Multiple reports claim Suzuki has introduced a V-Strom 250 concept bike in China.
If true, the news is a bit surprising, although there have been rumours of such a bike for a while. According to the people who claim to have seen it, the V-Strom 250 is based around the same 24 hp vertical twin as found in the GW250 naked bike — currently one of the lowest-priced motorcycles in Canada, partly due to it’s made-in-China origins. Given that, and the fact the new bike was allegedly introduced in China, we’re asking, will the new Wee-Strom (what are we going to call the 650 version now?) be made in China? And if so, will it come at a price that blows the quarter-litre ADV segment wide open?
Because, that’s a possibility. The small-displacement adventure bike segment was practically non-existent after Honda canceled the NX250. If someone wanted a 250 for ADV touring, they were forced to adapt a dual sport, like Lois Pryce did with her Yamaha XT225. Then along came Chinese manufacturer Zongshen, with the RX3 (sold under the CSC brand in Canada), and the idea of a small adventure bike caught on again. There was a lot of interest in the RX3 when it came out, although many balked at the idea of buying a Chinese bike.
But if Suzuki builds an adventure bike in China but stamps its own brand on it, that ought to help allay some fears about quality control. All of the OEMs are building stuff in developing Asian countries already, and Suzuki’s already building the GW250 there with no horror stories of those bikes melting down — at least, none we’ve heard.
The spec sheet for the concept bike seems to indicate Suzuki plans on building a version with ABS. Fuel capacity is 17 litres, and those are 17-inch cast wheels in front and rear, so don’t plan on going too far into the rough stuff off-road.
[…] Yesterday, Honda announced their long-anticipated CRF250 Rally. Today, Suzuki fired back with confirmation and details of their V-Strom 250 model that we first heard about on the Chinese show circuit. […]
[…] about the new 250? It’s made in China, like the rest of the GW lineup (as well as the new V-Strom 250). It appears Suzuki is dead-set on keeping its position as the Japanese manufacturer with the […]
If they build it/sell it in the states and quality isn’t an issue,I’ll buy one 🙂
Ooooooh. I think I’m liking the Pee-Wee Strom. Throw some 90/10 dual-sport rubber on it and you’re good to hoon your way down pretty much any gravel road or mellow 2-track. I have an unpatched hernia, so it’ll be light bikes for me for the duration.
good men
http://otodrift.com/10-konsep-modifikasi-mitsubishi-pajero-sport-terbaru/
People want small Adv bikes so why the cast rims 🙁
17 inch front, 140 rear, 17L tank, 31 inch seat height…not bad, if a bit tall for newer riders. Now that Suzuki is dividing the Strom lineup into road and adventure categories, it would be nice to see this with a 21 inch off road “adventure” option. Actually that goes for the senior Stroms as well…standard stroms both 650 and 1000 should have 17 inch wheels in front for better tire choice and improved handling while the new Adventure models should adopt 21 inch spoked rims with bash plates etc…rather than the 19 inch rims that satisfy neither camp.
Pee-Wee Strom ?
In a world where the vast majority of motorcycles sold are 125s and smaller, a 250 is actually a step up. Obviously the intended market isn’t North America. Even so, it isn’t that long ago that people toured the planet on Honda XL250 singles. A 250 twin can easily handle any highway or backroad riding, especially in Canada with our silly low speed limits.
Yes but nobody does the speed limit, and living in a world of 300hp minivans now the flow of traffic is quite different. When I bought my DRZ400 I simply didn’t feel safe with its stock hp, and the feeling that I was wringing its neck on the highway (it needs a 6th gear) sucked. Many mods later i’m happier, but still – small displacement bikes and 400 series highways isn’t for me.
http://www.motorival.com/2017-suzuki-gsx-250r-reveal/ Check this out aswell
Why name it v strom there in nothing v about it?
P-Strom? Would it then be called the Wee-Pee?
Guys, please write properly using correct grammar!
“it’s made-in-China origins” would be incorrect…
A 250 is fine for urban use and back county roads. But really why not a 400 cc twin? That would be a better all around choice. Better power for any highway riding, two up and or loaded with camping gear. A 250 might take off in Europe and Asia but I feel that sales would struggle in North America.
Maybe a bit easier to toss around trails? Dallas
Looking at the physical size, I think it’s got a lot potential. A lot of short folks out there, and this thing has luggage. I always use my cases, so handy to carry extra gear, work stuff, pick up dinner on the way home…no short person bike out there comes with lockable hard bags.
Why so small? really should come up with a 300 or 400 series with a lower seat height
250cc…. why not make a 350?
Sadly it`s more of a budget road bike.
And that is a bad thing? If priced right and it gets more new riders on the road, great. There will more potential buyers when you want to sell your bike.
It`s not a bad thing at all in itself and i `m all up for new riders and small bikes.I know it`s mainly for the Asian market , it`s just that i would like something not as budget oriented with more serious off road capabilities , i hope for something like the CRF250 Rally or Yamaha XTZ250 Ténéré which can also be considered budget bikes but to a lesser extent.