Tell me about Suzukis

[Christoffee]

I'm new to this bike scene, and it seems to me that most bike manufacturers tend to make fairly decent bikes. To the point that apart from the occasional duffer, it's kinda hard to go wrong.

My perception, and this might not be reality, is that Suzukis seem to be more hit and miss. There's been a few times on here when a particular Suzuki has been absolutely slated, or called a parts bin.

So, generally what are they like? What are the rotters? And what are the diamonds?
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Bike: CBF125

[chickenstrip]

You have a CBF125? Oh, Suzukis are nothing to worry about then.

[Christoffee]

Mikesaa309 has a fan club. You won't be joining us?
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Bike: CBF125

[G]

Seems the same with most companies these days - cheaper bikes get you cheaper build. More expensive bikes, better finish etc.

GSXRs generally end up better than SVs, for example. But same for CBR (the real ones) and the more recent CB500s too it seems.

[evilbond]

Can only speak for my gsf600s bandit. I've had it a year, its now 11 years old.

Mot when i got it no faults, recent mot, no faults, has been very reliable.

Maintaining it has been a doddle.

Used ACF50 on it which is highly recommended on this forum and its still looking great with no rust, previous owners obviously looked after it too.

Look after it and it won't melt i guess
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Bike: K2 Bandit 600S
Car: Astra GTC

[Vincent]

I don't know if it's the same now but in the 70s and 80s Suzuki had a reputation to me of being a bit of a cost-cutter, they certainly didn't have the finish of the other two. However, they built some excellent. exhillerating bikes for riding back then and some real legends. I'm going back to their two strokes really but the GSXRs have a lot of development behind them and have always been quick at the time.
All depends what sort of bike you want and how much you want to pay, all manufacturers have crap, good, better and excellent bikes.
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Space Is Deep

[biker7]

In the last 6 years I've had 2 Bandit 650's' , V-Strom 650, Intruder C800, 2 SV650's and a GSX-R600. Loved all my Suzuki's - great value for money and reliable. Quality only suffers if you abuse it in winter.
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Swansea area
Fat Bob (2019)

[Az]

I've bad my 14year old bandit 600 on the road for a month so i'm not sure how valid my opinion is, but it's been faultless and it's enjoyable to ride. No mechanical issues and it passed its MOT with just 1 advisory for the exhaust being a bit loud (it's not the standard can).

Brother rides a gsxr 600 k4, he's had it for like 3years and toured quite a lot on it. The bike has 40,000 miles on the clock and is still going strong with no major problems.

[davebike]

I seen the older four cylinder oil cooled bikes go past 200k miles
But the V twins seem fragile few make 70k and I have seen a couple of SV650's drop big ends at >20k

Later water cooed fours seem a tough Friend gone though 80K commuting on a GSF1250 and is talking of swapping it for a younger version just because it looks tired

Old GS500 is tougher than any boot but not a very nice ride
But will go on for ever

Dave
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Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[jeddy11]

The Saluki, Arabic: سلوقی‎ / ALA-LC: salūqī / Persian:سلوکی,سگ تازی also known as the Royal Dog of Egypt or Persian Greyhound is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog.
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Fuelly My Z1000SX
cbt 06/08/11 mod1 (second go) 01/08/12 mod2 21/09/12
Varadero Viking YBR125>Varadero125>ER6F>Z1000SX !!!

[TwoWheelsDail...]

I have a 2013 GSR 750 ABS. It's a great bike, build quality is fantastic! I have had it since September and have had no problems with it yet.
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Suzuki GSR 750 - 33BHP (Restriction Ends 17/12/2014)
KTM Duke 125 - SOLD
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[biker7]

[biker7]

[Piercee100]

I found the Suzuki's better thought out than just throwing technology at a problem. Its almost as If someone at Suzuki rode it before signing it off! The build quality did feel a bit cheaper and came with less equipment but everything worked well without trying to force the latest technology onto someone that isnt interested like me.
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Rides: Honda H100a (Retired), VT500e (Sold), Kawasaki ZX400 (sold), Kawasaki GT550 (Sold), Suzuki Inazuma (Daily), Honda CD185t (Broken), LML Star 2t (Last run edition).

[gavbriggs]

I've had my bandit 1200 2004 for a couple of weeks so very early days but because it was stood before I purchased it(which may be the same for any bike brand) I have had to take off the carbs and clean them out, clean out the tank, replace the spark plugs and there was an issue where I disturbed a few wires/multiplugs above the spark plugs and had to go chasing faults to finally work out the multiplugs needed a damn good fettle.

Not major issues but worth considering when you go to look at one and it's been stood and runs shit or doesn't run at all. Could get you some cash off for really easy fixes!

I've also replaced the battery as it was shot. Again a wear and tear item IMO and nothing unique to suzukis. I have been told that they are fussy about spark plug condition too so worth noting and factor in a good set of plugs and a service when viewing a bike!

I did my training on a Gladius. Not very comfy, powerful enough but looks prone to corrosion if not treated with acf 50!

[MC]

Suzuki's don't seem to hold there value the same as equivalent Yamaha's and Honda's, with the exception of a few models (DRZ 400 SM springs to mind). Whether that's down to image or reputation, dunno, but it's something to consider.
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[chickenstrip]

[temeluchus]

I've owned a couple of early slabside GSXRs from the mid 80s.

The finish and quality of workmanship on them were generally excellent, particularly the electrics.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[Polarbear]

The busa engune is probably the most indestructible in line four that ever existed.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[chickenstrip]

[Enduro Numpty]

A very sweeping generalisation but I've always considered Honda and Yamaha to be at the top in terms of build quality with Suzuki and Kawasaki some way below.

Incidentally, I've had more Suzukis and Kawasakis than Yamahas. I've also never owned a Honda, nothing against them, just never owned one.

[biker7]