Suzuki V-Strom 250 Buyer's Guide

The Machine's Character

The V-Strom 250 is Suzuki's entry-level V-Strom, and it plays that role without pretense. A liquid-cooled 248 cc parallel twin makes 24 hp at 8,000 rpm and 17 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, sent through a six-speed box and a chain. It sits in a steel-tube frame on 17-inch wheels front and rear, with a long 56.1 in (1,425 mm) wheelbase and a 4.5 gal (17 L) tank. There is no electronics suite to speak of, and ABS is an option rather than a given. What you get is a simple, friendly machine that asks very little of the person riding it.

It is calm, easy to place and very cheap to fuel, and 74 mpg gives it real range. It suits a newer rider, or anyone who wants low-stress miles on back roads for as little money as possible. The caveat is a big one. Judged as a sport-tourer, 24 hp pulling 414 lb (188 kg) wet is too little to carry a passenger or full luggage with any authority. The budget suspension also runs out of damping on rough pavement. Only the rear shock takes preload, and the fork has no adjustment at all. Over time, expect valve clearance checks every 3,000 mi (4,800 km) and a black exhaust that tends to surface-rust.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

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Key specifications
Power	24 hp (18 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque	17 lb-ft (23 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm
Displacement	248 cc
Engine	Parallel twin
Cooling	Liquid-cooled
Gearbox	6-speed
Final drive	Chain
Fork	Telescopic
Front brake	290 mm
Front tire	110/80-17
Rear tire	140/70-17
Wheelbase	56.1 in (1425 mm)
Seat height	31.1 in (790 mm)
Wet weight	414 lb (188 kg)
Fuel capacity	4.5 gal (17 L)
Fuel economy	74 mpg (US)

Equipment check

Chassis

Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard

Comfort

Heated Grips Optional
Luggage System Optional

Safety

ABS Bosch ABS Cornering brake safetyStronger consistent braking Optional

Known issues

Suspension lacks adequate damping, causing bouncy ride and instability

suspension common

Owners and reviewers report that the budget suspension struggles to absorb bumps, leading to a bouncy, uncontrolled ride and a tendency to wobble in corners. The rear shock, in particular, offers poor compression and rebound control.
Short service intervals with frequent valve clearance checks

engine very common

The engine design requires valve clearance inspections every 3,000 miles (4,800 km), which is unusually frequent for a modern motorcycle. This adds to ownership costs and downtime.
Exhaust system prone to rust

exhaust occasional

The factory-fitted black exhaust shows a tendency to develop surface rust, especially in wet or coastal climates. Regular maintenance and protective coatings are often needed to keep it presentable.