Suzuki van van review. A future classic?

[@simonwatson4153]

I've been biking since the 1960s and have had the lot; I started with a BSA Starfire and have had all the Japanese makes and various modern Triumphs. I had a Suzuki 125 with balloon tyres in Northern Nigeria which is mainly desert and it was fun off-roading. That was 1977. Now I'm 83 and have just acquired a VanVan and am loving the slower pace and the fact that I can move the bike around without using the engine.

[@GillyBikes]

That’s a good choice nice and light bike. Ride safe buddy.

[@speedjunkie78]

I don't think that I would sell it. When I was on holiday I really missed my VanVan. I also have a V Strom 1050xt, but the VanVan is such a joy and charming little bike that if I have to sell one bike, I'll keep the VanVan

[@GillyBikes]

I would feel the same way.

[@mickenoss]

I've had mine for 5yrs and will be getting my big bike this year, only now have I found how attached I have become to it. Looks like I'll be owning two bikes as I can't imagine selling it, lovely little bikes.

[@GillyBikes]

Very sensible decision. The smaller cc bikes are still great alongside a bigger bike. Whilst I love my big bikes and they are great for long journeys I probably have more fun thrashing the smaller bikes around town and still not breaking speed limits 😎

[@massimilianoazzara9257]

My best friend has one in the uk..she goes everywhere with it ( London Scotland and back) twice already…beautiful bike

[@GillyBikes]

They really are good bikes. 👍

[@grahamgillespie6923]

I’ve always loved the Vanvan really cool looking 125’s

[@GillyBikes]

I think so to

[@TerapeutaFitness]

I have a White one and It is amazing. And It runs a lot. Good brakes...I LOVE It.

[@fatange]

Another great review. Thanks Gilly.

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks Ange 🏆

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Keepers. I bought a mint Van Van for £1200, commuted on it for 3 years and sold it for £1500 3 years ago. I'd likely have to pay £2k to buy it back today.

[@GillyBikes]

At least that. Going up all the time. I’m tempted to buy one now.

[@user-vs2pd4yl1t]

Here in Portugal you can’t buy one for less than 2800/3000€ with 15 or 20k km

[@jonb6660]

Great fun bike, i own one. With a few simple mods its a very capable light / medium greenlaner. I've Greenlaned with a group of Himalayans and the van van is same ground clearance. It performs really well. The top speed isnt high but an excellent choice for a first bike. I wouldn't take a showroom condition bike on lanes though.

[@larssehlstedt9909]

Just like nice and eseay

[@oceanwerk]

Is that the best bike ever made by humans? I guess it is

[@jamesnoonan7450]

I'm 6ft 2, currently ride an enfield hunter 350. Year round !! Looking to downsize a little as I just dont need a big bulky bike anymore. I love the retro looks of the van van. Im torn between this and the new honda monkey !!! What do you think I should go for ??

[@GillyBikes]

Because of your height I would say you would be more comfortable on this.

[@kennyRumbles]

Nice one 👍

[@GillyBikes]

Cheers 👍

[@oyleyhands1332]

I bought a 2017 200 version when I had an injured knee, it was great fun, never took it off road though. I only used it for a couple of months in 2019 and even though not used it since I could not bring myself to get rid of it ! but I am thinkig of selling it now, so I will get around to advertising it soon.

[@GillyBikes]

They are great bikes. Loads of fun. I would be surprised if you lost any money on it in that time. You have probably made a little bit. Certainly in the uk the price of these seems to be going up all the time.

[@tylertwinturbo4622]

I had a van van for 4 years, and I'm going to buy another one tomorow. Cracking bikes my old one would hit 70mph in the end those Suzuki engines are great when they're run in properly

[@GillyBikes]

Brilliant bikes. Definitely going up in value. I would be keeping hold of them 👍

[@sham27007]

I wish they updated this bike maybe LED lights all round, thats all it needs.

[@skippywinters]

I own a 125 it’s got the round “Mickey mouse” mirrors. Wonder if those square ones are actually aftermarket. Great insight and review on what is a lovely little ride

[@GillyBikes]

With it being a used bike I have no idea if the mirrors are standard or aftermarket. The square ones are a lot more practical but the Mickey Mouse ones look better. These are going up In value. I hope you keep yours. 👍

[@skippywinters]

Actually I was looking at some vanvans online and a lot of the older models do have the squared mirrors! So nevermind the comment 👍

[@skippywinters]

Actually I was looking at some vanvans online and a lot of the older models do have the squared mirrors! So nevermind the comment 👍

[@dinokiller1556]

Mine a 09 and got square Mirror

[@poonakanwanaeloh7858]

How deep it can get into the water without any problems ?

[@GillyBikes]

I’ve never tried that.

[@bloodlust1000]

i had my first van van for about 4 years, broke it and a month later i had another one. Still got it now.

[@GillyBikes]

They are great. Love the look of them and a great collector bike.

[@leegreveson]

I wasn't sure about the styling when I was looking at getting a first 125 . I did come across it but just didn't grab my attention. I did end up with a Blueroc Legend, I wanted that old bike look, the likes offered by the big Japanese brands weren't offering and the Yamaha xsr125 was way out of my price range. Yes I totally get they will hold more value, but these 125's, I find them painfully slow out on the roads, they should change the restrictions for us older (more mature) learners to a 250 or 350, as I just don't enjoy having cars driving up my @rse the whole time struggling to maintain 50mph 😢 it's intimidating and puts you in a vulnerable position. Maybe it's a mindset thing, I'm used to being a cyclist and staying on the left, and I should just hold my line, but everyone wants a nice drive out in the country and not get stuck behind a learner on a bike revving to the sound of a p155ed off wasp😅 (are wasps anything other than p155ed off?)

[@GillyBikes]

That’s the joys of learning. It made me do my test quickly and get a bigger bike.

[@oolieboolieyeah]

The back brake is old school ABS

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Yes indeed Sir, and the power plant...... being what it is..... has inherent traction control, I love the VanVan.

[@GillyBikes]

Me to 👍

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

Looks like a lovely machine, I know they made a 200cc version but I'm not sure it was ever sold in the UK. I think I'd be more interested in the 200.

[@GillyBikes]

125’s are brilliant for around town. But we always miss out on the 150’s and 200’s. It’s a shame.

[@AdamC66]

We do (or did) have 200’s here in the UK. Gain 75cc, lose 1 gear, performance is not a night and day difference. Nice bike.

[@hughphillips1427]

I think they have been making this bike for 20 years already. I had one for commuting to work, to be honest it did not fill me with confidence, I did not like the handling but I know there was a cult following for them. They also make a 200 version.

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

There's nothing wrong with the handling at all. The main problem is the lack of power.

[@GillyBikes]

It’s a 125 so you will always get that. It’s ok compared to other 125’s.

[@hughphillips1427]

@@GillyBikes Mo not always. I been riding over 43 years, the Van Van does not inspire confidence out of town.

[@stephensmith1118]

i have a 200 van van, its geared more for off roading, i can get over 90 kph but over 85kph it vibrates too much, mechanical sympathy keeps me from thrashing it... its a great fun bike with more smiles per mile than any other bike ive riden... im 60 years young and its an idealmachine for me...

[@GillyBikes]

Love it Steve. Ride safe 👍

[@Jimbowholivesinsoup]

Im just thinking for city cruising this bike. Im just worried, that Im 195cm long and thinking, aint I too tall for this bike :P

[@GillyBikes]

If in doubt go and sit on one. You should be fine at your height but always best to make sure.

[@larssehlstedt9909]

4stroke?

[@GillyBikes]

Yes

[@1990-t1j]

Great bike, but I'd rather have the 200cc version.

[@GillyBikes]

I’ve not tried the 200 version but if it looks and rides like this but has a little bit more power then yes I would too 👍

[@1990-t1j]

@@GillyBikes In fact, I'm going to get one once I've sold my 390 Duke Mk2. VanVans are still available new in Southeast Asia, both 125 and 200s. My big bike is a Yamaha SCR950. That will be two Japanese bikes that are made in Japan, not Thailand. The 200cc one is just over 3,000 GBP in Thailand. These bikes are just the same as they were in the '70s, apart from a front disc, ABS and EFI. They are a classic. Not correct to say they're too new to be that.