Looks-wise, it definitely punches above its weight. With its tall stance and adventure-style design, the V-Strom 250 has a real‘ big bike’ presence. I had a few people come check it out at fuel stops, only guys unfortunately, but it’ s clear the bike has visual appeal. It doesn’ t look like a learner’ s bike and that’ s part of the charm. A small niggle I noticed over time came from the way I ride. Being used to standing and riding on the balls of my feet, my heel naturally sits inwards more, and it ended up rubbing against the exhaust heat shield. It’ s pretty close to the footpeg, so after longer rides I could feel a bit of wear against my boot and leg. It’ s minor, and
probably not an issue for most road-focused riders, but worth noting if you’ re starting on the road with a dirt background, like me.
THE SKINNY Overall, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 has been an awesome platform for getting more confident on the road while still being able to dabble offroad. For anyone who’ s just starting out or maybe returning to riding, it’ s hard to argue why you’ d need anything bigger. It’ s fast enough, nimble, and capable of getting you off the beaten track, all while being cheap to run and easy to handle. In short, a solid all-rounder that doesn’ t try to be anything it’ s not. LIAM CALLEY
94 KIWI RIDER