2001 Suzuki reviews

I hadn't owned a motorcycle for 10 years (wife, kids, work). After spending 6 months at sea, I decided it was time. I started looking the day after I got home. I had looked at new Marauders on the internet and pretty well knew that's what I wanted. If I had read about any of the road tests and comparisons on the internet, I think I would have stayed away. But, the very first bike I saw was a 2001 Marauder, 2 years old with 700 miles! I managed to get it for $4900. After 10,000 miles, I'm still happy. Other than routine maintenance, I haven't had to spend a penny - it seems to be bullet proof. I wish the ride was a little more comfortable - the low handlebars get to my back after a couple hundred miles. I hated the seat at first- either I broke it in or I got used to it. I wish the foot pegs were a little farther out. I've always gotten compliments. With all the chrome and the mag wheels, it's a nice looking bike. I didn't like the stock exhaust. The bike looks mean, but it sounded like a sewing machine. After a stage 1 kit and aftermarket pipes, it had a whole new personality. I also changed the front sprocket from the stock 15 tooth to a 16 tooth. It made the engine much less busy on the interstate, and still has plenty of power. It handles great and is always dependable. I'm sure the replacement (Boulevard M50) is even better with the shaft drive and fuel injection, although in my opinion it doesn't look as cool as the Marauder. I'm stationed overseas right now, and I plan to get a bigger bike after I get home, but I couldn't have made a better choice. Show less

After 6000 miles in three months, I hope I love it. The bike is my third and they say that the third time's a charm they were so right. I love it, love it, love it! Show less

Bought My 2001 600s with 600 miles on it.Despite the handlebar buzz, I really like this bike. Between 8000-12000 rpm it really hits warp speed. I was originally looking for a Suzuki SV650s, but after riding both bikes, I feel they have about the same performance despite the Bandit's weight disadvantage. I live in the smokey mtns and I've had it going 120mph up a 5% grade still gaining speed. My guess is about 135mph tops on level roads. Very quick too. Show less

This bike is amazing this is my first bike. I am really starting to find the power so much to where I laid the bike down. Right now I am in the process of getting it back together and other riders are right when you go down you have a whole different respect for the bike. I would not suggest getting anything under this for a first time rider. If you take classes you should be fine just dont be so throttle happy or you'll find yourself looking at the clouds like me. I'm looking forward to getting the ride back together and riding out. Be safe and respect the ride. Show less

this is the first street bike I've ever owned. I've been riding dirtbikes in the woods of Colorado my whole life. Even though I have nothing to compare with, I ride with many friends and I have yet to ride a bike that I've felt as comfortable, awed, and even safe on. The brakes, handling and amazing response is still unbeleivable to me after two and a half years. It truely is a dream bike. Show less

Ok here we are in May 05. The most important/best modification that I have done to the bike is have the suspension set-up professionally. The front was way too soft and the rear was way too hard. Suspension set-up is the most important adjustment you can do on the bike. She now handles much better, she takes the bumps better and is not as disturbed by every bump and dip in the road. I also had her professionally dyno-tuned. All the flat spots are now gone and she has much more pull down low and mid-range. Top end was fine...it was something too see her doing over 172 on the dyno with ease!!! I will be adding a TRE very soon to get rid of the jerkyness. These bikes are so light that I find myself being pushed around on very windy days. Which never happened on a heavy bike. I have over 9300 miles now. The handling and power are absolutely addictive. RIDE safe............... Show less

Just want to update my old post. I've had this bike for 4 years, 20,000+miles. The bike runs like new, lot's of torque, handles well, still enjoy it. As with other Suzuki's I've owned, these things are built to last. For sport (not track), sport touring/ commuting/ just riding, there is not a better value out there. I still have the stock exhaust, but these are capable of a lot more power with a few tweaks. 101hp is enough for me, thanks. Show less

I've had my 2001 Katana 600 for about 2 years now and I still love it. I've put on roughly 6000 miles and never had any problems with it. The only real thing that I can complain about is the weight. I wish it was a little lighter as it's a hoss when full of gas (close to 500lbs). Other than that, it gets great gas mileage, is very comfortable, and has a rock-solid engine. Great first bike! Show less

Well I started my journey to find my perfect bike 5 years ago and I think now I have found it. I have owned an FZ1 and a Buell CityX. This is my bike. After spending years trying to figure out the bike for me and not to mention lots of cash I have found the Bandit, the cheapest of the 3 by far, to be my favorite. The riding position, handling and power put this bike in a class that is rare to match. don't get me wrong, I loved the FZ1 and the City X, but both of those bikes have too much torque for what I wanted. I would put them up on one wheel a lot more than I cared too. With the Bandit that really isn't a huge concern for me. I have no upgrades yet but I am planning on adding an exhaust and an air cooler to unlock that true power that I know is buried in her. This is a great bike. Show less

This is a great bike even for the smaller riders. I ride it and i am only 5'1" and 95lbs. I love this bike... it has great performance, it's really reliable, and is very comfortable. It makes you feel safer than most bikes, even though I do recommend you have some riding experience before you hop on this bike. The powerband is so strong it makes it feel like a rocket! Show less