Perhaps a little biased, but...
Written: Nov 24 '01
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Pros: Style, power, handling...
Cons: Doesn't like to ride easy, rough shifter...
The Bottom Line: The 2001 Suzuki Marauder is a solid bike with nice power and a great ride. Vrooom!
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| jabenfield's Full Review: 2000 Suzuki MARAUDER 800 |
I must disclose my biased position towards this motorcycle prior to your reading my comments. The 2001 Suzuki Marauder that I purchased this summer was not only my first real bike, but also my first new vehicle - ever.
Please read this review in light of that which I have just shared. I will, however, do my very best to keep the sensationalism to a minimum.
I actually bought this bike on sheer looks. I was a very poor consumer (bad Jay, bad bad Jay), who acted incredibly foolishly. Fortunately, in this case it worked out. I was very attracted to the style of this bike. I didn't want a sportbike and I didn't want something altogether traditional. The Marauder was a nice blend of cruiser, classic and sport. Being male, I was of course attracted to the excessive chrome. I also liked the straight handle bars.
As I previously mentioned, I was a poor consumer. So poor in fact that the first time that I had an opportunity to ride the Marauder was after I handed my local Suzuki dealer a $6000 check. The first thing that I noticed on my maiden voyage was that the footpegs were a bit more forward than I would have liked. In retrospect, I attribute this to my inexperience as a rider. I had only actually driven a handful of motorcycles in my lifetime. Once used to the footpegs, I made it home just fine.
I put about 1000 miles on the bike in the first few weeks of ownership. The footpegs became a non-issue. In the first thousand miles I found the saddle quite comfortable, the bike very responsive and surprisingly nimble. Ok, I'll cut the chase: she moves. That's really why you're reading this anyway, right? Regardless of what gear I found myself, the bike was always right there. It is a very snappy accelerator (borderline violent - no hesitation, no smooth wind up, just pow).
My wife would ride with me from time to time (she is very small, 5'3" 115) and would have to make me pull over in 30 minute intervals due to discomfort. The passenger "seat" if you can call it that is similar to a brick. It's very small. I found the ride to be pretty nice and really don't have any real grievances. For the record, I'm 6'4" 210 - not a wee lad. Although I did my best to avoid the highways it did very well when I had no other choice.
I have two minor irritations that I will share with you. First, it prefers a fast 0-60 than a 25 mph jaunt through town. It is quite jerky and difficult to maintain speed - without feeling like you are breaking the bike's spirit. My second irritation is that it doesn't shift altogether too smoothly. Instead it really clunks into gear, sometimes feeling like your attempting to shift without depressing the clutch.
Overall, I love this bike. Due to my latitude (i.e. west Michigan) I will be winterizing my Marauder here shortly, not able to get it out again until April/May of next year. Perhaps the best testimony to the 2001 Suzuki Marauder is the agony that I feel right now in knowing that I won't be able to ride it again for 5 months. Happy riding!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5700
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
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Epinions.com ID:
jabenfield
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Member: Jay Benfield
Location: Stafford, VA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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