Suzuki VL 800 Intruder Volusia 2006 — Specifications

So, let's talk about the Suzuki VL 800 Intruder Volusia, this custom that took over from the Marauder at the beginning of the 2000s. For those who have tested the Volusia, especially the 2001 version, the impression is immediate: you have before you a condensed version of American cruiser aesthetics, but in a more accessible format. Suzuki played the card of loyalty, mirroring its lines on the larger Intruder 1500, like a reduced but equally determined version. The result? A machine that boasts a large headlight, imposing fenders, a wide fork, and chrome accents that catch the sunlight. It’s beautiful, harmonious, almost elegant. But the eye quickly encounters this swingarm where the lower part is made of plastic, a detail that slightly spoils the refined effect. Sometimes, in trying to be too realistic, one loses coherence.

For the mechanics, the Volusia borrows the 805 cc twin from the Marauder, a 45° V-twin that delivers 52 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a torque of 64.7 Nm from 3500 rpm. Water-cooled but dressed to resemble an air-cooled engine, it is coupled with a shaft drive transmission. The handling is typical of a cruiser: discreet, supple, with a very homogeneous power curve. It’s not sluggish, but facing some competitors like the Honda Shadow or the Yamaha V-Star, it may seem less lively, a little too refined. For the touring rider looking for a ride without surprises, this is an asset. For those who want a bit more nerve, it’s a limitation.

In the saddle, at a height of 700 mm, with a 16-liter tank and a wet weight of 267 kg, the Volusia reveals itself to be an easy companion. The riding position is relaxed, not too extreme, the seat is generous, the suspensions (41 mm fork and mono rear) filter out imperfections well. The five-speed gearbox and the shaft drive operate with great smoothness. Everything is there for a stress-free ride, ideal for long wanderings or urban journeys. The chassis, solid on its double cradle frame, is even quite capable enough to allow for a bit of play, but the modest ground clearance and contained power quickly remind you that this machine was born to cruise, not to be tracked.

The braking, with a 300 mm disc at the front and a drum at the rear, is correct without being sporty, sufficient for the expected riding style. The dashboard integrated into the tank adds a touch of authenticity. At 8399 euros at its launch, it positioned itself as a serious and less intimidating alternative to the large customs. Its audience? The beginner rider who wants a real custom without the complexity of a large engine, or the enthusiast of quiet rides who prioritizes style and comfort over raw performance. The Suzuki VL 800 Intruder Volusia, especially in its 2000s iteration, does not revolutionize the genre, but it embodies it with a certain honesty and class. It looks very classy on country roads, even if one would have wished for a little more mechanical character and less visible plastic.