If you can accept that "this is good enough," then it's a purchase. V-Strom250 [Webike My Bike Pickup]

This project features a bike from the MY BIKE section of the Webike Community that has caught the editorial team's attention. This time, we're featuring the SUZUKI "V-Strom250," owned by "Old Ranger."

V-Strom250 (250cc) Owner: Old Ranger

The V-Strom250 from Suzuki is a highly popular model as an adventure-style touring bike. It's equipped with a water-cooled parallel-twin engine known for its ease of use, characterized by rich torque in the low to mid-range. The upright riding position and comfortable body design, intended for long-distance riding, make it suitable for a wide range of uses, from daily commuting to long tours.

Its imposing size stands out even in the 250cc class, and its excellent load-carrying capacity and stability are major attractions. While it has a tough exterior typical of an adventure model, it also balances this with ease of handling in urban environments, making it a consistent choice for many riders as a "travel companion."

Old Ranger chose the V-Strom250 as a replacement for a beloved bike they had owned for 30 years. They enjoy day trips visiting historical sites and cultural properties on this beloved bike, which they call "Kuro-Suto-go" (Black Strom). They seem to be enjoying trips that leverage its stability and good fuel economy, understanding its characteristics like lack of power and weight.

＜From MY BIKE Comments＞

■Reason for Purchase, Usage, Comparison Models

My partner of 30 years became inoperable. Parts became difficult to obtain, so I was considering a replacement when I found a good used one and, after much deliberation, purchased it.

Initially, I wasn't considering it due to its lack of power, weight, and its primarily on-road design. However, the Kawasaki Versys-X250, which was a candidate, was discontinued. Also, since the engine was of the same type as my previous bike, Aneiro, I became concerned about fuel economy and the lack of low-speed torque, leading me to consider other models. Other models considered included the CL250, G310GS, W230, and 400X.

Mainly for day trips visiting historical sites, ruins, and cultural properties as a hobby. Due to my age and physical condition, I don't plan on riding all over Japan.

■Strengths

・Simply comfortable
The 24 horsepower isn't very noticeable on regular roads. Rather, the sufficient low-speed torque means fewer gear changes, making it easy to use. Starting from idle or in second gear is no problem.

・Fuel Economy
Currently averaging around 33 km/liter. I'm satisfied with being able to travel 500km on a single tank.

・Riding Posture
It's upright and comfortable, making it less tiring to ride. The normal seat is sufficient, but a low seat flattens the front bulge, making it less likely to cause saddle soreness.

・Quiet Exhaust Sound
This was one of the deciding factors when purchasing. (It already had an SP Tadao PowerBOX exhaust pipe, but the silencer was stock.) While there's a trend to change mufflers on bikes, it's a personal choice, but the loudness of the exhaust sound can contribute to fatigue, so the stock silencer is perfectly fine.

・Sense of Ownership. It's the largest bike in the 250cc class. It has a presence that says, "This is a motorcycle."

・More weaknesses than strengths (lol)
It's unavoidable due to cost reduction. When something is too well-made, even minor flaws stand out. If you can accept it and think, "this is good enough," you won't mind.

■Weaknesses

・Lack of Power
When riding on the highway, the lack of power is noticeable, and maintaining speed can be a bit strenuous. It can run at 100 km/h, but 80-90 km/h is optimal. I wish it were a 400cc, but since the main market in China has the GW300 (27 hp/2.83 kgf·m) for public security, I wish they would put that engine in and sell it in Japan.

・Weight
It's not much of a problem on flat ground, but on uneven terrain, when pulling out of the garage, or on slopes, the weight becomes a bottleneck, and I've nearly dropped it several times. I wish it were at least 10kg lighter. The normal seat is fine, but to reduce any anxiety, I switched to a low seat for better ground reach.

・Low-Speed Shimmy
It occurs slightly even in stock condition, but it's a major problem when the bike vibrates just by attaching a top case. They advertise it with full panniers in the catalog, so isn't this counterproductive? It's questionable to leave a problem that has been pointed out since the GSR era unaddressed.

・Wheels
Since it's an adventure style, I wish the front were 19 inches. With 17-inch wheels, the ride on rough roads isn't great. The tires are also on-road, so I have to be careful even on flat dirt roads.

・Chassis Reuse
It's Suzuki's usual technique to reuse existing chassis, so it can't be helped, but it feels forced. The V-Strom650 is also based on the SV650, and the Hustler is based on the Wagon R, so they create new models based on existing ones, leading to a disjointed feel in various places.

・Rough Construction
It's understandable given the era, but the details feel rougher compared to the Aneiro. While the performance of the parts themselves may have improved significantly, the low manufacturing and parts quality is noticeable. There are many cast parts, the welding methods, lack of weight-saving ingenuity, parts assembled forcefully, the license plate base integrated with the fender, and turn signals where the bulb can't be replaced without removing screws – many drawbacks of cost reduction are felt. The side cowls, side covers, and fenders are likely made from recycled PP material from car bumpers, etc. However, this isn't a problem in itself, and I personally welcome it from an environmental and cost perspective.

■Advice for Future Buyers

If you can accept that "this is good enough," then it's a purchase. Based on the GSR, it's a compromise as an adventure bike, and with its weight and 17-inch front wheel with on-road tires, you can't expect much off-road capability. The suspension is also on-road oriented, so you need to be careful on rough roads. It's not a high-mechanics OHC 2-valve engine, and there are many complaints about the rough construction, the lack of power, and the excessively heavy body. However, this is a result of prioritizing durability and ease of manufacturing, considering the main market in China, so it can be a merit in the long run.

Above all, once you ride it, you'll feel its rich low-speed torque, the stability from its large body and weight, and its good fuel economy, making you realize that this is how a motorcycle should be, and it's not about horsepower or speed.

Also, I recommend purchasing with an understanding of the 250cc displacement, for better or worse. If you're looking for power or speed, a different vehicle in the 1 million yen class or a larger displacement bike would be better, and 250cc bikes with high power often have disadvantages in fuel economy and low-speed torque. Although it's a sealed chain, some seals were already missing when purchased, giving a sense of low quality.

■Future Customization Plans

Chain replacement, headlight LED conversion

Check V-Strom250 User Reviews Too

If you're interested in other owners' opinions and evaluations of the V-Strom250, please check the posts published on the Webike Community.

Check V-Strom250 User Reviews

Old Ranger is thoroughly enjoying Kuro-Suto-go.