Suzuki Volusia VL800: Specs, Features, Background, Performance & More

Cruisers have a distinct place in the hearts of all bike enthusiasts. Although they are not designed to race at outrageous speeds, they are loved for the relaxed riding experience they tend to offer. Perfect for long hauls, cruiser motorcycles are all about comfort and head-turning style.

However, with the ever-growing demand for cruisers and an overwhelming variety of choices, choosing the right cruiser for you can be a tough decision. In this article, we bring you the top choice of all cruiser lovers - the Suzuki VL 800 Volusia. With its tall handlebars, low seating, forward foot position, low-end torque engine, and strong suspension and braking system, this Suzuki motorcycle possesses all the ingredients that make this a high-performance and fun ride.

Read on to find the Suzuki VL 800 Volusia specs, features, price, and more on this bike profile!

Suzuki introduced its first heavyweight cruiser to Volusia County, Florida. The bike was named the VL 800 Volusia after the county and was introduced at the 2001 Daytona Bike Week. The massive 805 cc liquid-cooled engine monopolized all the attention because despite looking a bit small for the large frame, it promised immense power. The VL 800 Volusia bikes had a long yet low profile. This sleek body, chrome accents, metallic paint, muted graphics, and thick tube-type wheels made it a huge hit among Suzuki fans.

Initially, the bikes featured a simple carbureted fuel system. But in 2005, two important changes took place. The bikes got a new fuel system and the carburetor was replaced with the contemporary and more efficient programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI). Furthermore, the VL 800 Volusia’s name was changed to the C50 Boulevard. The C50 had the same engineering as the VL 800 Volusia. However, the upgraded fuel system enhanced the combustion efficiency which in turn improved the mileage (mpg).

All Suzuki VL 800 Volusia models (2001 -2004) have a five-speed transmission, a low-maintenance, clean final shaft drive, a multi-plate cable-operated clutch system, dual-stacked slash-cut silencers, modern tech features, and a classic eye turning look.

The 2001 Suzuki VL800 bikes were available in the following eye-catching colors:

• Pearl Novelty Black
• Pearl Novelty Black/Candy Velvety Red
• Pearl Novelty Black/Pearl Glass White
• Metallic Abyss Blue/ Metallic North Blue

The 2002 Suzuki VL800 Volusia bikes featured a lustrous paint in the following colors:

• Silver
• Blue/Black
• Black/Red

The 2003 Suzuki VL800 Volusia models were introduced in the following colors:

• Pearl Novelty Black
• Pearl Frosty White/Metallic Galaxy Silver
• Green/Silvery White

The 2004 Suzuki VL 800 Volusia bikes were available in the following color schemes:

• Pearl Glass White/Metallic Variable Silver
• Pearl Deep Sea Blue/Metallic Flint Gray
• Metallic Barrell Gray (the limited edition variant of 2004 Suzuki VL800 bikes featured this shade).

The Suzuki VL 800 Volusia bikes shared the same technical specifications (details provided infra) since their conception. However, the bikes evolved aesthetically. The minor but distinct features augmented the look of the bikes and resulted in a surge in their demand. Perhaps the consistent creativity from Suzuki has kept these bikes alive even after 18 years of production.

The Suzuki Boulevard VL 800 is a bold cruiser with an eye-catching bobber style, a muscular 805 cc engine, sturdy and smooth double-cradle steel frame, deeply valanced front and rear fenders, stylish Suzuki emblem, bold paint, beefy tires, and chrome studded, cushioned seats. Year after year, the bike has successfully charmed its audience, managing to give many other expensive cruisers a run for their money with its stunning retro looks and advanced performance-oriented technology.

The 41 mm telescopic front fork is oil damped and provides 5.5 inches of wheel travel. The swingarm rear shock has a seven-position adjustable preload and provides 4.1 inches of wheel travel. Other than keeping the bike stable and riders comfortable, the suspension system of the Suzuki VL 800 Volusia serves an aesthetic purpose, too. The front fork has beautiful stainless steel side covers which complement the paint and the rear suspension gives the bike a “hardtail” look.

The VL 800 Volusia cruisers have an elongated fuel tank decorated with satiny paint and a white speedometer face. The fuel tank can hold 4.49 gallons of fuel which allows for long highway trips.

The Suzuki VL 800 Volusia engine is a high-performance motor that features polished chrome covers and profound cylinders. The VL 800 Volusia engine is a four-stroke, liquid-cooled V2 motor with a 3-D mapped digital ignition system and a throttle position sensor to make the supply of low-to-mid-range torque possible. The engine can generate a peak torque of 69 Nm at 350 rpm. The carbureted fuel system ensures a crisp throttle response and high combustion efficiency. The VL 800 Volusia engine emits a signature rumble produced by the offset crankpins and exhaust pipes.

The VL 800 Volusia bikes have a five-speed transmission and closer gear ratios for effortless gear shifts. The multi-plate hydraulic clutch supplies uninterrupted engine power to the transmission system and the final shaft drive supplies power to the rear tire. The front and rear suspension keep the bike stable while the 33° rake and 64.9 inches long wheelbase allow effortless handling and maneuverability.

The VL 800 Volusia bikes feature popular, traditional tube-type wheels that look striking against the frame and augment the retro character of the bike. The 130/90 x 16 front tire and 170/80 x 15 rear tire keeps the bike from slipping when the road is subjected to certain climate conditions.

The hydraulic single 300 mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper and a rear drum brake provide adequate stopping power.

The Suzuki VL 800 Intruder Volusia models were manufactured under this name from 2001 to 2004. These models did not have a fuel injection system and used an efficient carburetor to facilitate fuel combustion. The 2005 and onward models of the VL 800 Intruder Volusia - designated as Suzuki C50 Boulevard - feature a modern fuel injection system.

The 805 cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine of the Suzuki VL 800 Volusia generates a peak horsepower of 52 hp at 6000 rpm and can achieve a top speed of 110 mph.

The Suzuki VL 800 Volusia cruisers are on the heavier side and have a dry weight of 527 lbs.

The Suzuki VL 800 Volusia has a large fuel tank that can hold up to 4.49 gallons of fuel. The bike offers an average fuel mileage of 34.9 mpg.

Yes, Suzuki is still manufacturing the VL 800 Volusia bikes. However, the bikes are rebranded as the C50 Boulevard. The latest 2022 model of these high-performing cruisers are available at the base price of $8,349. If you are looking for an earlier model from the 2001 to 2004 series, then the second-hand markets are your best bet.

The Suzuki VL 800 Volusia is an epic cruiser and has the most timeless technical specifications. The latest 2022 models are based on the same engineering concept first introduced in 2001. They feature the same 805 cc V-twin engine, five-speed transmission, a low-maintenance drive shaft, reliable suspensions, and brakes. As far as comfort and riding ergonomics are concerned, this bike is designed for at least three to four hours of non-stop cruising. Hence, no pain, only gain. The old-school bobber styling of the bike is still relevant today. Not to forget it was competitively priced at $6,599. You can surely buy it for an even smaller price if you search the used market. In view of the foregoing, it is a great bike. But we recommend that you rent it first and then make a purchase.

The Suzuki VL 800 Volusia is an excellent cruiser and the perfect blend of the latest technology and vintage styling. The bike has a powerful engine that produces a low-end to mid-range torque required for long hauls. The large fuel tank holds enough fuel to support long-distance trips to unexplored scenic camping sites without frequent breaks and unexpected stops in the middle of nowhere. Robust suspensions allow you to travel on uneven roads and will brake reliably if you are riding at maximum highway speed. The only problem is the absence of travel-friendly accessories.

Though the bike is designed for urban environments and interstates, it lacks the basic essentials required to make a successful trip outside the city.

The positive is that the bike is add-on friendly and you can mount or remove aftermarket parts and touring amenities whenever you like. Top on the list is a pair of waterproof, leather saddlebags. The saddlebags are excellent motorcycle luggage carriers and will keep your luggage safe as you race down the beautiful roads.

The VL 800 Volusia bikes were built in the years 2001 to 2004. Therefore, if you already own a Volusia bike, it is likely old. If you make a fresh purchase, even then the bike would be old. Therefore, the rider and passenger seats are not going to be as firm and comfortable as you would like them to be. Replace those worn-out and sagged seats with new, plush ones. A large selection of rider and passenger seats and backrests are available online. Not only will they provide riding comfort but they will also enhance the look of your cruiser. For better back support, install sissy bars so that your significant other or passenger can relax and enjoy the view. If you only want to change the style of your cruiser, the modification options include custom handlebars, fairings, and crash bars.