Faults:

Regular maintenance is the only expense I have had with this motorcycle: tires, battery, a chain, brake pads and tune ups.

General Comments:

The motorcycle has been on multiple long trips of one to two thousand miles. I have added a fairing with driving lights, a travel trunk with park lights, and saddle bags with park lights.

The Suzuki cruises with much bigger bikes and in most cases will accelerate or pass right with them. The Marauder would pull the front wheel off the ground if the engine was throttled up close to the limiter before the clutch was released, before the addition of the traveling accessories. The seat was uncomfortable on a long ride or trip until I added a driver's backrest. I would like to have a better seat and I wish there was a complete exhaust system available for the 1997-1998 Marauder 800, instead of a slip-on muffler.

Faults:

The starting relay is a terrible design. I decided to bypass it. The tank was full of water (previous owner?). I had to have the tank and carbs cleaned. All seemed like general maintenance for a 15 year old bike that had been sitting.

General Comments:

Fun to ride! Very comfortable to ride. Feels more like a cruiser than my old Shadow.

Faults:

I continually fight to start this motorcycle. After a recent fix from the Suzuki dealer following the winter it was fine. BUT as I feared, after 5 days, it wouldn't start up again. Forums and blogs and tons of advice still doesn't help. Even the owners clubs recommend bypassing the starting relays to aid in starting. Is this really a smart design? I'm not into paying money to work and pay more money, and I can't recommend others do this either. The electrics kill it for me and the simple matter is, it can't provide me the ability to stay on the road.

General Comments:

For the FEW days I was able to ride this "bike" it was great. Everything easy to use and it's exceptionally comfortable. It was very easy to ride all day. It's lighter, more maneuverable, powerful, and unique than the Yamaha V star/Honda Shadow competitors in its class.

Mine in particular was garage kept for years and refurbished for use last year. Immaculate condition. Everything was great until the temperatures dipped below 50 degrees.

This bike just can't hack mildly cold temperatures. Close to freezing, you may as well forget it. After this past year of continual headaches with starting issues, I regret not buying either the Yamaha or Honda. My friend started his V-Star up with ease and has been out on the road leaving me yelling some choice words for my decision.

Faults:

Gearing was wrong: replaced front and back sprockets:

Chain wear seemed excessive: a chain per year.

Safety switch on the kickstand was an issue from the beginning.

General Comments:

Have driven this bike everywhere. From Michigan to Florida twice, and Kentucky and Tennessee. It isn't a comfortable bike for long hauls, but is VERY reliable.

It is WAY too expensive to do serious motor work. I seized the motor, and have spent $3,000 to rebuild it.

For mechanics it is an odd motor. 38mm crank and having to match hone the case bearings.

BUT, I couldn't have found a better quality and looking bike for the price to repair it.