We welcome a new bike to the channel and a second bike to my garage, a 1991 suzuki vx800 great sounding Vtwin with what is now retro styling. #retroclassic #suzuki #vtwin #VX800
This super slim bike is was always terrific for filtering through traffic. Most have now been ridden to death on motorway into city centre commutes. Inexpensively made but very underrated in my opinion.
@ The same drivetrain was used by Sachs in their very pretty Roadster 800. I know two people who still have one of those. Both have racked up very high mileage. The engines are very under-stressed and ultra reliable. Unfortunately the original Suzuki silencers are prone to internal rust and suitable replacements are very difficult to obtain.
I was working at a Suzi dealership when these were released and even though most of the guys said they wouldn't sell I managed to sell 2 new ones, they were quite nice to ride and smooth, you will not regret you purchase.
I think these maybe abit before their time, imagine if someone was to release a modern classic in 2024/25 with a traditional VTwin I think it would go down very well.
Good luck for the new bike. I bought a 1990 Model brand new and rode it until 2015 for 75.000km without bigger issues. My bike had always problems on cold start after some weeks of no use - could be cured by Iridium Spark Plugs. For dirving behavior a game change fpr me was to switch break lines to steelflex and fork springs to Wirth progressive springs. in 2015 I switched to a Moto Guzzi V7II because of ABS and easier handling (getting older) and recently to a MG V7 850 (back to the old power)
At the moment it's been super reliable starts first time even in cold weather, although I feel it's running a tad rich (which is probably helping the cold starts)
Never even seen 1.back then I had a GS850 for commuting down country and always thought the VX800 was a lot more stylish alternative. Shaft drive and raked front end should give it long legs. Can't wait for your blast on this.
Indeed ! I feel design wise this fits in more today with the modern retro, than it did when it was launched in the early 90s hence the poor sales. But it's a cracking bike, lots of character
Nice!!! Hoping you can do more bike videos in this outfit show full front and backsides of yourself in this. So many bikers have resorted to Kevlar and less of the historical biker look Cool video!!
I remember going to look at a second hand VX800 about 30 years ago; I can't remember why I didn't buy it. I'm in the Isle of man and have a Guzzi V7, a Yamaha MT-09 and a Beta Alp.
I remember why I didn't buy one after a test ride. It handled really bad, long wheelbase and the rake of the forks made it not want to turn, then it would flop. Terrible in traffic. Looked good. Think they sold six of em.
Many Suzuki V twins including several cruisers in 1990s. One was 1400cc with shaft drive and water cooled. Recently the C50T, C90T and the big 1800cc V twin. Yes Suzuki makes great twins!
I had one. It was a solid decently comfortable bike. Toured mine around the Southwest U.S. a few times. The downsides? It was a bitch to tune up. Valves adjusts and carb syncs were horrible to do, worse of any bike I'd ever owned, including my '87 VFR. In the US, they messed with the gearing. First was too high, fifth was too low. I still would have another
Yeah apparently the carb for each cylinder is different, not sure why you would have 2 different type of carbs on one bike but guess it's just character
@@CharliesBikerTales One was a down draft, the other a side draft. Suzuki wanted a narrow bike, so everything was squeezed in tightly. Also had a vacuum operated fuel pump for the upper carburetor. On one trip, the VX started running on one cylinder. Limped into a gas station, The ancient decrepit owner came tottering out. He said he'd take a look at it. Turns out he was a factory trained Suzuki mechanic
I used to love this bike. Wanted one when I was 18, when everybody wanted a sports bike. Was pricey, though.
I liked those back in the day.
This super slim bike is was always terrific for filtering through traffic. Most have now been ridden to death on motorway into city centre commutes. Inexpensively made but very underrated in my opinion.
How slimline this bike is, is actually incredible, the tank is a tardis, 19Litres yet feels far slimmer than the 13L tank on my T100.
@ The same drivetrain was used by Sachs in their very pretty Roadster 800. I know two people who still have one of those. Both have racked up very high mileage. The engines are very under-stressed and ultra reliable. Unfortunately the original Suzuki silencers are prone to internal rust and suitable replacements are very difficult to obtain.
I was working at a Suzi dealership when these were released and even though most of the guys said they wouldn't sell I managed to sell 2 new ones, they were quite nice to ride and smooth, you will not regret you purchase.
I think these maybe abit before their time, imagine if someone was to release a modern classic in 2024/25 with a traditional VTwin I think it would go down very well.
Good luck for the new bike. I bought a 1990 Model brand new and rode it until 2015 for 75.000km without bigger issues.
My bike had always problems on cold start after some weeks of no use - could be cured by Iridium Spark Plugs.
For dirving behavior a game change fpr me was to switch break lines to steelflex and fork springs to Wirth progressive springs.
in 2015 I switched to a Moto Guzzi V7II because of ABS and easier handling (getting older) and recently to a MG V7 850 (back to the old power)
At the moment it's been super reliable starts first time even in cold weather, although I feel it's running a tad rich (which is probably helping the cold starts)
Never even seen 1.back then I had a GS850 for commuting down country and always thought the VX800 was a lot more stylish alternative. Shaft drive and raked front end should give it long legs. Can't wait for your blast on this.
Great engine and shaft drive. Whats not to like. Had the 750 Intruder cruiser version way back in the day.
A rare beast
Indeed ! I feel design wise this fits in more today with the modern retro, than it did when it was launched in the early 90s hence the poor sales. But it's a cracking bike, lots of character
@CharliesBikerTales I agree, bit left field when new but looking appealing now
Nice!!!
Hoping you can do more bike videos in this outfit show full front and backsides of yourself in this. So many bikers have resorted to Kevlar and less of the historical biker look
Cool video!!
Very rare nice bie😊
Thanks ! Also worth mentioning insurance on these is extremely cheap
Great engine, I've got a VS700 👍
I remember going to look at a second hand VX800 about 30 years ago; I can't remember why I didn't buy it.
I'm in the Isle of man and have a Guzzi V7, a Yamaha MT-09 and a Beta Alp.
Great selection of bikes ! Envious of your V7, I have a VFR800 and now the VX800
I remember why I didn't buy one after a test ride. It handled really bad, long wheelbase and the rake of the forks made it not want to turn, then it would flop. Terrible in traffic. Looked good. Think they sold six of em.
Suzuki developed a v twin? 🤯🤯🤯🔥🔥
@@theraildynasty_ don't forget the tl1000
@chrisstephens6194 which bike is that?
Don't forget the suzuki Vstrom 🙂
@@theraildynasty_ Anthony Gobert Bimota wsbk Australia
Many Suzuki V twins including several cruisers in 1990s. One was 1400cc with shaft drive and water cooled. Recently the C50T, C90T and the big 1800cc V twin. Yes Suzuki makes great twins!
I had one. It was a solid decently comfortable bike. Toured mine around the Southwest U.S. a few times. The downsides? It was a bitch to tune up. Valves adjusts and carb syncs were horrible to do, worse of any bike I'd ever owned, including my '87 VFR. In the US, they messed with the gearing. First was too high, fifth was too low. I still would have another
Yeah apparently the carb for each cylinder is different, not sure why you would have 2 different type of carbs on one bike but guess it's just character
@@CharliesBikerTales One was a down draft, the other a side draft. Suzuki wanted a narrow bike, so everything was squeezed in tightly. Also had a vacuum operated fuel pump for the upper carburetor. On one trip, the VX started running on one cylinder. Limped into a gas station, The ancient decrepit owner came tottering out. He said he'd take a look at it. Turns out he was a factory trained Suzuki mechanic
Great solid bike,(and shaft drive) did you get it at a good price (or pay though the nose)
You can pick these up for a great price now. Also insurance is ridiculously cheap, would be great for younger/new riders