2001 Suzuki Intruder Volusia 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

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

No doubt that this is a great bike and like most Suzuki's, a great value. An awesome bike for cruising at 55-60 on a two lane highway or even a twisty type mountain road. I have a windshield but basically a stock bike. Problem, if there is a problem, is on the freeway. Is a 450 pound bike enough? I commute 35 miles one way from the mountains into downtown Denver each day. The fifteen miles of freeway are definitely the not so fun part of a fun trip. Plenty of throttle response, that's not the problem, want to go 80? just go. No, the problem is that at 65-70 on the freeway you feel like you're on a bicycle, being blown around and not feeling real solid on the ground. I don't think that's the Intruder's fault, just having a bike that's not heavy enough. So, do you move up to a Volusia? Probably not, same V-twin engine but another 100 pounds, not enough umph for the mountains. Go up to an Intruder 1400, now a Boulevard 90? Maybe, but now you're over 600 pounds and getting up there like one of those overpriced Harleys - and they aren't known as "hogs" for nothing. So, like the rest of life, you make tradeoffs, try to avoid the freeway and utilize the bike where its strengths lie, and that's in almost every other area. Any further thoughts on the right bike for both nimble cruising plus solid freeway feel? I'd like to hear them. Thanks, M Jones 5-3-2006. Show less

I bought my Intruder used with only 10,000 kms. And let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, I would buy another one of these again before I'd buy a Harley. Not that Harley's are bad, just overpriced. You can't buy a more dependable motorcycle for your money anywhere... A real LOOKER. Way to go SUZUKI. Show less

I've owned this bike for 18 months, time to move up to an out an out sports bike, but this Intruder has been a GREAT bike after 25 years without. A handle like a dream, looks like a Harley, but is maintenance free. Dependable as they get, ALWAYS a smile when I ride. Show less

Wanted a big cruiser to do some road traveling. Looked forever, it's really strange because every review I see says the same thing "when I sat on it I knew". It's true. It handles, for a 1500cc bike, like a dream. The under the seat gas tank may be a bit small but the weight dispersion really helps the control. Have gotten the typical feedback from the Harley guys but after talking with them about, looks, price and comfort, power and dependability. They don't have much else to say. I also like to tell them that their front end came from Japan and don't a lot of the Harley guys wore German helmets? Just having a little fun because to me it really is all about the ride. To finish up as one reviewer said, "the Intruder seems to be a truly well kept secret". Show less

This bike is number 38 for me, the 1500 intruder is not as smooth as the bike it replaces the 1500 Drifter the LC has more vibrations at highway speeds also the transmission is a little clunky; however I have had no problems with it. The LC fits me better than the Drifter probably because I am 6'-3" the LC also handles a lot better than the Drifter. Overall I would buy this bike again. Show less

I have the 2002 Volusia and am very pleased wih it. It has plenty of power. More than enough to keep up with my friends riding thier tuned Harleys. Vibration is nill. Looks are awesome. Brakes are very strong - I usually only use 1 finger on the front brake lever. I switched the gear shifter to a heel-toe unit, which was a little pricey, but is worth it. The bike holds a very staright line, even when 18 wheelers are passing by in the opposite direction. Turning radius is big due to overall length of the bike. You sit low on the bike - which I like. Another thing I like is that this bike is physically large - larger than most Harley's I park beside. It draws a lot of looks. Exhaust sound is pleasant and not too loud. Regardless of money, it is a great bike. I am very impressed by it and by Suzuki's standards. Show less

I purchased my motorcycle in july of 2002. I went in looking for another brand until the sales person showed me the Intruder 1500. This is my first bike and it was love at first sight. I am glad the sales person showed this model. It has been great riding every since. I would tell anyone this is the bike to ride. I haven't had any problems with it since I had it. Well I must say there was one big problem I had ( Not enough time to ride.) As long as there is no snow or ice on the groung I will ride and enjoy my intruder. This is one the best purchases I made. Show less

Bought it last May. It's the caddilac of motorcycles. It's got the softtail frame. Wrenching this bike is the best. You dont have to add three thousand dollars worth of parts to make it right,the extras come on it. Show less