Suzuki’s Latest ADV Compared With The Royal Enfield Scram
- by Nishaad Joshi
- Apr 17, 2022
- | Views: 4651
How does Suzuki’s latest quarter-litre ADV stack up against the stripped-down version of the Himlayan on paper?
Suzuki surprised us by launching its quarter-litre ADV, the V-Strom SX in April 2022. It borrows its engine from the Gixxer 250. Some time before that in March 2022, Royal Enfield launched a stripped-down version of the Himalayan: Scram 411. Both the motorcycles are based on tried-and-tested platforms. They have also been priced in the same ballpark, so let’s see how the Scram fares against the V-Strom, at least on paper.
Engine
|
Specifications |
V-Strom SX |
Scram 411 |
|
Motor |
249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-valve engine |
411cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine |
|
Peak Power |
26.5PS @ 9300rpm |
24.31PS @ 6500rpm |
|
Torque |
22.2Nm @ 7300rpm |
32Nm @ 4250±250rpm |
|
Gearbox |
6-speed |
5-speed |
Despite the 162cc advantage, the Scram is actually lower on power. That is mainly because the V-Strom SX has a more advanced oil-cooled engine whereas the Scram gets an air-cooled engine with an oil-cooler. The V-Strom gets about 2.2PS of extra power but where the Scram really shines is torque. With 9.8Nm of extra torque on tap, it has the low-end punch that you need to get out of tricky situations. Not only that, the Scram’s peak torque is delivered a lot earlier than the V-Strom. That said, the V-Strom has the advantage of having a 18kg lighter kerb weight, at 167kg, giving it a significantly better power-to-weight ratio.
Underpinnings
|
Specifications |
V-Strom SX |
Scram 411 |
|
Frame |
Single downtube frame with engine as stressed member |
Half-Duplex Split Cradle Frame |
|
Front suspension |
Telescopic with 120mm travel |
Telescopic Forks with 190mm travel |
|
Rear suspension |
7-step monoshock adjustable for preload |
Linked Monoshock |
|
Front brake |
Disc with axial caliper, ABS |
Disc with 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
|
Rear brake |
Disc with ABS |
Disc with single piston floating caliper, ABS |
|
Front tyre |
100/90 - 19 |
100/90 - 19 |
|
Rear tyre |
140/70 - 17 |
120/90 - 17 |
The massive 70mm of extra suspension travel that the Scram has will help its off-road credentials immensely. They are further improved by the Scram’s spoke wheels which are a boon off the road while the V-Strom gets alloys. That said, the V-Strom SX gets adjustability for preload at the back while the Scram’s rear monoshock gets a 10-step adjustment. The somewhat chunkier rear tyre on the V-Strom should inculcate more confidence when cornering the motorcycle.
Dimensions
|
Specifications |
V-Strom SX |
Scram 411 |
|
Wheelbase |
1440mm |
1455mm |
|
Ground clearance |
205mm |
200mm |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
12-litres |
15-litres |
|
Seat height |
835mm |
795mm |
|
Kerb weight |
167kg |
185kg |
The V-Strom’s daunting 835mm seat height might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Even though Suzuki is offering an optional lower seat height of 810mm, it’s still 15mm more than the Scram. This makes the Scram a lot more accessible for riders of all sizes.
As far as features are concerned, the V-Strom SX gets a fully digital instrument console with bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation along with call/SMS alerts, ETA updates and a lot more. It also comes with a USB charging port and a tail rack for luggage. The Scram on the other hand only gets navigation which comes as an optional accessory. The V-Strom SX also gets an LED headlight while the Scram gets a halogen one.
Price & Verdict
|
V-Strom SX |
Scram 411 |
|
Rs 2,11,600 |
Rs 2,03,000 |
(all prices ex-showroom Delhi)
If a feature-loaded ADV is what you’re looking for, the V-Strom SX makes sense. Even though it does carry a premium over the Scram, the kit that it packs makes it worth it. However, those who are on a budget, are willing to overlook the lack of features and have more off-road ambitions could go for the Scram 411.