A new rider story.
You’ll know that we went along to the launch of Suzuki’s model lineup the other day. Whilst the focus was squarely on the GSX-8S and the new V-Strom 800 Adventure, they also had this little beauty along. And we got to spend a week or two in the saddle. It’s one of those bikes that really make sense. Read on…
First we gave the bike to Deon, our newest team member – and a motorcycle newbie.
He shares his thoughts.
To be absolutely honest, this is the first bike that I have ever really spent a reasonable amount of time on. The prerequisite for joining the magazine was to have a learners license – and that has really opened the door…
Being a race photographer has really fuelled the fire and desire to ride more. I was at the Suzuki launch day taking photos for Dirt & Trail Magazine and watching as others got to have an absolute jol riding bikes with me on the sideline capturing their joy of riding – and then, I got to take the demo home with me.
There is no way I can explain the excitement I felt as we loaded the bike onto the trailer. A beautiful SUZUKI V-STROM 250cc SX was to be all mine for a whole week to ride.
We got back to the office and all I wanted was for the work day to end so I could get on the bike and take off.
Climb aboard, the bike feels compact, but not small. Quite tall, I’m average size, and my feet easily reach the ground. The same went for my Mrs, Jen. She found the bike very comfortable.
I love the neat dash, the simple starter and the overall styling. The screen is small and does not get in the way of the riders vision.
The bars feel good with a very comfortable bend and width.
Sure! It’s only a 250, but remember the first time that you ever rode?
Tickle the starter and she quietly rumbles to life you won’t piddle the neighbours off, but the bike still sounds quite “Manly”.
Starting the engine sent shivers down my spine. I was amazed at how easy it was pulling off with the soft clutch, which also made the shifting of the gears equally effortless. Sitting on the bike is so comfortable and the suspension adds to the comfort as you ride along. The ABS braking system works like a charm.
Being a new rider I can honestly say it was so easy to get used to this fantastic little machine. With every passing day, I enjoyed the ride more and more, and I got to push myself and the bike. I found the accelerator quite responsive as I tested the bike’s speed and acceleration (very surprised by the fact that it is merely a 250cc).
Riding down the highway I felt comfortable to see what she had to offer, I punched it down the freeway as I worked my way to 6th gear twisting the throttle as fast as it could go.
The bike and my 93 KG body got to 151 KPH. That’s pretty impressive!
It was all smiles as I came to a smooth stop at the red light.
The bike’s 167 kg weight is very easy to throw around the corners and even easier to have a fun time just riding. Taking her onto dirt roads was just – easy.
Comfort remains as you open her up down the dusty roads showing just how good the suspension is for such a basic, cost effective bike.
It is truly a comfortable adventure bike in body and mind.
I got to share my enjoyment with my partner Jen as she hopped on the back and we headed out for a Sunday ride. Stability and comfort two-up had no change at all.
At a combined weight of around 150kg it was still able to reach speeds of up to 136 km/h and came to a complete stop in no time at all.
Even with two of us riding down dirt roads it was still easy to handle and even easier to have a ton of fun. When we got home both of us realized that the slogan for the magazine holds very true.
Ride More Stress Less.
Rider 2:
We gave the bike to Tristan Foley, an experienced teenage dirt biker and pointed him in the direction of our regular trails. To be completely truthful, he was hoping for something a bit bigger – but he came back grinning.
“To be honest, I can’t believe how much fun this little bike is. It’s got a big bike feel, but it’s actually small and quite light. It’s also got a dirt bike feel to it. I fully expected to battle up our little rocky hill, but I was surprised at how easily it all happened. I like that I could turn the bike around easily to come down the hill again. I weigh in at 70 odd Kilogrammes and found the suspension excellent. No bottoming out or squirley hits at speed or on the little jumps I took. Once again – I was quite surprised.“
“In the faster dirt, I had no hassles negotiating the ruts left by the rain. I would have liked a more aggressive tyre, but then that makes the road riding part expensive. The tyres on the bike are quite adequate.”
“I was allowed to use the bike for a few rounds – and I really enjoyed it. It’s pokey enough for day-to-day traffic – and chances are excellent that I’ll be using one to varsity and back next year. It’s certainly not the biggest, baddest, fastest bike that I have ever ridden, but it’s good looking, economical, comfortable and fast enough to beat the traffic.
And – oh yeah – I challenge any speed cop to catch me in the dirt!”
“How much? R59 odd k? That’s less than a good used dirtbike – and a more practical bike for your money for sure!”
In closing, Deon says:
A new rider or not, this bike will bring you a lot of joy. I had a blast and really look forward to my next adventure on it. It’s a great introduction to the marvellous world of motorcycling. Comfortable, easy to ride and like Tristan says – easy on the eye.
You absolutely need a bike in your life.
Soon, hopefully, we’ll get the new 800 for a proper test. theres something to look forward to…
