2 up touring on a V Strom 250?
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- The big test for the little V-Strom 250 - what's she like at 2-up touring? Could this be an 'Only' bike? How does the 2-up fuel economy and performance compare with solo riding?
Also check out Transylvanian Rider - / @transylvanianrider - for more on this great little bike!
Good day to you !
I am a senior rider on HONDA Cross Cub in Japan.
I am enjoying Touring , Camping and video uploading.
This video is great to know V Strom 250 touring !!!
Thank you so much for sharing !
Have a nice day my friend !!
Thanks again, I'm currently working on a Yamaha FZ6S video which is in editing currently. Safe travels
Very much enjoyed this video! Look forward to watching your next adventure.
Thank you, Michelle for your comment. I have a few videos planned, and I am also looking forward to (hopefully) your next video too, bless you and thanks again
Hello from the United States. Beautiful day for your 2up test. Interesting little motorcycle. I just came across your channel actually and I'm happy to support you and other fellow motovloggers. I look forward to seeing and hearing more from your channel ; keep up the great work and ride safe out there ...
Thank you Freedom Rider for your kind comment, next video almost finished - watch this space. Greetings from Australia :)
I looked at the Suzuki when I was looking for a small cc adventure bike but I ended up getting a Versys X 300, I find that I take the 300 more than any of my other bikes. My son took it for a tour around Scotland with his girlfriend and did over a 1000 miles in 4 days and it never missed a beat. There's no reason why these small adventure bikes should be dismissed for long tours, they are more than capable.
G'day Trevor, thanks for your comment. If the Versys had tubeless tyres It would have been my choice above the V-strom with a more realistic top speed. I agree that small bikes make good sense with increasing fuel and insurance costs. Not sure why some discount them without trying. Safe travels my friend.
Just like Sergeant Magi I chose the Suzuki due to its tubeless tires. I already had a puncture and I was able to drive to the garage safely.
@@maquiavelo50 there's a tubeless kit for spoked rims tho?
@sergeantmagi why couldn't you just put tubeless tyres on the versys ?
I ended up getting a Versys x300 as well/ (it was in stock), but this little Suzuki is not available in Texas. *my 3rd moto.
Hey fellow Queensland motovlogger, loving the v-strom videos. Keep up the great videos mate!
Hi outie555, thanks for the comment. Just got back from Tassie trip, need to get back into the vids. Safe travels my friend. Great channel by the way, subscribed!
Hi from the UK I have the same bike as yours and me n my Mrs did 300 miles one Saturday round the South cost now in 15.5 stone and the mrs is 11 stone and the little strom sat at 70 ok on the M25 and M23 thats with givi panniers and top box and tall screen the only mod I've done is go down 4 teeth on rear sprocket and an air pad on the seat for me I did 260 miles last weekend to Birmingham.british motorcycle museum. I love this nimble cheep little bike. Thanks for your videos I enjoy them
Hi Brian, haven't been home to the UK for a while now. It amazed me how little the V-Strom was affected by the pillion. Next video almost ready!!
In Australia I think it's often a case of mindset. Travel anywhere in Asia and you'll come to consider the 250 class as more than adequate. I've come down from midsized dual sports to a CRF250 Rally with zero regrets. It's cheap, cheap to own and run, easy, does everything I ask of it. It's not as if I don't know what I'm missing, I do but I'm finding less is more.
I couldn't agree more with your comment. Small bikes are cheap to insure and run. Nice choice with the CRF, I looked at the 300 recently, lovely bike. Thanks for the comment.
Wow two up with the little v strom Iam well impressed quite jealous of the scenery took my 250 v to the abr festival in Warwickshire camping had a great time the journey was 90% motorway covered 236 miles before filling the tank back up which took approx 13 litres was well pleased with the fuel range ,I was mainly sat at 60 to 70ish mph with the odd 80mph burst I have upped the front sprocket by one tooth bigger which relates to the same speeds as the standard gearing but approximately 1000rpm less at them speeds and slightly higher top speeds if you feel the need to redline it all in all Iam well pleased with most things on the little strom👀
G'day Neil, Warwickshire's nice mate, but I guess anything outdoors on a bike beats the indoors! A few viewers now have mentioned the benefits of re-gearing the v-strom - may be it's time for me to take the plunge. Thanks again for the comment and safe riding 😀
Hello, thank you for taking us on this wonderful trip. I did the sprocket change + new chain: 15x46 and the bike feels great...I might try next time 15x45. Do you want to get in touch for more impressions about the bike? Regards from Lithuania!
Thanks for the comment F S, you can get hold of me at sergeantmagi@gmail.com
👍. Or if u want to keep top box. Just glue some padding top & bottom section.
Thanks for the tip and the comment 🙂
Great video and certainly a breath of fresh air compared to the masses of videos out there. So tempted to get one but my wife says I have to first get life insurance and a significant value... I love the smaller cc bikes as I find them more fun and just going to the local shop a pleasure. Australia is the one country where I think riding bikes are safe.
I prefer to think of riding as "dangerous" and in part I am just a bit paranoid anyway, but it helps to keep a close watch on anyone else on the road. (I ride the RGV part of Texas, and yes, we have some crazy drivers) *then again I learned to ride in Taipei 1990-1993.
I agree completely with the smaller bike thing even though I have a MT10 SP too. It may be safer in Australia but there are wildlife issues kangaroos as well as poor drivers. Good luck with the life insurance and the proposed new bike 😎
@@sergeantmagi I did about 16k km in 6 weeks when I visited Aus - your drivers...compared to mine are like Angels ;). The kangaroos though...reminds me of our donkeys in the rural areas (Africa) though I think the kangaroos are higher risk as donkeys don't suddenly creep up on you. Went to test ride the Suzi today the Kawasaki I had my eye on was sold only had 5k on odo and same price as a new Suzi but all the extras. So suzi it is.
Excellent review. You can fit a Givi back cushion to the top box
Thanks for the comment MO, I'll have to see what I can find on the web!
I got 610km from a tank and didn't run it dry.........close though I suspect. Great reviews, thanks for your hard work.
Good work! You're welcome - the comments make it all worth while.
I’d bought a new RE Himalayan in 2019 (like you, I prefer to buy new); single cylinder W/ 24.5 HP. Wanted something more highway capable, so purchased a ‘21 V-Strom 650 Adv. Though the Himalayan’s highway capabilities appear similar to your 250-V ..I’d trade my Himi tomorrow for a V-Strom like yours! Appreciate your presentation ..though less music & more raw engine sound woulda been nicer ~
Thanks, VF for your feedback. I still consider myself a novice film maker, only started a year ago, and, like you, I like the raw engine sound. In most of the footage the wind noise made the sound almost unusable - but I appreciate your time in responding - safe riding buddy.
on my Versys x300 we added the GIVI backrest to our 30L top box, it is an easy add on if you choose/ and gets rid of the "Hinge in back" issue. Have fun.
Thanks for the heads up buddy, ride safe 😃
My wife and I use the pillion first method for boarding with the luggage attached,and we had the exact same issue with the slippery pillion seat, we solved it with some non slip matting from Amazon which I just stretched over the seat and held in place with some elastic.
Thanks for the heads up Marc, next time I'll give those tips a try.
Great Vid mate. It's fitting that you went to an Indian Restaurant on an Indian Made lil Suzuki Vstorm 250.
Thanks buddy, Yeah, I didn't know that, I thought this was out of China but you might be right (mine is the DL 250) 😎
I'm in Brazil and I have an INAZUMA 250 I travel long distances with great comfort and without lacking speed. I'm going to Europe, I'm a European citizen, And I intend to buy a used V-Strom 250 or Voge 300 DS new. I really like this category of motorcycles. They are very versatile and I have no problem traveling with them.
Hi luziosalles324, thanks for taking the time to comment. I quite agree with you that these bikes are under rated. They may be a little slower on the motorways but in every other way they are as good if not better than bigger bikes and better in terms of $$$ in fuel and insurance etc. Have a great and safe trip to Europe my friend.
Thanks I especially liked this video as I just changed my sprockets for better gas mileage. On my 2008 Yamaha V Star 250 went from 16 t front 43 t? rear to 16 t front 37 t rear. Haven't checked my mileage yet, but was getting just under 80 mpg and am expecting 100 mpg. Was concerned I might have clutch problems starting out with such low gearing, but no problem there. On the high speeds though, at 55 to 65 mph acceleration was nearly nonexistent, could drop to 4th gear, but haven't yet. I am totally all about mpg on this bike though, with gas prices expected to be as much as $10 to $13 a gallon. Also It's just me and I weigh south of 180 lb. Still waiting for my Yamaha FZ1000 to come out of the shop. That's my speed demon which can hit 175 mph. Acceleration on that, after 100 mph, wish my hands were chained to the handlebars. Think I need to practice pull ups before racing with it. If someone asks I should have my new mileage figures tomorrow. Video nicely done, very clear and video was very clear in HD as well.
Thanks David, I will be interesting to hear what gas mileage you get with the new gearing. It's good to have a larger 2nd bike as I do too (Yami FZ6S) for those quicker rides. I'm putting videos out in 4k now and starting to work on my presentation. Appreciate your comment...let me know how you go.
@@sergeantmagi Opps! Went the wrong way, should have went to 18T instead of 16! lost maybe a little more than 2 mpg. Not even sure yet if it will take an 18t, or if one is available. Will think on it a bit.
It's a very pleasant little motorcycle, I use it especially for long distance trips to go camping, its low speed on highways has been resolved by the adoption of a 15-tooth front sprocket (E9434.15 ) the maximum speed reached is 152 kilometers per hour, the motorcycle no longer seems to be struggling on the fast lane! do you know that this motorcycle is still the 3rd sale in Japan in 2024?
Thanks for the comment. I've been meaning to upgrade the sprockets and your comment will help me. I didn't know the bike was that popular, but I am not surprised. Thanks again, ride safe brother 😎
love it , D#$k headery, unfortunately they are everywhere, great trip very informative.
Too right Gavin, thanks for your time commenting 😎
I’ve been wondering this question for a while and am very glad to have run into a video account of such high quality - you’ve put a lot of effort into this and I’m grateful. Now to decide between the INAZUMA or this VStrom!
Thanks René S for your kind words. You're right though, it does take a good amount of time to film and edit up. Good luck with the new bike whatever your decision and ride safe :)
I have an INAZUMA, fantastic legend. But I like the versatility of the V-Strom 250, as it allows you to ride on unpaved roads with more safety. In Brazil there is no V-Strom 250, but I'm going to Europe and I must buy the V-Strom 250. I have already contacted 2 sellers.
I am the proud owner of the 250 now. Love your videos, they helped my consideration of bike to my needs. Gearing is my only gripe, with the high motorway engine speed. I've just replaced the worn out chain and put in a 39 teeth rear sprocket. Much better, 100 km/h is now at about 6100 rpm. Looking forward to warmer weather to tour
Hi Michael, thanks for your comment, I think I'll have to change the gearing on mine in line with yours above. Hears to the warmer weather, safe travels!
Just back from a 1000 km tour and the bike did great. Recorded an amazing 2.7 L/100km (105 MPG) like you solo with about 10 kg baggage@@sergeantmagi
Thinking seriously about this bike for 2-up mountain touring where speed is not a necessity (northern Luzon), so really appreciated this video. Amazing it handles steep grades so easily. But it looks as if it would have an excessively high center of gravity 2-up and too high of a seat for a shorter-legged operator, so that's my only remaining question. Great calm voiced narration, but the sudden intervals of hard rock music were quite jarring and I had to skip through those parts.
Thanks Delavan, I appreciate your feedback - I'm only 11 videos in, and still finding my feet! At 190kg, the V-Strom is as heavy as many other much higher displacement bikes (eg. my FZ6S) and it didn't feel top-heavy in comparison, even with some stuff in the top-box & panniers. My perfect bike vid has info regarding seat height and my own, so may be check that one out. Good luck with your bike-shopping, kind regards.
Hello from the UK,
Im picking my 2020 DL250 in yellow next week, i had the DL650 for a few years but found it was getting too heavy to maneuver, can i ask where you got the hand guards from ? love your videos. straight to the point
Thanks
Hi Wolfe1970, thanks for your comment and question. I bought the bike with demo mileage on it, but as I said in "The perfect bike" video, most of the accessories were on it when I bought it. The hand-guards are genuine 'Bark-busters' but if you watch the Perfect bike video again, that's where I describe the bike / accessories fully. I'm excited for you with your access to a new V-Strom, I'm sure you'll enjoy!
Wow that guitar rift, A bit over the top for 250
Fair comment 😁
Hi excellent video! I cannot decide which bike to buy in the short future the V Strom 250 or the Gixxer 250. Any suggestion?
Both!
I was surprised by the positive performance of the bike with pillion.
Hi there Pedro, yeah she did well for a small displacement machine. Not perfect, but a good all-rounder!
Great bike for touring in secundary roads. Improved my bike with one tooth on front sprocket. now the engine much better performance, less 500rpm on every gear - can do now 2.9l in every 100km!
Thanks for the comment Pedro, think I may have to consider the gearing too. Safe riding
The autocaption says "feast drum" :-)
Gold, isn't it sometimes 😂
Love the informational value of your videos on the 250 because I am thinking about getting one 2nd hand with low mileage. However, some of the music you choose is sooo annoying, i.e., the heavy metal interludes. Does not align with your love for touring the country side...where you hear birds singing mostly.
Yeah, good point. I've had similar comments about the music but as I said in reply to them with only a dozen or so videos I'm a bit of a beginner. Thanks for your comment and feedback.
I have a Suzuki Inazuma which is based on the same engine I believe and 2 up with panniers (same SHAD ones) and top box and it can hold 115 KMH (GPS) fine, there are occasionally hills which make it dip and full throttle is required (to allow it to slowly creep back up) and I've ridden 380 miles in a day on it holding it at that speed and high RPM (~9000) it can take it fine but obviously a bit more tiring than a bigger machine.
I agree, it will do 9000 rpm and hold it for some time. But with a red line of 10,500 rpm, I would have concerns about the longevity of the motor, if it spent the majority of its life at 9000. I think re-gearing might be an idea if this were the case 😎
@@sergeantmagi I wouldn't worry too much I did a ~760 miles round trip from Scotland to London too I think maybe a small amount of oil might've been used but nothing alarming. I've added around 7k miles since that and it still runs exactly the same as it did new, now at around 22k miles. I just changed the oil yearly or at 3k miles as the manual specifies and checked the valves periodically. I've seen examples with 50k miles and heard users in Turkey with 100k, it's a solid problem free engine.
I used to feel it was too short geared originally but it's because they factored in a pillion's weight too and feel it's perfect for all round use, gearing it up if you intend to go 2 up might make things a bit sluggish and the torque might be lacking for highways speeds.
Likeeeeee from Brazil 👍 🇧🇷
Thanks Brother
Great test/video. Very informative, well presented and totally devoid of bovine excrement. I have the Inazuma 250 in the uk (same engine). I have found that I get similar results in terms of performance and fuel consumption Two up. Have not checked the drive train ratio differences, but it does seem to cope better at maintaining a slightly higher road speed. However, unlike the Vstrom, the front end styling had to be either the result of a major computer software issue, or the consumption of mind altering substances during the design process.
Thanks PI, the V-Strom's looks are a bit out there too and looks less like a transformer. Thanks again for your amusing comment, ride safe.
Great this is going to be my first bike ,Q is a centre stand availiable for this bike?
Yeah but get an original Suzuki centre stand, much easier to fit. Take a look at my "Perfect bike" video for more information 💖
Thoroughly enjoyed your report. Notice you have an aftermarket screen. Make and part no.?
Thanks for your comment. Sorry buddy, the screen and most of the mods were already done when I bought the bike, there's no make / model on the screen. ?Puig, do them for most bikes.
Thanks for responding. Looking forward to updates on rides with and progress of the little but capable Suzy.
I'm 6 foot 2 Inches with a 31 Inch Inseam and long Arms. Do you think this bike would be a good fit for me. I HAD a DR650, and am VERY sorry I sold it! Being familiar with the 650, do you think the little Vstrom would have a similar seating position?
I think you might be a little cramped on it but you can always find one in a dealership and throw a leg over. I'm 5 foot 10. Take a look at my "Perfect bike" video, I cover some of the sizes in that. Happy hunting for your perfect bike 😎
Hi seargent, where did you get your luggage rack and bags from?
Sorry Mel, for the delay in answering your question. The top-box is by GIVI with SHAD panniers, They came with the bike which had only demo mileage on it
Ok thank you 👍
Hi Sergeant Magi, enjoyed viewing your video. 'Am from India,and I too enjoy touring across country on my RE Himalayan 411cc.
Just an observation, it is not a good idea to fix a rear end top box as it displaces momentum of bike on turns at what you may consider as normal maneuverable speeds.
Hi Kaivan J.D. Thank you for your comment and advice regarding the the top-box (We removed it for this video). Where about in India are you my friend? Safe riding!
Hi Sergeant Magi,
I live in Mumbai
I suppose you just need to keep away from steep hills 😂
Hi kevindarkstar, thanks for the comment. Yeah, of course you're right, she doesn't hill-climb quickly, but she's short geared, and hills don't go on for ever. Thanks again buddy
what mods are you running on the 250? the screen is different to mine.
Hi Iterrey 650, there's a few accessories fitted, most fitted by the 1st owner and a few by me. Have a watch of my video "V-Strom 250 perfect bike" where I go through these. Ride safe.
Color combination is different from the V-storm 250 which was launched in India, its a small but trustworthy machine
I think yours in India is a single cylinder whereas mine is a twin. Both great little bikes though 😊
Hows the pillion comfort on long rides
Comfort is no issue on this, the only ride so far. The riding / pillion position is good. It's whether you are happy with the power to weight of the V-Strom that is important - if you're in a rush, No! But if time is not an issue, and leisurely exploration is the deal, the V-Strom is a great and economic option that will surprise!
can you check the coolant??
Yeah, you can check the coolant level but there's no coolant gauge, just an over temperature light. 😎
How many litres of fuel does your tank hold ?
17.3 litres, good for distance. I got 615.9 km full to breakdown 😎
The 3000 miles service including the valves is another stumbling block to distance touring I'd think
Hi kevindarkstar, thanks for the comment. You're right, but it's only 2200 miles from Perth to Brisbane here - that's a lot of touring with miles to spare. You could stay overnight somewhere whilst the valves are adjusted! Safe riding Brother and thanks again.
Imagine if...
You dont blast out our eardrums with music?
You did not install that massive airbrake?
Thanks for the comment. Imagine if you could write a question, or two. Give me a break, I had put out less than ten videos at that time. Maybe I should refund your money?
No refund required.
When editing, look at the sound track, limit the variation between blasting music and quite sensible narrations. f you dont, all your viewrs have to do it, or just skip the rest.
I'm not insulting you, I'm giving feedback that you should consider.
P.ease keep posting.
@@bikesbabes4721Thanks for the constructive criticism buddy, much appreciated 😊
@@sergeantmagi PS: I like your bike!
Used to ride a GS1200, now on T700, soon on a 250!
u didnt show us how the bike looks
I did my best 😊
On inclines would of been good to hear the motor instead of music.
Yeah, you're right. I was new to video making and a few people said the same... Thanks for watching and commenting though Peter.
hi, i just wander why are you australian, american or european say this bike a little bike? its 250 CC, and not everytime we speed the bike more than 150km/h. average biker 60-80km/h
Hi Teras, thanks for the question. I'm an English man living in Australia and I refer to the V-Strom 250 as a little bike not because of its physical size but due to its displacement and 25hp AND of course most bikes in my region have larger engines than this. This however takes nothing away from the excellent V-Strom.
@@sergeantmagi thank you, i apriciate yor reply sir. greeting from your neighbour country indonesia. Btw, suzuki just launch the Vstroom 250SX version here. (asian version?)
@@terasrumahdiy5184 - Pleasure to hear from you, greetings from Australia, ride safe brother!
Americans love to ride larger cc from 700 to 1200cc or more, only american asians start from 600cc
I want a mileage more accurate like km/lit
At 26:50 minutes into the video I gave you both the solo and 2-up economies in km/l for comparison - (26 minutes 50 seconds)
To much music, not wanting to know where to stop and see Australia
It's difficult to know how to respond to your comment, but thank you anyway.
615 km to a 12 litre tank is 382 miles giving 31.83 miles per litre or 143 miles per gallon. So yes those figures are clearly not achievable
17 litres friend, I have the DL 250, not the SX. It would be unrealistic on 12, so get the numbers and model right.
which make and model is your windscreen?
the Puig windscreen I presume.
There's no brand name on the screen itself, but it provides great fast-road protection.
I'm sorry, movie is fine. Background sound, not so much.
Thanks for the feedback, a few people said the same. Just a beginner back then, get it, no loud music. I appreciate your comment, many thanks 😀
Goodluck passing on a hill , not near enough power
Yes, not enough power to overtake up a hill. The video wasn't about that alone, rather it's two-up practicality.