At just $6,490 Ride Away the V-STROM 250SX is sure to be a hit for years to come. We check it out at the recent Aussie press intro. Photos: Half Light, Russel Colvin, Heather Ware
Suzuki recently announced that that the V-STROM 250SX will be imported into Australia for 2023. The all-new year model (compared to the previous 2019 version tested here) arrives in March at just $6,490 R/A – but we had a quick spin on a press bike last week.
The new V-STROM 250SX is revised from the ground up, with a new oil-cooled motor, new chassis, bodywork, electronics and price that is almost a grand less than the 2019 model we reviewed.
Orders for the 250SX are being taken now and delivery is expected in March. As a bonus introductory offer, Suzuki Australia are offering buyer’s a free top box and mounting plate (while deal lasts – ask your Suzuki Dealer). There are also a few cool Suzuki Genuine Accessories available now.
I had a short spin on the bike last week at the Suzuki Australia Press Intro, which was a great excuse to get together with Suzuki staff and some media mates for some pizzas and (after the ride) a few cold amber ale’s at a fantastic local brewery that is not too far from my University.
Way back in 2019 I spent a week or so riding around on the previous V-STROM 250 (the water-cooled version based on the Inazuma 250 road bike) and I really loved the little 250. I have since tested the 650 and the 1050XT, so that’s the entire family. Suzuki have sold over 430,000 V-STROM’s since the first model, some achievement, and with the 250SX coming out of Suzuki Motorcycle India’s 10-acre Gurgaon Plant, where 750,000 Suzuki Motorcycles are built every year, I’d say the result will be that this model will become one of the top selling Suzuki motorcycles ever.
The V-STROM 250SX doesn’t have spoked wheels but it does have a 19in front for better adventure performance, while maintaining good on road handling. Nick will find out more when he reviews the bike next year.
I mean, just check out the price, and having had plenty of experience with Indian produced bikes, I can tell you that the quality is there and that there is no country where a bike cops more punishment than India – they have to be tough. I had a good look over the bike and I was impressed with the fit and finish. I love the idea of the oil-cooled motor, which will give us fuss free riding here particularly in summer.
I found the bike comfortable and roomy enough for a 250, with good stopping power and a nice flat spread of torque. The only issue I had was the muffler is in the way, with my heel touching it, making it very hard to stand up – so first job for me as an owner would be changing the muffler. I’m looking forward to getting the V-STROM 250SX back for a full review, in the meantime, here is a short official video on the bike as well as everything you need to know about this cool little Adventure machine.
The V-STROM 250SX is powered by a 249cc, fuel-injected, four-valve single-cylinder engine, with key engineering focus on enhanced cooling in demanding conditions for added peace of mind, and Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) credentials that balance the concept of excellent fuel economy and strong engine performance. Peak power and torque are 19.5kW@9,300rpm and 22.2Nm@7,300rpm, while the sporty short-style dual-exit muffler is a bespoke design for the V-STROM 250SX.
Peak power and torque are 19.5kW@9,300rpm and 22.2Nm@7,300rpm, while the sporty short-style dual-exit muffler is a bespoke design for the V-STROM 250SX.
Suzuki say that a slim, nimble chassis makes it extremely agile to get around, and narrow side panels provide an easy reach to the ground. On unpaved roads the 19-inch front wheel and ample ground clearance (205mm) add a sense of stability alongside the reassurance of dual-channel ABS on the 310mm (front) and 240mm disc brakes.
The 10-spoke cast-aluminium wheels, including the 17-inch rear, are fitted with semi-block tyres which work well on both paved and unpaved roads for solid all-around usability.
A functional windscreen and knuckle covers make it an ideal touring proposition and, if pillions and/or luggage are a part of the mix, the V-STROM 250SX has a handy rear carrier that also functions as a grab bar. A sturdy subframe ensures that tandem riding and touring are a breeze, and the rear suspension has seven-step preload adjustment to support riding in various conditions.
Suzuki now have four capacity options for the V-STROM. Allowing riders to stay with the brand for a lifetime…
The V-STROM 250SX hits the utility and convenience mark like its larger-capacity siblings with a compact yet highly functional windscreen, knuckle covers, a USB outlet on the left side of the instrument cluster (which glows blue making it easier to use in low-light situations), vibration-absorbing rubber footpeg covers and a helmet holder.
Stylish LED headlights and taillights add to the sleek look, road presence and visibility, while the full LCD instrument cluster offers a wealth of information at a glance. Shown on the LCD display are the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, gear position indicator, two trip meters, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, fuel level indicator, clock, and voltage meter.
Stylish LED headlights and taillights add to the sleek look, road presence and visibility, while the full LCD instrument cluster offers a wealth of information at a glance.
Like all V-STROMS, accessories are available to personalise the ride and include engine protection bars, top case, heated grips, a fuel tank pad, wheel decals and a lower seat which reduces the height from 835mm to 805mm.
The V-STROM 250SX is available now online for $5490 MSRP ($6490 Ride Away),stock is estimated to arrive locally in March 2023.
The V-STROM 250SX is available now online for $5490 MSRP ($6490 Ride Away) in two liveries: Pearl Blaze Orange and Suzuki Champion Yellow, supported by Suzuki’s three-year factory-warranty program (two standard and one bonus). Stock is estimated to arrive locally in March 2023.
As a gesture of Suzuki’s appreciation for customer commitment, online pre-order customers will receive a bonus top box kit with their bike delivery.
2023 Suzuki V-STROM 250SX Gallery
The Author
December 15, 2023
Who in Victoria sells the Indian variant @ $6490 ride away?