Segment:
Mid-size cruiser motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance information.
Competitors:
Honda Shadow series, Yamaha Virago series, Kawasaki Vulcan series of the era.
Unique Selling Points:
Torquey V-twin engine, shaft drive, classic styling, robust build.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers DIY owners to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine Removal/Installation, Crankshaft, Transmission, Balancer, Crankcase, Piston, Cylinder, Cylinder Head, Valves, Cam Chain, Engine Lubrication and Cooling, Oil Pump, Fuel Injection System, Combustion System
Engine Fuel And Ignition:
Fuel System, Fuel Injection System, Carburetor Operation, Pumper Carbs, Ignition System, Magneto Timing, Electronic Ignition, Spark Plugs
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Transmission System, Gearbox, Clutch, Drive Shaft, Rear Wheel System, Spoke Wheels
Electrical System:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Battery/Charging System, Alternator, Starter, Electric Starter, Ignition System, Lights/Meters/Switches, CDI (Capacitor Discharge System), Speed Sensor, Fuel Level Sending Unit
Chassis And Suspension:
Chassis, Frame, Body Panels, Front Wheel and Steering System, Suspension, Front Forks, Rear Wheel System, Wheels & Tires, Steering Bearings, Stabilizer Linkage, Control Arms
Braking System:
Braking System, Disc Brakes, Hydraulic Brakes, Front and Rear Master Cylinder, Rear Brake Pad Service/Replacement
Bodywork And Fittings:
Body & Fixtures, Fenders and Exhaust Pipe, Fuel Tank, Air Box, Seat, Side Panel, Fuel Tank Vent Hose
Maintenance And Tuneup:
Periodic Checks & Adjustments, Tune-Up, Oil Change and Filter, Valve Adjustment, Carburetor Servicing and Tuning, Ignition Timing, Cam Chain Adjustment, Fluid Draining, Brake Bleeding, Charging System Checks, Fuel System Checks, Air Cleaner Maintenance
Repair And Rebuild:
Complete Engine Rebuild, Transmission Repair, Clutch Replacement, Fork Seal Replacement, Starter Repair, Carburetor Rebuild, Fuel Injection System Repair, Brake System Repair, Wheel Bearing Replacement
Troubleshooting:
General Troubleshooting, Poor Engine Performance Diagnosis, Starting Issues, Electrical System Diagnosis, Engine Seizure Diagnosis, Water Damage Troubleshooting
Specialized Procedures:
Engine Break-In, Winter Storage, Stripped Bolt/Screw Repair, Worrying (Removing Stuck Parts), Cam Chain Views, Exploded Views (Carburetors, Starters, Clutches, Forks, Gear Shifters)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and component rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin
Displacement:
797 cc (48.6 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 74.4 mm (3.27 in x 2.93 in)
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Estimated:
Approximately 50-60 HP (specific figures varied slightly by year and region, manual would detail this)
Torque Estimated:
Approximately 45-50 lb-ft (specific figures varied slightly by year and region, manual would detail this)
Fuel Delivery:
Digital Fuel Injection (EFI) or Carbureted depending on specific market/year variant (Manual would clarify this)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Type Recommendation:
Refer to manual for specific Suzuki oil grade (e.g., SAE 10W-40)
Oil Capacity Estimated:
Approx. 3.1 - 3.3 Liters (with filter change)
Oil Change:
Typically every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (Manual will provide precise intervals).
Valve Adjustment:
Often at 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 24,000 km (15,000 miles) intervals (Manual will specify exact intervals).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check/replace as per manual recommendations, typically around 10,000-20,000 km.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific Suzuki oil viscosity (e.g., 10W-40) and API classification.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water (Manual will specify ratio and type).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 recommended (Manual will confirm specific type and DOT rating).
Final Drive Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 GL-5 (Manual will confirm specific Suzuki recommendation).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, fork seals, drive shaft spline lubrication.
Potential Electrical:
Voltage regulator issues (common on many bikes of this era), stator output.
Potential Engine:
Carburetor synchronization issues, potential for oil leaks from seals.
Manufacturer Focus:
Suzuki has a long history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation across various segments including sportbikes, cruisers, and off-road.
Positioning:
The VX800 was positioned as a mid-size cruiser offering a balance of performance and classic styling, competing with Japanese and American V-twin cruisers.
Production Period:
Produced from 1990 to 1993, representing a relatively short but distinct production run.
Key Design Elements:
Characterized by its V-twin engine, shaft drive, and a comfortable riding posture for cruising.
