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- On the cobblestones, the Van Van
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Contact
- City
- National
- Campaign
- Comfort
- Braking
- Convenient
- Consumption
- Conclusion
On the cobblestones, the Van Van
the
Van Van is the surprise of the year 2002: a strange machine
trendy reminiscent of Dax and other UFOs, resurgence of a
version initially unveiled in 1974 under the name Suzuki
RV. The original 2T single cylinder has been replaced by
a 4T compliant with Euro2 standards derived from that of the 125 DR
and the tank increased by 3 liters to switch to
7.5 liters.
Discovery
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We are immediately struck by the flashy color – yellow or
orange – of the machine (we forget the silver model too all-purpose).
We notice the huge wheels, especially the rear tire of
180 mounted on a 14 "rim – then the tank
narrow and the long saddle starting from the tank to widen
rearward.
In the saddle
Sitting, the wide handlebars offer a natural position, with the bust well
straight and hands wider apart than on a roadster. We
looks like on a Dutch bike. The feet touch well to
flat on the floor, even for very small sizes.
Huge square mirrors adjust
easily and provide a reasonable viewing angle.
Commodos are standard and even include a warning. On the other hand,
there is no lighthouse call.
The minimalist counter incorporates only a speedometer,
complete with a distance recorder and a
partial trip. Neutral, flashing, full headlight warning lights
are directly on the fork and are difficult to read
in broad daylight.
Contact
Is the engine running? ah! Yes ?! With traffic,
I didn’t even hear it. Suffice to say that by returning the motorcycle the
night in the garage with the engine on, there is no risk of waking up
the parents.
Clutch, start … the Van Van drives like a bicycle,
practically literally. The very thin tank does not allow
not really to hug the bike with the thighs and the first impression
is surprising. The first turns of the wheels confirm an impression
of absolute lightness (127 kilos only with the
full), further accentuated by a low-placed motor.
City
the
Van Van responds immediately to the request of
the right handle. The first is short and asks
quickly pass the second (15-20 km / h) then the third (towards
40-45 km / h) to get out of traffic. The 13.5 horses are good
there facing a competition closer to 11 horses and
these 2 well-placed horses make all the difference.
The box is particularly precise and well layered.
It is easy to handle without surprise or false dead point. The
motorbike is thus easy to handle, even playful, sneaking
with ease between rows despite a handlebar width that could
make think that we are going to touch.
The wide wheels bring here a surplus of stability compared to
to an ordinary motorcycle with an effective gyroscopic effect from
20 km / h (speed at which it is quite possible
to let go of the handlebars on a private road to test the stability).
On the other hand, this same wide rear tire is more delicate
to be understood in the rain and during heavy braking.
National
TO
comfortable in the city, the bike sets off on the national road to stagnate at
legal speed on four lanes. At worst, is it possible on
a long four lane downhill to reach 111 km / h on the odometer.
But in general, if reaching up to 90 km / h
is carried out without any difficulty, the following 10 km / h is a
little slower, and the last ten fully depend on the route
we are on. Not to mention that at its maximum speed,
the vibrations felt in the footrests are not the most pleasant.
That said, it will be difficult to use the six speeds, the 6 being
definitely too long and especially in duet.
If the van is perfectly stable at these authorized speeds,
its behavior on small fast turns makes it reach its limits.
It is not roadsters nor a sports car and fast corners are not
not his favorite field.
On the other hand, this speed associated with the total absence of
protection does not interfere with the pilot in any way.
Campaign
From
that we arrive on crooked terrain, very small roads
a little bogged down, the Van Van shows all its capabilities.
It is definitely a playful machine, of the city and the fields.
It copes with stones and ditches with ease
disconcerting, helped by its featherweight.
Comfort
The saddle is comfortable, especially for the passenger
which takes advantage of the widest part, and allows to do a little
road without hurting either pilot or passenger. Wide tires participate
as much comfort and damping as the single central shock absorber.
The passenger also benefits from the rear luggage rack to stand.
Braking
The brakes are up to the possibilities of the bike.
The rear brake is almost impossible to lock and is
even proves sufficient for city driving. the
front brake with a disc stops the force of the machine
almost abruptly. In the end, it slows down hard
without ever surprising, especially since the Van Van does not dive on
sustained braking.
Convenient
the
Van Van has an original luggage rack, sufficient to place a
bag, picnic or beach gear.
However, there is no storage under the saddle. Therefore, the anti-theft
must be placed at the rear luggage rack, with
a tendency to rub against the white mudguard and damage it
(unless you place a fabric between).
The tank is too thin to place anything and the exhaust
rear too high to consider saddlebags.
Consumption
Ah the pleasure of driving a single cylinder in 125 cm3: a consumption
average of 3 liters per hundred, up to 3.5 by pulling
strong! it makes you dream and therefore allows autonomy
200 km before reserve, largely sufficient for this type of machine.
Conclusion
With
its garish color and relaxed look, especially in the Oxbow version,
the Van Van definitely turns and hijacks
looks.
Without real competitor (apart from possibly the TW
125 which has neither the look nor the performances), it is definitely
a craft in the wind. Its lack of practicality puts it at a disadvantage
a bit compared to a scooter and explains limited sales
in France. But as at home in the city as in the fields or
on the beach, it is the ideal machine for having fun and getting around
easily.
Strong points
- look
- comfort
- autonomy
Weak points
- practical aspects
Competitors: Hyosung 125 Karion, Yamaha TW 125
Datasheet
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