Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Suzuki VX800

Thu, March 11th, 2010


1990–93 Suzuki VX800
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The same motor as the 800 Intruder. The VX had a very respectable 63 horsepower and a very flat torque curve, plus a notable level of refinement and smoothness, all without losing that soulful V-twin feel.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The only shaft-drive bikes that are much better are BMWs and Guzzis with parallelogram rear suspension.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
A refreshingly restrained, sculptural and mature design overall. It's not perfect; the awkward plastic panel in front of the tank is my major complaint. But the American-designed VX800 (and its GSX1100G big sister) get better and better looking as time passes.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
A very reliable bike which was usually purchased by responsible, level-headed adults, and still new enough that most examples will have some life left in them.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
This is what I pined for when I reviewed the Vulcan 750; a cruiser heart in a standard chassis. This is one do-it-all bike that really can do it all.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
It's a bit too Ward Cleaver for some people, but I think that's part of its appeal. If you aren't a speed demon or a fashion slave, the VX has to appeal to you on some level.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
This is what motorcycles should be like. Why don't we see more like this?