Suzuki VX-800

[greatmaul]

Yeehaw! I just put a deposit on a nice looking and running older ('92) and high mileage (50k) VX-800. I know, it's a lot of miles, but from what I read up on it before I pulled the trigger, they are long lived, up to 100k+ or so, and it looks in very good shape. The price was right ($950) and the bike is beautiful. I can't wait to get a windshield on it and start riding it daily.


http://s15.postimage.org/8uuldiphj/vx800.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/8uuldiphj/)

Oh and yeah, another downside is that it's a little known and therefore little supported bike. The engine Suzuki borrowed from the 750 Interceptor, and stroked it out a bit, I think. Funny to go from a little supported bike like the GZ, to an even more poorly supported bike.

Keeping the GZ, of course. I still love the bike, and some day my wife will take some lessons and maybe start riding too.

[Water Warrior 2]

Nice looking bike you got there. For some info and support you should go to: http://www.motorcycleforums.net
: www.VolusiaRiders.com (http://www.VolusiaRiders.com)
Both of those forums are quite good with friendly folks who have a lot of experience and knowledge.

[greatmaul]

Nice looking bike you got there. For some info and support you should go to: http://www.motorcycleforums.net
: http://www.VolusiaRiders.com
Both of those forums are quite good with friendly folks who have a lot of experience and knowledge.

Oh, hey, thank you so much for those links! I had no idea that the VX shared any lineage with any current bikes so that helps a lot.

Picked up the bike today, and it was pouring rain and dark, so, not the best circumstances to try out a new bike. So far, I've noticed that the GZ250 is much much lighter, and easier to handle, and more fun and easier and more nimble in town.

The VX has power, though, and I'm not really used to that. I was going about 60, and just to see what would happen, I twisted the throttle. The bike pulled forward very strong and accellerated well. With the GZ, I'm used to 60 being about as fast as I'm going to get.

Have to get used to it, I guess. I just like the GZ so much better, but I got this other one for freeway commuting, so once I get my windshield, I'll see how that goes.

[mrlmd1]

I had the same experience when I moved up to the Suzuki S50. The bike is a little heavier but the power leap and acceleration is incredible. You have to get used to it, don't need it all the time, but nice to have when you do. Start out slow and don't be a smartass with the bike, it'll treat you well if you do. Remember, practice, practice,practice some more. Isn't it nice to have fun?

[greatmaul]

I had the same experience when I moved up to the Suzuki S50. The bike is a little heavier but the power leap and acceleration is incredible. You have to get used to it, don't need it all the time, but nice to have when you do. Start out slow and don't be a smartass with the bike, it'll treat you well if you do. Remember, practice, practice,practice some more. Isn't it nice to have fun?

Good to know that it isn't just me. I think the weight of the bike and the power freaked me out a little and I was having buyer's remorse. I'll just give it some time and once I take a few runs to work and back with a shield, I'm sure I'll love it.

It will take a lot of practice, but like you said, practicing riding a motorcycle is practically the definition of fun! :)))

[Water Warrior 2]

Lynda moved up to the M-50 and was nearly overwhelmed by the bulk and heft of the bike initially. Different bars that made for a shorter reach and more leverage helped a lot. By the end of her first season on the M she was very confident and willing to ride anywhere in almost any conditions.
Sadly though is the fact that getting older is preventing her from riding with any pleasure and the bike is likely going up for sale soon.
If any members want to upgrade in the GWN give us a shout.

[greatmaul]

Lynda moved up to the M-50 and was nearly overwhelmed by the bulk and heft of the bike initially. Different bars that made for a shorter reach and more leverage helped a lot. By the end of her first season on the M she was very confident and willing to ride anywhere in almost any conditions.
Sadly though is the fact that getting older is preventing her from riding with any pleasure and the bike is likely going up for sale soon.
If any members want to upgrade in the GWN give us a shout.

I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds like she's a great rider with a lot of experience that really enjoys motorcycling. Do you think maybe if she switched back to a smaller bike like the GZ she could still be able to enjoy riding? It does seem a lot easier to handle, and with the right equipment, a pretty comfortable ride.

[Water Warrior 2]

Lynda moved up to the M-50 and was nearly overwhelmed by the bulk and heft of the bike initially. Different bars that made for a shorter reach and more leverage helped a lot. By the end of her first season on the M she was very confident and willing to ride anywhere in almost any conditions.
Sadly though is the fact that getting older is preventing her from riding with any pleasure and the bike is likely going up for sale soon.
If any members want to upgrade in the GWN give us a shout.

I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds like she's a great rider with a lot of experience that really enjoys motorcycling. Do you think maybe if she switched back to a smaller bike like the GZ she could still be able to enjoy riding? It does seem a lot easier to handle, and with the right equipment, a pretty comfortable ride.
Lynda has a lot of hand and shoulder problems that leave her in a painful situation 99% of the time. She has been seeing a very capable specialist who is amazed at her tolerance for the condition and ability to still function as well as she does. Any meds that have been really effective have had some startling side effects and she had to stop.
As for another smaller bike Lynda probably would say no as her real pleasure is long distance rides with a bigger bike such as the M-50. She has a passion for endless curves and distant horizons which many riders never get. A one hour ride for coffee doesn't do it for her as it did when she first started riding. Prior to her GZ coming to a new home in 2006 Lynda spent a year as a passenger on the Vstrom with no other 2 wheeled experience other than a bicycle.