Suzuki has apparently taken a top to bottom approach for the V-Strom range, starting with V-Strom 1050, followed by the V-Strom 800, V-Strom 650 and the entry-level V-Strom 250. Now, the Japanese carmaker has introduced another smaller, entry-level version of V-Strom. Called the V-Strom 160, this motorcycle has been introduced in the Columbian market.
This motorcycle warrants coverage for a special reason. For the uninitiated, patent applications of the V-Strom 160 were leaked online more than four years ago. This led us to believe that Suzuki may soon bring this version of the V-Strom to India. However, the plans didn’t materialise then.
The Japanese bikemaker has now launched the same in Columbia. The motorcycle has been reportedly developed alongside Chinese company Haojue and is based on the DL160 although Suzuki’s iteration of the motorcycle looks very different from the Haojue DL160. The V-Strom 160 seems to be inspired by the flagship V-Strom 1050 that in turn is inspired by the legendary Suzuki DR Big motorcycle.
It gets signature V-Strom highlights such as a vertical dual-pod LED headlamp, a big beak, a tall adjustable windscreen up front. Other visual highlights include a muscular fuel tank, an upswept black exhaust muffler, split pillion grab rails, a floating tail section, and a rear tyre hugger. As expected, it gets a tall handlebar although it misses out on integrated handguards as seen in the patent images.
In terms of features, the V-Strom 160 gets a circular fully-digital instrument console, and a USB charging port. Hardware equipment consists of telescopic front forks, a rear mono-shock with preload adjustment sourced from KYB, and disc brakes at both ends. The bike rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels which are wrapped around by 100/80 front and 130/70 tubeless tyres. The knobby pattern to the rubber might offer some sort of soft-roading capabilities but it’s not an adventure bike by any means.
Powering the V-Strom 160 is a 162cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder, SOHC engine which develops 14.75 bhp and 14 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Given that it is a simple road bike in the garb of an adventure tourer with modest specifications and Suzuki already offering the Gixxer 155 in this space, it is highly unlikely that the V-Strom 160 would be introduced in India.
