1998 Suzuki reviews

This bike is FANTASTIC...just right for cruising around town, and short trips. Seating is comfortable and overall handling exceeds expectations. The bike has kinda a Harley look...not a bad thing. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this bike. Show less

I have a 98 bandit 1200s in dark red. so far, its got 3600 miles..it's sweet no problems yet. The power is plentiful and can lift the front wheels easily. Gas mileage has dropped somewhat due to exhaust mods. Otherwise, it handles great, is no looker, but watch out..drop a gear and you'll see me disapear. I recommend the Bandit for anyone looking for a reliable, powerful and comfortable ride. Show less

I have 24000 miles on my 1997 Bandit1200 and have been very happy with it. I put a Corbin seat w/backrest for my wife -- I'm afraid I might loose her on it. I also put engine case guards and a Bandit tank cover I got at my Suzuki dealer on it. I have been thinking about getting a newer one but I don't care for the style of the 2001 as much as the 97-2000 models. I have a blue one and don't like the other colors as much. If I keep it I am going to install a jet kit from Hole Shot, because it is not very responsive when cold. Show less

I purchased my 98, Katana in March '99; I've put 8700 miles on it so far, and loved every minute of it. It's a great bike. It was a bit slow for me but I took care that. So for you daring speed demons that like me could not afford a true supersport or the insurance, this is what you do. First the pipe, go with a Yoshy or a D and D pipe. Stage One jet kit is food for thought. don't pipe without jetting. Now, sprockets, go down to a 14 in the front, up to a 47 in the rear. This will you excellent low end power and some mid, but, it will also take just a little from the top speedo, will limit it to about 110mph to 120mph.but how often do you go this fast anyway? don't answer that!! I don't wanna know. Ha ha ha ... Anyway when you change the sprocket you will also need a new chain, I suggest a sealed o-ring. Add a set of new Avon Azzaro steal belted radials and your set up for street racing, now you have a sleeper on your hands. Now don't kill yourself or take unnecessary chances, just have fun and surprise those GSXR 750's with your newfound power. After today I will no longer own one, I traded it for a cruiser, I'm 37 years old with a new born son, so I guess it time to slow down hu? So shadow 750 ace deluxe, it is from now on. Have fun and be careful. Show less

I bought my '98 Bandit new in January '99.It had a bit of a lean stumble at 3500rpm and ran bad below 3000rpm. A stage three jet kit and a Two Brothers full exhaust system increased power about twenty percent. The motor makes good power from 3000 to 6000rpm then it really takes off. Still runs crummy below 3000rpm, valve overlap. Stiffer springs and a damper rod re-valve plus a new rear shock help handling a whole bunch, but the frame is still kinda flexy. The stock tires are OK if you spend all of your time on the freeway, but Metzeler mez4's work a lot better in the twisty stuff. A good bike for the tall and fat, like me. Show less

The looks are great. I could do with a little more paint and less decals. Acceleration is very smooth and predictably fast. Cornering is good but the steering is a little heavy on the "turn-in". The handlebars are short and require a little heavier counter-steer to make it go, but once you figure it out, it's a true pleasure to drive. The water-cooled engine is MUCH smoother, not as hot to ride, and very little "buzz" compared to the older, oil cooled models. The engine heats up quickly in heavy traffic, but the radiator fan seems to keep the engine under the "HOT ZONE". Even in 100-degree temps, while riding at normal speed limits, the temp is in the lower portion of the gauge. The riding position is not bad. I'm 47, 5'-7", have a long torso, and short legs - It feels like part of you when you ride it. Maybe cause I'm older and really appreciate the fact I'm still riding. The instrumentation is sparse, but almost all you need. A clock and a fuel gauge would have been nice. The fuel light comes on with about 50 miles left to go. 35MPG is the average for "spirited" riding. All in all, a great bike, not perfect, but compared to the price tags of the new onesit's a steal. Show less

This bike handles great, but the power is way off for everyday riding. My bike has a mysterious carburetion problem that no one can fix. Before it was piped and jetted, the problem was there, and now it is more pronounced. The bike wants to stall when you start from a stop, and there is a bad flat spot at 4000 RPM. Once out and ripping, this bike is great. Good power, delivery, excellent handling. The suspension is a little soft and you feel every bump, especially when leaned over, but I would definitely go with another Suzuki. Show less

The katana 750 is my ninth machine. First one to be purchased brand new .The mileage now is over 12,000 miles and I am loving every minute! The bike is very user friendly, no surprises, and no complaints. It's fast, fun, comfy and reliable!
Love it. Show less

I have owned a 98 Suzuki 750 Katana over the past two years. My Katana is my third street legal bike I have owned (550 GPZ, and 750GPZ Turbo), and this bike is a great sport ride. The bike has been 100% reliable. Fun to ride all day long, and doesn't wear you out like a true crotch rocket. The bike is great! Show less

I have 5500 miles on my 1998 Bandit and the only maintenance done to the bike have been periodic oil changes. So far it has been stone reliable. It is a fun to ride bike and a great commuter to go to and from work. Performance and power are exemplary. It has fantastic torque, which makes for great low-end power. You can virtually stay in top gear at any speed over 25 mph and ride like it has an automatic transmission. The bike is light, handles well in most situations and is pretty sharp looking to boot. The ONLY thing I don't like about the bike is its carburetion characteristics. It runs very lean at partial throttle settings and surges and bucks when trolling in traffic at slow speeds. It feels like some driveline lash when shutting off the throttle and coming to a stop. But when you open up on the throttle that leanness all goes away. The low and midrange acceleration is very impressive. Roll side by side next to a Yamaha V-Max and the Bandit pulls away in any gear (unless the Yamaha is in its V-Boost zone). Also, the bike is a bit busy (rpms) a highway speeds. It feels like it needs a 6th gear to calm it down a bit. I'm constantly shifting up for a higher gear that isn't there. Also, there is some vibration at about 4000rpm but starts to smooth out a bit as the miles increase. I would definitely buy another Bandit 1200S because the bike is some much fun to ride and it does so effortlessly. I understand the 2001 model will be much different looking than previous editions and hopefully the carb leanness will be addressed by Suzuki. Show less