Well I am a proud owner of a 2003 VZ800 Marauder. I had been looking for bikes online for about 3 months, and looked at over 300 bikes. I was going to get a Yamaha V-Star Custom 1100, but there was some confusion at the dealer, and they did not have it when they told me they did. So, I was ready for a bike right then and there. I started looking around, and stumbled across this beautiful bike. I had never heard of the Marauder before. But, this bike was full of class. I started asking the salesman about it, and it was right in my price range. I told him to pack it up, and get me going. Just so you know, I like this bike better than the Yamaha I was going to buy, " thank God they did not have the bike on the truck."
Now, this bike was used, but it only had 750 miles on it. I was really wanting a new bike, but I figured it takes 500 miles to brake in the motor anyways, so this one is still a puppy. It had the sissy bar already on it, which was nice, those are about 200.00.
So, since I did not know too much about this bike, I went online and read all about it. I have to admit, many of the things people where talking about were right on the money, but here is my take. The bike is a great ride, and the seat is very comfortable. I have taken some long trips," like 2 or 3 hour trips," and it was perfectly fine. They must have fixed the whole seat problem from earlier years. I have noticed that the bike needs a 6th gear. Everytime I am riding it, I keep going for the 6th that is not there. That kind of bums me out. The other thing that bothers me is the hard shifting. Everytime I shift down to first, or up from first, it is a very hard shift. I have been riding bikes for 18 years, and this is one of the hardest sounding shifts. Other than that, this bike rules. I have people asking about it everywhere I go. Everyone comments on all the chrome, and most do not know what type of bike it is. This bike is full of speed too. I can rip up through the gears and be going a 100 mph in seconds. This bike can cruise at 70 no problem, but anything over that and it is not going to be that comfortable.
I am currently working on taking out my baffles. I read online that it is pretty easy. So, that is my next big project. I like a little roar, and this bike is very quite. I would say if you do not have 15000 to spend on a bike, but you want one that is quality and class, then I would suggest this one. It is the best buy for the money.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 5895
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2003