Suzuki VL 800 Intruder Volusia 2001 — Specifications

Can a Japanese custom from the early 2000s still have charm today, facing the onslaught of Harleys and other Indians? Let's take the Suzuki VL 800 Intruder Volusia 2001. This model, which replaced the Marauder, chose the path of serenity rather than excess. With its 805 cc V-twin engine displaying 52 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque, we are far from a traction brute. The engine, water-cooled but styled like an air-cooled one, is remarkably docile: it delivers its power smoothly, without bad manners, but without excitement either. Next to a Harley Sportster of the time, it seems a little sleepy, but that's precisely its credo.

The real test of the Suzuki VL 800 Intruder Volusia comes on holiday roads. Its classic custom frame and wheelbase of 1645 mm promise stability, and that's the case. The position is relaxing, the seat at 70 cm from the ground is accessible, and the shaft drive ensures a silky smooth transmission, without restrictive maintenance. With its 267 kg fully fueled, it handles surprisingly easily in the city, even if the 16-liter tank reminds you that you are here to cruise, not to rush. The suspension, although simple, correctly filters imperfections, making each journey a moment of relaxation. It is a machine that does not tire you, designed for the rider who prioritizes travel over performance.

However, not everything is perfect in this idyllic picture. The limited ground clearance and the sometimes-insufficient 52 horsepower on national roads can frustrate those who would like to push the pace. The braking, with its single disc at the front, does the job without more, like a mechanical system designed for a cool attitude. And there's this detail that is annoying: the partially sheathed swingarm in plastic, a false note on a custom that relies so much on chrome looks and imposing shapes. It borrows a lot of its style from the larger Intruder 1500, like a more reasonable and affordable version.

Ultimately, this Volusia Suzuki finds its audience among beginner or senior riders looking for a first custom without complication, or among roadster enthusiasts wanting to taste a different form of serenity. Its then new price, around 8400 euros, made it a credible and less expensive alternative to American productions. Today, on the used market, it represents a reliable and economical entry ticket into the world of cruisers. It won't bite your wrist, or make you shiver with every acceleration, but it will offer you miles of tranquility with discreet elegance. An honest machine, without pretension, fully assuming its role as a liner of quiet roads.