Suzuki RV125

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !

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

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.

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.

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