[Sebring]

Neil, I did 1200 Kms in 6 days. Putting up a comprehensive review as this is still a rough diamond. Had one round of discussion/recourse with Mr Patil of Suzuki India on this, and round two is on Tuesday (21st June). Will have a balanced opinion out

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Hopefully a comprehensive ownership thread from TBHPians like Sebring, will sway the fence sitters and get them to plonk down their money on this very capable 250.

[Dressellian]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Most people who have test ridden it, ended up coming away impressed by the bike. However, not everyone is booking the VStrom 250. One factor is the price.

So true, Neil! When I test rode the Strom250, I liked it very much. The guy at the dealership dampened my spirits when he said the on-road price will be around two and eighty-ish. That's ridiculous because the ex-showroom price is far less. I was the first to show up on the day they got the motorcycles. Perhaps, he assumed I was desperate. I was only super-eager.

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Hopefully a comprehensive ownership thread from TBHPians like Sebring, will sway the fence sitters and get them to plonk down their money on this very capable 250.

I have been checking everyday to find a thorough review. A few will be very welcome.

[madhukar_n]

Took Delivery of the Suzuki VStrom SX on 4th June. I got it in Sapthagiri Suzuki and they had organised an event in Tribal adventure for the delivery and also for people to test ride the bike. I guess they had invited a few riding clubs too. The event was good I suppose, I just took delivery of the bike and rode it back home.
This last 2 weekends I had taken it for rides. The last weekend was a 650 kms ride involving lots of twists, some off road, highways, ride in rain and mud because of the rain. My opinion on the bike so far:
1) The engine is super refined and smooth. till 110 kmph it is like effortless. Beyond that there is power to go more no doubt but I can feel some vibrations especially on the gear and back break levers.
2) This bike is made for the twists. Perfect bike for the look, lean and roll. I have a Bonneville T100(Air cooled) and for some reason I enjoyed doing the twists on this. Probably the lightness of the bike and also the GC. If I lean a bit more on my bonnie, a little apprehensive about it touching the center stand.
3) Suspension is good, in fact in some terrains better than bonnie. Off road, though was very light was easy to ride. Probably a 390 adv or Himalayan will be better. There was lots of rain while returning and the handling was good. Also because of traffic jams entering Bangalore, I almost rode on the leftmost side with lots of slush, mud and water - it handled well. I would not have ventured to do it on my other bike for sure.
4) Highly Highly flickable bike. Traffic riding is a breeze.
5) Braking is not bad, but can be better.
6) The wind shield gives all the wind to the helmet, so riding without earplugs will be difficult. Probably an extender will be a good option.
7) I am about 5.8 and with riding boots, the height is not a problem.
8) A ride of about 350 kms on both days was comfortable - the seat is also quite comfortable. But beyond 2-3 days probably an air seat will be better.

Finished 1000 kms and given for service.
So far only addition is a Givi top box. During the service I have asked to install the crash guard.

And above all, for some reason this bike catches the eye than my Bonnie !!!(probably the yellow)

[SoumenD]

Originally Posted by madhukar_n

Took Delivery of the Suzuki VStrom SX on 4th June..

Finished 1000 kms and given for service.
So far only addition is a Givi top box. During the service I have asked to install the crash guard.

And above all, for some reason this bike catches the eye than my Bonnie !!!(probably the yellow)

Congratulations mate

All that information without pictures is criminal. Come on, post some

[Dressellian]

Thank you, Madhukar for that crisp review of your first thou. Congratulations on your new ride! By any chance, did you check how long it rolls on a litre of gas? Do you think the brakes can be a deal-breaker?
I second Soumen's call for some pictures

[madhukar_n]

Originally Posted by Dressellian

Thank you, Madhukar for that crisp review of your first thou. Congratulations on your new ride! By any chance, did you check how long it rolls on a litre of gas? Do you think the brakes can be a deal-breaker?
I second Soumen's call for some pictures

I got about 39kmpl. The brakes are not a deal breaker, just that I felt it like that. I have ridden a Himalayan and xpulse and Vstrom brakes are way better than them.

Got the bike from service and the bill was about 2K inclusive of the crash bar. I. will put some photos in a while, generally not a photo person

[RohitJames]

Originally Posted by drt_rdr

Made quick photo edits of a couple of colour schemes I'd have liked to see. First one reminiscent of the 1050.

These look nice.
Could you do something similar with the yellow colour model. I purchased one yesterday and would love to add some colour in line with the yellow.

Thanks

[Sebring]

I had received the full accessory kit a week back. Finally found time to paste the stickers and tank PPF. Kudos to Suzuki for making every accessory/every part available in such short time

[NTab]

Originally Posted by Sebring

I had received the full accessory kit a week back. Finally found time to paste the stickers and tank PPF. Kudos to Suzuki for making every accessory/every part available in such short time

The best tank scratch guard ever

[drt_rdr]

Originally Posted by RohitJames

These look nice.
Could you do something similar with the yellow colour model. I purchased one yesterday and would love to add some colour in line with the yellow.

Thanks. Honestly, I don't know what to do with the yellow one myself though. If you have any ideas, post the here.

[proton]

Originally Posted by drt_rdr

Thanks. Honestly, I don't know what to do with the yellow one myself though. If you have any ideas, post the here.

Dirt bike colours are chosen carefully by manufacturers so that the cameras don't have problem identifying them in the melee of jumping machines. Orange for KTM, red for Honda, flourescent green for Kawasaki, blue for Yamaha and yellow for Suzuki. Yellow and purple are contrasting colours and help again in standing out.

[RohitJames]

Originally Posted by drt_rdr

Thanks. Honestly, I don't know what to do with the yellow one myself though. If you have any ideas, post the here.

Probably Yellow and purple as you Did Orange and Grey.
Thanks

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by madhukar_n

I got about 39kmpl. The brakes are not a deal breaker, just that I felt it like that. I have ridden a Himalayan and xpulse and Vstrom brakes are way better than them.

Got the bike from service and the bill was about 2K inclusive of the crash bar. I. will put some photos in a while, generally not a photo person

Congratulations on the VStrom 250. As the others have suggested, a mention of a new motorcycle without any pictures, is simply not the TBHP way!

Can you share details on the service costs? I was told that the first few services should be around Rs 1,200. Once you get to paid services, it should be between Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800.

[RohitJames]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Congratulations on the VStrom 250. As the others have suggested, a mention of a new motorcycle without any pictures, is simply not the TBHP way!

Can you share details on the service costs? I was told that the first few services should be around Rs 1,200. Once you get to paid services, it should be between Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800.

In line with your comments...sharing pictures of my bike

[Sebring]

You're right on that. Just the oil cost to be paid for the first few services

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Can you share details on the service costs? I was told that the first few services should be around Rs 1,200. Once you get to paid services, it should be between Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800.