Suzuki VL 800 VOLUSIA 2007 — Specifications

We still remember the Marauder, that venerable custom from Suzuki, but 2003 saw the arrival of its official successor, the VL 800 Volusia. A name that evokes the coastal roads of Florida, but which hides proven mechanics and a very clear positioning. Suzuki isn't reinventing the wheel, and that may be its strength. The style is a marked tribute, almost a faithful copy in a more compact form, of the large Intruder 1500. With a large headlight, imposing fenders, a wide fork, and plenty of chrome, it displays a classic and well-presented low rider look. A certain elegance, marred only by that annoying detail: the partially sheathed swingarm in plastic, a false good idea that breaks the harmony of the bare metal. For those looking for a used Suzuki VL 800 Volusia, this is a point to check, often commented on dedicated forums.

Its backbone is this 45° V-twin 805 cm3 engine, inherited from the Marauder. With 52 horsepower at 6000 rpm and, above all, a meaty torque of 64.7 Nm available from 3500 rpm, it doesn't aim for nervous performance. Water-cooled but dressed to look like an air-cooled engine, it is the very definition of smoothness. Paired with a five-speed gearbox and a cardan transmission of exemplary smoothness, it delivers its power in a linear and predictable way. Faced with American competitors who are sometimes more demonstrative, the 2004 Volusia appears less fast, but it excels in its role: moving its 267 kg fully fueled with a soothing nonchalance.

And that’s really its character. This motorcycle was born to cruise, period. The riding position is relaxed, with your feet slightly forward and your hands on fairly wide handlebars. The 700 mm high seat is a real armchair, accessible to most builds. The suspension, a 41 mm fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, is tuned to swallow imperfect road surfaces without jolts, even if the ground clearance limits the desire for tight curves. The chassis, a good steel double cradle, is more capable than the motorcycle's philosophy suggests. It’s a shame that the brakes, with a single disc at the front and a drum at the rear, lack a bit of bite for a machine of this weight.

Ultimately, who is the rider of the Suzuki VL 800 Volusia? It's the serene traveler, the one who prioritizes comfort and reliability over fantasy or top speed. At its launch at 8399 euros, it positioned itself as a credible and better-finished alternative to some low-end customs. Today, on the used market, it represents an excellent entry point into the world of cruisers. It won't surprise you, it won't make you shiver at 160 km/h, but it will transport you with a discreet class and unwavering robustness. A classic that has found its audience, as evidenced by the numerous discussions still active on Suzuki VL 800 Volusia forums.