1998 Suzuki reviews

This bike is a lot of fun to ride. Great handling, good performance for a 600. It isn't going to take a busa, but can get you a ticket in any state you want. Power starts on around 9000rpm and goes through the rest of the band. Suspension is good for a 195lb rider front and rear. Brakes are responsive and tight. Makes for a good learner bike and isn't going to break the bank for replacement parts should you need them. Show less

I got my bike back in March of 2005. When I got it it had 1600 miles on it and was in excellent shape! I bought it for $3000 and I have had zero problems or complaints with it. Suzuki has not changed much with this bike in like eight years. So before buying new check out the used! The engine is bullet proof and super reliable no matter what year it is! Show less

For the price you can't beat it. I paid $2800 for mine with 13,000 miles on it. It was totally stock and ran great. A bit on the heavy and bulky side for me but not too bad. If you're looking for something cheap and still sporty this is the bike for you. I wouldn't recommend it for smaller people though. Throttle response is OK, it moves, but not quite like a real crotch rocket. Handles great on new tires. My only complaint about the Katana is the lack of power...They don't call it a 'Can a Tuna' for nothing. Show less

Of all the sport bikes Ive owned in the past 15 years my new found GSX is far and away the most fun bike I've ridden. Public roadways are no place for racing so why spend so much time and energy building a rocket that kills your back and wrists after just an hour of riding? there is absolutely no need for going 160 on city streets. Period. I bought a 98 GSX in black with Yoshi rs-3 pipe, stage 1 jets, D&D chain, clear brake and turn signal lenses, fender eliminator, brand new Dunlop sportmax tires, and a host of other aftermarket goodies for a mere $3,000. This bike turns more heads than a screwdriver. Its a real poser. I get compliments everywhere I go. Not to mention that I can ride this bike all day and just keep wanting more. A truly awesome bike. Show less

Purchased this bike a month ago and loving every minute of it. I have been off a bike for over ten years and decided it was time to get back into it. I was looking for something nice with decent power, reliable, and inexpensive. The VZ7800 was the perfect fit. I have since put a new mustang wide seat (recommended), Mapam foward controls, bigger drag handlebars, mirrors and some chrome accessories. The bike looks awesome Show less

I have had this bike for nearly 3 months now and have done about 1000 miles. It is fast as you need really, and some more and I got the 2003 Black and Silver and it looks the part. Powerband kicks in at around 9000rpm and you have to hang on. Gearbox seemed clunky to start with but now the miles have racked up it seems a lot smoother. Handling is superb especially when your down to the last gallon in the tank because it feels like your on a 250 weight wise. People say the brakes arent up to much but i find them adequate for my driving ok there are better but they are there. It feels great it certainly looks great and it gets you noticed. I would definitely buy it again. Show less

Wrote a year ago that my '98 1200S was a fine bike. Now a year later, it is still a great machine and I love it. No maintenance problems of any kind. (14,000 miles) I use Mobil 1, 15w-50 in my bikes ('95 Gold Wing) with no problem. I think it shifts easier with Mobil 1. After rejetting, I get 35-37 MPG where I got 40-42 before. I think this is due to heavier right hand as well as the jets...ha ha It is a screamer. I don't know just how fast it would be. Too much for me, I know. I am at 230 pounds. If a lighter person were to ride it...WOW, hang on. STILL THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK!! Ride careful. Show less

This is my first bike. I checked out a lot of new bikes and brands first before I found this one. I bought it used with only 2100 original miles on it (it was also bought in 1999 but 98 model year), so to me that is a brand new bike. I figured for a first bike I didn't want to spend about $10,000 or up and then find out I don't like riding or the bike itself. I bought this one because I liked the way it sat and I felt like if I dropped it (which I already did twice - no damage) it wouldn't freak me out like a new one. The HD Sportster is too top heavy for me, the Honda Shadow too wide, and a lot of the lower bikes seemed too heavy or the engine too big for a beginner like me. I like the options I can get with my bike and a lot of aftermarket companies have goodies for it too because of the cruiser style. The only thing I don't like about it is the handlebar reach- it's not too wide but too far. But maybe that is because I am a 5'5" female. So either I will get used to it or change them. All in all it is a pretty impressive bike and for some reason, mine doesn't look maroon and white like the Suzuki site says is the color combo for that year, it really looks burgundy and cream. It is a sharp color combo and no, the paint is not faded - it is all the same color even under the pillion seat. It has plenty of power and can keep up with the rest of the bunch but doesn't look like a little bike. This is one I can recommend to both beginner and experienced rider who is looking for a nice looking bike at the right price. Show less

It is my first bike, but I love it, great price, good looks, more than enough speed, will twist with almost anyone, reliability. Also very comfortable to ride any distance. Why spend $1500-$3000 more for another 5-10 mph. 145+mph is enough for me anyway. Show less

I have had my 1100W for 8 months, for the price I paid it is still a very quick machine. 155HP claimed, maybe a bit over rated,but I do not have a lot to compare it with as I had not riden for 18 years!! I find the riding style to be slightly uncomfortable on long hauls of 400KM's. Would appreciate any feedback comparing this bike to the new models. Show less