Suzuki Volusia VL800K3 Review

Overall Rating

Light weight for a big bike
Value for the money
Two-up riding comfort
Great handling
Lots of accessories available
Good power
Fuel economy
Reliability
Beautiful looks
Comfortable for long rides

Doesn't like cold weather

I'm 39 years old and this Suzuki Volusia VL800K3 is my first motorcycle ever. For me, the Volusia has been a fabulous first bike. Yes, it's big (physically larger than a Harley Fat Boy or Road King!), but it's light for its size (lighter than the much smaller Harley Sportster). She also carries her weight very low, so she's easy to handle. After 9,000 miles, I still have not dropped her.

The 805cc V-twin engine has good power without being overly powerful - it's a very forgiving bike and will not bite you if you inadvertently twist the throttle open too much. The same can be said of the brakes - no way you'll throw yourself over the handlebars if you grab too much in a panic.

This V-Twin has an offset crankshaft rather than the common-pin crankshaft typical of Harley V-twins. As a result, the Volusia's engine is very smooth-revving and lacks the lumpy idle of a Harley. It sounds and feels nothing like a Harley, which can be either a good or bad thing depending on your perspective.

For a cruiser, the Volusia has good cornering clearance. I've yet to drag a peg in the corners. Handling is easy, neutral, and predictable.

It's a very comfortable bike to ride two-up, particularly with a tall sissybar/backrest installed. The long wheelbase means you and your passenger won't be squished together. The bike has plenty of power to handle two-up riding.

There is a plethora of accessories and luggage available for this bike. I've got fairly large saddlebags on mine, which greatly extend her utility.

The only minor detail I've found to complain about is that she is not fond of cold weather. This is well-known to be a very "cold-blooded" bike, and she runs a bit rough and really likes the choke when the temperature is in the 40's or lower. Not really a problem, just a minor inconvenience that in no way detracts from the desireability or enjoyment of the bike.

In 2005, Suzuki renamed their entire cruiser line. The Volusia is now called the Boulevard C50; the only differences being a few cosmetic changes as the addition of fuel-injection and floorboards.

All in all, this is a fantastic motorcycle that presents a tremendous value for the money. It's a bike that a beginner will find friendly and forgiving if you can handle the size and weight. It's also a bike that you won't "outgrow" any time soon. I have no intention or desire to "move up" to a larger bike, because all it would gain me is more weight, which I don't want, and more power, which I don't need.

Members' Comments ondalan's Review

• biker4 on 30th Aug 2005

  I can't agree with regards to obtaining accessories for this bike, after buying this last October I tried to buy the chrome fender guards front & rear and these were no longer available along with the large screen,spot lamps and a few other parts. The parts that are available are very expensive, cheaper elsewhere. I do agree with you that the bike is great and good value, out 5 bikes that I have owned this rates as one of the best