Suzuki’s V-Strom range has been combining two-wheeled practicality, style, and excitement since the introduction of the original V-Strom 1000 in 2002. With both a new V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 650 debuted at Intermot – as well as XT variants of both popular adventure machines – Suzuki has further expanded its V-Strom stable for 2017, with the introduction of a new 250 model that brings all of those qualities to a broader range of riders.
A redesigned version of Suzuki’s 248cc parallel twin engine powers the new V-Strom 250, with a particular focus on the engine’s low and midrange torque giving the new adventure-styled machine 23.4Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The punchy twin-cylinder power-plant revs on to produce peak power of 25PS at 8,000rpm.
Information is displayed to the rider on a reverse-lit LCD instrument panel, and includes information such as speedo, rev counter, gear position indicator, and fuel range, and sits inside a compact screen that has been extensively wind tunnel tested for optimised weather protection.
Similar to the bigger V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 650 models, the V-Strom 250 benefits from an integrated luggage system that removes the requirement for an additional rack for the fitment of Suzuki’s genuine side cases. An additional top box is also available from Suzuki’s accessory range.
The V-Strom 250’s styling takes design cues from its larger siblings, with the beak design and the yellow colour option paying homage to Suzuki’s iconic DR-Z Dakar racer and current championship-winning RM-Z motocross range.
Forecasted arrival of the V-Strom 250 in UK dealerships is in the summer.

Kawasaki’s Versys family gets another member for 2017 – and it’s at the smaller end of the capacity range. In this case that means taking the 296cc parallel-twin from the Ninja / Z300, and wrapping it in an all-new chassis and bodywork. The peppy twin should be a perfect match for this lightweight adventure-commuter, and whether negotiating back lanes or potholed high streets, the long-travel suspension should contribute to a comfortable ride. Up front there’s a 19in rim wearing a 100/90 IRC ‘Trail Winner’, which is backed up at the rear with a 130/80 17.

Highlights
-New small capacity Versys
-296cc parallel-twin
-Adventure styling
-Assist & Slipper clutch

The facts
-38bhp (est)
-170kg (est)
-Seat height 800mm (est)

While Kawasaki say the Versys-X will appeal to “a vast cross-section of new riders”, it’s safe to assume that it’ll appeal to a wide array of more experienced ones, too.
Both townies and thrashers will appreciate the Assist & Slipper clutch – which means a light lever in town, and less locking-up on aggressive down-shifts. ABS is standard, and the calipers are decent Nissin items. The seat looks plush, and appears to deliver a very ‘sit-in’ riding position, with wide handlebars and a stubby but high windsceeen. The dash offers a high level of spec, with a large analogue tacho supported by two LCD screens showing a digital gear indicator, dual trip meters, remaining fuel range, plus current and average consumption and an eco-riding indicator. Keep the eco symbol lit at all times, and Kawasaki say the tank will deliver over 240 miles. Suspension duties are taken care of by a long-travel 41mm telescopic fork up front, and a Uni-Trak gas charged monoshock at the rear – all of which the firm claim is up to the job of shrugging off unpaved roads. Dealers will be offering two accessory editions as well as the standard Versys-X. The ‘Versys-X 300 Urban’ has a tank pad, hand guards, centrestand and a 30 litre topbox, while the ‘Versys-X 300 Adventure’ will get a tank pad, tubular engine guard, centrestand and a pair of 17 litre panniers.