[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by thedarkriderVII

- When my bike was delivered, the top rack stand had few scratches and marks on it.

As this wasn't sorted at delivery itself, not much can be done now.

Any recommendation to get it fixed?

Add a top rack plate for mounting luggage.

- Similarly, the windshield had scratches after I removed the plastic cover. They are not that noticeable but they are visible in sunlight.Is it to be expected or am I being too nitpicky?

Windshield is made up of polycarbonate not glass. Even if you manage to minimise current scratch, another one will come up in few months.

- I have received a scratch mark at the exhaust pipe. I wanted it to be fixed but the service centre said that they don't do it here. Should I get it done from outside?

Try rubbing compound and/or polish; shouldn't cost more than 100/150 unless it's a deep scratch.

- I find the Clutch to be very hard and tiring while driving in bumper to bumper traffic.

Clutch is hard in slow moving traffic. If your usage is always in traffic, consider adding Pro-Spec Easy clutch. Contact them to know exact model that fits SX250.

- Similarly, gears still doesn't feel that smooth while driving. I thought it will improve but it hasn't.

Your bike is yet to complete running-in, please check after completing 1600 Kms.

- Next observation is that I have seen my bike to go to only 70kmph at 3000 - 4000 rpm.

This is expected. Please remember during running-in rev only upto 5000 rpm for first 800 Kms and upto 7000 rpm till 1600 Kms.

- Also, they said that there are no accessories available for VStrom SX 250. Even seat covers were not available. Where can I get some decent accessories for my bike at Delhi/Gurgaon?

NCR has plenty of accessory shops and accessory manufacturers. Seat covers should be looked at dedicated seat cover outlet.

-Final observation is in relation to suspension. It feels great on city roads, highways, and even broken roads. It bothers me when I drive over those speed-breakers. I have tried going over them at medium speed and slow speed, I can still feel them. Except for slowing it down to 10 - 15kmph, there is no way to avoid those shocks. Any recommendations to avoid those shocks?

Don't know nature of speed-breakers in your vicinity and whether those are unscientific or not. You can lower preload on rear suspension from stock 3 to 2 and see if that changes your experience on speed-breakers. You will need a C-spanner to change preload, visit a nearby garage if you don't have it. C-spanner isn't part of Suzuki toolkit.

[thedarkriderVII]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

Don't know nature of speed-breakers in your vicinity and whether those are unscientific or not. You can lower preload on rear suspension from stock 3 to 2 and see if that changes your experience on speed-breakers. You will need a C-spanner to change preload, visit a nearby garage if you don't have it. C-spanner isn't part of Suzuki toolkit.

Thanks a lot.

You have cleared all my queries. Will try to keep it in mind.

These are Rumble Strips that are present in Gurgaon underpasses. They are the main source of pain in my a**. Apart from that, rest is fine. Will try to get the preload suspension changed to see the difference.

Thanks again.

[Full_Minchingu]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

As this wasn't sorted at delivery itself, not much can be done now.

Thanks sukiwa san for answering the questions.

Originally Posted by thedarkriderVII

Just got my bike's first service done after driving 500 KMs (1 Month). The engine feels smooth and driving feels great in city and highway. But there are few observations/nitpicks that I want to share with members here to get their feedback and suggestions:

Congratulations on your new ride, no doubt you have acquired a beautiful bike.

Coming to your questions, since sukiwa has answered to your questions thoroughly, I will share few experiences.

- Regarding the windshield, yes even my bike had this small scratch which was not so visible easily to naked eye. During PDI, I noticed this mark and showed this to the sales manager and he agreed to get it replaced free of cost. Now after around 2 months of ownership I see lot of tiny scratches. Which can't be removed or avoided. So, I am living with it.

- Same goes with the exhaust pipe, I feel this is the most scratch prone area at the rear end, this is placed in such a way that the pillion would tend to keep their leg on the exhaust pipe more often than on the foot rest. I have stopped telling the pillion to remove their leg from the exhaust pipe . I'd suggest to try a rubbing compound to mask the scratches.

- Initially I too felt that the gears were hard, however, after 1st service and subsequent chain lube they have become much smoother. I no longer have this complaint. So, I'd suggest to wait and watch.

- Yes, you need to rev more to achieve higher speeds. However, make sure you follow the break in rules promptly. Break-in ranges are already mentioned by sukiwa.

- AFAIK there are many number of spare markets in and around Delhi, I'd suggest you search for the same in YouTube videos, there are many to help you out.

- Yes, suspensions on speed breakers are not that great, many a times my seating position will get displaced if I ride on a higher speed on the humps. To overcome this issue, I saddle the speed breakers (only if its a safe environment and if the roads are empty). Or else I bring down the bike to minimum speed to tackle the speed breakers.

Last but not the least, share some pics of your beautify bike.

Regards,
-Badri

[TANZY]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

Please visit service center to check if steering stem nut and/or front wheel axle nut has been overtightened at factory or by dealership person. Both of these are better tightened with a torque wrench for specific torque mentioned in user manual.

If these are sorted, then check if front tyre has uneven wear that demands warranty replacement.

Sir, I could find the torque figures for the front axle nut but not for the steering stem nut in the user manual. If you know or came across any torque figure for the steering stem nut, please let me know.

[thedarkriderVII]

Originally Posted by Full_Minchingu

Thanks sukiwa san for answering the questions.



Congratulations on your new ride, no doubt you have acquired a beautiful bike.

Coming to your questions, since sukiwa has answered to your questions thoroughly, I will share few experiences.

- Regarding the windshield, yes even my bike had this small scratch which was not so visible easily to naked eye. During PDI, I noticed this mark and showed this to the sales manager and he agreed to get it replaced free of cost. Now after around 2 months of ownership I see lot of tiny scratches. Which can't be removed or avoided. So, I am living with it.

- Same goes with the exhaust pipe, I feel this is the most scratch prone area at the rear end, this is placed in such a way that the pillion would tend to keep their leg on the exhaust pipe more often than on the foot rest. I have stopped telling the pillion to remove their leg from the exhaust pipe . I'd suggest to try a rubbing compound to mask the scratches.

- Initially I too felt that the gears were hard, however, after 1st service and subsequent chain lube they have become much smoother. I no longer have this complaint. So, I'd suggest to wait and watch.

- Yes, you need to rev more to achieve higher speeds. However, make sure you follow the break in rules promptly. Break-in ranges are already mentioned by sukiwa.

- AFAIK there are many number of spare markets in and around Delhi, I'd suggest you search for the same in YouTube videos, there are many to help you out.

- Yes, suspensions on speed breakers are not that great, many a times my seating position will get displaced if I ride on a higher speed on the humps. To overcome this issue, I saddle the speed breakers (only if its a safe environment and if the roads are empty). Or else I bring down the bike to minimum speed to tackle the speed breakers.

Last but not the least, share some pics of your beautify bike.

Regards,
-Badri

Thanks for your answers and kind compliments, Badri.

I haven't taken that many clicks of my bike. Hoping to take few cinematic shots that does full justice to it. But here are a couple of pics of "Kakashi".

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by TANZY

I could find the torque figures for the front axle nut but not for the steering stem nut in the user manual.

Workshop manual is best source to know torque value for steering nut. Unfortunately, it's not easily accessible. Even service manuals available online for Suzuki 250cc models in Indonesian language are nothing but owner manuals.

[thedarkriderVII]

One quick question - Should I be using SP95 Fuel with my engine? Or should I stick with E20 mix petrol?

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

Workshop manual is best source to know torque value for steering nut. Unfortunately, it's not easily accessible. Even service manuals available online for Suzuki 250cc models in Indonesian language are nothing but owner manuals.

90 nm/9.2 kgf-m or 66.5 lbf-ft
Steering nut

Originally Posted by thedarkriderVII

One quick question - Should I be using SP95 Fuel with my engine? Or should I stick with E20 mix petrol?

You can use both. My experience with using XP100 here is improved acceleration and reduced mid-range vibes once the engine has warmed up. You can stick to regular pump gas RON91 which again is nothing wrong, especially if your bike is new. The bike's engine will seem to run a little hotter when new and rough. Periodic services would gradually smoothen the engine and the dreaded hard gear-shifts which are a thing of the past.

Cheers!
VJ

[kaizengadi]

I am thinking of adding aux lights and wanted to confirm the max power the alternator of the bike can generate, to choose appropriate LED wattage, but could not spot the figures in the specification section of the user manual. If anyone is aware of this info please do share. Thanks.

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by kaizengadi

I am thinking of adding aux lights and wanted to confirm the max power the alternator of the bike can generate, to choose appropriate LED wattage, but could not spot the figures in the specification section of the user manual. If anyone is aware of this info please do share. Thanks.

I've been trying to fetch the same for a while, but with no luck. Unfortunately it's never mentioned both in the owner nor the service manual. It should definitely be above 200 watts considering the HL and TL being on all the time, so in any case a 20 to 40 watt aux lamp shouldn't be a problem for either the battery or the alternator.

Cheers!
VJ

[kaizengadi]

Originally Posted by VijayAnand1

I've been trying to fetch the same for a while, but with no luck. Unfortunately it's never mentioned both in the owner nor the service manual. It should definitely be above 200 watts considering the HL and TL being on all the time, so in any case a 20 to 40 watt aux lamp shouldn't be a problem for either the battery or the alternator.

Cheers!
VJ

Thanks, I have also replaced the OEM 10w indicators to 3w LED ones. This should give me some more wiggle room I suppose.

[Full_Minchingu]

Coming back with few updates –

1. Second Service.
2. Couple of accessories.
3. Puncture x 2!

1. Second Service Updates -

Odometer Reading during service – 3589 Kms.
Second Service charge – 1936 Rs.
Service Center – Saptagiri Auto Private Limited.

Trigger for 2nd service is 6 months from the date of purchase or 6,000 kms (whichever comes first). Mine had just clocked 3.5K Kms however, it was nearing the 6th month of ownership. Hence gave the bike for 2nd service.

This service was supposed to include an oil change and chain lube, but I received a call after leaving the bike at the SVC saying the front brake pad had worn out. Having had some experience in this forum with brake pad life expectancy, this news was not shocking or surprising to me. So, it was changed. My braking pattern is 80% front and 20% rear, so the rear brake pads are doing quite well.

All was well with the rest, no issues or concerns were encountered. Overall, I was happy with the service. Bike’s behavior is much better in terms of smoothness and gear hardness.

Tax Invoice for 2nd service -


2. List of Accessories Purchased -

Paddock stand- For me, this is a much-needed addition. I lube the chain myself for every 400 – 450KMS and without the centre stand the job would be tough.

I explored couple of options like Moto Jack and Ramp Groller, which had mixed reviews. Leaving these 2 options, I plunged into the Paddock Stand. Since I wanted to learn how to use it, I purchased it in person rather than online. It wasn't that difficult when I tried it myself a couple of times. Now I can easily use this stand without any problems.
Cost – Rs. 2750/-.

Chain Lube. Done easily-


Tank bag and seat cover - The latter did not affect the bike's aesthetics, but the former did. While I wasn't in love with the look, I was willing to accept it when it gave me the advantage of storing essentials and handy items.
Seat cover was an added protection to the OEM seats, my neighbour loves cats and those cats love my bike’s seat. So, to protect it from the cat’s love, I have had this installed.
Cost – Seat Cover + Tank bag = Rs. 1000/-.

Seat Cover-


Tank Bag-


3. Lastly the puncture or rather 2 punctures at once -

I am not sure as when the tires sucked the nails, but I witnessed it randomly during my casual look at the bike. Luckly there was no flat tyre during my regular rides, an advantage of tubeless tyre. I was sad to see 2 patches on the new rubber.
It's hard for me to imagine this plight on my previous tubed tyre bike, however, the best part is that my old bike did not get a single puncture during my ownership.
Puncture Cost – Rs. 300/-.



Regards,
-Badri

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by Full_Minchingu

3. Lastly the puncture or rather 2 punctures at once -
[/ATTACH]

Regards,
-Badri

Well what gives! Your timing couldn't be anymore sadly, perfect. My Strom scooped in a screw on 5-2-2024. Interesting case of mine. I had parked the bike and was out of town for a couple of days only to come back days later. Immediately the bike was sluggishly protesting to move around. A quick glance and pressing my thumbs on the rear wheel -- confirmed the worst -- aghast to see a Phillips screw lodged sideways (slightly crossed) in the center of the tire (in between the blocks). This explained the complete tire pressure loss instead of holding the pressure.

At this point I was smiling smugly and hunkering near the rear tire, patting the bike for not letting me down. A quick tire pressure on the gauge read ZERO, the tire had completely lost pressure. Since the bike had been parked in home, had to mend the puncture myself and after a quick punctyre fix and pumping, we both were good to go.

Lucky, I wasn't in a situation to face this en route elsewhere, with the tire pressure completely giving up. Sometimes, either your tire saves you or the motorcycle itself lets you know - just motorcycle things I tell you.

Cheers!
VJ

[Full_Minchingu]

Originally Posted by VijayAnand1

Well what gives! Your timing couldn't be anymore sadly, perfect.

Cheers!
VJ

What a co-incidence, when you read or see something like this, you will encounter the same thing the next moment. Such a relative feeling.

May be in my case the bike was parked with the nails pointing to the sky, if the nails were pointing to the floor, then the weight of the bike would have allowed the air to pass out of the tyres.

I did not mention this earlier, but same week my car had also faced a flat tyre and this time the nail was pointing the floor and the car had 0 air pressure. Such a dire situation.

Regards,
-Badri

[Mrs&Mr_Shenu]

Originally Posted by Full_Minchingu

Yes, the story began in mid-April 2022, when Team-BHP posted information about this bike. After more than a year of waiting, after around 9 test rides in multiples Suzuki showrooms in Bengaluru and after renting it for a day, I've finally purchased this bike, increasing my passion and love for motorcycling by many folds.

I read this thread on one stretch. To be honest, captivated by the pictures of "Desert Storm" at the beginning.

Also, this thread has given me clear idea of V-storm and its behavior. One interesting thing is the pillion comfort which is crucial for me.

There is a plan to buy a pre-owned V-storm and very first trip with that may happen to Bengaluru. It is an interesting purchase story which I may share if materialises.