Suzuki VL 800 VOLUSIA 2003 — Specifications

In 2003, Suzuki decided to turn the page with the Marauder and presented the VL 800 Volusia. This name evokes a city in Florida, a nod to the American cruiser spirit. And the style follows this inspiration without much surprise: it is here that we find the faithful, reduced-scale replica of the larger Intruder 1500. The large headlight, the imposing fenders, the massive fork, and the bright chrome define a classic and well-proportioned silhouette. It is beautiful, it has weight, but one detail is jarring: the lower part of the swingarm, in black plastic, breaks the harmony of the chrome. An economy attempt that is visible.

For the mechanics, the Volusia recycles the engine from the Marauder it replaces. An 805 cc V-twin, liquid-cooled but dressed to resemble an air-cooled engine, delivering 52 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a torque of 64.7 Nm from 3500 rpm. Final transmission by shaft adds a touch of refinement and tranquility. This twin is supple, discreet, and its power curve is linear. But faced with competitors like the Honda Shadow 750 or certain Kawasaki Vulcans, it lacks a bit of punch. You can feel that it could be faster, especially with a chassis that, in reality, proves quite accommodating.

This Suzuki VL 800 Volusia is a machine born to cruise, and it excels in this role. The ride is relaxed, stress-free. The five-speed gearbox is smooth, the seat is wide, the suspension – a 41 mm fork and a mono-shock – correctly filters imperfections. The riding position, without being extreme, remains custom-style with a seat height of 700 mm. The 16-liter tank and the weight of 267 kg when fully fueled make it a serious motorcycle for long trips. We just regret a slightly limited ground clearance and this power that, while sufficient, sometimes makes you dream of a few extra horsepower.

The braking, with a disc at the front and a drum at the rear, is effective without being sporty. The equipment, such as the dashboard integrated into the tank, is of good quality. But overall, the 2003 Volusia lacks a touch of originality. It is very classy, very correct, but it does not surprise. It is an honest, solid cruiser that will find its place with touring riders looking for a reliable and comfortable custom, without extravagance. For those starting out in the world of large customs or who want an easy machine for long journeys, it represents a good choice. Its price, around 8400 euros at the time, was competitive.

Today, looking for a used Suzuki VL 800 Volusia can be a good idea to acquire a well-built Japanese cruiser, with Suzuki reliability. On forums dedicated to the Suzuki VL 800 Volusia, owners often talk about its robustness and daily comfort. The 2004 version did not introduce major changes, making this generation a consistent and durable series. A motorcycle without asperities, perhaps too wise, but which will fulfill its role with discreet elegance.