1991 Suzuki reviews

Bought this 1991 in 1992. Saved about $500. I have now about 65,000 miles (mostly highway miles). It is the fastest bike I've owned. It has been very reliable except for one front oil line rubbed against the block making a pin hole and a very messy smelly undercarriage. I drilled slots in ignition magnetic pickup plate to increase spark advance 5 degrees and added K&N filter which added 3-5 mpg. This added HP also. Now get 40 mpg at 75MPH and 50 mpg at 55 MPH. I also added a windscreen for the bugs and dust and made my own back rest for passenger safety. Rear tires last only 15-17,000 miles. The bike is too heavy, but very comfortable on long rides now since I've widened and softened the seat also. Show less

I bought this bike used with only 7,500 km on it. It has now 65,000km and this summer I rode her out to B.C. the Rockies, and it performed great. A perfect alrounder and a good substitute for a full on touring bike. It has a stellar motor and is very smooth for an inline four.It is a little porky in weight (635lbs) but holds the road as a result. Not too many bikes that are like the old standards of the past. This is one of the last ones that have shaft drive. I do wish there were more of them to choose from. I put a Corbin seat and Suzuki windshield, and other than a K&N filter, it is completely stock. I would like a lighter, better handling machine, but it wouldn't be as comfortable, and would probably have chain drive. This bike does it all and grows on you after a while. Very reliable too. Show less

I have over 40 years of riding off & on -- mostly on. It's the strongest and most comfortable bike I've owned. I'm short of leg for the seat height but manage take offs and landings all right. It has the Suzuki backrest and the Travelcade after-market seat which work just fine. The wife and I put in a long, long day and did 647 miles. I made a trip back to Harley country (Wisconsin) and had no problem with 600-miles days. Like I say it rides like a dream. UP KEEP Normal maintenance and normal wear out items tires and such. The only non-standard items have been a rear wheel seal and a set of oil cooler lines. If they still made it I might consider a new one, but they don't so I'll just keep this one. Let's just say it's part of the family now and we have had 40,000 smiles together. Show less

All in all, a great bike for the real world. A shaft driven V-Twin with sporty looks. Despite being a good ten years old, it still looks fresh and up to date. People always think that it's new, and are amazed to hear it's a 1991 model. Basically, the VX can do it all. Get luggage and a windshield and make it a sport-tourer, or get lower bars and upgrade the suspension for a suprisingly capable sporty standard. Also, there is a great online group of owners and riders. Write to vx800-L@mcf.com for more information. Show less

I bought the bike because I couldn't afford a full-on sportbike. My plan was to ride it for 2 years, learn the ropes and graduate to something bigger. I kept it 5 years, sold it for financial reasons and have missed it ever since. I put 30,000 miles on it, sold it to a friend who rode it for many more miles and he eventually sold it. I now ride an R6 and I miss the Bandit so much, I am looking for a cheap one to buy as a second bike. I wish I never sold it, as does my friend who bought it from me. I recommend one to anyone on a budget who is looking for a sportbike or commuter. It carved the turns and had ample power, as long as it was above 9,000 RPM (14,000 redline). I loved to come up behind GXSR's and ride their tails in the twisties. People often mistook it for a Ducati Monster. I dragged the footpegs and centerstand, but it was very forgiving. I also commuted on it for awhile. In the 30,000 miles, I changed oil every 3-4K miles, only gave it one tune-up, one chain, three front tires and five rears, one set of brake pads and a hose wash every week. I stored it for awhile, but it always fired up after 3-4 seconds of running the starter. I also got 55 Hwy and 45 city mpg. I could go on an on. If you're looking at one, buy it. You won't be sorry, unless you need huge low-end power and more than 130mph top-end speed. Show less

My 1991 VX800 is a dream come true! With its smooth sleek unique look and smooth power band it is definitely a keeper. This is my first bike and I don't believe I will be getting another for a while this will keep me plenty busy. It has a unique style and plenty of power. Though it isn't as fast as a sport bike it will give most street bikes a run for their money. I've had mine up to 130, shhh don't tell. With the custom exhaust an all black paint job, most people mistake it for a Buell. For this hardly used 1991 VX800 with only 5500 miles I feel I got a steel for $2000. I can't figure out why Suzuki only made this bike from 1990 - 1993. Show less

Light, powerful, maneuverable, dependable, and keeps on ticking. Plenty of power and suspension, and very easy to handle in the forest. I have used this machine to participate in a 500-mile dual-sport event, across the Sierra Mountains in California every year since new, with no problems at all! These early models suffer from occasional hard starting with no real fix, and believe me, I've tried. Suzuki has kept these bikes very similar, except paint and added electric starter, till the new 400 models (it was a good thing -- don't fix it). Show less

The VX was my first new bike after a long hiatus from motorcycling. The kids were gone, I was on my own and I got the bug again. I tried to sneak back in with a used Virago, but soon thirsted for more performance. The VX has a smooth, smooth power delivery, comfy ergonomics and good handling as well as the sport standard styling I prefer. Based on the Intruder engine in a sporting chassis, it does everything well. Too bad it didn't last, but the bike is very innocuous and not terribly trendy. A great sport tourer for those who place function and comfort over e.t. figures or street race results. Show less

Great bike to ride on two lane roads, high winding engine with after market exhaust is music to my ears. Will hang with bigger displacement bikes, have them for lunch on the twisties. Light weight enough for smaller riders and tough enough for those with balls. Show less

This Bandit is my first bike that I ever owned. I have ridden other more "powerful" bikes; but I still see no reason why this bike should be looked upon as a little guy. The Bandit performs very well. My bike has been dyno at 54 max horsepower, which is a lot for this little 400. My bandit has no problems keeping up with some 600's. It is a great everyday, light ride. The bandit can handle the twisties pretty well. I have taken it to the max, and scraped and tore my gear shifter out. I have had no problems, other than some bogging down when I placed a K&N in her. If you're looking for a good beginner bike that you will fall in love with, take the Bandit out, you wont be disappointed. Show less