Suzuki is expected to launch the new VStrom 250 on March 20, followed by the VStrom SX in May or later. Two VStroms will be lined up in the 250cc class, but how will they be segregated?
V-Strom SX has a higher seat for unpaved roads
The V-Strom 250, which debuted in 2017, is popular among touring riders for its easy-to-handle long-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder engine. Rumors circulated that the model would be discontinued without complying with emission regulations, but a new model with a maximum output of 24 PS was launched on March 20.
And at the MC show, the new V-Strom SX with a single-cylinder 249cc engine was also unveiled, with two 250cc versions of the V-Strom on display in the Suzuki booth. The SX will be announced soon, as the developers said they hope to launch it after Golden Week.
Since it was possible to straddle them at the MC show, Webike staff members, who are 165 cm tall, checked the foot grounding characteristics and found that the V-Strom SX had both feet on tiptoe and the V-Strom 250 had both feet on the ground with the ball of the thumb on both toes for a high sense of security. The two vehicles were found to have different characters.
The reason the parallel twin-cylinder VSTROM 250 has a lower threshold than the single-cylinder engine, lightweight VSTROM SX is that the SX is a sports crossover and is designed for unpaved roads. The minimum ground clearance and suspension stroke affect foot grounding.
V-STROM SX [SUZUKI] The latest model of the oil-cooled single-cylinder 250cc engine.
The V stands for Versatile, and the SX extends the range to unpaved roads for greater versatility.
The foot grounding of a 165cm tall person is as shown in the photo. Both toes are grounded, so the vehicle seems to be able to be supported. The front wheels have a larger diameter of 19 inches, which is expected to provide good rideability on unpaved roads.
V-Strom 250 [SUZUKI] was Introduced in 2017. The parallel two-cylinder engine is a tenacious long-stroke specification with characteristics that allow for relaxed cruising. This model also cleared regulations and will be sold together with the VSTROM 250.
The foot grounding of the 165cm height is as shown in the photo. Both ball toes are firmly grounded, so the feeling of security is higher on this model.
With 17-inch wheels in the front and rear, the concept is completely geared toward on-road touring.
V-Strom SX is not a full-fledged off-roader, but a dirt roader
Powered by an oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, the V-Strom SX is a crossover version of the Gixxer that debuted in 2020 and shares the same engine and main frame. Since the frame will be a diamond type, the DR was not made to handle undulating, full-scale off-road terrain.
Even so, the VSTROME SX can handle unpaved roads thanks to its larger front wheel size, special swing arm, and increased suspension stroke. The V-Strom SX excels at touring on forest roads, and with the large rear carrier and screen, long tours can be enjoyed in comfort.
Pearl Blaze Orange and Champion Yellow No. 2 were displayed at the Osaka Tokyo MC Show, so the color variations for the Japanese version seem to be confirmed. The headlights and other styling elements are similar to those of its older brother.
The rear 17-inch wheels are common to the Gixxer and the front 19-inch wheels are new. The wheelbase is more than 100 mm longer than that of the Gixxer, which should enhance maneuverability.
The oil-cooled single-cylinder engine is expected to deliver 26 PS/9300 rpm, similar to the new Gixxer. It is interesting to note that it has a higher rpm and higher output than the V-Strom 250's liquid-cooled parallel two-cylinder at 24 PS/8000 rpm.
The wide, upright handlebars are easy to maneuver even when standing. The fuel tank capacity is 12 liters for overseas specifications, so a cruising range can be expected.
The large screen and hand guards will be comfortable for long tours. There is a USB socket on the left side of the meter. The LED headlight is common with the Gixxer.
There is space for tools behind the seat and for documents under the seat. There is enough space to accommodate an ETC onboard unit if the instruction manual is removed. There did not seem to be a helmet holder.
V-Strom SX India Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height:2180 x 880 x 1355mm
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Seat height: 835mm
Weight:167 kg
Engine:Oil-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 249cc
Maximum output:26.5 PS at 9300 rpm
Maximum torque: 2.26 kg-m/7300 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 12 liters
Transmission:6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=100/90-19, R=140/70-17
Price: 211,600 rupees (about 365,000 yen)
Main Specifications of the Japan 2023 VSTROM 250 Model
Overall length x width x height: 2150mm x 880mm x 1295mm
Distance between axles:1425mm
Seat height: 800mm
Equipped weight: 191 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, SOHC, 2-valve, 249cc
Maximum output:18 kW (24 PS)/8000 rpm
Maximum torque:22N-m (2.2kgf-m)/6500rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17.0 liters
Transmission Type: 6-speed return with constant engagement
Brake Type (F/R) : F=Hydraulic single disc (ABS) / R=Hydraulic single disc (ABS)
Tire size (F/R):F=110/80-17M/C 57H / R=140/70-17M/C 66H
Price (approx.):4915 USD