2017 Suzuki VanVan 200 Announced for US
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.”
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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 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $4,599 |
| Engine Type | 199cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, 1 cylinder, SOHC |
| Engine Displacement | 199cc |
| Fuel System | Suzuki fuel injection |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition (CDI) |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, coil spring, oil amped |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm type, coil spring, oil damped |
| Front Brakes | Disc brake |
| Rear Brakes | Drum brake |
| Front Tire | 130/80-18M/C 66P, tube type |
| Rear Tire | 180/80-14M/C 78P, tube type |
| Overall Length | 2140 mm (84.3 in) |
| Overall Width | 865 mm (34.1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1385 mm (54.5 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Seat Height | 770 mm (30.3 in) |
| Curb Weight | 128.0 kg (282.2 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 6.5 L (1.7 US gal) |
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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I like it excepting the price and 1.7 gal gas tank. I commute 50 miles round trip, and even if this thing gets 80 mpg I'd be gassing up every 2nd day. 2.5 gals, $3,999 and I'd probably get one just for screwing around. Can't please all the people all the time.
Is this model sold in EU?
It will be interesting to see how they adapt the mechanically-operated rear drum brake to future ABS requirements.