Suzuki RV90: history, specs, pictures

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1974-Suzuki-RV90-White-0.jpg
Suzuki RV90
Manufacturer
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)
Horsepower 6.17 HP (4.6 KW) @ 6000RPM
Spark Plug NGK B8HS '73-77
Battery YUASA 6N4B-2A '73-77
Transmission Gear box: 4-speed
Final Drive: chain
Final Drive Chain: 428 `73-77[1]
Brakes Front: expanding brake
Rear: expanding brake
Front Tire 6.70-10
Rear Tire 6.70-10
Weight 86.0 kg (wet)
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Fuel Capacity 0.79 Gallon (3.00 Liters)
Related Suzuki RV125
Competition Honda CT70
Manuals Service Manual


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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 4-speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

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.



1972 RV90J[edit | edit source]


  • FRAME #: RV90-10001
  • ENGINE #: RV90-10001
  • ENGINE TYPE: 88cc Two-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: 271
  • COLOR: Daytona Blue
  • Black rims
  • Black upper fork tubes
  • White stripe on edge of front and rear fenders
  • Black Suzuki with white outline on frame cover

1973 RV90K[edit | edit source]

1973 Suzuki RV90K


  • FRAME #: RV90-35601
  • ENGINE #: RV90-36393
  • ENGINE TYPE: ... 88ccTwo-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: ... 271
  • COLOR: Laredo Red
  • Silver rims
  • Upper fork tubes primary color
  • White and black stripes on front and rear fenders


1974 RV90L[edit | edit source]


  • FRAME #: RV90-57055
  • ENGINE #: RV90-57881
  • ENGINE TYPE: . . . 88cc Two-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: . . . 271
  • COLOR: . White
  • Red and black stripes on front and rear fenders
  • Black Suzuki on upper frame tube cover
  • Skid plate
  • Hydraulic front forks


1975 RV90M[edit | edit source]

1975 Suzuki RV90M


  • FRAME #: RV90-70623
  • ENGINE #: ... RV90-71552
  • ENGINE TYPE: ... 88cc Two-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: ... 271
  • COLOR Coronado Blue
  • White Suzuki on upper frame tube cover
  • Silver air cleaner housing


1977 RV90B[edit | edit source]

1977 Suzuki RV90B


  • FRAME #: RV90-90674
  • ENGINE #: RV90-91633
  • ENGINE TYPE: ... 88cc Two-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: ... 271
  • COLOR: Yellow
  • Black Suzuki on upper frame tube cover
  • White front and rear fenders
  • Skid plate
  • Choke lever mounted on top of left hand switch assembly

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.