... and all cable operated, single OHC, nothing to look at, nothing to break. The ideal bike for someone wants to do the service by himself. Riding cheaper than walking - VanVan.
i have a 2017 van van 200, this bike is mainly for commuting... excellent in bad weather.... and it has more smiles per mile than any other bike ive riden.... it never fails to bring a smile to my face...
Wish they would have kept them around in the US longer. Sad to see them go so fast. I am looking for a little bike like this still to be just the happy commuter.
I have the VanVan 200. I have terrible coccyx tailbone pain. I thought I’d never be able to ride again. The seat of the Vanvan is so comfortable, I’m back to riding! 🙂
@@RabidHedgehog , i have the 125cc version.. Couple of times i ride on very rough terrain like old coal mine construction site, motocross track or mud backroads. This bike is not a MX bike but rides well on rough terrain, it's lightweight so is very easy to handle. This bike is like Suzuki Samurai, but on two wheels :-)
Do you like it better than the Monkey? I was considering the monkey, Im only 5'7 but when I saw pics of me on it it looked like a small clown bike. I was kinda hoping for something with some street presence. Thanks.
😀"my fat rear end" lmao. I bought a used 2019 Van Van on Wednesday, and the grin has not left my face! As an older rider with knee and back issues, this thing got me riding again. It's a great platform for anyone with medical issues. Very comfortable riding position, fat seat(as you so eloquently pointed out!), and light weight means I'm not worried about my knee buckling at stop lights. The Max speed limit here where I live is 80km/hr, and you'd have to take a ferry to find a highway, so the Van Van's top end is not an issue. We also have many dirt and logging roads, so I am planning on doing some trail riding too! 🤙
I really enjoyed this review. It was fun, informative, and left a big grin on my face. It really sold the bike, too! Thanks for sharing this experience when so many others seem to not be willing to do so.
Glad I just picked one up a couple days ago. My last bike was an 1800 vtx....run through 5 gears hard on the vtx I could easily be going over 180km, do the same on the Vanvan, well, it's considerably slower, maybe 90...
Cool bike would love to have one but not sure about running on the road. People are too occupied while driving these days. I do play on an old XR200R and it's plenty fast enough for me in the woods. Changed out the front sprocket from 13 to 12 tooth to putt slower on it. First three gears are right there and low but the VanVan seems to have a wide range in its gears?
Eh. Ish. I have rode the TW and it's a fish out of water in road but beastly off of it. This bike leans way more street and is not going to be near as rugged as the TW. Hence why Grom/Z125. It's basically a retro micro bike. Or an upscale variant of like the old Honda Trail bikes like the Monkey is based off of. Kind of off-road but street like. Not dual sport, like 1.5 sport.
@@RabidHedgehog I take my VanVan up logging roads and basic trails. Does it quite well with those fat tires. But mainly for commuting. Nice that it can go off-road and a great little camping bike.
@@stuartosmon9533 Thank you for the detail. I did read to the end with great interest. I'm looking to buy, and have it narrowed down to the TW, Vanvan, and the Yamaha XT250. It would be mostly for trails, but I'm also looking for something in the 200cc range that would most closely replicate my favorite riding experience from my childhood, the Honda SL70. Man, I loved that bike.
@@stuartosmon9533 Thank you for the quick response! Your input is very helpful. I also favor the TW for what I'm looking to do, and don't mind the carb. It'll bring back some great memories!
@@stuartosmon9533 Great Comments! I have been looking for a side by side TW vs VV and haven't found one. I elect you to do one! And that's an order! You made great observations, you expressed yourself clearly, and you have both bikes! Do an Urban comparison. Then you and a buddy go as off road as you can. You'll be surprised at the number of views you get. I have the TW200, need to get it on the road. I sat on a VV at the motorcycle show and that was such a comfortable seat and sitting position. It didn't look like it had the climbing or rocky terrain capability. I do prefer the mono shock, and the fuel injection. Which one would do better off road loaded for camping? RSVP ASAP LOL!
You know what...……..I got to actually go sit on one here somewhat locally...…………….and I just fell in love with the little thing! I had a 2015 Grom when the "Grom Craze" kinda hit strong, and 6 months later sold it. The very thing that was cute about it (soooo small) was also the very thing I grew to DISLIKE about it. But the Van Van is juuuuuust enough bigger in every way that I feel it would be just about the perfect little rough ol chip & tar, gravel, or just dirt fire roads bike, as well as easily maintaining 55 MPH on the 2-lane state road routes. I can see owning one. Sooner than later. lol
The front brake is hydraulic, so not everything is cable operated. I love the offset speedo and warning lights. Tall thin wheels? I'd like one for light offroad riding.
i just bought one because of your test ride video (ending season deal) !! Ask suzuki for your commission lol I’ve done a 300km ride and have so much fun on it ! And now the season is over because it snowing here in quebec :( but I can’t wait for the next season
I love the analog speedometer. I can't figure out why motorcycle companies have pretty much gone away from analog speedometers and tachometers. It just puzzles me.
Trying to be "modern." Reason I love the bikes I have the Flying Fort has twin clocks, the CB1100 has twin clocks, my CX500C twin clocks, I just like the old school readouts.
@@CraigSmith568 I really want an MT-09 because of the low end torque that's been so well publicized but those awful digital displays really hold me back.
I’d love to ride one. I did get to take a gz250 for a ride and it felt like a bicycle compared to my scooter and goldwing. Well...a main battle tank would feel small and agile after a 32 year old wing.
That seat, that's what I want on. Why do cruiser bikes flop you into a saddle that you cant adjust riding positions? The VanVan reminds me of a café racer. Very cool retro bike!
US interstates require a minimum speed that basically no 50CC can obtain. Generally the rule has been 50CC minimum street use yes, but highway is 150 minimum where some states is 175. The VanVan is capable of Highway. But the Grom maybe left out kind of deal is where I was going on that.
Nice review. It's real competition is the Yamaha TW200. They are both "farm bikes" with those fat tires and off-road ability. I already have a TU250X or otherwise I would get one.
Kind of ish. It's a halo model all by itself really. The TW has way more off-road cred and shorter gearing for that stump pulling power. The Van Van is capable of going down some decent terrain. I watched motorcycle.com do this on their side, but to me it's more fragile than the TW and just a bit more than the Groms and Z125s. Now maybe after some fun mods....
I love them both as well! I work with the MSF at OSU-OKC and they have a couple of the TWs and I love pulling them out and playing with them just as much. I do prefer the fuel injection of the Van Van though, easier to mess with when it actually gets cold in Oklahoma.
It would be much much slower and more character. The 300 (286cc) single from Honda puts out 31HP vs. 16.09 of the 200 and runs much smoother. The CB does sit a bit taller and weighs more, but it adds an additional gear, better suspension, and smoother on road ride as well. The Van Van has the ability to be taken off road though and is more rugged and only air cooled so easier to maintain.
I bought my VanVan right before the CB300R came out and I've been leering its way since. I do love my VanVan though - inexpensive and reliable, and it can take the beat up roads here!
I have the 125, you can buy a '100mpg club' sticker as they are fairly well known to be fuel efficient. Best I ever got was 135 miles out of a tank. =)
The children up front who feel they have to gun it at every lights and junction, like it is a race, or like anyone in this event cares whose bike is 'faster'. God help us, these little minds and egos. 😁
Curious how this bike would be for someone 5’5”. I’m 6’2” and don’t have to worry about seat height but a friend asked about that bike and personally never have sat on one. Thanks
My wife and friend are about 5'2" and like 5'2.5" ish and one can flat foot and the other is on the balls of their feet. So if it is like that with them the folks that are 5'5" should not have an issue.
If only we didn't get charged arm and a leg for registration cost for having a motorcycle in NZ I would like to have more then one. It looks cool, big tyres, fun bike. I rode Suzuki vl250 for 18 months and it was fun.
Weight is good on it. Although not announced we own a VanVan200 now and it is 280s surprisingly. The RV125 for the world market, also a Van Van is shockingly 265. I also pulled the spec sheet from Suzuki's own website.
@@RabidHedgehog I was hoping it was since you're a guy...but also since the video is about low powered bike I thought maybe.... How's the mileage on the 500? I'm thinking of getting one and selling my Shadow.
Couldn't help notice the bike behind the Van Van was the legendary Hayabusa...but I bet the Van Van tester was laughing the most during the test...and before you all start slagging me off, I have owned 5 'Busa's......
I have the 125cc version. The engine design is slightly different due to the thick rear VanVan tire. The chain sprocket has a spacer (approx. 20 mm wide) which makes the offset of the sprocket. The gearbox output shaft is longer and have the extra ball bearing as the support, which is mounted in left engine cover. Rest of the parts should be the same.
I think Oklahoma might have had a law at one time that stated 175CC or more as it is per state. I know also that at one time 250CC or less was required for 14-16 year old riders and that has been bumped to 300. So it could be that it changed to 150 and I did not catch it, but I still hear it at local dealers that even the PCX150 is not allowed on the highway since it is only a 150. Not sure.
$2232 for a Susuki GSX-S 150cc, and it still goes faster than that bike. Over 70mph in The Philippines. Yeah....almost like they keep the good stuff from us all. lol
you're right sir,who cares? the fact that you're laughing obviously having a great time. makes that a fun bike on a budget!
Yup. Certainly a comfortable fun bike.
Agreed
... and all cable operated, single OHC, nothing to look at, nothing to break. The ideal bike for someone wants to do the service by himself.
Riding cheaper than walking - VanVan.
i have a 2017 van van 200, this bike is mainly for commuting... excellent in bad weather.... and it has more smiles per mile than any other bike ive riden.... it never fails to bring a smile to my face...
Wish they would have kept them around in the US longer. Sad to see them go so fast. I am looking for a little bike like this still to be just the happy commuter.
I have the VanVan 200. I have terrible coccyx tailbone pain. I thought I’d never be able to ride again. The seat of the Vanvan is so comfortable, I’m back to riding! 🙂
I just bought one, an orange 2019. The first MC I’ve ever owned. I freaking love it!!
Been offroad yet?
@@RabidHedgehog , i have the 125cc version.. Couple of times i ride on very rough terrain like old coal mine construction site, motocross track or mud backroads. This bike is not a MX bike but rides well on rough terrain, it's lightweight so is very easy to handle. This bike is like Suzuki Samurai, but on two wheels :-)
Congratulations. A great choice. I hope you enjoy it.
Do you like it better than the Monkey? I was considering the monkey, Im only 5'7 but when I saw pics of me on it it looked like a small clown bike. I was kinda hoping for something with some street presence. Thanks.
😀"my fat rear end" lmao. I bought a used 2019 Van Van on Wednesday, and the grin has not left my face! As an older rider with knee and back issues, this thing got me riding again. It's a great platform for anyone with medical issues. Very comfortable riding position, fat seat(as you so eloquently pointed out!), and light weight means I'm not worried about my knee buckling at stop lights. The Max speed limit here where I live is 80km/hr, and you'd have to take a ferry to find a highway, so the Van Van's top end is not an issue. We also have many dirt and logging roads, so I am planning on doing some trail riding too! 🤙
Great little bike
And... it can go off-road quite well! I take my VanVan 200 up the mountain trails all the time.
I had seen where Motorcycle.com had taken theirs off road while the other was on a Multistrada. That was a bit fun to watch.
I really enjoyed this review. It was fun, informative, and left a big grin on my face. It really sold the bike, too! Thanks for sharing this experience when so many others seem to not be willing to do so.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love your reviews. I am almost the exact same size as you, so that is even more useful. Something about these small bikes that is a blast to ride.
Like I said, better to take a slow bike to the limits than a fast bike at only half.
Glad I just picked one up a couple days ago. My last bike was an 1800 vtx....run through 5 gears hard on the vtx I could easily be going over 180km, do the same on the Vanvan, well, it's considerably slower, maybe 90...
Cool bike would love to have one but not sure about running on the road. People are too occupied while driving these days. I do play on an old XR200R and it's plenty fast enough for me in the woods. Changed out the front sprocket from 13 to 12 tooth to putt slower on it. First three gears are right there and low but the VanVan seems to have a wide range in its gears?
Thank you for this post!! I think this is the bike for me.
Hello..
I really would like to see a back to back comparison between this and the TW200. They seem like they would be comparable.
Eh. Ish. I have rode the TW and it's a fish out of water in road but beastly off of it. This bike leans way more street and is not going to be near as rugged as the TW. Hence why Grom/Z125. It's basically a retro micro bike. Or an upscale variant of like the old Honda Trail bikes like the Monkey is based off of. Kind of off-road but street like. Not dual sport, like 1.5 sport.
@@RabidHedgehog I take my VanVan up logging roads and basic trails. Does it quite well with those fat tires. But mainly for commuting. Nice that it can go off-road and a great little camping bike.
@@stuartosmon9533 Thank you for the detail. I did read to the end with great interest. I'm looking to buy, and have it narrowed down to the TW, Vanvan, and the Yamaha XT250. It would be mostly for trails, but I'm also looking for something in the 200cc range that would most closely replicate my favorite riding experience from my childhood, the Honda SL70. Man, I loved that bike.
@@stuartosmon9533 Thank you for the quick response! Your input is very helpful. I also favor the TW for what I'm looking to do, and don't mind the carb. It'll bring back some great memories!
@@stuartosmon9533 Great Comments! I have been looking for a side by side TW vs VV and haven't found one. I elect you to do one! And that's an order! You made great observations, you expressed yourself clearly, and you have both bikes! Do an Urban comparison. Then you and a buddy go as off road as you can. You'll be surprised at the number of views you get. I have the TW200, need to get it on the road. I sat on a VV at the motorcycle show and that was such a comfortable seat and sitting position. It didn't look like it had the climbing or rocky terrain capability. I do prefer the mono shock, and the fuel injection. Which one would do better off road loaded for camping? RSVP ASAP LOL!
You know what...……..I got to actually go sit on one here somewhat locally...…………….and I just fell in love with the little thing! I had a 2015 Grom when the "Grom Craze" kinda hit strong, and 6 months later sold it. The very thing that was cute about it (soooo small) was also the very thing I grew to DISLIKE about it. But the Van Van is juuuuuust enough bigger in every way that I feel it would be just about the perfect little rough ol chip & tar, gravel, or just dirt fire roads bike, as well as easily maintaining 55 MPH on the 2-lane state road routes.
I can see owning one. Sooner than later. lol
Yup, the Grom really is not a good idea off the road either due to the exhaust being a literal skid plate.
The front brake is hydraulic, so not everything is cable operated. I love the offset speedo and warning lights. Tall thin wheels? I'd like one for light offroad riding.
Well the back wheel is very large like the TW200 Yamaha. IT can do some work offroad.
@@RabidHedgehog There is some footage on here somewhere of a 200 doing some pretty spectacular offroad stuff.
Hi ,great review and video, are you sure you're 6ft? For a small bike you look just right on it . Wondering if my 6'2 butt would fit 😅
i just bought one because of your test ride video (ending season deal) !! Ask suzuki for your commission lol I’ve done a 300km ride and have so much fun on it ! And now the season is over because it snowing here in quebec :( but I can’t wait for the next season
It has slightly knobby tires, might be fun to take it on a snowy trail :) Ride safe and enjoy!
I just moved to Vaudreuil-Dorion and was thinking of getting a VanVan 200 to use for my commute to Lachine. Which dealer did you get yours from?
I love the analog speedometer. I can't figure out why motorcycle companies have pretty much gone away from analog speedometers and tachometers. It just puzzles me.
Trying to be "modern." Reason I love the bikes I have the Flying Fort has twin clocks, the CB1100 has twin clocks, my CX500C twin clocks, I just like the old school readouts.
@@RabidHedgehog Me too. I will not buy a motorcycle that has a 1984esque Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta instrument cluster.
Amen to that. I have an FZ-07 and that is what I hate the most about it.
@@CraigSmith568 I really want an MT-09 because of the low end torque that's been so well publicized but those awful digital displays really hold me back.
I’d love to ride one. I did get to take a gz250 for a ride and it felt like a bicycle compared to my scooter and goldwing. Well...a main battle tank would feel small and agile after a 32 year old wing.
Very true. This is still bicycle size, it is to my CB1100 even.
That seat, that's what I want on. Why do cruiser bikes flop you into a saddle that you cant adjust riding positions? The VanVan reminds me of a café racer. Very cool retro bike!
And so comfy :)
I googled what the US interstate minimal was, and its 50ccs. Some states have laws specific to them that's more cc's but its not universal.
US interstates require a minimum speed that basically no 50CC can obtain. Generally the rule has been 50CC minimum street use yes, but highway is 150 minimum where some states is 175. The VanVan is capable of Highway. But the Grom maybe left out kind of deal is where I was going on that.
a 50cc is not legal on any US Interstate.
Nice review. It's real competition is the Yamaha TW200. They are both "farm bikes" with those fat tires and off-road ability. I already have a TU250X or otherwise I would get one.
Kind of ish. It's a halo model all by itself really. The TW has way more off-road cred and shorter gearing for that stump pulling power. The Van Van is capable of going down some decent terrain. I watched motorcycle.com do this on their side, but to me it's more fragile than the TW and just a bit more than the Groms and Z125s. Now maybe after some fun mods....
Had a 75 yamaha 125 2 stroke it did 85 on the highway.
Small town guy My street glide is overkill for getting around in town here. That would be perfect And I’d teach my wife to ride on that
Now you're talkin.
The van van is suzzuki answer to the yammy tw 200...HELLO !
I got the 2019 250 version. Makes it perfect for anything on road because it can actually keep up
Are they 250s in the US now!?
@@RabidHedgehog yes there is and it rides like a dream, my local mr motorcycle had one in stock.
@@brianstrilesky6569 give me your instagram and ill dm you pictures, my local dealer only had one
Matthew Grant bristri1
Eagerly awaiting your pics.
This or the TW-200 !!! I love both!!!
I love them both as well! I work with the MSF at OSU-OKC and they have a couple of the TWs and I love pulling them out and playing with them just as much. I do prefer the fuel injection of the Van Van though, easier to mess with when it actually gets cold in Oklahoma.
Could you compare this with a Honda CB300R?
It would be much much slower and more character. The 300 (286cc) single from Honda puts out 31HP vs. 16.09 of the 200 and runs much smoother. The CB does sit a bit taller and weighs more, but it adds an additional gear, better suspension, and smoother on road ride as well. The Van Van has the ability to be taken off road though and is more rugged and only air cooled so easier to maintain.
I bought my VanVan right before the CB300R came out and I've been leering its way since. I do love my VanVan though - inexpensive and reliable, and it can take the beat up roads here!
The Suzuki Vanvan 200 is the more street version of the Yamaha TW 200. Exact same tire sizes, very similar specs.
what is the fuel average and what is the quantity/capacity of its engine oil?
The fuel consumption is around 74MPG and the tank is 1.7 Gallons. Oil is around a Quart.
I get 80 mpg on mine. Oil capacity is 950 ml.
I have the 125, you can buy a '100mpg club' sticker as they are fairly well known to be fuel efficient. Best I ever got was 135 miles out of a tank. =)
The children up front who feel they have to gun it at every lights and junction, like it is a race, or like anyone in this event cares whose bike is 'faster'.
God help us, these little minds and egos. 😁
It is a sad reality.
How fast were you able to go? Wondering if the Sym Wolf Classic 150 or this has a higher top speed. This has 50cc more but weighs more.
The best this day was 68 MPH
Depends on your weight. Top speed is 70mph/110kph. I'm 165lbs.
Curious how this bike would be for someone 5’5”. I’m 6’2” and don’t have to worry about seat height but a friend asked about that bike and personally never have sat on one. Thanks
My wife and friend are about 5'2" and like 5'2.5" ish and one can flat foot and the other is on the balls of their feet. So if it is like that with them the folks that are 5'5" should not have an issue.
Hello how long do you go with 1 tank of gasoline? Is it possible to travel 2 people? I am 1.82 and my wife is 1.70 in length
It is setup for passenger use. Fuel on 1 tank would be about 125 to 130.
@@RabidHedgehog miles ? Km??
I took it on a long trip, full tank to empty 120 miles (193km). Low fuel light comes on around 80 miles (128km).
I get about 70-100 miles off of a full tank, though I live in a place with roughly equal stop-and-go traffic, highways, and off-road/unpaved routes.
If only we didn't get charged arm and a leg for registration cost for having a motorcycle in NZ I would like to have more then one. It looks cool, big tyres, fun bike. I rode Suzuki vl250 for 18 months and it was fun.
That is sad when the governments get so involved that it becomes an issue like that. I hope one day you shall ride again!
@@RabidHedgehog I still got one bike, bought an Iron 883 and I love it. Can do city, highway, urban roads.
Take 'em down a logging road. Think they'd keep up?
I mean I have seen it in some other videos before. But not quite as rugged as the TW200.
Might want to check the weight. You have 280 some, I have heard else were, 217lbs.
Kinda big difference. I want one regardless. Thanks for the video.
Weight is good on it. Although not announced we own a VanVan200 now and it is 280s surprisingly. The RV125 for the world market, also a Van Van is shockingly 265. I also pulled the spec sheet from Suzuki's own website.
@@RabidHedgehog
My bad
Must have thinking of my last girlfriend. I don't miss her!
Is the bike in the intro a Rebel 300?
It's a 500
@@RabidHedgehog I was hoping it was since you're a guy...but also since the video is about low powered bike I thought maybe....
How's the mileage on the 500? I'm thinking of getting one and selling my Shadow.
"drum in the rear" lolol
Great video
Couldn't help notice the bike behind the Van Van was the legendary Hayabusa...but I bet the Van Van tester was laughing the most during the test...and before you all start slagging me off, I have owned 5 'Busa's......
I got to ride the Busa twice.... But my batteries failed both times
@@RabidHedgehog Two more different bikes it's hard to imagine...lol
Is this the same exact motor as the Suzuki dr200?
Dimensions, bore, stroke, and such is the same. Not sure if it's 100% the same.
I have the 125cc version. The engine design is slightly different due to the thick rear VanVan tire. The chain sprocket has a spacer (approx. 20 mm wide) which makes the offset of the sprocket. The gearbox output shaft is longer and have the extra ball bearing as the support, which is mounted in left engine cover. Rest of the parts should be the same.
Yes, same engine/trans as the DR200.
Is it easy to ride
Extremely easy to ride actually. It's very straightforward, light, and just plain fun. We added one to our garage actually. Same color.
@@RabidHedgehog I’ve never rode a bike before. I want to learn
What a neat little bike. I wish they put a bigger gas tank on it, but I guess the extra could slow it down!
Probably lol. But it's fuel mileage is so high it still embarrasses some Sportsters in distance traveled.
Haha. That was funny. Thanks for making my day
You're welcome!
80's technology, underpowered, small, and slow. Damn I want one though.
Electronic fuel injection, catalytic converters and disc brakes were only on expensive performance cars in the 80's.
175 is not minimum, 150 is.
I think Oklahoma might have had a law at one time that stated 175CC or more as it is per state. I know also that at one time 250CC or less was required for 14-16 year old riders and that has been bumped to 300. So it could be that it changed to 150 and I did not catch it, but I still hear it at local dealers that even the PCX150 is not allowed on the highway since it is only a 150. Not sure.
$2232 for a Susuki GSX-S 150cc, and it still goes faster than that bike. Over 70mph in The Philippines. Yeah....almost like they keep the good stuff from us all. lol