The V-Strom 250 SX is an adventure motorcycle from esteemed Japanese manufacturer, Suzuki.

It has been a popular choice for many motorcycle buyers who are not keen on using the Philippine expressway system since it allows riders to take on more demanding terrains and overcome various obstacles without breaking the bank.

To begin with, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX is powered by a capable 249 cubic centimeter (cc) engine paired with a six-speed constant mesh transmission that produces as much as 26.1 horsepower (hp) with 22.2 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Stopping power comes from disc brakes front and back.

Complementing the said powertrain setup is an oil-damped, telescopic front suspension with a coil spring as well as a swing arm-type rear suspension that’s also oil-damped and has a coil spring. Supporting the whole motorcycle and providing traction on the road is a 19-inch wheel (with 100/90 tubeless tires) at the front and a 17-inch wheel (with 140/70 tubeless tires) at the rear.

Other notable features of the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX are its beak-like front fairing, dual-channel ABS system, fully digital instrument panel, and its 12-liter fuel tank capacity.

The Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX is priced at P229,000.

Honda CB 150X

Another viable option for Filipino motorcycle buyers looking for an affordable adventure motorcycle is the Honda CB 150X.

Touted as a motorcycle that’s “born to explore,” the Honda CB 150X offers a go-anywhere appeal thanks to the abundance of sharp edges and aggressive angles. It is also worth noting that the CB 150X comes with a sharp-looking front end like the aforementioned Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX.

At its core is a 149cc engine complemented by a six-speed transmission. Despite the smaller engine size, the Honda CB 150X still puts out 15 horses with 13.8Nm of pulling power — decent enough to tackle unpaved provincial roads and various terrains in between. For its brakes, the CB 150X packs wavy disc brakes lightened with the application of various holes.

Since it is still an adventure motorcycle at heart, the Honda CB 150X is fitted with an inverted front fork from Showa and a pro-link rear suspension system. At its front is a 17-inch cast wheel with 100/80 tubeless tires while its rear end has a 17-inch wheel with 130/70 tubeless rubber.

Notably, the Honda CB 150X has a tapered handlebar and cockpit design, a fully digital instrument panel, a high windscreen, and an adventure-style undercowl protector.

According to Honda, the CB 150X is priced at P173,900.

BMW 310 GS

Those who want more power might want to consider getting the BMW 310 GS. This European off-roaded is perfect for almost any type of adventure be it on or off the tarmac.

Placed in between the rider’s thighs is a powerful 313cc engine that is able to take owners of the BMW 310 GS from point A to point B without breaking a sweat. More impressive is that according to the motorcycle company, the 310 GS consumes 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers of travel — according to World Motorcycle Test Cycle standards.

Like the two other non-expressway-legal adventure bikes on this list, the BMW 310 GS also wears beak-like front fairing, symbolizing its adventure lineage. At the front is an upside-down fork with an anodized gold finish while the rear has a monoshock, which boasts good spring and damper coordination.

The BMW 310 GS has a price tag of P320,000.

Summary

The motorcycles in this list cover different price points as well as engine capacities to cover various budget and riding needs of our readers.

In summary, the Honda CB 150X is ideal for those with smaller budgets and will typically see themselves traveling shorter distances. Meanwhile, the BMW 310 GS is great for those with more demanding requirements due to its price point and its beefier engine.

Meanwhile, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX offers the best of both worlds — performance and price-wise.

Photos from Suzuki, Honda, and BMW Motorrad

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Here are the V-Strom nameplates under Suzuki PH