SPECIFICATIONS
Designation: VZ800V
Suggested base price: $5999 (1997)
Standard colors: Black/Forest Green, Candy Orange/Silver
Extra-cost colors: n/a
Standard warranty: 12 mo., unlimited miles
Recommended service interval: 7500 miles
Engine & DrivetrainType: Liquid cooled, 45-degree, transverse V-twin
Valve arrangement: SOHC, two intake, two exhaust valves; operated by rockers, threaded adjusters
Displacement, bore x stroke: 805cc, 83.0 mm x 74.4 mm
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Carburetion: Mikuni downdraft, front; Mikuni sidedraft, rear; 36mm
Lubrication: Wet sump, spin-on filter, 2.6 qt
Transmission: Wet, multiplate clutch, 5 speeds
Final drive: No. 520 chain, 48/15
Chassis
Wheelbase: 64.8 in.
Overall length: 95.0 in.
Rake/trail: 35 degrees/5.7 in.
Wheels: Cast, 3.0 x 16 front, 3.5 x 15 rear
Front tire: 130/90-16 Dunlop D404FJ
Rear tire: 150/90-15 Dunlop D404G
Front brake: 2 piston pin-slide caliper, 300mm disc
Rear brake: 180mm drum, rod-operated
Front suspension: Inverted, 41mm stanchions, 5.0 in. travel
Rear suspension: 2 dampers, 4.0 in. travel, 5-way adjustable for preload
Seat height: 27.5 in.
Fuel capacity: 3.4 gal., (0.8 gal. reserve)
Wet weight: 482 lb
Handlebar width: 28.5 in.
Electrical & Instrumentation
Charging output: 250 watts
Battery: 12v, 10AH
Forward lighting: 55/60-watt headlight, position lights
Taillight: 1 bulb
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter; warning lights for high beam, turn signals, coolant temp, oil pressure
Performance
Fuel mileage: 37 to 47 mpg, 41.8 mpg average
Average range: 142 miles
RPM at 60 mph, top gear: 3830200-yard top-gear acceleration from 50
mph, terminal speed: 69.3 mph
Quarter-mile acceleration: 14.14 sec @ 87.8 mph
RIDING POSITIONS
* A few weeks before the Marauder introduction, a contraband dealer brochure was smuggled from Japan into the mighty Petersen tower. The entire Motorcycle Cruiser staff huddled around, trying to get a glimpse of Suzuki's new cruiser. I liked what I saw that afternoon, but I liked what I rode home from New Mexico even better. Suzuki has managed to build a unique-looking cruiser, give it good ridability, and allow riders to park one in their garage for $5999. The special combination of those three points is what makes the Marauder such a desirable motorcycle. Miss any one of the three--particularly price--and the Marauder would fade into history.
After four days of seat time, I know Suzuki hit close to its mark and won't be saddling dealers with excess Marauders sitting on the showroom floor. As I stand here typing these comments, I know I had one more point to make, butt saddle-ly, I can't remember what it was.
--Evans Brasfield
* In most ways, I like Marauding better than Intruding. You Maraud astride a stiffer frame, on a roomier (if lumpier) saddle, with a more comfortable riding position. But I am puzzled about why street-racer styling and chain final drive is coupled with fewer ponies than you get with the chopper styling and shaft drive when you Intrude. Considering the $500 savings, I would choose to go Marauding if I was buying an 800 at my Suzuki dealer, but I'd quickly spend some of what I saved on painting or replacing the side panels and finding a decent cover or replacement for that header pipe with its ugly heat shields. I could live with the stock seat around town, but traveling would require a change.
Mostly, I am glad to see Suzuki showing renewed interest in cruisers and retaining that fresh thinking in the motorcycles it makes. Yup. I'm ready for a 1400 (or bigger) Marauder.
--Art Friedman
Additional motorcycle motorcycle road tests and comparison testss are available at the Road Tests section of MotorcycleCruiser.com.