Suzuki DL 250 V-STROM 2018 — Specifications

Who would have bet on Suzuki to shake up the small adventure-touring segment? With the V-Strom range, Hamamatsu had already staked its claim in the 650 and 1000 categories, two machines recognized for their versatility and reliability. The Suzuki DL 250 V-Strom, launched in 2018, rounds out the family at the entry level. A strategy that meets growing demand in Asian markets, but raises questions on the old continent. An adventure bike with 248 cc, priced at 5,749 euros, weighing 188 kg wet — does it really make sense?

Visually, the little V-Strom doesn't beat around the bush. It carries the family DNA — the signature duck-beak nose and single headlight — but the proportions betray its compact stature. The silhouette lacks fluidity, the lines appearing almost too short for the fairing's volume. It's a far cry from the elegance of its bigger sisters. What the machine loses in grace, it gains in an impression of ruggedness. You sense a bike built to rack up miles without complaint. The digital dashboard, shared with the GSX-S and GSX-R 125/250, gets the job done with essential information: gear indicator, speed, gauges, and trip meters. Functional, no frills.

On the engine front, the 248 cc parallel-twin is a direct legacy from the Inazuma, later carried over to the GSX-R 250. With 25 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 22.9 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, we're obviously not talking about unbridled performance. The Suzuki DL 250 V-Strom plays the flexibility and accessibility card. Solo, for daily commuting and weekend rides, this engine delivers on its promise. Two-up with luggage, the limits become apparent quickly, the weight not helping matters. Because 188 kg for a quarter-liter is frankly heavy. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 does better on this front, with a slightly more powerful engine and a few kilos less on the scales. The killer argument for the Suzuki powertrain remains its range. The 17-liter tank, paired with measured fuel consumption, promises intervals between fuel stops that many larger-displacement tourers would envy. What is the top speed of the Suzuki DL 250 V-Strom? Expect around 140 km/h flat out — enough to hold its own on A-roads without breaking a sweat, but highway on-ramps will require a bit of forward planning.

The chassis department remains classic and unsurprising. Tubular steel frame, telescopic hydraulic fork, single rear shock, twin petal discs with ABS. Nothing spectacular, but a sound foundation for confident riding. The 800 mm seat height proves welcoming for average-sized riders — a plus for beginners or riders seeking an accessible urban adventure bike. On the equipment side, Suzuki had the good sense to nail the practical details. A wind screen, a stock rear rack rated for 8.5 kg, a 12V socket, and side-case mounting points ready to go. Thoughtful touches that even the 650 and 1000 V-Strom models don't offer as standard. For a Suzuki DL 250 V-Strom off-road test, stick to tarmac and light trails — there's no question of playing explorer on rough tracks.

What is the price of a Suzuki DL 250 V-Strom? At 5,749 euros new, the price tag is fair without being aggressive against the competition. The Benelli TRK 251 sits below, the Versys-X 300 above in terms of overall package. For those looking for a used Suzuki DL 250 V-Strom, the market is starting to offer well-maintained machines at attractive prices. This little V-Strom is aimed first and foremost at young A2 license holders and urban riders who want a compact adventure bike to swallow up the daily commute with a touch of weekend adventure. Don't ask it to replace a true tourer, but within its scope, it gets the job done with the mechanical reliability you expect from Suzuki.