Positioning:
The VX800 was Suzuki's foray into the middleweight V-twin cruiser market, designed to offer a comfortable, stylish, and accessible riding experience with a distinctive engine character.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Honda Shadow series, Yamaha Virago, and Kawasaki Vulcan in the early 1990s cruiser segment. Its V-twin engine and styling offered an alternative to the V-twins from other Japanese manufacturers.
Engine Configuration:
Liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin engine known for its smooth power delivery and torque.
Styling:
Classic cruiser styling with a teardrop fuel tank, comfortable seating position, and chrome accents.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, providing low maintenance compared to chain-driven motorcycles.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanism, transmission disassembly and reassembly, maintenance, troubleshooting.
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, front fork (suspension) overhaul, rear shock absorber servicing, wheel and tire maintenance, bearing replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, service, and repair; hydraulic system bleeding; pad and rotor replacement; caliper servicing.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery servicing, charging system (alternator/stator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals), ignition system components, instrument cluster, switches, fuses, relays.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service and adjustment (likely twin Mikuni CV carbs), fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel lines.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, fairings, seat, tank, fenders, trim components.
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment, brake fluid changes, coolant checks, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, electrical, and chassis issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension fork rebuild, brake caliper overhaul.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
V-Twin, 4-stroke
Displacement:
796 cc (48.6 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 70.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (often referred to as 4 valves total, 2 per cylinder for this era's V-twins, but a detailed check of the manual would confirm specific configuration like 4 valves total for the V-twin).
Compression Ratio:
9.3:1 (Typical, exact spec in manual)
Horsepower:
Approximately 65-70 HP (at crankshaft, exact spec in manual)
Torque:
Approximately 50-55 lb-ft (at crankshaft, exact spec in manual)
Carburetion:
Twin Mikuni B26 or similar constant velocity carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 13 Liters (3.4 US gal)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 Liters with filter change (exact spec in manual)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Length:
Approximately 2275 mm (89.6 in)
Width:
Approximately 815 mm (32.1 in)
Height:
Approximately 1170 mm (46.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1595 mm (62.8 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 210 kg (463 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 224 kg (494 lbs) (with all fluids)
Max Load Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific rider and luggage capacity.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is primarily assessed through design and handling characteristics, not standardized crash tests as with cars.)
Braking System:
Front disc brake, Rear drum brake (some later models or specific markets may have offered rear disc). Specifics confirmed in manual.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel frame, designed for stability and rider comfort.
Infotainment System:
N/A (This model predates modern infotainment systems. Features would be basic analog gauges and lighting.)
ABS:
Not available on stock 1990-1993 models.
Connectivity Features:
N/A
Gauge Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, neutral indicator, high-beam indicator, turn signal indicators.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical, confirm in manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 8,000-10,000 km (typical, confirm in manual).
Chain Adjustment:
Check and adjust every 2,000 km or as needed (N/A for VX800 due to shaft drive).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000-16,000 km (typical, confirm in manual).
Engine Oil Type:
Suzuki recommends SAE 10W-40 API SF or SG, JASO MA. (Confirm viscosity and API rating in manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, fork seals, wheel bearings, rear shock absorber bushings can be wear items depending on mileage and maintenance.
Potential Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors may require periodic cleaning and synchronization due to age and potential fuel deposits.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring connectors, grounds, and switches can occur.
Manufacturer History:
Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Minami-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan, specializing in manufacturing automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, outboard marine engines, and a variety of other small internal combustion engines.
Vx800 Development:
The VX800 was introduced as part of Suzuki's effort to expand its cruiser offerings. It aimed to provide a unique V-twin experience with a focus on accessible performance and reliable shaft drive.
Production Years:
1990-1997 (Globally, with variations by market. This manual specifically covers 1990-1993.)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (typically)
