Suzuki RV125 VanVan

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Suzuki RV125
Manufacturer
Also called RV125 VAN VAN
Production 2003 - 2006
Engine
air cooled, Single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC, 2 valves
Compression ratio 9.2:1
Horsepower 11.94 HP (8.9 KW) @ 9500RPM
Torque 6.64 ft/lbs (9.0 Nm) @ 8600RPM
Fuel System Fuel injection
Ignition Electric
Transmission 4 Speed
Frame Single steel cradle
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork, coil spring, oil damped
Rear: Swingarm, mono shock, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front: Single 220 mm disc
Rear: Single 110 mm disc
Front Tire 130/80 -18
Rear Tire 180/80 -14
Wheelbase 54.49 inches (1384 mm)
Length 84.29 inches (2141 mm)
Width 33.9 inches (861 mm)
Seat Height 770 mm / 30.3 cu in
Weight 120 kg / 265 lbs (dry),
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Fuel Capacity 7.5 Liters / 2.0 US gal / 1.6 Imp gal
Manuals Service Manual

The Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN was a Air-cooled, Single Cylinder, 2-stroke Road motorcycle produced by Suzuki between 1972 and 2009. Max torque was 6.64 ft/lbs (9.0 Nm) @ 8500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 11.94 HP (8.9 KW) @ 9500 RPM.

The RV models are called "VanVaN" in Japan, the word meaning a sound like "Bang" or "Keep going on".


Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a Air cooled cooled Single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC, 2 valves. The engine featured a 9.2:1 compression ratio.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 130/80 -18 front tire and a 180/80 -14 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Single 220 mm disc in the front and a Single 110 mm disc in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic fork, coil spring, oil damped while the rear was equipped with a Swingarm, mono shock, coil spring, oil damped. The RV125 VanVan was fitted with a 7.5 Liters / 2.0 US gal / 1.6 Imp gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 120 kg / 265 lbs. The wheelbase was 1385 mm / 54.5 in long.


1972 - 1981 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN[edit | edit source]

1972 - 1981 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN

The RV models are called "VanVaN" in Japan, the word meaning a sound like "Bang" or "Keep going on".



2003 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN[edit | edit source]

2003 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN 2003 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN

The RV models are called "VanVan" in Japan, the word meaning a sound like "Bang" or "Keep going on". The 125 Van Van (RV125) was re-introduced in 2003.


2009 - 2014 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN[edit | edit source]

2009 - 2014 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN 2009 - 2014 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN 2009 - 2014 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN 2009 - 2014 Suzuki RV 125 VANVAN

The RV models are called "VanVan" in Japan, the word meaning a sound like "Bang" or "Keep going on". The 125 Van Van (RV125) was re-introduced in 2003. The cool retro styling of the VanVan has won a legion of new followers with its heady mix of character and advanced four-stroke features. But it’s the balloon tires, long seat and high-level exhaust that bring back magical memories of mad rides on the beach and make it an excellent ride for learners and experienced riders alike.


2003 - 2016 Suzuki RV 125 VAN VAN[edit | edit source]

The SUzuki 1250 Van Van is a machine that stands out from the crowd and one that certainly punches well above its weight and class. It has long been a traditional urban adventurer and has grown into a cult bike that’s now taking enthusiasts on long-distance riding trips just for the fun of it. Its distinctive retro look gives the VanVan its traditional charm and unique character, and limited availability just adds to its appeal.


Overview[edit | edit source]

The Suzuki RV125 VanVan is an enigmatic motorcycle, that’s for sure. Farm hands, gamekeepers, race teams and surf dudes would be the ideal customers: it’s perfect for whizzing around country estates, race paddocks and beaches. Fashion-conscious, retro fans must love Suzuki RV125 VanVans. Teenagers, probably, don’t. Who knows? But it’s still pretty cute: better than a quad or a scooter, either way.

Very low and very comfy, the Suzuki RV125 VanVan’s a stable, smooth ride with good, if very basic, suspension and brakes. It’s light and easy to ride with a tiny turning circle, aided by wide bars. The gearbox, alas, is crunchy and agricultural while the chassis has a habit of rattling when you’re on the move, which is somewhat disconcerting. The Suzuki RV125 VanVan is not very at home on the open road.

The tiny, air-cooled four stroke Suzuki RV125 VanVan pulls acceptably in lower gears but, overall, lacks any really useful power. There’s no top end and it struggles to reach, let alone break, the national speed limit. What power there is, however, is smoothly delivered and the Suzuki RV125 VanVan's engine itself is very reliable. The Suzuki RV125 VanVan cruises happily at, erm, 50mph.

The Suzuki RV125 VanVan's build quality, gearbox, paintwork, power, tank size and mirrors all come in for some harsh words. However, there’s definitely something of the off-road about it and it’s more than capable of working for its living on rougher terrain: farms, beaches etc. The Suzuki RV125 VanVan is built to be thrashed, it seems.

Retro through and through, the Suzuki RV125 VanVan is tiny and cute. The seat’s long, low and has plenty of room for two; there’s a luggage rack at the back and a grabrail. The analogue speedo lives in a chrome housing but there’s no fuel gauge or light (eek!). The Suzuki RV125 VanVan's chunky tires and exhaust look funky and there’s a small, removable side panel containing a basic tool kit.


Specifications[edit | edit source]

Make Model Suzuki RV 125
Year 2003 - 06
Engine Type Single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC, 2 valves
Displacement 124 cc / 7.6 cu in
Bore X Stroke 57 x 48.8 mm
Compression 9.2:1
Cooling System Air cooled
Induction Carburetor
Ignition Electric
Max Power 8.83 kW / 12 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque 9.5 Nm / 1.0 kgf-m / 7.0 lb-ft @8600 rpm
Transmission 6 Speed
Final Drive Chain
Frame Single steel cradle
Front Suspension Telescopic fork, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension Swingarm, mono shock, coil spring, oil damped
Front Brakes Single 220 mm disc
Rear Brakes Single 110 mm disc
Front Tire 130/80 -18
Rear Tire 180/80 -14
Dimensions Length: 2140 mm / 84.3 in Width: 860 mm / 33.9 in Height: 1120 mm / 44.1 in
Wheelbase 1385 mm / 54.5 in
Ground Clearance 215 mm / 8.5 in
Seat Height 770 mm / 30.3 cu in
Dry Weight 120 kg / 265 lbs
Fuel Capacity 7.5 Liters / 2.0 US gal / 1.6 Imp gal
Standing 1/4 Mile 23 sec
Top Speed (est.) 97 km/h / 60 mph