SUZUKI DL250 V-STROM (2017 - on) Review

I have a sensitive butt, however I can manage a couple of hours without too much problem. My pillion says the ride is fine. Brakes work great plenty of feel and a back brake that actually works!

Ok it's not fast, compared with previous machines I've had. However it's generally quick enough and makes you think a little bit more before you commit to an overtake, this is actually a good thing no longer do you feel invincible but measured and a bit more responsible. I will increase the front sprocket to 15t as she is a little rev happy.

Generally good build quality but watch for untreated sections like bolt holes in yoke sections etc. That could do with protection. I used grease, cheap and easy.

Do your own services it's easy and cheap. Valve checks are easy with screw adjusters.

Standard tyres are fine. I have a Puig screen that does a very good job, however in the summer I take it off and the bike feels better naked. It's also much cooler at urban speeds. Great dash, very clear. After market Givi top box and panniers.

The seat initially was very uncomfortable, after a 100o km all is good!

Power for 250cc is ok. Very smooth and quiet. 15 T sprocket is a must. 120km/h at 8k rpm - 100mpg easy achievable!

Very well built machine considering the price tag - I've paid for a new one, same money as I would have to fork out for a Chinese machine

2 years warranty - first two services free! 520 km on a tank of petrol (17l)!!!! Unreal!

It is what it is. Affordable bike with a nice display and 12V socket as standard.

The ride is great, the bike is confortable and the height of the seat is low ( 800 mm). The stopping power of the breaks are above average and the ABS works great. One thing to improve is that you cannot turn off the ABS.

The engine is reliable, the torque is smooth, the cruising speed is around 110-120 KPH and top speed around 130 kph, but at that speed the engine is under a lot of stress. Some times in feels underpowered but this is not a sport bike. It would be great that the engine was 300cc and with around 30-32 Hp.

The quality is top notch for the price. All the bike is made with quality and the engine is really reliable.

The price is in US dollars, for me is ok. Suzuki is reliable and has good service

The bike is well equiped for the price point. Nice 17 inch wheels, nice dash and abs. The only thing missing is that you could turn off the abs.

Chassis - the double craddle steel main frame is old fashion and heavy. the steel sub frame is robustly built and can carry heavy load. Suspension - The non adjustable suspension is tuned for comfort and rebound is way too slow. The suspension cannot keep up at speed over 80km/hr. Both tires has noticeable scalloping only after 5000km and Its borderline good at 8000km. Riding position - The factory setting is fine if one' height is below 170 cm. For my 178cm height, it is too cramped. I raised the handlebar and seat for 5 cm and the ergo problem is solved. It is now comfortable enough to ride non stop for 1 full tank of gas. Tires - The IRC came equipped is not the best in terms of traction, especially in wet and cold weather. Brake - The original brake pads are weak but problem solved with a simple pad change. Weather protection - wind screen coverage is too small. Mine came with OEM plastic hand guard. Look flimsy but they survive two zero speed drops and are still in one piece.

The twin cylinder engine is reliable but under power for the displacement class. Torque is plenty and acceleration feels relatively snappy, I was once able to take off from stand still in 6th gear (with lots of help from the clutch of course); this gives an idea how low the bike is geared. As a result, top speed suffers and is only around 130km/h (indicated). The throttle response is not the best - it has a very on-off ish feel and not very smooth.

2 years into ownership, nothing broke down or came loose, only 1 recall to retrofit a heat shield on the mid pipe. Absolutely love the 18L gas tank capable of 500km+ range at more leisure pace. The engine and chassis design are rather conservative which is good from a reliability stand point. The digital dash provides enough information and is highly visible even in broad day light. The standard 12v socket is a nice touch and one can even equip it with a second socket.

The bike is very cheap to run. Service cost and parts are cheap. It also runs very economically and I manage 26-7km/L over an 8000km touring trip.

Factory case - My China domestic model comes fully equipped with factory triple cases, which is double walled and very solidly built. Despite their rather large dimensions, the capacity is limited at about 60 liter in total. Not recommend unless being part of the whole package. Factory center stand - Saves a lot of hassle when maintaining the bike. It is also retained in the up position by double springs so when going over rough road the stand remains relatively quite. Highly recommended. Factory Hand guard - offers good weather protection but it is made entirely of plastics with not metal reinforcement. Don't expect they can survive any bush whacking.

All day it's comfy and there's no vibration, but it is very slow with two people on as there is not enough power.

It's like a sewing machine, it's sweet and quiet but lacks power.

When i got this motorcycle, i had to clear-coat the zinc parts to stop them rusting. Some things are made to a cost the rest is well put together

Service costs are high because of a valve check every time it's serviced. It's recommended by Suzuki to do this, which in my opinion is unnecessary.

I would recommend putting a top screen on the one that's there, to stop buffeting from the wind. And a top box, not the one from Suzuki as it is very expensive.