Thoughts on a VanVan ?

[Spy]

How would people rate the Suzuki VanVan compared to the Honda CBF 125 and Yamaha YBR 125 ?

The bike would be used mainly for commuting so would it be as good as (or worse than) the obvious choice of a CBF or YBR ?

[Clanger]

I think they are quite funky and cute. If I was going 125cc all over again, I'd definitely look at test riding one of these.

Other than what I think of their looks, I have absolutely nothing of value to offer, other than...if YOU like it, test ride it. If it suits YOU buy it and ride it and stop wasting more time waiting to hear the opinions of a bunch of strangers.

Enjoy!
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[symonh2000]

Personally I think they are a good bike, but I am not keen on the looks myself.

I suppose you could say the styling is a bit Marmite?
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[Harvey Mushman]

I was showing a VanVan to my Mrs the other day as a potential learner. I love the look of them but she said I would be riding around like Frank Spencer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT4KE6vR9oI

[Asharin]

I like my VanVan, it's a great bike..in my opinion. Seems quite happy in muddy fields (The camping field at the Chinnor Dayz bike rally was a quagmire) and it's great for commuting to work, filtering through the traffic.
It lacks top end though, some quote 60 - 65mph but mines more like 55 - 60mph..I can't even blame my weight as I'm not heavy anymore
Doesn't bother me though, I still enjoy riding it, more than I did the Virago. Bloody comfy seat too

[Shmoo]

Loved my little van van (vinnie) great learner bike!!! He taught me alot, great fuel Economy £8 ish to fill up did over 100 miles on that, tax was £16 a year and £120 a year to insure, only downside could only get 55 mph out of him, 60 downhill, but apart from that a fab bike

[cdlxxvi]

[Spy]

[C1REX]

VV is the slowest and the best at the same time.
Lots of people have VV along of bigger bikes. It's just fun to ride one.
There is no fun in riding CBF and YZF. Plain boring bikes that you will wish to upgrade as soon as possible.

VV can do everything what CBF and YZF plus more. And it's fun.
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[Nexus Icon]

Yamaha TW125 is similar to the VanVan yet a bit less common.
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[Baisemontchou]

VanVan was designed as a sand bike, my neice has one & I've ridden the bike.

It's small, very slow, resonably comfortable, funky and worked on sand - as I live next to the beach it could be handy, but I sold my Suzuki Marauder because it was difficult to maintain progress going up-hill or into a slight breeze, the VanVan is the same. If you are an 8 stone waif, or need to be able to travel on sand then it's great.
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[Lone-Wolf]

[quote="C1REX"]Lots of people have VV along of bigger bikes. It's just fun to ride one.
quote]

Wotcha.

A friend of mine has one - mainly for commuting on - and he very often takes the VV out on a weekend . . . . . .despite having three Ducatis, a couple of BSAs and a 660 MZ.
Must admit to quite liking the thing myself.
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[C1REX]

I go for a ride out on VV forum when possible. Most VV owners there have no L plates.

One guy said that out of his 12 (yes, twelve)bikes, VV is his favourite one.

One of many reason why VV is so wonderful machine:
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/RidingEvents/ridingeventsresults/Touring-travel/2010/may/may2810-Suzuki-VanVan-the-2679-Multistrada-rival/
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[Teflon-Mike]

Wacky. absolutely NO seemingly sane reason to buy one, other than, well, its a bit wacky.

Every owner I have ever come across, seems to have that sort of 'special person' I can count to Van-Van grin on their face, and not care that the thing is just, well.... wacky!

Never quite brought myself to have a go on one, though.
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[C1REX]

It's very bad bike on a paper.
Expensive, super slow, very small tank, worse MPG than CBF.

It's just super fun to ride. Especially with others what is easy to organise and happens all the time.

It's also a decent tourer.
A friend of mine, Dave rode to Croatia and back this summer.
He could use a bigger bike of his but he decided to go on a VV.

https://www.mcforum.co.uk/forum/topic/133-to-croatia-and-back-on-a-125/
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[Rogerborg]

Strikes me as one of the few 125s that might look as though you're riding it because you want to, rather than because you don't have a better choice.

Remind me, who was it that showed some really chunky softroader stylee bike last year? Something like a 250cc, wide tyres, headlight cages, looked like a production rat bike.
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[C1REX]

Two of my friends are working on putting 300cc into theirs VanVans.

One do it on his own and another one gave it to customs specialists.
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[C1REX]

[Spy]

It's starting to sound like a bike you buy after you have owned a few others !

[Teflon-Mike]

[WillOdling]

It looks like something Jedward would design
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[P.]

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[kiddakidda]

Did my CBT on the Van Van............. Fond memories despite only riding it for about 5 hours.
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