Suzuki RV90: history, specs, pictures

**Suzuki RV90**
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Also called	RV 90
Production	1973 - 1977
Class	Trail
Engine	single cylinder, two-stroke
Bore / Stroke	50.0mm x 45.0mm
Top speed	53 mph (85 km/h)
Horse Power	6.17 HP (4.6 KW) @ 6000RPM
Sparkplug	NGK B8HS '73-77
Battery	YUASA 6N4B-2A '73-77
Transmission	Gear box: 4-speed ; Final Drive: chain ;
Brakes	Front: expanding brake ; Rear: expanding brake
Front Tire	6.70-10
Rear Tire	6.70-10
Weight	(dry), 86.0 kg (wet)
Fuel capacity	0.79 Gallon (3.00 Liters)
Related	Suzuki RV125
Competition	Honda CT70
Manuals	Service Manual
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The Suzuki RV90 was a single cylinder, two-stroke standard produced by Suzuki between 1976 and 1981. It could reach a top speed of 53 mph (85 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 6.17 HP (4.6 KW) @ 6000 RPM.

History

In the mid-Seventies, Suzuki launched a little leisure bike, primarily intended for messing around on the beaches of California and Florida, onto tile American market: they called it the Van Van. It was known internally as the Suzuki RV90.

Straight Out of Disney

The little Suzuki looked as odd as it sounded, seemingly taken straight from a Walt Disney cartoon, which doubtless ensured its enormous success, albeit in an entirely different field than that intended by its designers. The Van Van was built in 50, 90 and 125cc versions, and there was even a "Farmer" version with a rough luggage grid and an oil-tight chain-case.

An Urban Phenomenon

It was on the crowded streets of urban France, rather than the beaches of the USA, that the Van Van really caught on . Its huge saddle and little donut tires inspired confidence in its riders.Van Van looked easy, safe and comfortable to ride, and had a considerably more macho image than the other mopeds on the block. It rapidly attracted a whole new clientèle who might never have ventured onto two wheels if it hadn't been for this odd little leisure bike. Its success was even more puzzling considering that its low-pressure tires were designed for sand, which made the steering very heavy on blacktop surfaces and rendered the road holding somewhat chancy.

Engine

The engine was a air cooled single cylinder, two-stroke. A 50.0mm bore x 45.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 88.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a membrane.

Drive

The bike has a 4-speed transmission.

Chassis

It came with a 6.70-10 front tire and a 6.70-10 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding brake in the front and a expanding brake in the rear. The RV90 was fitted with a 0.79 Gallon (3.00 Liters) fuel tank.