Suzuki VX800 V Twin

**JasonEdward** · 5th February 2008, 10:21

I'm looking at buying a vee twin oldish at a reasonably cheap price, so I have a question (or two or more) for those who know:

1. Is the Suzi a good model? I'm looking at one with about 80 K k's looks and sounds good...

2. except has a noise I'd describe as between a tap and a knock at idle, engine cold, goes away with revs, think it's bottom end of motor. Could this be serious - I don't think it's a bearing knock, but I'm no expert?

3. If this engine shat itself, what sort of cost would be it be for a rebuild, ball park to nearest $k even would be useful - thanks?

4. Any other mid capacity twins worth a look of similar age i.e. 80s to early 90s?

I'm after reliability and torque not raw grunt as I want to stay out of trouble :-) and big enough to pillion on open rd without working too hard, but no need for high speed e.g. 120 km/h max cruise to avoid big dents to wallet.

Thanks guys

J.E.

**GaZBur** · 5th February 2008, 10:41

Question - have you riddden one?
Make sure you ride one as I found the handling quirky and slightly un-nerving at low speed. It improved as you got faster, and one once you get rid of the standard front tyre. I switched to Avons Azario's. It is also the only bike I have ridden that actually improved its low speed handling with a pillion on. This bike would be hugely improved with a reduced rake i am guessing. The motor is actually fantastic for touring, change into top at 70K and never touch the gear lever again, even when passing uphill with a weight on, its all torque!!!
I have no idea of the cost to do up the motor but as it appears to be the same motor as the 800 cruiser with less crome I imagine somebody will be able to answer if you ask in the cruiser forum.
As for others I have not ridden one but I have always liked the look of the Honda BROS and would expect the handling to be a big step up from the VX800.

**JasonEdward** · 5th February 2008, 10:56

Originally Posted by GaZBur

Question - have you riddden one?
Make sure you ride one as I found the handling quirky and slightly un-nerving at low speed. It improved as you got faster, and one once you get rid of the standard front tyre. I switched to Avons Azario's. It is also the only bike I have ridden that actually improved its low speed handling with a pillion on. This bike would be hugely improved with a reduced rake i am guessing. The motor is actually fantastic for touring, change into top at 70K and never touch the gear lever again, even when passing uphill with a weight on, its all torque!!!
I have no idea of the cost to do up the motor but as it appears to be the same motor as the 800 cruiser with less crome I imagine somebody will be able to answer if you ask in the cruiser forum.
As for others I have not ridden one but I have always liked the look of the Honda BROS and would expect the handling to be a big step up from the VX800.

Thanks for valuable input Gazbur. Do you mean it doesn't feel good on tight corners? It seems like a cross between a cruiser and a sports bike so maybe they tried a compromise that wasn't ever going to be quite right...

No I haven't ridden it but certainly will before I hand over any pingers.

Thanks again
JE

**Paul in NZ** · 5th February 2008, 11:19

Very popular in europe - less so elsewhere and quite rare in NZ

Any decent suzuki dealer should be able to diagnose the noise and I'll bet there is a VX forum someplace that could answer any questions.

I kinda like the concept myself and have always fancied one

**GaZBur** · 5th February 2008, 12:34

Originally Posted by JasonEdward

...Do you mean it doesn't feel good on tight corners? It seems like a cross between a cruiser and a sports bike so maybe they tried a compromise that wasn't ever going to be quite right...
JE

It is any SLOW corner under about 50kph. You approach the corner - start to lean slighty into it, and need to grab a huge handful of opposite bar as it simultaneously tries to fall into the corner and turn the wheel in at the same time. If it was just one, either fall in or turn in it would not be so bad but it does both at the same time and is very un-nerving. I am guessing it is because of its long rake combined with a high centre of gravity. On the highway it was brilliant. Solid as a rock up to 185kph - still plenty of throttle left at that speed but must have been close to running out of revs. Slightly underbraked, not bad looking, great finish and nice understated sound. It's a compromise bike - it will either suit you or not! Ride one and you will either love it or be cured for life.
There are a lot of VX forums and enthusiasts if you do a Google search.
I had an American import version which I believe has slightly different (lower) gear ratios than the European.

**XF650** · 5th February 2008, 14:18

'Rogson' on here is the guru on the VX800 - he ownes & rides both the NZ new & import versions (there are differences). He also knows their potential in relation to suitable modifications. Ping him a message.

I have ridden both types & really enjoyed them. The import version even has an offset crank, to imitate "Harley vibration".
I don't recall the slow speed cornering quirk 'GaZBur' describes so maybe that's tyre related? But I agree the rake of the forks is more cruiser like than sports bike. Many of the NZ new examples are ex rentals (not necessarily a bad thing). But I have also seen some over priced dogs out there, so do your homework well.

Another useful twin from that era is the Suzuki GR650. Not as powerful as a VX but certainly more 'conventional' in styling. And yes - Rogson has one of those too.

**GaZBur** · 5th February 2008, 20:07

The handling was a problem that was discussed on American forums anyway.
Perhaps there are slight differences with NZ models - well I hope so if you are looking as Avons weren't cheap and didnt fix the problem on my bike although others reported that it did. I put mine to Trademe Auction and sold about one year ago.

I saw many trying to sell between 4 and 6,500 that just sat and didnt sell.
Here is the ad I put in TradeMe a year ago and sold for $3000.

1991 American model imported. Reliable and grunty V-twin motor that doesnt burn oil.
Good all round condition for age and miles.
44,000 Miles (70,000Km) Good Avon tyres.
Givi fairing (works very well) and pack frame included so a good tourer.
Loves the highway and handles two up riding very well.
All straight with new WOF, cosmetically good except for scraped right exhaust and one minor crack in plastic. Prefer quick sale so start price is low and is reserve - so check it out.
If there is a resident expert "Rogson" on then as XF650 says you should contact him as if you own one you tend to know what else is availble and how much is reasonable.

**YellowDog** · 5th February 2008, 20:51

Originally Posted by XF650

'Rogson' on here is the guru on the VX800 - he ownes & rides both the NZ new & import versions (there are differences). He also knows their potential in relation to suitable modifications. Ping him a message.

I have ridden both types & really enjoyed them. The import version even has an offset crank, to imitate "Harley vibration".
I don't recall the slow speed cornering quirk 'GaZBur' describes so maybe that's tyre related? But I agree the rake of the forks is more cruiser like than sports bike. Many of the NZ new examples are ex rentals (not necessarily a bad thing). But I have also seen some over priced dogs out there, so do your homework well.

Another useful twin from that era is the Suzuki GR650. Not as powerful as a VX but certainly more 'conventional' in styling. And yes - Rogson has one of those too.

Rogson is definitely a good guy to talk to and gave some great advice with my Freewind. If they don't run so well, he is likely to know the workaround!

**rogson** · 6th February 2008, 07:04

Some info on VX800s here: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ighlight=vx800

**MSTRS:Me** · 6th February 2008, 08:36

Originally Posted by GaZBur

It is any SLOW corner under about 50kph. You approach the corner - start to lean slighty into it, and need to grab a huge handful of opposite bar as it simultaneously tries to fall into the corner and turn the wheel in at the same time.

Yungatart's Kawasaki EL250 did exactly the same. Appears to have been a triangulated front tyre, cos a new one sorted it.

**JasonEdward** · 15th February 2008, 14:23

I rode a VX and wow...if i hadn't found out about this strange quirky handling I would probably have thought there was something badly wrong with the bike. It it didn't seem to like roundabouts at all

But I thoroughly enjoyed the bike, although I must admit I went into a car-park and did a few figure 8s to satisfy myself it would actually turn at low speeds without throwing me off.

Yep, on one occasion it felt that bad. It wasn't that bad but it sure felt that bad...

It was a very wet day on top of previously very dry road and on an unfamiliar bike and with rusty riding skills anyway, I wasn't about to experiment too much on greasy corners/roundabouts, but I think the application of some gentle throttle and a bit more leaning weight smoothed off the weird feeling and made the bike feel stable again.

I found the VX did one of the two things earlier mentioned during low speed corners i.e. intersections/roundabouts etc although not both at once - it either felt like it wanted to lie down on the road or alternatively wanted stay upright and go straight ahead. I didn't ride it enough to figure out under what conditions it did these things.

I think the front forks want work also as they felt a bit clunky at times, not bottoming out but un-smooth, so that may have made things worse (or better?? ) .

In any case I really liked it and hope to join the owners club. To be honest, I'm a bit of an old pussy on bikes as well as being not hugely experienced on any but smaller bikes (Last bike 17 years ago an RD350LC - with serial no. believe it or not 000000000000001, had ugly faring and scoop below radiator like over-seas models and similar to RZs but not fitted to any other NZ models I ever saw. Of course I wish I'd kept it....) Anyway, I don't really want a bike that encourages me to go too fast and I think the VX is perfect for me, given that i want some 2-up comfort as well. We'll see if I can make an acceptable offer...

I again thank Roger for the advice and offer of help and I will certainly be in touch with you if I get the bike Roger. I owe you.

Cheers and thanks others too for useful input.
JE

**mctshirt** · 18th November 2008, 05:55

I've just acquired one of these fine examples of Japanese engineering and it floats my boat. Haven't been on a long ride yet but the vee twin engine makes good noise. Haven't noticed the handling being especially bad but I may be a crap rider - a few revs coming out of the corner seems to bring everything into line. Certainly doesn't flick through the corners though. It's a Jap import so I'm guessing it's the vibrating restricted engine.

Can anyone tell me what is the best fuel to run in these bikes?

**GARAGE HERMIT** · 22nd November 2009, 03:03

my friend who has no internet access asked me to pose this question, he's just bought a 1992 vx800 and put hd sporty silencers and small k&n type cone air-filters on it, i told him it would be running a bit lean on the mixture and he'd need to re-jet the carb's, just wondering if anyone know's where he should start, jet size,? needle position, etc, any help greatly appreciated,,

**Pixie** · 22nd November 2009, 08:26

Originally Posted by GARAGE HERMIT

my friend who has no internet access asked me to pose this question, he's just bought a 1992 vx800 and put hd sporty silencers and small k&n type cone air-filters on it, i told him it would be running a bit lean on the mixture and he'd need to re-jet the carb's, just wondering if anyone know's where he should start, jet size,? needle position, etc, any help greatly appreciated,,

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ighlight=vx800

see Post # 44