Resend my activation email : Register : Log in 
BCF: Bike Chat Forums


Suzuki Van Van (rv125)

Reply to topic
Bike Chat Forums Index -> New Bikers Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
View previous topic : View next topic  
Author Message

ThoughtContro...
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Aug 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 11:27 - 30 Sep 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

I did my CBT on a Van Van too. They are comfy and a bit of fun. I don't think they were built for speed tho. I've seen them described as the marmite bike, you either like em or loathe em. That tank looks a bit on the small side for long range roaming, maybe it lives on fumes.

There's a forum for all things Van Van at https://www.suzukivanvan.co.uk
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

MattHirst
World Chat Champion



Joined: 25 Jun 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:43 - 30 Sep 2008    Post subject: Re: Van Van Reply with quote

darren01274 wrote:
Hi it is the new 2004 model i bought i decided to go for that because i passed my cbt on it so i already knew the bike if you know what i mean, i sat on a few different bikes in the shop i didnt feel right sat on the sporty (racing style bikes) also i considered getting the honda xl125 that was my first choice but read some bad reports on them on net so i chose the van van also it is a 4 stroke engine.

Some people may say they are slow but i have had over 60 mph on it and felt it could have done more, but it is a really smooth ride and i only got it till i pass my full test then im moving to a bigger bike.

Smile Smile


Don't get to excited, they use the same engine as the GZ125 (a cruiser) and even after we fiddled around with the gearing (smaller rear sprocket) it would hit 65mph on a very good day with absolutley no headwind (maybe a slight tail wind). And i believe the VanVan is considerabley heavier.

Oh well, aslong as you like it and get a lot of miles under your belt.

Try and get your test done before march if your possible, as that is when it changes. Unless they postpone it again.

Enjoy Smile
____________________
It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, then it's bloody hilarious!!!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

The Shaggy D.A.
Super Spammer



Joined: 12 Sep 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:51 - 30 Sep 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Next thread bump is due 2010 - wonder how many VanVans will be on the road then?

Smile
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Xenocide
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 17 Aug 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 13:03 - 30 Sep 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Shaggy D.A. wrote:
Next thread bump is due 2010 - wonder how many VanVans will be on the road then?

Smile


Hah I hadn't noticed how old the thread was.
____________________
KTM LC4 400 | Honda VTR1000
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

ajacko
Nitrous Nuisance



Joined: 03 Aug 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:46 - 30 Sep 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm just really disappointed that it isn't actually a van.
____________________
Current bike:- Suzuki GS500 '02 plate. Next bike CBR600F or GSX650F. I'll leave the race reps to the kids.
www.xembly.com
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

MattHirst
World Chat Champion



Joined: 25 Jun 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 10:23 - 01 Oct 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hehe i didn't realise how old it was either, don't really look unless i need to for a specific reason.

And yeah, the engine in the VanVan, GZ, GN etc make around 10.5-11hp, you won't get it to produce anymore unless you spend a lot of money getting the bore honed ands tuff, polishing the valves, getting them seated right....and you can't forget the racing spark plug Laughing Laughing Laughing

Only way you may change things is by changing the gearing, depending on your weight you may benefit from a smaller front or bigger rear, it will let it pull easier in top gear and has been known to increase top speed (aswell as acceleration). I dropped the size of my rear sprocket (same effect as increasing the size of the front sprocket) and it did make a big of a different. I had a screen on mine (until it broke when i came off) and i had been clocked doing 62mph into wind(someone following me with a road angel on an SV) and i wasn't exactly a light guy then. Razz
____________________
It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, then it's bloody hilarious!!!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

walkerz
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 13 Mar 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 15:27 - 13 Mar 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello

Is VanVan capable to carry two persons on longer trip (100-200 km)? Is speed in that case considerably lower and how does suspension cope with that much weight?

Thank you Smile

Greetings from Serbia Smile
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Kwaks
I'm not a fast rider



Joined: 28 Jan 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 15:37 - 13 Mar 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Now no sarcastic comments about the age of the thread Tut Tut


At least Van Van owners seem capable of using the search button Thumbs Up

Walkerz, yes it is capable, yes speed will reduce, no suspension should cope fine Thumbs Up
____________________
Fallen Angel "Nae sniffing my seat now!!!!! "
www.cliqueycuntsmcc.co.uk
I AM NOT A FAST RIDER!!!!!!!!!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

LeeR
World Chat Champion



Joined: 12 Dec 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:08 - 13 Mar 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good lord the resurrections these days...

Yes the Van Van is capable of carrying two adults over distance with no major problems.

Mine carried me and a friend a combined weight of 158Kg

And though it might sound like you are killing it, it will do 100kph... just Thumbs Up
____________________
My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

walkerz
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 13 Mar 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 09:01 - 16 Mar 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for your information! It's greatly appreciated. Smile
I instantly fell in love in to this bike, first moment I saw it Smile

Cheers
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

MissR
Two Stroke Sniffer



Joined: 08 Mar 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 00:19 - 17 Mar 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Josh wrote:
I had a TW125 for a year before I did my test, it is very similair to the VanVan, it just looks better Wink Razz
And it was so easy to ride on the.... poorly surfaced roads around here.
Only ever saw one other TW125 around, and no VanVans.
They are nice bikes IMO.
Thumbs Up


I was considering the Van Van for my first bike, but I just got a TW125 too Smile Just gotta do my CBT now! Going to re-spray it with the help of my lovely boyfriend as I have no clue what I am doing Razz
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

chris-red
Have you considered a TDM?



Joined: 21 Sep 2005
Karma :

PostPosted: 04:33 - 18 Mar 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

This thread is older than most of BCFs new members.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

TW85
Borekit Bruiser



Joined: 16 Feb 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:33 - 25 Mar 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:


oh dear. i think you should have gone for at least a cg. Confused
heck, what a gs? i know i am biased, but surely it looks better than the van-van?


Are you kidding me? Van vans are cool. I have a TW, way cooler than a CG
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Hanvan
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 12 May 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:54 - 12 May 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a suzuki VanVan K4 in orange and its the coolest 125 around! Its comfortable, cheap to run and excellent learner bike!!!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Kwaks
I'm not a fast rider



Joined: 28 Jan 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 15:38 - 12 May 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome to the debate, although a bit late Wink
____________________
Fallen Angel "Nae sniffing my seat now!!!!! "
www.cliqueycuntsmcc.co.uk
I AM NOT A FAST RIDER!!!!!!!!!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

The Original Muzza
World Chat Champion



Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:12 - 12 May 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Posting in an olde threade:
I was trying to convince my missus to get a CBT so I could buy her an old vanvan and spray it pink for her to ride to her horse-stable-job. Then I would secretly go out on it when no-one was looking.
____________________
Current Bikes: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (2020)
Former Bikes: Honda MSX125 (2014), BMW Funduro (1996), Honda VT500 (1983), Yamaha FZR250 (1989), Suzuki GZ125 Marauder(2005),:Triumph TT600 (2002) (stolen)
From then on, I and the bicycle feelings deeper.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Bucky
Nova Slayer



Joined: 16 Mar 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:11 - 22 Jun 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bumpity Bump Laughing

Just done my CBT on one, great fun! Cool bike with nearly no risk of getting caught speeding on it. I couldn't get much over 50mph on it... not cool on national speed limit roads.
MCNs review got it's top speed as 60 which is probably right since I wasn't sticking my chin to tank & I'm fairly big Rolling Eyes

now to sort out a DAS Mr. Green
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

ryhardcastle
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 20 Jun 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 11:46 - 23 Jun 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm doing my 125 training on one. Did the module 1 test the other day with one and I think it's a great little bike! I say little but it is actually quite a chunky bike for a 125. The tyres are massive!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Drevil
Borekit Bruiser



Joined: 13 May 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 06:59 - 25 Jun 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

lol i did my cbt on one and i have to admit i hated the thing it felt like ridding a tank Sick
____________________
Yorkshire man born and bread
A2 on 1/7/09 NINJA 250R
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

calyx
World Chat Champion



Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 02:35 - 12 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Time for another resurrection. Mr. Green

I've seen this bike today and eventually managed to find out it was a van van. Maybe I am a bit in a gay mood but I can't stop thinking this bike is cool as ****!
When I raise some cash, I might buy one as a 250cc van van project.
Maybe a superdream 400 engine.. Cool
____________________
Boris - London
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

neil.
World Chat Champion



Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 06:35 - 12 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

There's one parked up at work... man the size of the back tyre... bloody huge. I wonder if it's easy to get hold of?
____________________
CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

Cigaro
World Chat Champion



Joined: 28 Mar 2007
Karma :

PostPosted: 11:32 - 13 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

I really like them too. I don't actually know why, though Laughing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

...
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 12 Oct 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 15:54 - 13 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

TheBassJunky wrote:
I really like them too. I don't actually know why, though Laughing


When it came round to replacing my old honda, I went down to my dealer (Aye Gees Welling) and sat on one. Felt really nice, loved it entirely except for the exhaust, so I got a GZ instead Laughing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

BlackStallion
Crazy Courier



Joined: 21 May 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 22:18 - 01 Dec 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was going to do my CBT on a Hyosung Karion RT125, which is very similar to the Van Van, but unfortunately it was taken, and i ended up having to do it on a little Vespa 125, which i didn't like at all.

I think the Van Van looks like a pretty cool bike. It's good being different, so don't worry about what people think Thumbs Up

I have a Hyosung XRX 125, which has been mistaken for a Chinese bike so many times, and as long as you are happy with it and you no the facts, that's all that counts Thumbs Up

My 125 has been a thrill to ride, and i've had such fun on it, even though people say you can't have fun on a 4 stroke 125, well i can Mr. Green

Just enjoy it mate, that's what riding is all about, whether it be on a bike or a woman Laughing

Congrats with your CBT to buddy Thumbs Up
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

steve750
Two Stroke Sniffer



Joined: 31 Oct 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 23:12 - 01 Dec 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very old thread but never mind i also have a van van which i have actually passed to my partner Lorna, she uses it to practice in one of our fields before she goes for her CBT. I used to use it before i passed my test and although it is slow it was comfy and okay to ride. Our one has done 75mph but that was with a tail wind, i never use it now obviously because i have a slightly faster GSXR-750. Laughing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts
Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 14 years, 111 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
  Display posts from previous:   
This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bike Chat Forums Index -> New Bikers All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Page 2 of 4

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum

Read the Terms of Use! - Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
 

Debug Mode: ON - Server: birks (www) - Page Generation Time: 0.10 Sec - Server Load: 0.05 - MySQL Queries: 17 - Page Size: 134.57 Kb