2001 Suzuki reviews

I owned a 2001 Suzuki Volusia 800 for less than a year. It was reliable, looked great, and was comfortable, but it is NOT a freeway friendly bike. Acceleration was acceptable up to 55-60 mph, but it strained to go much faster. Top speed was 75-80 mph riding downhill with a strong breeze blowing behind me! The shaft drive on the bike is very smooth but the gearing is absolutely horrible. The only way to remedy this is to find a donor VL1500 and swap out the drivetrain. This is an expensive solution to a problem that shouldn’t have existed in the first place. Overall, the only people that I’d recommend this to are ones that want a highway cruiser. Around town or on 55mph highways, the bike is great - I have no complaints. For any significant jaunts that include freeway riding above 55-60 mph, I strongly advise against the 800 and would look for a 1500 instead. Show less

Powerful,reliable and a great looking factory bike.It is my first bike and it has been so much fun. Replacement parts are cheap and the weekend warrior such as myself, can stay on top of maintaining it. Show less

It is May, 2016. I just picked up a used Bandit 1200S. 7K miles for $2,900 at a Yamaha dealer. Completely gone through and stock but for a slip-on. I'm loving it. Real presence. Big, light and powerful. I'm just getting back to metrics from Harleys. Why spend more? Show less

I have owned a 2002 Volusia 800 almost from new. When I first got it, there seemed to be a problem with the bike starving for fuel so I took to my bike shop and talked to the mechanic. He said there was a problem with that model being lean of fuel. So he changed the needle valve in the carb which helped starting. I only need to use the choke for a couple of minutes and no more starving of fuel when just idling around town. It runs perfect and it still has the original battery which surprises me since the lights are on all the time now. Show less

Power: Oh yes....it's there! Engine: It's very flexible with good down-ow torque, very linear vs. pull-your-arms-out-of-the-sockets power. Not buzzy IMO, however VERY cold-blooded. Handling: Keep in mind this is not a sport-bike but a sporty standard; that said it's very predictable and stable. Go R-6 chasing as required. Ergonomics: Controls fall readily to hand and the seating position/foot-to-peg relationship is sane enough to make 1.5/2hr sorties reasonable. Comfort: See above. Down-sides: Mirrors provide a great view of the elbows; mirrors vibrate too much in the upper rpm. range; seat could be better (nitpicky). Would I buy another one? IN A HEARTBEAT!!!! Show less

I have been riding since I was a kid and have owned too many bikes over the years and I have to say that Suzuki is a quality product. I recently purchased this bike and instantly fell in love with it. I was looking for a dual sport that would favor dirt riding more than street but be able to get to the trails without a problem. The DR-Z400E fits the bill. The previous owner outfitted this machine with everything that I could ever want which makes it an amazing desert bike but at a low cost. I will keep this one for a long time. Show less

I bought it used from a guy in the town next to mine. My first impression was good. Then I shaved the cylinder dome down thirty thousandths and up'd the compression and adjusted to power valve and it made a big difference. It's super responsive and torquey on the low end and just massive amounts of power across the spectrum. Suzuki has always been king of the corners, and this bike takes the cake for it. It has super smooth suspension. This bike is just out right fast. I'd never buy anything except Suzuki. Show less

I just bought my RM80 for $650 and for what I paid, it's great. It has a semi-easy clutch and when the powerband kicks in, it really takes off. From the factory, it has 27hp which is pretty good. It gets my dad moving very easily and he is 190 pounds and 6'1". It's a great starter bike or if you don't need a ton of power and just need something to get around trails or putt. It's a great bike! Show less

This is my first bike. I got it with 3000 miles and have almost 10000 after one season. Just started season two with high hopes for another great season. Show less

I just traded my 95 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 straight across for this GS500, it only had 2600 miles on it when I got it. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the bike. I had never ridden a sport bike before. But I am in love with this bike. It's so nimble and for a 500 it gets up and goes. I am going to put a new exhaust and jet kit on it. It doesn't breathe well with the stock exhaust but that's an easy fix. It is the naked version, has only the little cafe winscreen on it, and the only thing I can say I have to get use to is so much wind while I'm riding. The bike has already made me a better rider. I can dive into corners and the bike just flows so smoothly through them. I'm so excited for the summer riding season.. Have to say..Great bike, and a wonderful starter bike for anyone. It's very easy to handle. Show less