I like the low wide seat on the Van Van that I have. It gives me more confidence in sand and helps wide control. The wide front tire doesn't wash out causing a fall.
I had a TW200 for 7 years. It was my only bike for 5 years. I never thought the bike felt comfortable. The seat angled toward the gas tank making me slide forward, and the front end felt heavy. I recently purchased a RV200 Vanvan. It has a much better seating position and a more comfortable seat. The front end feels better too. It could be due to the wider handlebars. The TW200 is definitely a trail bike. The Vanvan is more of an adventure bike to ride forest service roads or backroads.
I own a TW200 since 11/2019. The Suzuki is far more comfortable and I like the fuel injection, but ultimately bought the TW simply because of the longevity of it and the aftermarket. Had Suzuki had the same track record with that style "farm bike", I believe I may have gone Suzuki. Plus I got a fantastic deal on a used 2018 TW with only 412 miles and some nice upgrades for $3200 out the door, including tax and tags!!! Couldn't pass a deal like that up!!!
@@AlexSimmons11c I remember growing up in the 80s my neighbor had a fat wheel Suzuki with a dual range transmission. Pretty sure it was a two stroke too. I think it was an RV 125 or maybe 185?? So Suzuki does have some fat tire history, just not the continuity of Yamaha's TDub.
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 own the VanVan. I bought it after not riding for 30 years, when I was young I owned a Honda SL350. The VanVan comes closest to the style of the SL350 but it doesn't have nearly the guts. Not remotely close, actually, and it's the reason I will be selling the VanVan. If it was capable of going 60mph I'd keep it, but it's so slow that it makes me nervous in traffic. What I really want is a modern SL350, if one existed. More street than off road but perfectly okay on a trail. Today's adventure bikes are way too tall and heavy. I bought a Honda CB500x and I'm disappointed in it.
I've owned a couple of TWs and loved ever mile of riding. Sold the pair to a lovely young couple and bought a Versys 300. While I miss the TW, if I bought another similar bike it would be the VanVan for several reasons. First, I love the fuel injection option - I want to ride the TAT and fuel injection is perfect for those extreme elevation changes. Second, that fat seat would be amazing over long rides - I'm getting older and definitely appreciate comfort over style. Third, it's light enough to throw into my conversion van for epic trips - unfortunately I can't 'manhandle' a bike like I used to do. And fourth, I'm silly and love the idea of carrying a VanVan in my Van LOL - great thing about getting older is ya stop caring about image and start having fun again. For those worried about support for the VanVan, it's actually quite popular in Europe and Asia and has been around for decades, just as a 125 version. There's a ton of aftermarket parts available if you're willing to buy overseas.
Awesome to hear your thoughts on it! I think it is a tough toss up between the VanVan and a TW...but the fuel injection give the VanVan the edge if you can find one for sure
oh if you put a van van in your van.... you need to travel to Vancouver.... then you'll have a Van Van in a Van in Van.... sounds like a plan.... i ride my Van Van in Van but i dont have a Van....
Tu250 would be the bike hand down if I could raise the exhaust pipe. I want to ride gravel/rock/dirt Kansas roads without smashing the pipe against a rock. does anyone know if a company offers this.
Just picked up a super clean, original owner, 250 miles 2019 Van Van. Gray and Brown. I really dig the VV all around and the limited availability just makes it that much cooler. #6 mc in the garage next to the "big bikes" and as a long time rider and daily street rider since late 80s.... I love the low key putt and wasting my day feeling like that 14yr old kid early 80s on my garage sale 75 DT 250. 👍👍 Not a TW offroad, but they're waaaayy overpriced here in So Cal... But the VV I'm not beating up offroad and no more than fireroad cruising. Its fine for me.
I put Shinko 700 dual sport tires on my tu250 and it makes a really good trail bike. When i figure out how to put a bash plate on it it will easily go anywhere a vanvan or tw will go
Vanvan vs Tw is a good comparison and I would love to see a head to head comparison. I feel like the Tw has a slightly better aftermarket accessory segment.
That would be a good one to do, I’ll add it to the list! The TW definitely would get the edge in aftermarket support, but they are a little different in styling etc so a good face off
@@AlexSimmons11c I agree, I think its neat that those 2 bikes look so different that they could be in different market segments yet have almost the same performance and capability.
Alex, I have been a rider all my adult life. I'm 60 now and a nerve condition has left me weak in my upper extremity out to my hand. I can neither ride a heavy bike or for long periods anymore. My current ride, a beautiful Triumph America has gotten too heavy for me to move in the garage and I fear I will drop it. Why it only has 465 original miles on it. So I need to downsize for what will likely be my last bike. I had an Aprillia scooter for fun many year ago and know they have a nice low center of gravity. These bike also are almost half the weight of my Triumph. Neither of these bikes are in stock at any area dealership which is damn frustrating that they will not order one until you make a deposit. Any recommendations besides these two? I am almost thinking the redone new Super Cub. Thanks for your channel and the information you bring to a segment of bikes that many reviewers ignore. Great job!
Happy to try to help Bruno, and sorry for the delay, I was away for a couple of weeks! I would also suggest looking at a Yamaha SR400, which is also a light fuel injected bike, but is kick start only so not sure if that would be an issue with your nerve condition? If so you can also look at a TW200, that would be a good low weight option and a proven machine, or possibly a Rebel 300 if it can be found, also a lighter weight machine with a good track record so far. If you cant find these leave me a fresh comment on a video and I'll dig up some more to check out!
I see you've done a few reviews / comparisons of some small fun looking bikes. Wondering if you would do the same for a Honda Super Cub? There's a set of videos out there on a young guy from Britain or somewhere riding an ancient c90 basically around the world and he can't seem to kill it. Obviously people do these extreme things on all kinds of modes of transportation but I'm just intrigued by the Honda. The Suzuki TU250 seems kind of hard to find whereas there's a ton of the 125 Cubs. Waaaay different bike but wondering your thoughts. Thank you!
I have had plenty of experience with the Cubs and I would agree that it is a really cool little bike, that's also very hard to kill haha! If I can get my hands on one again I will be happy to do a "ride and review," and if I can't find one soon I will at least add it to the list of bikes to at least talk about!
This helped a bit. I'm taking my MSF course later this month and I've been looking at getting a small bike. I love the look of both of these bikes cause I love the 70's styling (I've also considered getting a Honda Monkey too) but I just couldnt really see why both bikes would have the MSRP being the same but one being smaller. I'm a little concerned that were I to get a VanVan, the 50 less cc's would be an issue if I plan to take it on longer rides across my state.....
I would definitely say if you wanted to take longer rides on the road that the TU250 would be the better choice, since the VanVan is designed with more of an off-road dual purpose in mind!
As Alex says if all you want is road the tu is probably the better choice. Trust me don't let the 50cc be a worry both bikes almost identical in performance you wont break the sound barrier on either lol. But for cool fun factor and versatility vanvan hands down! My reason for that is neither is great on interstate. So if most of your riding is roads posted 50 or less the vanvan is still the best choice and if you see a country dirt road you can go play and have a blast. vanvan is a very capable trail bike as well. Have fun be safe did I mention I would pick the vanvan lol.
Love My VanVan200 but I wouldn’t mind a couple of more ponies. With my fat but on it it struggles to hit 90km/h and sometimes I need to do short stints on 100 km/h 2 lane highways to connect the backroads. It limits the usage of the bike for me. Wonder if the TU250 top end would fit on the VanVan or the whole engine? Haha
Throw a different sprocket on the rear to shift the revs down and allow your speed to increase. Less teeth in the rear sprocket = faster / more teeth = slower but more torque for hill climbs. On my TW, I swapped the 50 tooth for a 46 and it would keep up with interstate speed. I did NOT do that often, but for the short spots when I did have to jump on the interstate, I didn't feel like I was going to be run over by the cars speeding past at 70mph. The bike still did great along the Blue Ridge fire roads.
The trail 125 would be a slightly smaller and lighter setup, so would be better for trail riding in theory, but many times it is based on comfort level of the rider so this can be subjective!
I ride my VanVan (over 30 years riding) on Fireroads and Jeep trails all the time. It’s been down some single track too and handled it but ground clearance is an issue. I’d assume the same problem would plague the Trail 125. Go slow and be careful and you’ll be fine with either. Where the VanVan will shine however is connecting the trails on fire roads and back road pavement. The extra displacement will make a big difference I would think. Hesitate to plug my channel on someone else’s but if you want to see a VanVan on deep woods single tract check out TrailTrashADV
I own 2 bikes, one is zx6r, the other one is Van Van, Van Van I use for fishing, is pretty fun, $75 for each year insurance, Ful gasoline 120 miles …… What else do you want？
Got that right. I’m picking two up tomorrow while there’re hot because I KNOW if I pass it up Iaint gone see another deal for another 5-6 years like this
Vanvan is very cool, but it can't be as offroad capable as the tw. Fine for gravel roads but it isn't going to get you to the places you can get on the TW. Beautiful bike though.
Just put out a comparison video today on the VanVan vs the TW200, let me know in the comments of that video if you need more details, and if so I will do video on JUST the VanVan 200
The word your looking for is Cafe Racer that’s what the TU250X is it’s a Cafe Racer very classic sold very well in the UK the USA would of choose it more but we made our own scammer dirt bikes and Vets coming back from WW2 Korea Vietnam all also picked up Harley Davison Cruiser’s As Harley I don’t think ever made a Cafe Racer so that type of motorcycle kinda just flow under there raider how ever today American riders are doing a lot less group think so we are buying them now As they are good at both road and off round day driving relaxing type riding I would not max out racing on them but they are fun for Daly driving
I had a brand new TU250X and I regretted it, I sold it after only 1,500 Kms. Its main problem is the enormous and stressful stuttering especially with the 1st and 2nd gear. And I don't understand why incompetent people say that it's an easy to ride bike for beginners when you have to be careful and an be an expert user with the clutch to minimize the stuttering!
Some of them haha, I have dealt with a lot of Chinese machines still running carbs as well. The Chinese have been putting cheap FI on a lot of stuff because they know it makes it way easier for US and EU export haha
I like the low wide seat on the Van Van that I have. It gives me more confidence in sand and helps wide control. The wide front tire doesn't wash out causing a fall.
Glad to hear you are enjoying it! Ride safe my friend!
I had a TW200 for 7 years. It was my only bike for 5 years. I never thought the bike felt comfortable. The seat angled toward the gas tank making me slide forward, and the front end felt heavy. I recently purchased a RV200 Vanvan. It has a much better seating position and a more comfortable seat. The front end feels better too. It could be due to the wider handlebars. The TW200 is definitely a trail bike. The Vanvan is more of an adventure bike to ride forest service roads or backroads.
I own a TW200 since 11/2019. The Suzuki is far more comfortable and I like the fuel injection, but ultimately bought the TW simply because of the longevity of it and the aftermarket. Had Suzuki had the same track record with that style "farm bike", I believe I may have gone Suzuki. Plus I got a fantastic deal on a used 2018 TW with only 412 miles and some nice upgrades for $3200 out the door, including tax and tags!!! Couldn't pass a deal like that up!!!
The long running history and the availability of used bikes does make the TW hard to ignore vs the VanVan haha
@@AlexSimmons11c I remember growing up in the 80s my neighbor had a fat wheel Suzuki with a dual range transmission. Pretty sure it was a two stroke too. I think it was an RV 125 or maybe 185?? So Suzuki does have some fat tire history, just not the continuity of Yamaha's TDub.
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 own the VanVan. I bought it after not riding for 30 years, when I was young I owned a Honda SL350. The VanVan comes closest to the style of the SL350 but it doesn't have nearly the guts. Not remotely close, actually, and it's the reason I will be selling the VanVan. If it was capable of going 60mph I'd keep it, but it's so slow that it makes me nervous in traffic.
What I really want is a modern SL350, if one existed. More street than off road but perfectly okay on a trail. Today's adventure bikes are way too tall and heavy. I bought a Honda CB500x and I'm disappointed in it.
I've owned a couple of TWs and loved ever mile of riding. Sold the pair to a lovely young couple and bought a Versys 300. While I miss the TW, if I bought another similar bike it would be the VanVan for several reasons. First, I love the fuel injection option - I want to ride the TAT and fuel injection is perfect for those extreme elevation changes. Second, that fat seat would be amazing over long rides - I'm getting older and definitely appreciate comfort over style. Third, it's light enough to throw into my conversion van for epic trips - unfortunately I can't 'manhandle' a bike like I used to do. And fourth, I'm silly and love the idea of carrying a VanVan in my Van LOL - great thing about getting older is ya stop caring about image and start having fun again. For those worried about support for the VanVan, it's actually quite popular in Europe and Asia and has been around for decades, just as a 125 version. There's a ton of aftermarket parts available if you're willing to buy overseas.
Awesome to hear your thoughts on it! I think it is a tough toss up between the VanVan and a TW...but the fuel injection give the VanVan the edge if you can find one for sure
oh if you put a van van in your van.... you need to travel to Vancouver.... then you'll have a Van Van in a Van in Van.... sounds like a plan.... i ride my Van Van in Van but i dont have a Van....
do you know any over seas websites for van van parts?
Can you give your thoughts on the GN250 and the TU250?
Tu250 would be the bike hand down if I could raise the exhaust pipe. I want to ride gravel/rock/dirt Kansas roads without smashing the pipe against a rock. does anyone know if a company offers this.
there is a scrambler version of tu250 called "bigboy tu250gb". But not available in US.
Just picked up a super clean, original owner, 250 miles 2019 Van Van. Gray and Brown. I really dig the VV all around and the limited availability just makes it that much cooler. #6 mc in the garage next to the "big bikes" and as a long time rider and daily street rider since late 80s.... I love the low key putt and wasting my day feeling like that 14yr old kid early 80s on my garage sale 75 DT 250. 👍👍
Not a TW offroad, but they're waaaayy overpriced here in So Cal... But the VV I'm not beating up offroad and no more than fireroad cruising. Its fine for me.
I put Shinko 700 dual sport tires on my tu250 and it makes a really good trail bike. When i figure out how to put a bash plate on it it will easily go anywhere a vanvan or tw will go
Hahaha, AWESOME! Let me know if you figure out the skid plate, that sounds cool
Except on sugar sand.
Vanvan vs Tw is a good comparison and I would love to see a head to head comparison. I feel like the Tw has a slightly better aftermarket accessory segment.
That would be a good one to do, I’ll add it to the list! The TW definitely would get the edge in aftermarket support, but they are a little different in styling etc so a good face off
@@AlexSimmons11c I agree, I think its neat that those 2 bikes look so different that they could be in different market segments yet have almost the same performance and capability.
Tw200 vs Van van 200 I need that video
I'm back now, it's coming hahaha
Alex, I have been a rider all my adult life. I'm 60 now and a nerve condition has left me weak in my upper extremity out to my hand. I can neither ride a heavy bike or for long periods anymore. My current ride, a beautiful Triumph America has gotten too heavy for me to move in the garage and I fear I will drop it. Why it only has 465 original miles on it. So I need to downsize for what will likely be my last bike. I had an Aprillia scooter for fun many year ago and know they have a nice low center of gravity. These bike also are almost half the weight of my Triumph. Neither of these bikes are in stock at any area dealership which is damn frustrating that they will not order one until you make a deposit. Any recommendations besides these two? I am almost thinking the redone new Super Cub. Thanks for your channel and the information you bring to a segment of bikes that many reviewers ignore. Great job!
Happy to try to help Bruno, and sorry for the delay, I was away for a couple of weeks! I would also suggest looking at a Yamaha SR400, which is also a light fuel injected bike, but is kick start only so not sure if that would be an issue with your nerve condition? If so you can also look at a TW200, that would be a good low weight option and a proven machine, or possibly a Rebel 300 if it can be found, also a lighter weight machine with a good track record so far.
If you cant find these leave me a fresh comment on a video and I'll dig up some more to check out!
i see a tu250 everyday . I see some guy cruising around on it. I think it might be cool to ride one just to see what a really small bike is like.
Yeah it’s worth a ride for sure!
The VanVan is an updated version of the classic early 70's RV90....not a scrambler, sort of an enduro in that it was
a street legal dirt bike.
Exactly, is a dual-purpose or enduro through and through
thanks for your thoughts
I see you've done a few reviews / comparisons of some small fun looking bikes. Wondering if you would do the same for a Honda Super Cub? There's a set of videos out there on a young guy from Britain or somewhere riding an ancient c90 basically around the world and he can't seem to kill it. Obviously people do these extreme things on all kinds of modes of transportation but I'm just intrigued by the Honda. The Suzuki TU250 seems kind of hard to find whereas there's a ton of the 125 Cubs. Waaaay different bike but wondering your thoughts. Thank you!
I have had plenty of experience with the Cubs and I would agree that it is a really cool little bike, that's also very hard to kill haha! If I can get my hands on one again I will be happy to do a "ride and review," and if I can't find one soon I will at least add it to the list of bikes to at least talk about!
This helped a bit. I'm taking my MSF course later this month and I've been looking at getting a small bike. I love the look of both of these bikes cause I love the 70's styling (I've also considered getting a Honda Monkey too) but I just couldnt really see why both bikes would have the MSRP being the same but one being smaller. I'm a little concerned that were I to get a VanVan, the 50 less cc's would be an issue if I plan to take it on longer rides across my state.....
I would definitely say if you wanted to take longer rides on the road that the TU250 would be the better choice, since the VanVan is designed with more of an off-road dual purpose in mind!
As Alex says if all you want is road the tu is probably the better choice. Trust me don't let the 50cc be a worry both bikes almost identical in performance you wont break the sound barrier on either lol. But for cool fun factor and versatility vanvan hands down! My reason for that is neither is great on interstate. So if most of your riding is roads posted 50 or less the vanvan is still the best choice and if you see a country dirt road you can go play and have a blast. vanvan is a very capable trail bike as well. Have fun be safe did I mention I would pick the vanvan lol.
@@barefootbob1269 I bought a Honda Nighthawk 250 cause it was like $1k
@@StickPeopleAndPuff Can never go wrong with a Honda. Congrats enjoy and ride safe.
I had both. I find the Suzuki had more agility than the TW 200. The Suzuki seat is far more comfortable as well. I ended up selling my TW 200
Love My VanVan200 but I wouldn’t mind a couple of more ponies. With my fat but on it it struggles to hit 90km/h and sometimes I need to do short stints on 100 km/h 2 lane highways to connect the backroads. It limits the usage of the bike for me. Wonder if the TU250 top end would fit on the VanVan or the whole engine? Haha
Throw a different sprocket on the rear to shift the revs down and allow your speed to increase. Less teeth in the rear sprocket = faster / more teeth = slower but more torque for hill climbs. On my TW, I swapped the 50 tooth for a 46 and it would keep up with interstate speed. I did NOT do that often, but for the short spots when I did have to jump on the interstate, I didn't feel like I was going to be run over by the cars speeding past at 70mph. The bike still did great along the Blue Ridge fire roads.
Do you think the van van would be a good trail bike compared to the Honda trail 125?
The trail 125 would be a slightly smaller and lighter setup, so would be better for trail riding in theory, but many times it is based on comfort level of the rider so this can be subjective!
I ride my VanVan (over 30 years riding) on Fireroads and Jeep trails all the time. It’s been down some single track too and handled it but ground clearance is an issue. I’d assume the same problem would plague the Trail 125. Go slow and be careful and you’ll be fine with either. Where the VanVan will shine however is connecting the trails on fire roads and back road pavement. The extra displacement will make a big difference I would think. Hesitate to plug my channel on someone else’s but if you want to see a VanVan on deep woods single tract check out TrailTrashADV
I own 2 bikes, one is zx6r, the other one is Van Van, Van Van I use for fishing, is pretty fun, $75 for each year insurance, Ful gasoline 120 miles …… What else do you want？
Can't find either bike, so I guess it doesn't matter...
Got that right. I’m picking two up tomorrow while there’re hot because I KNOW if I pass it up Iaint gone see another deal for another 5-6 years like this
Vanvan is very cool, but it can't be as offroad capable as the tw. Fine for gravel roads but it isn't going to get you to the places you can get on the TW. Beautiful bike though.
Thanks!
they should put the 250 cc engine into the Vanvan.
fo myself, i'm on the vanvan side 😉
I wonder why didn’t Suzuki make the Van Van a 250?
Vanvan 200 2019 details please
Just put out a comparison video today on the VanVan vs the TW200, let me know in the comments of that video if you need more details, and if so I will do video on JUST the VanVan 200
VanVan. Much more character.
The word your looking for is Cafe Racer that’s what the TU250X is it’s a Cafe Racer very classic sold very well in the UK the USA would of choose it more but we made our own scammer dirt bikes and Vets coming back from WW2 Korea Vietnam all also picked up Harley Davison Cruiser’s As Harley I don’t think ever made a Cafe Racer so that type of motorcycle kinda just flow under there raider how ever today American riders are doing a lot less group think so we are buying them now
As they are good at both road and off round day driving relaxing type riding I would not max out racing on them but they are fun for Daly driving
411 cc Himalayan 4999
I had a brand new TU250X and I regretted it, I sold it after only 1,500 Kms.
Its main problem is the enormous and stressful stuttering especially with the 1st and 2nd gear.
And I don't understand why incompetent people say that it's an easy to ride bike for beginners when you have to be careful and an be an expert user with the clutch to minimize the stuttering!
Common Yamaha, even Chinese dual sport are fuel injected
Some of them haha, I have dealt with a lot of Chinese machines still running carbs as well. The Chinese have been putting cheap FI on a lot of stuff because they know it makes it way easier for US and EU export haha
if the vanvan was a 400 it would be an easy sell
Why is that ?
Одной болтовни мало. Надо было мотоциклы хотя бы показать. Тем более, что я по английски ни бум-бум. Дизлайк, сори.
Ну ты и Олень Дениска! Учи английский!
А мотоцыклы Алекс! Можно было с разных ракурсов и с размерами....