1991 Suzuki VX800

Summary:

Great all arounder. Unique style and character

Faults:

The fork seals are starting to leak.

The rear disk must be made out of recycled aluminum downspouts. Very soft with deep grooves.

General Comments:

There are certain unmeasurables that combine to create the essence of a motorcycle.

This bike has character beyond the sum of its individual attributes.

Tourqey motor with good throttle response.

Predictable handling.

It begs for stiffer fork springs and dual disks up front.

Limited choices on aftermarket pipes.

Doesn't lend itself to performance modification, it is what it is. I generally tend to think that's a good thing.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th November, 2006

23rd Feb 2014, 02:15

Actually the VX 800 lends itself to extreme performance and especially appearance mods. I have just turned one into a serious rat/street fighter, which leaves Harley owners dribbling in their boots. All for a fraction of the price of their bikes.

22nd Jul 2014, 19:42

I have a 90 VX800 and was curious about the mods you made to yours, as I might want to update the performance or body style? I also enjoy my bike, but mostly for a daily spin around town. Good luck!

4th Jun 2016, 19:38

Show us some pics! Ya can't load em here, but maybe you can post a link?

1990 Suzuki VX800

Summary:

I've been very happy with the bike

Faults:

I bought my VX800 new May 1st 1990, and I have yet to find anything wrong with the bike.

General Comments:

I very satisfied with the handling. I replaced the seat with a Corbin seat at about 1000 miles, and a windshield for more comfort.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2005

22nd Apr 2016, 12:31

Did you see your MPG go up at all after the addition of the screen?

1990 Suzuki VX800

Summary:

The VX800 is a great all-around motorcycle for anyone - beginner, intermediate or experienced rider

Faults:

Headlamp went out at 12,000 miles.

Replaced the front and rear brake pads at 13,500 miles.

Replaced the shock absorbers at 13,500 miles.

General Comments:

I bought the VX800 in April of this year. As I write this, it is May.

Since buying the bike I've done all the service work myself (oil change, etc.).

Shortly after buying the bike I blew a shock. That's hardly surprising given that the shocks were 15 years old. I bought a replacement set of Hagons for $190 (including shipping to my door).

The brake pads were severely worn, so I picked up a set of EBC HH (sintered metal) pads for $67 (delivered).

The bike came with Metzler ME-Z4 tires, which I'm happy with in terms of performance, but the longevity of the tires leaves something to be desired. They were practically new when I bought the bike, but right now the tires are getting close to needing to be replaced. I'm not sure what make and model I'll use as replacements.

All in all, I'm very happy with the VX800. When I was shopping for a motorcycle, I was looking for a good all-around bike, something that I could use for a commuter, use on a long trip, and have some fun in the twisties. The VX has fitted the bill on all those counts.

Since the VX800 wasn't very popular when it was new, it's actually very reasonably priced on the used market. I bought mine for $1,800 (US) and I figure I have put another $400 into it. Not bad when one looks at the price of new bikes.

I've seen reviews where people complained about fork dive on hard braking, but I haven't had that problem. However, I don't believe that the front springs are stock. The caps atop the fork tubes show tool marks, and I believe some previous owner may have put in progressive springs.

The bike gets 47 mpg (avg) with me on it (and I'm not a small fellow).

Acceleration is good, but nothing like one would see from a sport bike. It certainly out-accelerates most cruisers I've seen. I have a friend who rides a 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan. He took a spin on my bike and came back with a big grin on his face, claiming that if he were to buy a bike that accelerated like my VX800, he'd wind up killing himself on it.

Roll-on performance is excellent. Twist the wrist and you're gone. I love that.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2005

24th Mar 2014, 02:09

The front shocks are standard on my VX, and I did find them a little quick to dive. I simply replaced the fork oil with thicker oil, and that fixed the problem for me (105kg).

4th Jun 2016, 19:56

Try the Metzler Me99 - Me88 combo. I have found they give pretty fair mileage and killer traction and handling! No they won't last like touring tires, but I think the extra safety and performance they provide far outweighs the lifespan issue... After all, which lifespan is more important, the tire's or yours?