The Suzuki V-Strom SX and the KTM 250 Adventure are the main players in the quarter-litre adventure segment. The Suzuki, having just received fresh colours and graphics, comes with dependable Japanese craftsmanship, while the KTM brings modern tech and added thrills to your trail rides. Here’s how they stack up side by side on paper.
Suzuki V-Strom SX vs KTM 250 Adventure: Engine and output
The KTM features a more modern engine producing higher output figures
| Engine and output | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 250 Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom SX | |
| Engine | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 249cc | Single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 249cc |
| Power | 31hp | 26.5hp |
| Torque | 25Nm | 22.2Nm |
Both the engines displace 249cc from their single-cylinder mill but it’s the Suzuki that uses the less complex oil cooling technology which should aid longevity of its engine. In terms of power and torque, the KTM 250 Adventure is up by 4.5hp and 2.8Nm.
Suzuki V-Strom SX vs KTM 250 Adventure: Weight and dimensions
The V-Strom SX is the lighter motorcycle
| Weight and dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 250 Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom SX | |
| Seat height | 825mm | 835mm |
| Ground clearance | 227mm | 205mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 litres | 12 litres |
| Kerb weight | 177kg | 167kg |
The Suzuki V-Strom SX has a higher seat height but interestingly, it also has a lower ground clearance in comparison. The KTM 250 Adventure on the other hand has a 2.5 litre larger fuel carrying capacity and also weighs 10kg over the Suzuki V-Strom SX.
Suzuki V-Strom SX vs KTM 250 Adventure: Suspension and brakes
Both bikes run a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup
| Brakes and suspension | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 250 Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom SX | |
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm/240mm | NA |
| Suspension (F/R) | USD fork/mono-shock | Telescopic fork/monoshock |
| Suspension travel (F/R) | 200mm/205mm | NA |
| Wheel size (F/R) | 19-inch/17-inch | 19-inch/17-inch |
The KTM 250 Adventure gets a front USD fork whereas, the Suzuki V-Strom SX makes do with a conventional telescopic fork. With Suzuki withholding specifications for two aspects, there’s little to compare directly. However, we can deduce that both adventure motorcycles being compared here feature a 19-inch front wheel, indicating a road-biased approach.
Suzuki V-Strom SX vs KTM 250 Adventure: Features
The KTM is the better equipped motorcycle
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 250 Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom SX | |
| Dash | TFT display | Monochrome LCD |
| Connectivity | App-based bluetooth connectivity | Bluetooth based |
| LED lighting | All-LED | Only headlight and taillight |
| Navigation | Turn-by-turn | Turn-by-turn |
The Suzuki V-Strom SX covers the basics with LED headlight, taillight and an LCD dash. On the other hand, the KTM 250 Adventure gets a 5-inch TFT, all LED lighting and ride-by-wire which now allows the addition of a bi-directional quickshifter. In addition to bluetooth based connectivity, The KTM also gets a dedicated app for its TFT dash.
Suzuki V-Strom SX vs KTM 250 Adventure: Price
Prices have dropped by as much as Rs 20,000 with revised GST rate
| Price | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 250 Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom SX | |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 2.40 lakh | Rs 1.98 lakh |
The Suzuki V-strom does make a strong case for itself covering all the basics. In the KTM’s case, all the sophisticated functionality such as a TFT display, bi-directional quickshifter, better engine cooling technology and added performance come at a premium of Rs 42,000 when compared to its Japanese contemporary.
