~ Auto Buzz ~: 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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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 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)