily commuting, this bike ticks all the boxes for me.
It’s light and easy to manoeuvre in traffic, and the upright riding position reduces fatigue during longer rides.
The low fuel consumption is another highlight as it is economical enough to keep running costs low without compromising on performance.
Overall, the RM17,800 V-Strom 250 SX is a well-rounded package.
It may not be the most powerful or technologically advanced motorcycle in its class, but it excels where it counts: practicality, reliability, and affordability.
SPECIFICATIONS
Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
Engine: 249cc, oil cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder
Maximum power: 26.15hp at 9,300rpm
Maximum torque: 22.2Nm at 7,300rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front telescopic, coil spring, oil damped; rear swing arm, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes: Front 310mm disc, two-piston caliper; rear 240mm disc
Fuel capacity: 12 litres
Wet weight: 167kg
Price: RM17,800 (without insurance, road tax and number plate)
