My Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX motorcycle: Initial impressions & obervations

Suspension takes heavy punishment with aplomb (I was concerned about the short travel in front, but it's not an issue).

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Meet 'YALLA', my biking spirit (Means 'Let's Go' in Arabic).

Last night I got a call from a friend at the dealership that the V-Strom is in transit, should take 4 hours to reach from Chitradurga. This morning I took delivery at 10 AM and rode straight to a trail in RamaNagara (popularly known as Ramgadh, where Sholay was shot), about 50 Kms from Bengaluru and put it through the paces. Returned at 3PM. My verdict is that Suzuki has a winner, a true all-rounder (please head over for a test ride).

Positives:

• Brakes are the best on any bike I've ridden under 650CC.
• Gearing is spot on (I'm doing City ride in 5th gear).
• Sitting angle is perfect (No strain at all).
• Suspension takes heavy punishment with aplomb (I was concerned about the short travel in front, but it's not an issue).
• Yellow colour is a crowd magnet (If only it could sign autographs). Everyone stops me to ask about price.
• Clutch is smooth.
• Engine pulls well.
• Runs cool as there was no heat-warning even after 3 hours of hard riding.
• Lightweight, so very easy to handle.
• Beak is a stand-out design, and gets recognized as a V-STROM.
• Graphics are too good.
• Top of the tank, finished in matte-black is classy.
• Checked the lights (in the basement) and its great. (Will test on-road later tonight).
• Under-seat storage is the easiest to access on any bike(Via a key/Lock).
• Engine guard is strong and superbly finished.
• Tall and wide with a noticeable personality (You cant miss this big guy).
• iOS/android connect works like a charm (Suzuki App).
• Footrest is excellent (Removable, with a claw underneath).
• Rear Comfort is really good for pillion.
• All vital accessories factory fitted (Windscreen, top-box base (Well-finished), hand-guards (Was useful while riding along the thorny shrubs).
• Seat quality is fantastic (Firm and comfy on long ride).
• Rear monoshock is great.
• Fuel filler cap is easy to operate and very smooth.
• Can fit a Givi storage ring on tank (nice provision with 5 nut design).
• Filled 11-12 Litres of petrol, (so long range) - need to read manual on its capacity.
• Engine cuts off if side stand is engaged.
• Pass light is really bright.
• Instrument console is feature rich and easy to read.
• Small detail like a groove to route wire from charging point (on the left side).
• Exhaust piping is routed well (Underneath) to avoid any scraping.
• Useful space under the LED display to keep my gloves, (very handy).

Negatives:

• Exhaust tip, finished in gloss black, gets scratched easily (But its fiber I'm told, and is easy to replace).
• Slight indicator vibration noticed at over 4K RPM (Bit unnerving).
• Visor should have been taller and more rounded at the top.
• No centre-stand (Need it for chain lubing).
• MRF Tyres are grippy (usually), but skids on loose sand.
• Slightly tall for short riders (Have ordered the optional low seat).
• No accessories available right now.
• Single horn is very weak.
• Could have provided GPS/phone mount underneath the instrument console.

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