2001 Suzuki VZ800 Marauder from United States of America

Summary:

Excellent bike when everything is in tune

Faults:

The starting relay is a terrible design. I decided to bypass it. The tank was full of water (previous owner?). I had to have the tank and carbs cleaned. All seemed like general maintenance for a 15 year old bike that had been sitting.

General Comments:

Fun to ride! Very comfortable to ride. Feels more like a cruiser than my old Shadow.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2016

2001 Suzuki VZ800 Marauder from United States of America

Summary:

Can't trust it

Faults:

I continually fight to start this motorcycle. After a recent fix from the Suzuki dealer following the winter it was fine. BUT as I feared, after 5 days, it wouldn't start up again. Forums and blogs and tons of advice still doesn't help. Even the owners clubs recommend bypassing the starting relays to aid in starting. Is this really a smart design? I'm not into paying money to work and pay more money, and I can't recommend others do this either. The electrics kill it for me and the simple matter is, it can't provide me the ability to stay on the road.

General Comments:

For the FEW days I was able to ride this "bike" it was great. Everything easy to use and it's exceptionally comfortable. It was very easy to ride all day. It's lighter, more maneuverable, powerful, and unique than the Yamaha V star/Honda Shadow competitors in its class.

Mine in particular was garage kept for years and refurbished for use last year. Immaculate condition. Everything was great until the temperatures dipped below 50 degrees.

This bike just can't hack mildly cold temperatures. Close to freezing, you may as well forget it. After this past year of continual headaches with starting issues, I regret not buying either the Yamaha or Honda. My friend started his V-Star up with ease and has been out on the road leaving me yelling some choice words for my decision.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th April, 2016

17th Jun 2019, 12:24

I have been riding mine in colder temps; Fall in Alberta can be cold. I have had some problems recently with the carbs, but that's due to wear and tear.

I'm surprised you've had this kind of trouble, but I feel confident saying it was probably that specific bike and not a model issue.

2001 Suzuki VZ800 Marauder from United States of America

Summary:

A unique looking ride that comes alive with a few aftermarket changes

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Bought for my wife. Handsome bike. Possibly a bit too much chrome, but it does offset the blue color well.

Bike has some excellent aftermarket mods; Vance & Hines pipes, rejet of carbs, head polish and aftermarket air cleaner and a Corbin seat.

I do have to say that this bike is not blinding fast, but will run with my '06 1200 sporty and actually pulls harder in the higher rpms. Performance really surprised some of my HD faithful buddies. It is a unique looking, quick ride. Very low maintenance.

I like riding it to work better than my sporty. More agile in traffic, and the Corbin seat is mucho comforto, even on longer rides. Heck, thinking of offing the sporty to buy a new M 50. Suzuki is on to something here.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2008

17th Apr 2016, 19:51

Good afternoon. I would like to know what size jets or jet kit did you use on the carbs? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much, Mike Garcia.

2001 Suzuki VZ800 Marauder from United States of America

Summary:

A true joy to own and ride

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A fun and easy bike to ride.

The stock seat needs to be replaced with an after market or Suzuki gel seat if it can still be found for long rides.

I have owned this bike for seven years now, and it is solid as a rock to this day. My wife and I ride this bike around 2000 miles every year, and we have had some great times with it.

In seven years of ownership I have had no issues with it, start it and ride. The only maintenance that has been performed is routine oil, tires, chain lube, and batteries.

This bike only weighs 450 pounds dry, so power to weight is very good. The light weight and low seat makes handling good and easy on beginning riders.

I would change the front sprocket from the stock 15 tooth to a 16 or 17 tooth. You can do this for cheap, and still retain the stock chain and back sprocket. The results on the road is a small loss of starting power, but the 805cc mill is far less busy at 65 to 75 miles per hour.

Bottom line, I may own another bike, but I will keep this bike until me or it dies.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2008

14th May 2016, 02:54

No, there are faults.

1. Carbs are hard to work on and labor intensive to synchronize, so that shows up negatively on any invoice you get when bringing it in.

2. They are a small / short man's bike; if you're 6' tall, forget it.

3. Crank pin is not strong, and you can break it if you rev it high and ride it hard.

4. Not really much room for windshield or saddle bags; again, bike is low end, small, a step up from a 250cc beginner bike.

5. Poor resale value, chain drive, not very fast for an 800cc.