Motorcycle Reviews: Suzuki

Motorcycle Reviews . . . by women . . . for women!
Riders share in-depth information about the bike they ride

2008 Boulevard C50

2007 Boulevard S40

2006 GZ250 (2)

2006 Burgman 650 (auto tranny)

2002 GZ250

2000 Marauder

2000 GZ250

1995 Intruder 800

2008 Suzuki Boulevard C50

The Reviewer
Name: Eileen Webb
Height: 5'9" (175.3 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 1 month
Email Address: eileenlwebb@gmail.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: Boulevard C50
Year: 2008
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Rocket Dog
Purchase Details: New off the showroom floor.

Engine Displacement (cc): 805
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.6" (701 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons (20 liters)
Weight: 542 lbs dry (246 kgs)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I like to sit upright.
Seat: As a taller person, I find the seat height to be perfect. The width and cushioning fit my large fanny just fine.
Long Rides: As a newbie rider, I haven't taken any really long rides yet, no more than 100 miles at a time so far.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: When necessary, as I have found out, I can outzip a huge pickup truck. There seems to be relatively noticeable vibration at high (60 to 70+) speeds.
Tight Turns: I still have not mastered the 20-foot radius turn on this bike. I keep practicing.
Twisty Roads: She rides like I am flying on twisty, country roads.
Wind/Rain/Heat: The engine runs fairly hot. I can feel the heat quite a bit near my legs. When she is very hot, she needs more throttle to start out than when cooled down.
Braking Power: The braking system is sufficient for fast and even stopping. I have not been able to skid it at all. Brakes Front: Disc brake; Brakes Rear: Drum brake.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: I wish that the handle bars were a little closer to me for more flex in my arms.

Added Extras
What I Added: I installed the tall sissy bar (for my kids to feel safer). My daughter and I installed the engine guard. I bought a magnetic tank bag (very handy). I am having the shop attach cushy grips. I'll be ordering my windshield next payday. In order of a wish list: chrome beverage holder (for lattes), luggage rack, sissy bar bag, saddle bags, and passenger foot decks. Somewhere in all of this I need body gear.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: The first thing I did was lose my Motorcycle Operator's Manual. At just over 1,000 miles, I haven't had to do anything except fill the tank.

Conclusions
What I Think: I enjoy her very much. She has replaced my 2002 Ford Escape for commuting. My commute is way too short (7 miles), half of which is undeveloped view over the Columbia River. I think that I probably should have gone for the C50T, only because certain items come with the basic model that I am now having to pay for.

2007 Suzuki Boulevard S40

The Reviewer
Name: Sharon
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 1 year
Email Address: sharondf99@hotmail.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: Boulevard S40
Year: 2007
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Hooker
Purchase Details: Purchased new along with extended warranty and service.

Engine Displacement (cc): 650
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Belt
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.6" (701 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gallons (10.6 liters)
Weight: 381 lbs wet (173 kgs)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: The hand controls are pretty comfortable for my reach (I seem to have short arms). Mid-foot controls are very comfortable also. There is some vibration in the handle bars at highway speeds and makes my left hand fall asleep. Maybe its just my death grip...haha.
Seat: The seat is very narrow which accommodates my small stature and its pretty cushy but not very attractive, looks and feels like cheap vinyl. Suzuki makes two different seats for this bike that look and feel better than the stock version.
Long Rides: I have not been on that long of a ride, maybe an hour or so with no complaints.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: It does great in Los Angeles rush hour traffic. When everyone else is stopped I wiz by them at about 30mph. When there is no traffic I can push it to 75mph but that's it. After that it vibrates too much for me to handle. It cruises well at 60-65.
Tight Turns: This bike is so light you can get through tight turns like it was nothing.
Twisty Roads: Maneuvers like a charm on twisty roads because the bike is very narrow.
Wind/Rain/Heat: It's a very light bike and I weigh 115 lbs so I get pushed around pretty good.
Braking Power: Stops when it has to but the back brake tends to lock up on me. Could me my lead foot though...

Modifications Made
What I Changed: No mods.

Added Extras
What I Added: New chrome mirrors...they look awesome!!! There aren't a lot of accessories out there for the S40.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Regular maintenance.

Conclusions
What I Think: This a great starter bike. I now have about 5000 miles in 7 months on it and I was ready to upgrade at 300 miles. It gets 60mpg on the highway which is good because I commute 30 miles to work in Los Angeles traffic and feel confident enough to lane share.

2006 Suzuki GZ250

The Reviewer
Name: Ann
Height: 5'6" (167.6 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 5
Email Address: fireflygazer@yahoo.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: GZ250
Year: 2006
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Midnite

Engine Displacement (cc): 249
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.8" (706 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Weight: 302 lbs dry (137 kgs)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Very comfortable.
Seat: Leather button seat is nice and wide and provides a good fit. Seat is two piece (one for passenger, which is one of the larger ones that I have seen). In fact, this is one of the best seats that I have found in a bike of this class.
Long Rides: I haven't been on too many long rides yet, but the comfort of this bike on the rides that I have been on is great.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Excellent power/zip. The handling of this bike is a breeze.
Tight Turns: This bike turns really well and is easy to maneuver.
Twisty Roads: Twisty roads are too much fun with this bike. It is very responsive!
Wind/Rain/Heat: It seems to handle wind conditions for cruising just fine. I haven't ridden in the rain or in real hot conditions yet.
Braking Power: Braking power seems to be really great with this bike. No problems.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: No changes.

Added Extras
What I Added: My bike has an added windshield, which I would highly recommend. I am about 122 lbs and this really cuts the wind and makes it easier to ride. I also added saddle bags which really compliments this bike. I added the Suzuki chrome valve stem caps to dress up the already really sharp spoke wheels.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: I plan on just running by my local Suzuki shop for regular maintenance. These guys are great! There was one recall on the rear fender. It was misaligned with the tire a slight bit, but didn't require any parts . . . just a slight adjustment.

Conclusions
What I Think: I think that if you are not planning on riding interstates and want to cruise anywhere else . . . this is a fantastic bike. It has a cool look and the weight is not intimidating. It definitely stands out among its class and will fit in anywhere you go. The long wheelbase and cruiser look are really nice features.

2006 Suzuki GZ250

The Reviewer
Name: Mary
Height: 5'4" (162.6 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: < 1

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: GZ250
Year: 2006
Type: Standard
My Bike's Name: Spunky
Purchase Details: Purchased new two months ago.

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Fine.
Seat: No problem.
Long Rides: The longest ride I have done so far was about 200 miles The bike performed well and I was comfortable.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Excellent except for long steep hills.
Tight Turns: Excellent.
Twisty Roads: Fun and very responsive.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Get bumped around in gusty winds.
Braking Power: Fine.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Nothing.

Added Extras
What I Added: Nothing.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: TCLOC checks and following the owner's manual.

Conclusions
What I Think: I have over 1,300 miles on this bike already. Weather permitting, I am on it every evening. I completed the MSF course and was very intimidated by motorcycling so I decided to start small. Great move. I gained confidence and skill and even took my husband's Harley Fat Boy for a spin today! I love this web site!

2006 Suzuki Burgman 650

The Reviewer
Name: Rhonda
Height: 5'9" (172.3 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 1
Email Address: rhondays@msn.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: Burgman 650
Year: 2006
Type: Mega-Scooter
My Bike's Name: White Dragon
Purchase Details: New

Engine Displacement (cc): 650
Number of Gears: 6, automatic
Final Drive: Shaft (called a gear drive)
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 29.5" (749 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gallons (15 liters)
Weight: 524 lbs dry (238 kgs)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Left hand lever is rear brake rather than clutch. That took a bit of getting used to. No foot controls, but you can position your feet right under you, or stretch out your legs because of the way the floorboads are shaped. The reach to the handlebar is just right for my height.
Seat: Seat height is a bit high, and the seat itself is fairly wide. I can flat foot it fine (32" inseam). The seat is very comfortable, but has a bit of a downward tilt to it which makes you feel like you are sliding forward when stopped. The buttpad on the back of the seat is adjustable, and the seat opens up to reveal a large storage area underneath.
Long Rides: Longest ride so far has only been about 90 miles, but she ran great and was very comfortable. Looking forward to longer rides and weekend trips.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Very fast on take off and quite a bit of power. Top speed is supposed to be around 115 mph, although I haven't gotten near that yet! There is a "power mode" that increases rpms and gives you more power for passing and quick acceleration.
Tight Turns: Turns well and leans farther then you'd think it could. These bikes have a very strong built in engine braking which causes some trouble at slow speed maneuvers. Makes it jerk more easily, and there's no friction zone to work with. This still catches me off guard sometimes.
Twisty Roads: Don't really have those here in Florida, but the bike handles well in the steep curves we have (like on-ramps). It's odd to not have the gas tank to lean into, but the bike is still very nimble and responsive if you lean into the curves and push on the floorboards a bit.
Wind/Rain/Heat: The smaller wheels seems to make the bike dance around a bit more in the wind than a bike with larger tires. I'm still a pretty new rider, so this might just be my inexperience.
Braking Power: Very good. Dual hydraulic disks in front, single hydraulic disk in rear. Stops quick!

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Cut the windshield down to a "sporty" size. Most people dislike the stock windshield and go to a larger touring windshield. I wanted short and sporty, but no one is making one like that yet.

Added Extras
What I Added: Nothing yet.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: following the manual. Checking the tire pressure!

Conclusions
What I Think: I absolutely love my Burgman 650, although I'd also love to change the name to something a bit more exciting. In Japan it's called the Skywave. Much cooler name. The automatic transmission, ease of handling, and peppy engine make it a great commuter or a good mid-size tourer. It has lots of built in storage, and I can also add saddle bags or a topcase. I don't think I'm missing out by not shifting, and I can always shift the Burgman in manual mode (push button - no clutch) or go back to a standard bike in the future. The engine braking feature takes some getting used to, but that's the only negative thing I can think of and with practice it's not a very big deal. I've found it to be a great beginner bike and for any one considering the 650 or it's little brother the Burgman 400, I'd say go for it! You won't regret it!

2002 Suzuki GZ250

The Reviewer
Name: Kathleen
Height: 5'2" (157.5 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 7
Email Address: krose1118@hotmail.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: GZ250
Year: 2002
Type: Standard
My Bike's Name: Geezer
Purchase Details: New in 2002

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Very comfortable; nice forward controls; easy to pull clutch
Seat: Original seat is plush and comfy, but I wanted to lower the seat height slightly to give me a better solid footing when stopped, so we took the seat to a local upholster who removed all that padding, put a gel pad in and recovered with black leather.
Long Rides: I've ridden this bike on 4 to 5 hour rides and always was extremely comfortable.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: I hear constantly that a 250 is "too small" and will fall behind. Not true! This little bike runs at 60 to 65 on the highway just fine!
Tight Turns: The size of this bike is perfect for a smaller person and takes tight turns like a breeze!
Twisty Roads: Zipping this bike around curves and twists is no issue.
Wind/Rain/Heat: No problem with rain or heat...runs fine through any weather . . . but I will say that HUGE gusts of wind will push you around a little.
Braking Power: I've had a few "quick" stops and the bike performed fine.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: As noted above, I had the seat redone to take out all that padding. Also removed the passenger seat. I changed the handlebars to 14" ape hangars, changed side mirrors to smaller ones, and redid wiring with braided to make the bike look more like the "bigger" cruisers. Also changed the foot pegs and hand grips to nicer, chromed ones.

Added Extras
What I Added: Nothing was added. Just modified as above.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Regular maintenance check on tires, wiring, fluids.

Conclusions
What I Think: This is a great bike . . . not just for beginners! I had a Harley 883 Sportster Hugger for two years . . . my riding was getting worse instead of improving! I decided it was the bike . . . I just can't seem to handle the heavier bikes! So I searched around and found the GZ250 and it's been perfect! I love riding it.

2000 Suzuki Marauder

The Reviewer
Name: Jody MacDonald
Height: 5'1" (154.9 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 2
Email Address: girlls128@hotmail.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: Marauder
Year: 2000
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Crack Chaser
Purchase Details: Used from a local dealer

Engine Displacement (cc): 800
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.9" (709 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons (13 liters)
Weight: 459 lbs dry (208 kgs)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I can't find a lowering kit for this bike Still looking, I couldn't reach the kick stand, so my Hubby put a small hose clamp on it, and it works great. I find this bike top heavy.
Seat: I'm having the seat scooped out; there is about 4 to 5 inches of form in it.
Long Rides: I don't do the long rides just yet. Still trying to get this bike to feel better in handling.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Well, it'll go like a fox, quick take off for a 800cc.
Tight Turns: It cuts really wide, you gotta slow down and take your time.
Twisty Roads: Avoiding this @ this time.
Wind/Rain/Heat: It moves a little in the wind. Rain, I avoid it to.
Braking Power: Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just right for me.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Still trying to get it modified.

Added Extras
What I Added: Saddle bags and a chrome Rad. cover.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Letting the hubby do that for me.

Conclusions
What I Think: I think it's a ready nice bike, but not for a newbie rider.

2000 Suzuki GZ250

The Reviewer
Name: Jenny
Height: 5'2" (157.5 cm)
Years of Riding Experience:1

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: GZ250
Year: 2000
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Geezer
Purchase Details: Purchased used from someone who took it out once, dumped it on gravel, and then stored it in a barn for four years, and it still runs beautifully!

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I like them, but some folks who have ridden longer did not like the angle your foot sits at on the peg underneath the shifter.
Seat: The seat is ok. On short rides it's incredibly comfortable.
Long Rides: The bike is ok for long rides. The seat leaves something to be desired for trips of longer then an hour. I'm in a lot of pain if I ride for more than 3-4 hours in one day (even with long breaks in between).

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: It handles well. Unlike the larger bikes, I don't feel like the bike is in control. I feel like I can really control this bike and know where I'm going. It really doesn't want to go faster than 60 mph (although I have had it over 65, the engine just doesn't like it), though. I would never take this out on the interstate! First gear is lousy. Pop into first and immediately up into second or your bike will "jump" around a lot.
Tight Turns: Once I learned how to do them, this bike handled tight turns really well! The lightness of the bike made it easier for me to learn practice these in a parking lot.
Twisty Roads: This bike handles twists and turns very nicely. It's responsive and very easy to handle.
Wind/Rain/Heat: This bike seriously gets buffeted in wind. I haven't had it out in much rain, but it seemed to go well. I had no problems with this bike in heat.
Braking Power: This bike stops really well!

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Nothing.

Added Extras
What I Added: I have the windshield, and it made a huge difference.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: I have changed the brake pads, changed the oil, and oiled the chain.

Conclusions
What I Think: This bike was fabulous to learn on. I started out on a bigger bike, but I was too afraid of the bigger bike's power. I purchased this bike, and I was riding constantly until snow storms forced me to stop!

1995 Suzuki Intruder 800

The Reviewer
Name: Biketrash (boring name: Linda)
Height: 5'3" (160 cm) with 29" (73.7 cm) inseam
Years of Riding Experience: 11
Email Address: biketrash@ev1.net

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: Intruder 800
Year: 1995
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Suzi
Purchase Details: Purchased in 1996 with 1,500 miles on it.

Engine Displacement (cc): 805
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 27" (686 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gallons (12.1 liters)
Weight: 441 lbs dry (299 kgs)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: The brake and clutch levers are a stretch with my hands, and, unfortunately, no adjustment is possible. It does strain my hands and fingers if I'm stuck in stop-n-go traffic. The buckhorn handlebars bring the controls back to me so my arms are comfortable. I found the stock footpegs comfortable for one-day rides, although my feet caught a lot of vibration at high speeds. I replaced them with floorboards, which I find are much more comfortable (but not nearly as cool looking).
Seat: Stock saddle had me sitting too far back and was a little wide. For several years I used a rolled-up towel to push me forward. I did replace the seat with a Corbin Dual-Tour.
Long Rides: I've been on several multi-thousand-mile rides on this bike and have never had a problem with her. She'll zip up high mountain passes and steep hills like it's a straightaway. I've never, ever needed to have her wide open. I always use a throttle lock and highly recommend that for any bike, even short rides. It will sure help relieve strain in the right arm and you won't be nearly as tired at the end of the day.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Very fast taking off the line. I had it up to 105 mph once and it still wasn't full throttle.
Tight Turns: With a little practice, you can do consecutive figure 8's with the handlebars turned all the way to the steering lock.
Twisty Roads: Very agile. With its light weight, it's very responsive and easy to maneuver with much less input than the heavier bikes. The center of gravity is quite low, so you can really lean the bike over and scrape those floorboards!
Wind/Rain/Heat: With the light weight, you will definitely feel cross-winds. I've never had problems in the rain. The radiator and fan keep the bike running in this hot Texas heat.
Braking Power: It does very well with sudden, abrupt stops. I've never skidded.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Removed the stock footpegs and replaced with heel-toe shifter and floorboards. This bike has a lot of vibration at high speeds (70 to 75), and on one long cross-country trip a couple toenails vibrated off. (Very painful!) The floorboards do a great job of cutting down on the vibration in my feet and legs. Due to an ankle injury, I use the heel-toe shifter as a toe-toe shifter. Works great that way. Replaced stock saddle with Corbin Dual-Touring saddle. As compared to the stock seat, Corbin shaved down the sides of the saddle, lowered the height, and moved me forward a few inches (all for no extra cost). Now it's perfect. When I put on the Leatherlyke saddlebags, the rear turn signals had to be relocated. I didn't like Leatherlyke's relocation kit, so moved new Kuryakyn LED turn signals to the fender. I also got rid of the cluttered-looking rear end by removing the license plate light and putting on a license plate frame with an integrated LED light (from Radiantz).

Added Extras
What I Added: Cobra steel light bar, engine guard, Vista-Cruise throttle lock, Suzuki windscreen, Leatherlyke saddlebags, Radiantz LED light strips for extra brake lights, Jardine luggage rack (no longer available), front fender tip.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Change oil, filter, and spark plugs and check tire pressure often. Did all electrical mods myself. I want the experts to do everything else.

Conclusions
What I Think: I LOVE this bike and the slim design. I see no reason at all to ever look for something else. It's lightweight and easy to maneuver in, say, a gravel parking lot or other difficult situations. It's extremely reliable and is very agile and fun to ride. My only complaint/criticism is that there is a lot of vibration above 70 to 75 mph. This can be tiring if you're going on a long ride, but the floorboards are comfortable and bring a lot of relief.