Older is better
Written: Dec 05 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good mechanic, excellent ride, stable, long, low.
Cons: Cosmetics need to be changed, pipes, mirrors, etc.
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| cryogre's Full Review: 2000 Suzuki MARAUDER 800 |
I own the original Marauder that came out in 97'. I think they screwed up the new ones, starting with messing around with the pipes on the 98' model. Ever since then they just kept making cosmetic changes that made the bike look worse and worse.
Dont get me wrong, the mechanics of the engine are supurb, as is the throttle response, the ease of maintenence etc, etc. But the look is what matters more than the mechanics at this point.
The new pipes on this bike are the first thing to catch your eye. Of course, they are hideous. First of all, this is supposed to be a classic style bike so why put on pipes that are muffled so much that you cant hear anything. This is the first thing that goes to the trash as soon as you buy it. Aftermarket pipes are a must on this bike, not only for the looks but also for the sound. My 97' got custom cobra pipes put on just 2 weeks after I bought it. Now people truly mistake it for a harley, with its deep rumble and increased hp.
The other problem it the pipe twists on the left side of the motorcycle, it totally blocks the V-twin that looks beautiful w/o the pipes. The 97' didnt have the twists and looked a lot better, suzuki just wanted something different even if it was going to be ugly. If you can get the conversion to 97' pipes, then do it.
one other feature that needs to be replaced is the excessise gear ratio. The front spocket is a 15 standard. When cruising at speed over 45 MPH you are really reving the sucker! You are in 5th gear at 35mph, that is just crazy, not only are you ruining your engine by having to shift so much but also consider the fuel economy if your drive over 45??
A 17 tooth front sprocket will run you only 20 dollars and 20 dollars for the intallation by the mechanic. This will reduce your rpm beautifully and will let you cruise at a relaxing 55 with a nice rumble between your legs, NOT a damn reving like with the 15 tooth. To note, there is not problem with starting off with the 17 tooth sprocket, you can just hold 1st gear a little longer, and there are no changes on the mph gauge since speed is read using the front tire which isnt connected to any gears.
This bike was a beauty in 97' but needs work as a 2000. The engine is good and the ride is excellent. Its one of the longest bikes out there. When I pull in to lots filled with bikes, my 97' maruader is still the longest. The only longer ones that I have seen are the V-max 1500, a huge bike. No others are longer or more stable than the VZ800 (maruader.)
At least Suzuki didnt screw up the mechanics for this bike, only the cosmetics.
I'd buy it, but it needs add-on's.
Good riding!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
cryogre
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 1 member
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