Ever looked at your Suzuki VZ800 and wondered how to turn your motorcycle into a true reflection of your personality? Customizing the VZ800 isn’t just about style—it’s about creating a more comfortable, personalized ride that stands out from the crowd.
Whether you’re after performance upgrades or a fresh look, knowing how to customize your Suzuki VZ800 can make all the difference. In this article, you’ll find clear steps, practical tips, and key insights to guide your custom journey.
Related Video
How to Customise Your Suzuki VZ800: A Complete Guide
Looking to turn your Suzuki VZ800 (Marauder) into the custom ride of your dreams? Whether you’re aiming for head-turning looks, enhanced performance, or a comfortable cruiser fitted just for you, customising your VZ800 can be a rewarding project. Here’s everything you need to know to start, plan, and execute a successful Suzuki VZ800 customisation.
Why Customise the Suzuki VZ800?
Customising a Suzuki VZ800 is more than just a hobby—it’s an opportunity to express your personality and tailor your bike to your lifestyle. Here’s why VZ800 owners often choose to customise:
- Unique Style: Stand out from the crowd with a bike that looks like no other.
- Comfort: Modify your seat, handlebars, or foot pegs to fit your body perfectly.
- Performance Upgrades: Install parts that improve speed, handling, or sound.
- Utility: Add luggage, lighting, or accessories for practical riding.
- Resale Value: Well-executed custom work can increase your bike’s value to enthusiasts.
The Building Blocks of a Suzuki VZ800 Custom
Customising your Marauder can range from small personal touches to full-blown transformations. Here are key areas to focus on:
1. Styling
- Paint and Graphics: Custom paint jobs, graphics, or pinstriping add visual impact.
- Seats and Upholstery: Swap the factory seat for a solo, custom-stitched, or gel-padded option.
- Fenders: Shortened, chopped, or aftermarket fenders change the bike’s silhouette.
- Lighting: Swap stock headlamps and indicators for LEDs or vintage-style bulbs.
- Mirrors and Grips: Round, rectangular, bar-end, or chrome styles can refresh your cockpit.
2. Performance Upgrades
- Exhaust Systems: Aftermarket pipes add a throaty growl and improve flow.
- Air Intakes: Custom filters or velocity stacks boost throttle response.
- Suspension: Improved shocks and fork springs sharpen handling and ride comfort.
- Brakes: Steel braided lines and larger rotors for improved safety and stopping power.
3. Accessories and Tech
- Windshields: Small flyscreens or full touring shields for comfort.
- Crash Bars: Protect your investment and offer a platform for highway pegs.
- Luggage: Saddlebags, sissy bars, or racks for longer trips.
- Electronic Upgrades: Digital gauges, Bluetooth speakers, or upgraded horn.
4. Wheel and Tire Choices
- Wheels: Swap for spoked rims or larger alloys.
- Tires: Choose whitewalls, fat rear tires, or performance-oriented rubber for a visual and handling upgrade.
Step-by-Step: How to Customise Your Suzuki VZ800
Step 1: Set Your Vision
Before purchasing parts, clarify your goal. Do you want a bobber, café racer, chopper, bagger, or a subtle custom? Look at inspiration galleries, bike shows, and builder websites to find a style that speaks to you.
Step 2: Budget and Plan
Custom work can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your ambitions. Consider:
- What you can do yourself vs. what requires a professional.
- The cost of parts, tools, and services.
- Hidden costs like repainting, electrical work, or shipping for rare parts.
Step 3: Source Parts
Popular places to shop for VZ800 custom parts and accessories include:
- Motorcycle parts retailers and accessory shops.
- Specialist custom shops with experience in Suzuki cruisers.
- Used markets for rare or vintage-style components.
- Aftermarket brands offering bolt-on compatibility.
When sourcing from abroad or specialised shops, factor in shipping costs, import taxes, and expected delivery times.
Step 4: Tackle the Upgrades
Break your build into manageable phases:
- Disassembly: Carefully remove original parts, labeling and bagging hardware.
- Fit and Test: Dry-fit each new part before final installation.
- Customization: Paintwork, cutting, or welding are best left to experienced hands.
- Assembly: Install aftermarket pieces, routing cables and wiring cleanly.
- Safety Check: Inspect fasteners, clearances, and mechanical integrity before riding.
Step 5: Documentation and Legalities
In some regions, radical modifications may affect your bike’s road legality. Consider:
- Keeping receipts and documentation for all parts.
- Checking local laws about lighting, exhaust noise, and structural changes.
- Inform your insurance company about significant modifications.
Benefits of Customising Your VZ800
- Personal Expression: Your VZ800 becomes an extension of your identity.
- Fit and Comfort: Tailoring bars, seat, and pegs to your size can drastically improve long-ride comfort.
- Enhanced Performance: Upgrades unlock your cruiser’s hidden strengths.
- Pride of Ownership: There’s no satisfaction quite like building your own unique machine.
Challenges and Pitfalls to Avoid
Customising isn’t without its hurdles. Be mindful of:
- Overestimating Skill: Some tasks, like rewiring or fabrication, demand experience.
- Part Compatibility: Double-check that aftermarket parts fit the VZ800 without major modification.
- Budget Blowout: Costs can spiral with unexpected hurdles or high shipping charges.
- Downtime: Your bike may be off the road for weeks during the process.
Practical Tips and Advice
- Start Small: If new to customising, begin with bolt-on parts like grips, mirrors, or exhaust tips.
- Keep Original Parts: Save stock components in case you want to revert changes or sell in future.
- Network: Join rider forums or local clubs for advice, troubleshooting, and inspiration.
- Professional Help: For major work (paint, welding, engine tuning), hire skilled professionals.
- Test Ride: After each stage, take your bike for a short ride to ensure everything works as intended.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Customising your VZ800 doesn’t have to break the bank. Try these approaches:
- Buy Used: Second-hand custom parts can be a fraction of the new price.
- Group Shipping: Order multiple parts at once to save on shipping charges.
- DIY Labor: Tackle tasks yourself where possible, but don’t skimp on safety-critical work.
- Seasonal Deals: Watch for discounts during off-peak seasons.
- Local Suppliers: Sourcing locally helps avoid high international shipping and customs fees.
Wrapping Up
Transforming your Suzuki VZ800 into a custom cruiser is an adventure in creativity, mechanics, and self-expression. With thoughtful planning, smart sourcing, and a patient approach, you’ll create a bike that’s as unique as you are—combining head-turning style, practicality, and pride of craftsmanship.
Remember: The journey of customisation is as rewarding as the final result. Take your time, enjoy the process, and ride safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most popular custom mods for the Suzuki VZ800?
Popular mods include new exhaust systems for a deep sound, aftermarket seats for comfort, upgraded lighting, and cosmetic changes like custom paint jobs and different handlebars.
2. Do custom parts from other Suzuki models fit the VZ800?
Some parts from similar Suzuki cruisers may fit with little modification, but always confirm compatibility to avoid costly mistakes.
3. How much does a typical Suzuki VZ800 custom project cost?
Basic bolt-on custom jobs can start from a few hundred dollars. Full makeovers, including major fabrication and paint, can run several thousand dollars or more.
4. Will customising affect my bike’s warranty or insurance?
Major modifications can void the warranty and may require you to update your insurance policy. Always check with your provider before making significant changes.
5. Is it difficult to revert the VZ800 back to stock after customising?
If you keep your original parts and avoid permanent alterations (like cutting the frame), returning to stock is generally straightforward.
With patience, creativity, and the right guidance, customising your Suzuki VZ800 can be immensely satisfying. Happy building—and enjoy the ride!