Suzuki takes the new DR160 and V-STROM 160 off the display floor and into the rugged trails of Tanay for an authentic adventure.
– Alex A – Lifestyle On Wheels
Suzuki Philippines just moved past the air-conditioned comfort of the showroom floor to put their newly launched “Real Man Series” through the ultimate real-world stress test. These are the exciting rides DR160 and V-STROM 160. While we maintain a dedicated, personal feature-test unit review in our separate article version for Safe Ride Journey, this particular piece serves as our official published take on the Safe Ride Experience. It highlights the unique moments when major manufacturers, like Suzuki, invite us to step in as active participants for an All-Out-Ride. This allowed us to evaluate real-world safety, control, and machine limits simultaneously. Gathering a packed roster of motoring media and KOL’s, the Suzuki Supercharged: Real Adventure Media Experience served as a grueling, 95-kilometer test of endurance, capability, and grit across the diverse landscapes of Rizal.
The journey kicked off before dawn from Pasig City. We push towards the legendary sweeping asphalt corners of the Marilaque Highway. Here, the street manners and cornering stability of both machines were on full display. However, the real teeth of the event awaited at Palaya Natural Farm in Sta. Ines, Tanay. Suzuki deliberately guided the convoy off the paved roads and directly into technical hill climbs. The loose rock trails and challenging river crossings through the Kaliwa River added an extra layer of excitement.
Switching between the two models gave us an authentic feel for their distinct engineering highlights. I personally got a longer feel riding the VSTROM 160, which proved its capability on both road and off-road. It utilizes its smooth, low-end torque to scale muddy inclines confidently. While the trail-ready DR160 flexed its dual-sport muscles, its massive 244mm ground clearance and lightweight agility effortlessly conquer rocky waters.
| ENGINE | |
| Engine Type | Spark Ignition 4-stroke, 2 Valves, SOHC, Air-Cooled |
| Bore X Stroke | 60 mm x 57.4 mm |
| MAX POWER | 11 kW @ 8,000rpm |
| Max Torque | 14 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Engine Displacement | 162 cc |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection |
| Cooling System | Air Cooled |
| Starting | Electric Starter |
| Transmission Type | Manual, 5 Speed |
| Ignition System | Transistorized |
| Compression Ratio | 9.65:1 |
| Lubrication | Wet Sump |
| Clutch Type Primary | Mechanical, Wet multi-plate type |
| Engine Oil | 1.2L |
| CHASSIS | |
| Suspension (Front) | Telescopic, Oil Damped |
| Suspension (Rear) | Swing Arm, Oil Damped |
| Tire Size (Front) | 100/80-17 M/C 52S |
| Tire Size (Rear) | 130/70-17 M/C 62S |
| Brakes (Front) | ABS, Single Disc |
| Brakes (Rear) | ABS, Single Disc |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Overall Length x Width x Height | 2,025 mm x 775 MM x 1,195 MM |
| Wheelbase | 1,345 mm |
| Ground / Road Clearance | 160 mm |
| Curb Mass | 148 kg |
| Seat Height | 795 MM |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13L |
| SRP | ₱ 146,000 |
The V-STROM 160 Defies Expectations
You might look at the V-STROM’s 17-inch mag wheels and think it’s purely a city slicker. But it is pleasantly surprising. While it is slightly more mindful of its 160mm ground clearance compared to the DR, its low-end torque delivery made climbing the steep, muddy hills of Palaya surprisingly effortless. The standing ergonomics are well thought out. This will allow you to clamp your knees onto the 13.2-liter tank comfortably when navigating technical ruts.
The DR160 in its Element
If you want to play in the dirt, the DR160 is an absolute weapon for its class. Boasting a massive 244mm ground clearance and spoked wheels (19-inch up front, 17-inch rear). This setup swallowed up the loose rock trails without flinching. Dropping it into the Kaliwa River crossing, the bike felt incredibly lightweight (only 138kg curb mass) and nimble. When the rear tire stepped out over wet river stones, a quick dab of the foot and a roll of the throttle were all it took to keep it upright. The front single-channel ABS works flawlessly here. It lets you trail-brake into the dirt without losing front-end traction.
SRP – ₱ 129,000
| ENGINE | |
| Engine Type | Spark Ignition 4-stroke, 2 Valves, SOHC, Air-Cooled |
| Bore X Stroke | 60 mm x 57.4 mm |
| MAX POWER | 10.5kW @ 8,000rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.5Nm 6,500 rpm |
| Engine Displacement | 162 cc |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection |
| Cooling System | Air Cooled |
| Starting | Electric Starter |
| Transmission Type | Manual, 5 Speed |
| Ignition System | Transistorized |
| Compression Ratio | 9.65:1 |
| Lubrication | Wet Sump |
| Clutch Type Primary | Mechanical, Wet Multi-Plate Type |
| Engine Oil | 1.2L |
| CHASSIS | |
| Suspension (Front) | Telescopic, Oil Damped |
| Suspension (Rear) | Swing Arm, Oil Damped |
| Tire Size (Front) | 90/90-19 52P |
| Tire Size (Rear) | 110/90-17 60P |
| Brakes (Front) | ABS, Single Disc |
| Brakes (Rear) | Single Disc |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Overall Length x Width x Height | 2,070 mm x 825 mm x 1,050 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,365 mm |
| Ground / Road Clearance | 244 mm |
| Curb Mass | 138 kg |
| Seat Height | 845 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.2L |
The adventure wrapped up with a scenic view of the iconic Pililia Wind Farm. And an afternoon of fellowship at the Luma Lumi Guest House further let us enjoy the scenic view of the mountains, while others rode closer to the windmill.
Ultimately, this media ride proved that real outdoor adventure is no longer exclusive to heavy, high-displacement big bikes. By tackling varying terrains without flinching, Suzuki’s new 160cc twins demonstrated that they possess the genuine durability, comfort, and performance required for riders eager to answer the call of the wild.
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