Suzuki V-Strom SX vs Benelli TRK 251 – COMPARO (Part-2)

V-Strom SX vs TRK251 – Both the models share similar design philosophy, both look handsome – but how different are they? We compare…

Benelli’s quarter liter TRK is another motorcycle that the new Suzuki V-Strom SX targets. Let us compare them and see which is the better one out of the two – in terms of specs and features on paper. 

Let’s have a look:

V-Strom SX vs TRK251 Comparo

1. Engine – 

Basing our experience on the Gixxer, the Suzuki’s quarter liter motor is clearly the better of the two. It also produces 1.1 HP of higher power along with an Nm of more torque than the Benelli TRK 251. 

But where the TRK strikes back is the big 18 liter fuel tank which is a full 6 liter higher than the Suzuki – an important trait for ADVs.

Name	V-Strom 250 SX	TRK 251
Type	Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled, SOHC	Single-cylinder, 4-valve, 4-stroke
Displacement	249 cc	249 cc
Maximum Power	26.6 HP @ 9,300 RPM	25.5 HP @ 9,250 RPM
Maximum Torque	22.2 Nm @ 7,300 RPM	21.2 Nm @ 8,000 RPM
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate	Wet multi-plate
Fuel Capacity	12 L	18 L

2. The Chassis and Suspension Set-up – 

As of now, we don’t have the information about the frame that is being used by the V-Strom 250. The Benelli uses a steel trellis frame connected to telescopic forks. 

The front suspension travel of Benelli is 15 mm more, which should provide better riding experience in bad road conditions.

However, the ground clearance of V-Strom 250 is 35 mm more which is significantly higher. The Suzuki can venture deeper into the wilderness and conquer rougher terrain than the Benelli, thanks to its higher ground clearance. 

Name	V-Strom 250 SX	TRK 251
Frame Type	–	Steel Trellis in Steel Tubes
Front Suspension	Coil-spring & oil-damped telescopic forks	Telescopic Forks
Front Sus. Travel	120 mm	135 mm
Rear Suspension	Coil-spring & oil-damped Swingarm setup	Telescopic Coil Spring – oil damped
Rear Sus. Travel	–	51 mm
Ground Clearance	205 mm	170 mm

3. The Dimensions – 

The TRK 251 has a 50 mm shorter wheelbase than the V-Strom 250. A shorter wheelbase may mean that the Benelli could be more nimble in city traffic but for long distance touring, the intended space for both these ADVs, the V-Strom is expected to be better.

Another dimension that will favour a wider range of riders is the lower seat height of the TRK 251. The lower seat-height combined with 3 kg lesser weight should offer shorter riders more confidence to saddle the bike. 

Name	V-Strom 250 SX	TRK 251
Wheelbase	1440 mm	1390 mm
Seat Height	835 mm	800 mm
Kerb Weight	167 kg	164 kg

4. The Brakes and Tyres – 

The tyre profiles of both the 250 cc ADVs are a mixed-bag. While the Suzuki gets a bigger tyre at the front, enabling better wilderness tackling, the Benelli has a wider rear tyre which will provide better rear grip & traction on and off-road. 

Both the bikes get dual-purpose rubber covering the alloys as standard. 

Name	V-Strom 250 SX	TRK 251
Front Brake	Single-Disc	280 mm single-disc
Rear Brake	Single-Disc	240 mm Disc
Front Tyre	19” – 100/90	17” Alloy – 110/70
Rear Tyre	17” – 140/70	17” Alloy – 150/60

5. The Miscellaneous – 

Here the V-Strom 250 SX has an upper hand over the TRK 251. 

The Suzuki gets full-digital instrumentation equipped with Bluetooth connectivity through Suzuki Ride Connect app. The Ride Connect app provides various smartphone features to the rider along with turn-by-turn navigation built in as standard.

Other than this, the feature-list is very similar between the two bikes. 

Name	V-Strom 250 SX	TRK 251
Headlight	LED	LED
Tail-light	LED	LED
DRLs	LED	LED
Instrumentation	Digital	Digital
ABS	Dual-Channel	Dual-Channel
Mobile Connectivity	Ride Connect App with Bluetooth	None
GPS Navigation	Ride Connect App with Bluetooth	None
Starter	Electric	Electric
Final Drive	Chain	Chain

6. The Price – 

Name	V-Strom 250 SX	TRK 251
Price	Rs. 2.11 (ex-sh.)	Rs. 2.54 Lakh (ex-sh.)

The new V-Strom SX is nearly Rs. 43,000/- cheaper than TRK 251. And that breaks its prospects in this comparo. The V-Strom looks to be a more off-road friendly machine. It may also be better for touring as well. And all of that at a significantly lower cost means that Suzuki appears to have almost hit the bulls-eye with this one, at least on paper.

However, a real world test of both the bikes will present a clearer picture of both the models and how they fare against each other in actual riding conditions. Till we get to do that, we are definitely tilted towards the Suzuki, specially considering that big price difference between the two rivals..

NEXT READ: Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX vs KTM 250 Adventure – COMPARO (Part-1)