1997 Suzuki reviews

I bought the 650 Savage new because I liked singles . (The bike before this one was a Suzuki GN400 (400cc single) that I put 40,000 miles on.) Put a loud muffler on the 650 Savage and it became a first class “THUMPER”. I liked it a lot , not very fast but lots of low end torque , and felt like you were really riding something . You were emmersed in the machine , singles are not smooth , you feel the engine throb at the same beat , as you hear the single pipe , deep and throaty, respond as you “ sing” the throttle . I had mine setup where it backfired when I de-accelerated quickly , I used to love tunnels and narrow streets between buildings. It was impressive! As much as I liked it when I went into prisons on it with other Christian riders , the inmates were not impressed and would make comments like “ we want to see real motorcycles, we want to see Harleys” . I never really cared about Harleys but after thinking about it , I thought well , if I can help turn the life around of at least one inmate , because he came over to talk to me because I rode into the prison yard on a Harley , in the grand scheme of things it was worth it. So , after only one year and 24,000 miles my “Thumper” sat in the garage, while I became a Harley guy. Multiple prisons later , about 50,000 miles on a 1200cc Sportster and then another 80,000 miles on an ‘03 Superglide . I made the right decision for the right reason . In my experience much of the “ motorcycle experience” was the same , whether on a large Harley or a big bore single. However , If it is a requirement to impress people then , you might need a Harley or some other large motorcycle , on the other hand if you just want to experience the joy of riding , and don’t really care what other people think , there are lots of options! It has been a lot of years and I am 72 years old now and although I still ride the ‘03 SUPERGLIDE some , I am really beginning to miss the Suzuki 650 Savage “THUMPER” . I still have it , and even though it hasn’t started in a long time I think that with a little work , it has an exciting future ahead of it . I am anxious to get started on it . God has been very good and protected me all of these miles , I ask for His continued protection , not only for me but for everyone on two wheels ! Show less

I bought my 97 B12 a short month ago. It had 28,500 miles on the odometer and I was a bit hesitant because of that. Once I checked it over and started it up after it had been sitting on a dealer floor for a week without being run, I couldn't find anything wrong with it. In my first 500 miles, I know I made a good choice. I am taller than most, so finding any bike to fit me was difficult. It isn't perfect in that regard, but better than a new V-Strom for sure which is what I thought I'd end up with. It came with a Kerker universal exhaust can on it, and makes a healthy sound. I am impressed with how well it pulls from down low, and can't wait to see how it responds this winter with a holeshot stage 1 kit, K&N and 5 deg. timing advance. It is cold blooded, but a couple miles down the road it is ready to go. A solid 44 mpg at the 75 mph I run the interstate on to get to and from work. The gearing is shorter than stock, so a couple teeth off the rear or add one to the front will lower my highway rpm (currently 4700 in 5th @75 mph) and probably boost mpg a bit. Only downside is the rear end is too soft, it wants to wallow over dips in the pavement when adjusted to max on pre-load and I slide forward onto the tank. Lots of fun, and not a lot of money to get back into riding! Show less

Bought my 94 RF900R about six months ago and having wanted one since they came out was not disappointed. Most of the mainstream magazine reviews contain statements such as 'budget' and 'too soft' and 'ugly' generally slating the bike. If you compare it with Blades, ZX9R's and R1's, sure the suspension is not trick and not competitive on a race track, but most people are looking for a bike for the road. Facts are, 125bhp, 165mph and cheap insurance ! This is a road missile, it pulls hard in all of the 5 gears, will corner on any road ( ideally dry )and for a sports bike is quite comfortable. The seat could protect your prize possesions a little better and after 150 miles your wrists and knees do ache. The bike feels planted and stable above 20mph, when negotiating rush hour traffic you do notice its size. Most reviewers compare it with Honda's legendary VFR 800i and yes it is not as polished but also is a fraction of the price. Due to the fact Suzuki didn't sell many RF's the second hand prices are extremely attractive and you simply cannot get more bike for your money ! Mine is finished in Kevin Swantz Lucky Strike '95' colours and really looks the part. I would recommend if you don't like the stock colours going for race rep colours as it improves the looks no end. Just added braided lines and what a difference they make ! If your on a budget or want something a bit different give one a test ride and I guarantee you will want to buy it ! Show less

I recently picked up a teal/chrome 1997 Suzuki Marauder from a local used motorcycle shop, and I've gotta tell you, it is a great all-around bike. I have had several bikes before, like sport and older-style Kawasakis, but nothing like this guy. It's a great 805 cc, so there's plenty of thunder under you, but it was also very affordable. Lots and lots of chrome so it blings when you ride it down the street. The overall look is a lot like a low-riding Harley. I love the inverted forks. It gives a beefy front-end feel when you're riding that makes the road seem like it's bowing down under you. Plus, your arms are sorta stretched out in front of you like Billy in Easy Rider. A few people have said it gives off a dragster feel when you see it. However, anyone looking for a dragster bike, this is probably not it. Although it goes plenty fast for me, some people who are used to a quicker low end (I used to have a Katana) might not get the power they would want (out of the high end, either). But overall for speed, it's got great pickup from a stop and it's got high-end response at even 70 and 80 when you need some speed. Another problem is the low clearance when taking corners. don't try any evel knievel stuff or you'll probably hit the ground. But the overall room on the bike is plenty for me (I'm 6-foot-1, 220 pounds) and my girl (she's 5-foot-9, not gonna ask her weight). My arms get plenty of stretch and my legs feel comfortable with combat boots on(however, thick biker boots kinda get stuck under the gearshifter and make it hard to shift). The chrome rules, and anyone hoping to get a Harley-looking bike for 1/2 or 1/3 the price, the Marauder is a steal. It's got a better look than the later models, too, I think. Maybe I'm just biased but the front-end and forks on the 1998-newer models seem too low. The 1997 is chopped a little higher, it looks like. But maybe it's just the shots of the newer ones make it look different. The stupid thing is the fork lock. It's a separate lock on the front end and you have to use a different key, which sucks really bad. Suzuki could've done better than that. And don't try pushing the Marauder around without power; it's real heavy and bulky to maneuver. Anyway, all-in-all it's been a great two weeks riding around Houston/Galveston on the Marauder. I look forward to many years of riding it, even if the seat does make your butt fall aspleep after awhile. It's a great bike. And unless you've got a problem being happy with what you've got, you shouldn't listen to any negative reviews about how you'll soon want something bigger. It's plenty of bike for the average rider. Show less

Though this is my first bike I cannot think of any better way to take the step into the world of motorcycling. I really love the performance delivered by the big engine and the fast response you get from it! My RF 900R has about 145 HP through some modifications, and that's enough for me! I can't wait until spring when I can drive the bike to it's top limit for a good adrenaline rush. Show less

I wanted a bike that had enough power for me and the size for my wife. The bike rides Great and handles the corners sweet. I have many comments on how great all the chrome looks on it. See you on the road. Show less

I'm a 53 year old rider who has ridden cruisers for the last 15 years. I was looking for a sport bike that would have comfortable ergos...and still haul ass. The RF900R fit the bill...after a few "additions"...Corbin seat, Helibars, Stage 1 kit, K&N filter, and a Yoshimura can. I still ride cruisers, but when I really want to make time...and have fun doing it, out comes the RF-R We have lots of "kids" in the area riding sport bikes...and I can always toast 'em off a stop light...and then keep pulling away ("who was that guy?) A really good bike with great looks that you can ride for hours. It's only short coming seems to be finding correctly fitting bags so it can be used as a sport tourer.Still looking for those. Four and a half stars. Show less

I have been riding for a couple of years, and i was looking to buy a bke that could fit me. I am 20, i play college football and i am a pretty big guy. I couldnt ride an r6 without my knees hitting the plastic. And the same went for almost every other 600 as well. Well... i was looking through the paper and ran across a 97' rf-900 r. I was sceptical because of all of the reviews that the magazines wrote. But, the second i rode it, i cancelled all subscriptions i had to cycle mags, and give every GSXR 1000 jaded reviewer the finger. the one i bought was laid over and had no lowers on it. The rims were chromed and it had a D&D slip on exhaust that added a beefier note to the 937 cc engine. AND LEMME ADD ONE THING... THIS THING IS FAST... sorry... i got a bit excited. I have heard that the front wheel doesnt come up as easy as other bikes, but i gotta say that it will come up like nothing else if you ask it to. I love it i love it i love it. Just so you know my taste in bikes borders on psychodic ammounts of power with style that says... IMA EAT YA. Great bike, always starts... it is pertty. drop a line if you feel different. Show less

Well, I just recently purchased a 97 RF from a local dealership brand new. They actually took it out of the crate when I got there, I had done some research on what kinda bike to buy and the RF kept coming up. People had told me oh get the new CBR929RR or go try out the new R1, but those bike didn't interest me. Well it took about a week to get used to the bike, after all is pretty big, a bit heavy also weighing in at a whopping 447lbs. But with its 937cc 16-valve dual overhead cam straight intake, it makes up for the weight. Just let me say this thing is a road rocket, most bike I've road. The front tire lifts when you pin the throttle, with the RF you can just lay down, pin the throttle and just enjoy the rush without having to worry about the front end suddenly "popping up" in 1st at high RPM range. Although there are some downsides. The bike handles very awkward with a passenger and seems to have a very annoying vibration when cruising around 70+. But I wouldn't want any other bike, this thing is power, comfort and style rolled into one package, I love this bike. Show less

I bought this 97 RF with 3000 miles on it, A yoshi pipe and a Corbin Saddle that really adds a lot to comfort on the long rides. This is a great all around bike that won't pull wheelies for me but is as fast as anything out there for street or touring. This is not a track bike and the styling is either love it or hate it. I love the look and most people think its beautiful most magazine reviewers hate it. I have ridden this bike going 140 at 7000 rpms and it felt like it wasn't breaking a sweat I had way more throttle twist left to go. Two up riding however feels heavier than other lighter bikes I've had no matter what the settings are tuned to. Show less