Go Big and Ride Small

[Tonibe63]

How is that Van Van? It looks like a decent retirement bike.

Is it robust? Could it take a beating? Will it plod on forever or fall apart?
Any idiosyncrasies that you don’t like?

[garyboy]

there's a few van vans by me. They always sound smooth and very quiet. Fancy one. A few years ago the 200cc came out, but not heard anymore. I asked in Thunderroad if they be ok for trails .. they reckon they are not robust enough, and ;looking at the frame, attachment to the engine, and forward engine .. i agree with thunderroad (completely bikes).

still fancy one tho lol.

[Old Plodder]

The 200cc version would be my choice if I was to change one of them for that little bit more grunt. As wife only has an A1 licence it would be no good for her. As far as durability I dont think I have seen any repots of front engine mount failure. There is a bash plate kit available which links the frame down tube with the centre stand mountings effectively giving it a cradle frame.

[gbags]

I’m becoming a Wrinkly, not yet a Crumbly (God forbid I become a Leaky!) so I’m looking for a bike to ride when I put the GSA out to grass.
I might pop down to Bridge Motors in Exeter and try out a Van Van.
Then off to Taiwan for a couple of months later this year, where we ride 150cc scooters over the mountains and through the busy Asian cities, which can be good fun.

[Godspeed]

You could always go for something like a monkey bike or a dax125. The monkey is definitely something to make you smile and will handle a bit of off road nicely.

[Godspeed]

Also, have a wonderful time in Taiwan, what scooters are you going to choose? A wave 150? Or even a pcx??
Maybe see if you can get hold of a Honda ADV150…..and then bring it back for me

[Magnusson]

I'd love one too. The ADV 160 seems to be a unicorn bike for small bike enthusiasts.

[Godspeed]

Been seriously thinking about getting a slightly larger bike and was really tempted by something like a Forza or ADV350. Then took my PCX for a quick run down to Cheddar for a night camping.
I’m Just so smitten by the PCX with its 28litre underseat storage. I’ve now got the option to put side boxes on, it’s hard to get under 120mpg and it’s super lightweight with nimble handling. A tank range is over 200 miles and on tour can be up to 240 miles which is brilliant. So, the only thing it does poorly is top speed is around 60mph.
Anyway, it’s staying for the time being.
In a few weeks I’ll ride it down to Switzerland, camping in Lucerne and have plans to walk, and also ride the Furkapass if open.
Can’t wait

IMG_3253.jpeg (152.08 KiB) Viewed 5985 times

[gbags]

Also, have a wonderful time in Taiwan, what scooters are you going to choose? A wave 150? Or even a pcx??
Maybe see if you can get hold of a Honda ADV150…..and then bring it back for me

Sorry, I haven’t been on for a while.
I’ll try to find one.

[Magnusson]

60 mph doesn't seem that bad in exchange for 120 mpg.
Have you thought of gearing up and streamlining? It might be possible to increase both.