I bought my 2006 Suzuki Marauder (GZ125) brand new three years ago. Having just passed my CBT, I wanted a bike I could safely learn on, while having a cruiser machine that looked bigger than it actually was.
It's very easy to ride. It has a five speed gear box, although you'll find at 55 mph ... Read review
Advantages: Classic custom looks, very economical, cheap to run Disadvantages: Rust prone, lack of top end power
I bought my 2006 Suzuki Marauder (GZ125) brand new three years ago. Having just passed my CBT, I wanted a bike I could safely learn on, while having a cruiser machine that looked bigger than it actually was.
It's very easy to ride. It has a five speed gear box, although you'll find at 55 mph - 60 mph you're sometimes looking for a sixth. Certainly quick enough in town and perfect for commuting. I estimate mine returns 80-100 mpg, although ... ...(and it cruises along happily). Top speed is around 60 mph, although downhill on a good day I've had it nearer 70 mph. I'm 6'2" and 15st...so you may well get a little more out of it performance wise.
Riding position is fairly low and being a cruiser the turning circle isn't exactly great. Safety wise the engine will automatically cut out if you try and ride with the side stand down. Unfortunately it doesn't have a centre stand. ... more
I bought my 2006 Suzuki Marauder (GZ125) brand new three years ago. Having just passed my CBT, I wanted a bike I could safely learn on, while having a cruiser machine that looked bigger than it actually was.
It's very easy to ride. It has a five speed gear box, although you'll find at 55 mph - 60 mph you're sometimes looking for a sixth. Certainly quick enough in town and perfect for commuting. I estimate mine returns 80-100 mpg, although admittedly at 30 mph I stick it in fifth gear (and it cruises along happily). Top speed is around 60 mph, although downhill on a good day I've had it nearer 70 mph. I'm 6'2" and 15st...so you may well get a little more out of it performance wise.
Riding position is fairly low and being a cruiser the turning circle isn't exactly great. Safety wise the engine will automatically cut out if you try and ride with the side stand down. Unfortunately it doesn't have a centre stand. I say unfortunately because this makes it harder to adjust the chain yourself.
Only reliability issue I had was just after purchase, my left indicator would fail to come on when selected. However, one trip back to the dealer and it was fixed and has never happened again in the three years since. Apart from that my choke level has seized and now (as I'm too lazy to repair it) I just heat the cold engine with a fan heater if I need to start it on a cold morning.
You must keep polish on this bike all the time if you want to avoid the rust. Rear shocks, wheels and mirrors are particularly prone. Wheels, especially rear one, are a nuisance to clean because of all the spokes. I used mine all year round and didn't always garage it, so unfortunately I'm experiencing some rust now (which started at around a year old). Beware the grit salt. It will eat your bike alive.
Front brake pad seems to wear out quickly, first one was replaced at 2,500 miles. Now done 6500 miles and think I'm badly in need of another one. Engine has run sweet as a nut since new. Never skipped a beat. Starts first time, every time (as long as your choke lever isn't siezed!).
Costs only £15 a year to tax and insurance is very, very cheap.
Bike receives plenty of welcome attention and looks really good. Was even once invited to park it alongside a display of classic motorcycles at a classic bike rally.
Still got it after three years, but I've had my full license now for over a year and almost ready for something a bit bigger. For laid back, economical cruising or commuting it makes an excellent first bike. You'll soon learn you don't need to go really fast to enjoy motorcycling.
