2001 Suzuki reviews

I just traded my 95 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 straight across for this GS500, it only had 2600 miles on it when I got it. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the bike. I had never ridden a sport bike before. But I am in love with this bike. It's so nimble and for a 500 it gets up and goes. I am going to put a new exhaust and jet kit on it. It doesn't breathe well with the stock exhaust but that's an easy fix. It is the naked version, has only the little cafe winscreen on it, and the only thing I can say I have to get use to is so much wind while I'm riding. The bike has already made me a better rider. I can dive into corners and the bike just flows so smoothly through them. I'm so excited for the summer riding season.. Have to say..Great bike, and a wonderful starter bike for anyone. It's very easy to handle. Show less

This is one of the best quality bikes I have owned, 7 in all. I did have 250's, but switched to 125's and this bike is very nice. More than enough power, and with skill you can make it do anything! Even climb 30ft hill from a dead stop. The spark plug is a bit pricey at $23-but I have never fouled one-knock on wood. Steering is tight and precise and quality suspension. I love my little Suzuki and I'm slowly being converted from a Honda man. Show less

Not ridden until 2002, this sweet ride commuted on the highways for all it's life. Maintained well, made life a no breakdown joy. Overall cost per mile includes: purchase, helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, fuel, insurance, all maintanence = $0.236/mile ... unbeatable! Totally satisfied. Original clutch, all electrics, wheels, exhaust, gearbox, engine. Replaced moving steering and suspension parts, tires, oil and brakes. What a wonderful ride. If you've read this far, then you'll enjoy the ride impression that follows. This bike is the core design for the 500cc World Class win for Suzuki. Hard braking in a deep corner produces not a single tremble. Highway interchanges, country two lane blacktop, it is all about sweepers, button hooks, decreasing and increasing radius .. the corners! Wear kneepads. This chassis is the race chassis. Class leading power is there, crusing at 50mpg, 6Krpm, strong headwind, no problem. It is light and feels light. It can be tossed all over the place. The Cross Bronx, The Deegan, Henry Hudson, all demand that. The NJ Turnpike, the GS Parkway, I287, 280, 195, 95, 80, and 78 all require the need for power. Getting from cruise to warp factor 1, is smooth and very comfortable. The Interstate is no problem. Traffic...at idle, you can move on the clutch, it creeps supurbly. This is not just a beginner ride. It is the Chevy Cobalt RT, the Nissan Sentra R, et al. A 175mph ride is fun, but just about the time you get to speed, you've got to stop and pay a toll. This is the NY/NJ metro area, not El Paso County. Fast and agile this is a ride to keep and enjoy. You will arrive at work and home relaxed, thrilled and smiling, day after day. I almost forgot. Fast and sure in all rain. Stable and easy in the snow. Join the Motorcycle Gang: RIDE TO WORK / WORK TO RIDE! Show less

I'm a first time rider and bought this bike back in April. I can't explain the way this bike acts and feels. It's light weight, has good looks and power. Granted, it's not a wheelie machine but it will hold its own with style. The bike is also very forgiving as long as the mistake isn't monumental. I would recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a starter bike or a good ride. Show less

I bought this bike used on Friday the 13th of July '07. It's my first bike and I couldn't ask for better. Great handling, awesome comfort, and it's awesome for carrying passengers. It's plenty if you're trying to show off, and it gets plenty of looks from the women. I've laid this bike over due to gravel on a curve. When I stood it up, it cranked up like nothing ever happened. I couldn't be happier, and I plan on fixing her up as soon as I save up. If you're a first timer, this bike has outstanding power, so take it easy until you get used to it. Ride hard and ride safe folks. Show less

I recently sold a 91 VX800 Suzuki to purchase a Triumph Thunderbird. Loved the T-Bird triple motor but thought the bike was top heavy. Thought about getting a Sportster, but didn't like the weight or vibration. I spotted a 2001 Suzuki Marauder at a used bike shop and decided to test ride it. I was surprised at what a well balanced package this bike is. Loved the flat raised bars, the inverted front forks and the fat front tire. This is a simple, no frills, rock solid bike that happens to be water cooled. I landed up trading the T-Bird for the VZ800 and have been very satisfied. The bike has a cobra exhaust that sounds perfect. The forward pegs fit my 5 foot 9 inch frame just right. The low center of gravity and relatively light weight makes this bike a simple pleasure to ride. Show less

I BOUGHT THE BIKE OUT OF CRATE NEW IN 2002 AS A LEFT OVER. IT WAS CHEAP, FAST, AND FUN. THE SPEEDING TICKETS HOWEVER WEREN'T. I GOT HIT DOING 95 IN A 45, 72 IN A 45, AND 68 IN A 20 ON THIS DAMN THING!!! THEY ARE JUST SO FUN, THAT YOU FORGET TO PAY ATTENTION TO SPEED SIGNS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS INVOLVED IN A SITUATION WHERE I HAD TO LAY THE BIKE DOWN OR HIT A PICK UP TRUCK AT 56 MPH WITH NO HELMET. SO I DID AND TO MY SURPRISE, THE DAMAGE WAS MINIMAL!!! ONLY A BROKEN TACH, AND TURN SIGNAL, ALONG WITH A DENT AND SCRATCHED. THE BIKE WAS PICKED UP AND RODE HOME WITH NO REAL DAMAGE TO SPEAK OF. THANKS TO THE FINE ENGINEERS AT SUZUKI, THEY BUILT A BIKE THAT IS SIMILAR TO A TIMEX WATCH. TAKES A LICKIN AND KEEPS ON TICKIN! Show less

I just bought this bike, my other scoot is a 2006 Harley VRSCR Street Rod. This is my first true sport bike even though the VRSCR is a pretty good ride. I cannot say enough about the power of this machine. I know that in sport bike terms this is a little older tech, but I am very impressed. I took it out for a ride tonight and a guy on a Street Glide blew by me. Well, needless to say I dropped a gear and quickly caught and blew his doors off. My VRSCR is fast, but these things are insanely faster. I really like it so far, and it is fairly comfortable. Show less

This is the best bike I have ever bought. Very reliable does not foul hardly any plugs. If you keep the engine stock like I did you will have no problems. Has plenty of power from the factory. A good upgrade would be a set of aftermarket handlebars. Recommended to anybody. Very user friendly. Show less

The 2001 SV650S was my very first bike. I found it extremely easy to learn on because it was easy to handle and very forgiving. For a beginning rider, the power was just enough for me to be comfortable. One of the main reasons I purchased this bike was the low price. The price can not be beat. The only down sides to the bike for me were the fact that there was no lower fairing which is not a look I prefer. Lowers can be purchased but they are very hard to find and expensive. My wrists and hands began to hurt after riding for about 30 minutes and the seat is also not the most comfortable if your are riding more than short distances. Definitely not a long distance bike comfort wise. I outgrew this bike quickly, but would definitely recommend it to someone riding for the first time. Show less