written by Kemp96 on 02/08/2014
Not the fastest 125 on the road, but very reliable, comfy, durable..... capable of 55mph on the flat, 65 downhill ! Copes with woodland, dirt tracks, sand etc..... chunky tyres ideal for slow traffic riding but can follow road surface imperfections more than other 125s like the ybr, cbr125s etc. Unique looks, half retro roadster, half trials bike. The 125cc engine produces smooth power and has a 6 speed gearbox, driven at commuting speeds 40 to 50mph, you will get between 90 and 100 mpg ! Insurance costs slightly cheaper than other 125cc bikes, u.k. road tax is 17.00 per year. This is a marmite bike... you will love it or hate it, I own a k4 model with 22000miles on the clock, I love it. The lower front frame is exposed and water from the front wheel is sprayed onto the frame, easily cured by fitting a front mudflap ( online for about 5, pounds), the same is true at the back, the rear mono shock absorber also gets splashed by the back wheel, again fit a mudflap to cover the frame and rear shocker. Parts are available, usual parts like wheel bearings, fork seals, battery etc are quite reasonably priced, servicing is easy, no special tools needed. Earlier models (2003-) have a carburettor, new ones have throttle body / injection.
written by on 19/10/2012
The Suzuki Vanvan RV125 is slow. Its gear-box has known issues (often an integral spring is lost from the selector mechanism due to incompetent servicing - i.e. the gear-box bolt being mistaken for the sump plug can lead to the loss of a component as oil - and the aforementioned spring - spill into the old oil tray, never to be retrieved simply because it fell out unnoticed). Some have also questioned its ability to resist corrosion (the rear shock absorber is *very* exposed to the elements unless a DIY bum-flap is fabricated; this is a common modification for those in the know, but of course a large proportion of Vanvans don't receive such TLC, and so the shock suffers horribly). That, then, is the bad news. On the plus side this bike just feels great. Not merely because of the upright, wind-catching nakedness of it all - but also (and perhaps more importantly) due to the fact that the seat is exceedingly comfortable. On lengthy rides it's easy to change position, edging backwards and forwards on the bike's lengthy, wide seat. In short, all that character you see in the bike's looks translates into the ride. It might be a slow ride - but it's a sweet and addictive one. And although there are nowadays an increasing number of scooters that will kick dust in its face - leaving it for dead - the Vanvan shrugs it off safe in the knowledge that it's going to get far more looks. There are good reason for this: Unlike four trillion other motorbikes made since 1980 It doesn't look like it's made out of Lego. Secondly it has hardly any plastic bits. Thirdly, that fat rear tyre rocks. The only other 125 I would ever really want to own would be a DT. Oh any maybe a CG, just because the engine is so well-designed.
written by on 21/03/2012
I HAVE OWNED A FEW VAN VANS NOW, RANGING FROM THE 03 CARB MODEL TO THE 07 AND ONWARDS FUEL INJECTED MODEL, BEING OF SHORT STATURE...LOL THE BIKES SEAT IS LOW AND WIDE, AND THE LITTLE THING WILL GO ANYWHERE I JOINED THE FORUM EARLY ON WWW.SUZUKIVANVAN.CO.UK AND HAVE BEEN ON LOADS OF RIDEOUTS INCLUDING UP IN THE FRENCH AND ITALIAN ALPS, AND THE WELSH HILLS THROUGH FORDS THAT HAVE NEAR DROWNED THE LITTLE BIKE, SO SHE'S REALLY BEEN THROUGH IT, AND JUST KEEPS GGOING... GREAT ALL ROUNDER.
written by Smellthecoffeefatboy on 03/04/2011
I have only owned this bike for 2 days now, but what a great little bike this is. Easy to ride, lots of fun, looks cool, i also own a 2008 r1 and 1995 dr350 but i think i will be riding this the most in the summer. This bike screams retro. Maybe the only bike you can ride in shorts and t- shirt.
written by Edna M on 06/06/2010
I only ever rode a schwinn bicycle up till the point where i got fed up spending a third of my wages on public transport and fell in love with the magenta vanvan in my local bike showroom. it's small and confortable for a girl like me but feels a lot safer and more stable than a scooter because of the low seat and big tyres. It is really economical to run, i commute everyday and spend on average £10 a week where i used to waste £50 on train and bus. it's not super fast but i'm a learner so what do i care? it's super reliable because of the fuel injection and Japanese built. And the best bit about it is: it's the coolest looking 125 around, a bit like the bike equivalent of the Fiat 500. i don't think i'll upgrade to a bigger bike when i pass my test, cause it brings a smile to my face every time i jump on it.
written by on 19/04/2010
a good allround comuter bike ideal for old people and wanabees good to pop up the shops and round country roads with no hills ! good fuel consumption due to having a small outboard motor in it . ive enjoyed riding this bike to drive around the town build quality is good as still made in japan but dont get racing any thing more than a chicken chaser of the lights you will end up blushing !
written by on 11/03/2010
A superb bike for the engins size and the coolest looking 125 on the road. The best for commuting and getting around town. Very cheap to run and around 100 mpg.
If you are thinking of getting one or have one and dont know about the forum then here you go. Just sign up and take a look
EVERTHING you need to know from how to fix, modifications and get togethers. Very helpful people on the forum.
Tommyjumbo
http://suzukivanvan.forumandco.com/login.forum?connexion
written by on 26/01/2010
what can i say its an amazing 125 iv done 26,000 miles on it. the orignal rv1 (pre 2005) is the better modle due to suzuki removing the 6th gear and 20mph off top speed!! i have the original and its fun fast and comfterble to ride. the standard tyers are not amazing i have upgraded to bridgestone racing tyers. i have reached a top speed of 89 mph i wanted 90 but it rely didnt sound very willing. the bike loves to have the taps opened up and get low on corners due to its stunin corner handerling.
if you ever think about geting one u would be a fool not to!!!
80mpg on cruzes but i normaly get 40-50mpg when caining it.
written by on 16/12/2009
This is my first and only bike. I admit that I love almost everything about her. She can do off-roading to a certain extent, handles really well during commuting and is an absolute pleasure to ride.
The acceleration is fantastic for a small engine, a lot of torque. The only downside is its lack of speed. I agree that this bike is not built for speed, but if the van van had just a little more top-end power then I would stick with it for a long long time (if it could do 70mph instead of 50).
Build quality only scored 4/5 because the tips on either side of my handle bars (please excuse the word ignorance)keep rattling loose and I find I have to push them in while riding. Also the chain slacks really easily, I have only done 7,0000 miles and have had to tighten it numerous times and break the chain once. This is less frequent with bigger bikes.
But I recommend this bike to everyone for fun, commuting and for great fuel economy.
written by on 23/11/2009
it is the best bike for a start! you can practise perfectly on her until the law allow to you to buy a much bigger motorbike! Suzuki van van rv125 is a retro style motorbike in a modern wold! that is why i love her! must have this motorbike! the only problem that i discovered is that the clutch sometimes does not work properly,but that is something usual! MUST HAVE IT
written by on 06/11/2009
this is my second van van and i am loving it.
i had dr600, 650, 350, etc, and this small motorcycle
is brilliant, comftable, economic - 40 km/L - go any place, send,
forest, very easy, also good for comuting.
one bbiigg advantge is the seat hight - very very low - help for control in any surfes.
speed.. well maybe beter to go max 90 - 95 km/h - ttoopp ssppeeeedd...
the engine prefer to go in 80 km/h which is "crusing" speed
and the look - handsom - look as the old bikes as he is. old bike with fuel injection - the engine i think is 20+ years old.. it is like my old BSA model 1956 which was also unik.
another advantage: no body know about this bike althow many people are very interesting on traffic lights. so you are also unik. you dont see many van vans and it makes you different.
I LOVE THIS MOTORCYCLE!
written by on 04/11/2009
love the look dont like tone of exhaust any recommendations for better
back box, who makes bigger petrol tanks this one,s a joke any help gratefully recieved thanks
written by swiftian on 01/09/2009
I've owned my 07 plate Suzuki RV125 Van Van for just over a month now and purchased purely to commute on. It had only done 1,400 miles and was in showroom condition. Its a fun bike to ride and certainly turns heads. The 70's retro styling is great and those bike chunky wheels are just brilliant. It's not particularly fast, but as mentioned previously, that's not its purpose! I cannot comment on reliability due to my short ownership, but I have no doubts that it will be troublefree as its built by Suzuki. I do have one question - would anyone be able to scan a copy of the 2006-2009 owners/service manual as mine was missing when I purchased it!!?
written by raggerty on 08/07/2009
only 2 tyres 2 choices one wears out in less than 1500 miles the other dosnt clear water but lasts thousands of miles so i have 2 cut my own tread olso scrapes 2 easly have done 17,000 mls4 rear tyres 3 front 5 chainsprockets best mpg 108 worst 80 before changing to iridium plug best top end 70 downhill.iridium helped.
Written on: 08/06/2010
Hmm, having done 13000 miles so far on my K9 I still have plenty of tread on both front & back wheel & have taken it enduro riding so the tyres can handle the rough stuff. I have changed front & rear sprockets once so far & upgraded to a HD chain as OST is pants. Excessive tyre & sprocket wear is usually caused by wrong tyre pressures or poor chain adjustment. I would double check those if you are having these kinds of problems. I would say it's your riding style but I thrash mine everywhere so it can't be that ;]
<br/>
<br/>Try the suzuki vanvan forum for plenty of how to's & other advice
<br/>
<br/>Paulie
written by on 06/06/2009
The Suzuki RV125 is best for city, beach and countryside.
written by c w cook on 06/05/2009
absolutely marvelous bike very stable fantastic styling. i am changing my mirrors for round to complete the retro look. lacks top end speed for an experienced rider. very 70s retro excellent road holding. suzuki rv125 is a smashing bike for the beginner
written by on 12/04/2009
The Suzuki RV125 is a great looking bike and economical, essential, these days.
written by tommygunz on 31/03/2009
its just the best bike i ve ever had so reliable and good speed i love my Suzuki RV125.
written by on 27/03/2009
The Suzuki RV125 is a perfect first time bike. Good riding posture ( I'm 6'2''). Fun to ride and I'll probably keep mine even when I pass my test. Durable and forgiving and very robust. Economical too! I feel mine lacks power, but not always a bad thing for a beginner
written by devilshaircut on 15/02/2009
Soon as i seen this Suzuki RV125 I wanted one there was no other bike I wanted to ride except the van van at beginner level. An experienced biker tried to talk me out of buying the van van as he thought it would be awful handling and looked like something a circus dwarf would ride. I have to say I'm glad I followed my heart on this one, the beauty is in the simplicity , I hate the way other 125s can be gimmicy and try to imitate other larger bikes, the van van is straight up, real, non pretentious, it is cool! and a great little ride, the handling is superb (once you get used to it) its an urban machine so you dont need lots of power, however I have covered longer distance on this thing which is why i put the power down as a negative, but this thing might just save your life, as someone else said-speed isnt everything.. Good points are reliability,first time starter,sexy little mutha,simple,the perfect urban machine.. Only bad points are power, wish it came in 250cc as well as 125cc and clutch is a bit clumsy
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Pismo48's Response to Smellthecoffeefatboy's Review
Written on: 04/10/2012
I have a 2007 van van one week ago after being off a bike since 1967. I totally agree that it does all you said and I don't think I could have chosen a better bike to start riding again.