800 km trip on my V-Strom 250 SX with pillion & luggage: 6 observations

The console indicated a fuel efficiency of 38.8 km/l over the 817 km trip.

BHPian KeepTraction recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Rode the V-Strom 250 SX on an 800 km trip with a pillion and luggage (two Rynox saddlebags) covering Bengaluru -> Pulicat Lake -> Chennai -> Bengaluru via the Kolar-Chittoor highway.

Observations and updates:

1. The motorcycle had clocked 7000 km before the trip started. With 'two-up' riding, 12kgs luggage, and cruising at 80-95 km/h, the console indicated 38.8kmpl for 817 km upon finishing the trip.
2. The Rynox Nomad V2 saddlebags have endured time and use since 2014. Except for the drawstrings of the net pockets, nothing else needs to be repaired. Outstanding quality by this ten-year-old product that remains fully usable now.
3. I used the STHIRA Motorcycle Seat Cushion with a High-Density 3D Honeycomb structure and FEGO air seat for the pillion. Both performed very well in reducing seat fatigue.
4. The motorcycle performed wonderfully. The suspension continues to remind me that it will be pliant only with two riders and luggage.
5. Diversions around construction spots exist while crossing Narsapura, Mulbagal, Chittoor, and Sriperumbudur. The remaining portion of the travel was on good tarmac.
6. The Pulicat Lake's beach on the TN side is cordoned off due to the construction of a mini-harbour, according to the locals. To start any boat ride, one must cross the Pulicat Lake bridge and reach the lighthouse area. Some fishermen are willing to give you a boat tour of the sandbars, the mangrove forest full of migratory birds, and the Pulicat Lake (1000Rs and above, based on the fuel and time). To see the migratory birds, start the boat ride before 7 am. Carry water, snacks, umbrella, and sunscreen.

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