[motorcycle.com] - 2017 Suzuki VanVan 200 Announced for US

[Ninjette Newsbot]

It took a while for Suzuki to get in on the small-displacement motorcycle market in the U.S., but the company now counts four models punching in under 250cc with the retro-styled VanVan 200 scrambler joining the returning TU250X, GW250 and the previously confirmed DR200S for the 2017 model year.

The original two-stroke 123cc Suzuki VanVan debuted in 1972 and remained in production until 1982. Fast forward a few decades to when Suzuki brought back the VanVan in 2003, this time with a four-stroke 125cc engine, and it quickly developed somewhat of a cult following overseas. Unfortunately, neither iteration made it here to the U.S.



Suzuki looks to make up for that with the new 199cc version. Introduced last fall at EICMA, the Suzuki VanVan 200 is powered by an air-cooled Single, likely the same basic thumper beating inside the DR200S but updated with fuel injection. Exhaust gases are directed around the cylinder and out the rear with a high-slung bullet-shaped muffler. The engine is mated to a five-speed transmission that Suzuki claims is geared for “brisk acceleration and smooth cruising.”

Suzuki Announces 2017 Off-Road, Motocross, DualSport, And Supermoto Models

The engine is mounted to a diamond-style steel frame, the same one used on the 125cc version. The narrow frame is complemented by a slim 1.6-gallon fuel tank, the shape of which that helped define the original VanVan’s iconic cult status. Flowing from the top of the tank is a long and thickly cushioned ribbed seat that should offer a welcome respite for those tired of sitting on seats the size of mousepads. The handlebars are pretty high and should provide an easy reach, while the low 30.3-inch seat height should make the VanVan 200 a good fit for beginners.

Up front, the VanVan uses an 18-inch wire-spoke wheel with a wide 130/80 tire, while the 14-inch rear wheel dons an extra-wide 180/80 tire. The 33mm telescopic fork and single rear shock both offer 5.4 inches of travel; neither unit is adjustable. The front wheel is stopped by a two-piston caliper, while the rear wheel continues the retro theme with an old-school drum brake.

Other highlights include a (claimed) 282.2-pound curb weight, circular 60/55W headlight, one-piece grab bar, simple circular speedometer and a fender-mounted tool pouch.

The 2017 Suzuki VanVan 200 will be offered in Metallic Triton Blue or Metallic Matte Fibroin Gray for $4,599.



2017 Suzuki VanVan 200 SpecificationsMSRP$4,599Engine Type199cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, 1 cylinder, SOHCEngine Displacement199ccFuel SystemSuzuki fuel injectionIgnitionElectronic ignition (CDI)StarterElectricTransmission5-speed constant meshFront SuspensionTelescopic, coil spring, oil ampedRear SuspensionSwingarm type, coil spring, oil dampedFront BrakesDisc brakeRear BrakesDrum brakeFront Tire130/80-18M/C 66P, tube typeRear Tire180/80-14M/C 78P, tube typeOverall Length2140 mm (84.3 in)Overall Width865 mm (34.1 in)Wheelbase1385 mm (54.5 in)Ground Clearance220 mm (8.7 in)Seat Height770 mm (30.3 in)Curb Weight128.0 kg (282.2 lbs)Fuel Tank Capacity6.5 L (1.7 US gal)2017 Suzuki VanVan 200 Announced for US appeared first on Motorcycle.com.



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[VaFish]

Wow great new design, if this was 1987 and you were Yamaha.

[Abu_Mishary]

I would buy it and "retro-attire" myself. I love the 80's.

But, this bike is not coming to Malaysia anyways.

[verboten1]

It's a TW in street clothes. It looks tiny, I can't imagine how small that rider is.

[AwDang]

It's got potential!
(In 5 years when I can pick one up used for $500)

[kdogg2077]

Way too small, both the size of the bike and the engine. The gas tank looks miniscule in comparison to the seat.

I like the concept of a cheap small displacement scrambler though, just not this one. Make the bike a little bigger and bump the engine up to 300-400cc and it would be more interesting.

[VaFish]

Originally Posted by kdogg2077

Way too small, both the size of the bike and the engine. The gas tank looks miniscule in comparison to the seat.

I like the concept of a cheap small displacement scrambler though, just not this one. Make the bike a little bigger and bump the engine up to 300-400cc and it would be more interesting.

I agree,

I like the TW200, but why Suzuki just made an exact copy of a 1987 Yamaha is beyond me. Why not take it to the next level. Make a scrambler with a DRZ400 motor.

[Jono]

Yeeaaaaah, I'm gonna be shocked if that thing sells. What a sad excuse for a scrambler. It amazes me that Suzuki is still around with all their lame bikes.

Originally Posted by VaFish

I agree,

I like the TW200, but why Suzuki just made an exact copy of a 1987 Yamaha is beyond me. Why not take it to the next level. Make a scrambler with a DRZ400 motor.

While they are at it they should design a new DRZ400. The thing is like 20 years old. Ugh.

This VanVan gets fuel injection but they won't put it on a DRZ. Come on.

[verboten1]

Right, but the DRZ is exactly what it needs to be. Better (off-road) than a KLR and a DR, but not as expensive as a KTM.

I've wanted a DRZ for years, the problem is, my KLR is almost as good as a DRZ, so it never made sense u til I gave the KLR to my son

[VaFish]

Originally Posted by verboten1

Right, but the DRZ is exactly what it needs to be. Better (off-road) than a KLR and a DR, but not as expensive as a KTM.

I've wanted a DRZ for years, the problem is, my KLR is almost as good as a DRZ, so it never made sense u til I gave the KLR to my son

I don't disagree with that, the DRZ is a great bike. But my point is if you are going to make a new bike, why make one that is an exact copy of your competitions bike that they designed in 1987?

Why not make something better?

They have a nice reliable liquid cooled 400cc engine in the DRZ400. Put it in a VanVan sized package with a scrambler look to it and you would have something better than the TW200. Heck you really want a nice scrambler base it on the DRZ650 engine.

As it is now they just have a copy of an old design for exactly the same price. Why would I buy the Suzuki when the Yamaha has been around for decades and has tons of parts and aftermarket support?

Maybe the VanVan is the first in a line of bikes and they will add the larger displacement versions in a few years.