
SACHS 800 (2000 - 2004) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 57 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (30.3 in / 770 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (461 lbs / 209 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Sachs boasts gorgeous design with excellent build quality and ought to be better than it is. It seems a bit busy, trying to be part roadster, part sportsbike, part cruiser and the result is a slightly disappointing, split-personality that doesn’t really deliver on any level. You can have fun and it’ll make you smile… But it’s unlikely to ever have you screaming into your crash helmet for more.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe handling’s pretty good, with wide bars, and it’s easy to tip in to corners. Push it harder and you’ll soon feel it’s weight, however. The brakes are fantastic and have loads of feel and the gearbox is good. It’s vibey through the bars and pegs at higher speeds whilst the suspension’s good, rather than great.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe V-twin engine’s a Suzuki number (it’s used to power their VL800 Intruder) and it’s very much a cruiser job which doesn’t sit entirely well in the Roadster’s chassis. It has plenty of torque, as you’d expect, low down and in the midrange, but still not quite enough power to match the bike’s flingable leanings.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe Roadster’s built to a high standard but those gold-coloured USD forks do look slightly out of place. The engine’s a tough one, even if it doesn’t suit the bike terribly well, so reliability shouldn’t be a problem. Sachs’ bikes are hand built so precision and care in their construction is paramount. Good.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentHmm… Not that great. It’s funky and different but has a bit of an identity crisis. A roadster that wants to scratch but is held back by an engine which is tuned for cruising: somehow it doesn’t all add up. Either buy a cheaper (and far superior) Suzuki SV650 if you want to throw something around or opt for a dedicated cruiser instead. Find a Sachs Roadster for sale.
Equipment
The big, wide seat houses rider and pillion comfortably and there’s a grabrail at the back. The mirrors work well, as does the headlight. It’s naked as standard but a small screen is a popular modification. The wire-spoked wheels, chrome-housed clocks and shaft drive add appeal.
Specs |
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Engine size | 805cc |
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Engine type | 8v V-twin, 5 gears |
Frame type | Steel spine |
Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
Seat height | 770mm |
Bike weight | 209kg |
Front suspension | None |
Rear suspension | Preload |
Front brake | Twin 320mm discs |
Rear brake | Drum |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 160/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 40 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £93 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
10 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 57 bhp |
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Max torque | 52 ft-lb |
Top speed | 110 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 14.2 secs |
Tank range | 150 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2000: Model launched.
2004: Model discontinued.
Other versions
Roadster 650: Also launched in 2000, this is a 50bhp, single cylinder four stroke, weighing in at a much-sprightlier 164kg.
Owners' reviews for the SACHS 800 (2000 - 2004)
3 owners have reviewed their SACHS 800 (2000 - 2004) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SACHS 800 (2000 - 2004)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
ihave only had this bike 6 months (feb 09 till present aug 09)its got 25000 on the clock. i had to put a new clutch init and no help from the delers (useles) warenty.(jax of york).othr than that it is a comfey ride handels realy well stopers are fantastic.and i have just returned from 2weeks touring the peaks of europe in northen spain with no problems at all.its a good alyear use bike and totaly under rated.
I've had mine for 18 months, so what it isn't the fastest 800cc machine out there but it's totally reliable and very usable. Yeah it does vibrate a bit at higher speeds but I like that, afterall I'm riding a motorcycle not driving a fucking mondeo.
It's July 2007 and I'm surprised no one has commented on this bike to date. I've had mine for nearly 2 years now (it's actually a b-805). It's been totally reliable, has plenty of character, comfy, surprising capable of scratching and always a conversation piece (good not bad!!) Picked mine up for £4400 with 3X custom black paint job, but seen clearance bikes new going for little more than £3200 - now that's a bargain. If you're on a budget and want something a bit different but without the hassle (remember it has a Suzuki engine with sweet gearbox and shaft drive!)try and track one of these down.