1994 Suzuki VS800 review from United States of America

The water pump needed replacement, and I did the thermostat at the same time (3,500 miles).

The stem lock stopped working and required replacement (9,000 miles).

The run/off switch had to be replaced (12,000 miles) because the contacts were corroded.

My VS800GL was incredibly reliable.

The acceleration was quick, and roll-on was good except for a slight delay in response due to the cush in the shaft drive.

Braking performance could be better, but is improved with better pads up front.

This model is not great for highway travel as you are deafened at 65mph by the engine, which is spinning far faster than you'd expect for such a low speed, but the bike still has power to give, all the way to 116mph (off public roads, that is).

Highway wind protection is null, and requires the addition of a windshield (but almost every company makes one which fits this bike).

First gear is extremely short (10mph) so stop and go driving can be a little frustrating, but the bike is water-cooled, so it's less frustrating than having to shut down your engine after moving 5 feed as you would in an air cooled bike.

Tire selection for the bike is limited, but Pirelli makes the 66 Route tire which glues this bike to the road, even in the rain (Pirelli owns Metzler, but the Pirelli 66 Route has better reviews).

The bike is very small, and it can be tough to find a place for your knees (I'm 5'8" with a 27" inseam and it was tough even for me), but ignoring that it is extremely comfortable, even on 300 mile trips.

The suspension is, well, jiggly (think "Volvo 850"), and takes some getting used to, but it does well in the twisties. The bike is certainly not meant for rapid changes in direction though, and while the engine does well in rapid, straight lines it suffers in sharp corners (it is a cruiser, after all).

It is a great starter bike, forgiving, quick, reliable, but after a few years it becomes a bit of a bore (predictability has its downside!). I ride almost every day which likely lead to the boredom with the bike.