First Bike- 1997 Suzuki Marauder VZ800- Good Idea?

[tootall12]

I found a 97 Suzuki Marauder VZ800 that is in my price range and seems to be in reasonable shape, from what the owner said when I spoke to him. I have not gone to see the bike yet, so of course im not going to make any decisions about it before i do. What are yalls thoughts about this as a first bike, am i going to fit on this bike being as tall as i am (I am 6'6" and 215 lbs with a 38in inseam), and what do I need to look for when I go look at it. I know a lot about pick-ups and the big block gas engines a little about diesel engines. Saying that, I have no experience with these small motorcycle engines. I appreciate any feedback so I can at least look like I at know what im looking at and i dont get scammed.

[jstark47]

I found a 97 Suzuki Marauder VZ800 that is in my price range....What are yalls thoughts about this as a first bike, am i going to fit on this bike being as tall as i am (I am 6'6" and 215 lbs with a 38in inseam),

You'll fit on it, though your knees might be a little folded up. Only way to find out if it's comfortable is go sit on it and see. Power is manageable for a first bike (44 hp). Slow speed handling is a little "floppy" because of the cruiser steering geometry. You'll drop it once or twice learning to ride it - put crash bars on it and you'll limit the damage from low-speed drops.

Crash bar is the chrome piece like an upside down "U" in front of the radiator and behind the front wheel. Bike is a '04 VZ800 we used to own.

....what do I need to look for when I go look at it.....I appreciate any feedback so I can at least look like I at know what im looking at and i dont get scammed.

Here is the most excellent resource on the 'net for evaluating a used bike: Adam Glass' Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide

[tootall12]

I will paste the ad I found on this response.

"Selling my 1997 Suzuki Marauder VZ800, it has 25468 miles. Asking $1350 OBO.
This bike has sat for the last 5 years, and not ridden, so it will likely need a little work to make it road worthy. My price reflects this, please compare it to other Marauder's on CL.
Overall the bike looks pretty good, but there is a dent in the tank (see pics), it comes with leather saddle bags.
I bought this bike a few months ago, but lost my job shortly after, so now it needs to go, I need the money to pay the bills.
I have a clean and clear Texas title, in my name, and ready to go, the license plates are good till 02/12"

We talked through e-mail and he told me that the original owner kept in in a garage the whole time, and he has done the same in the short time he has had it. He also said that he took it to a mechanic to get him to check it out. The mechanic got it started and it had a rough idle, due to the carbs needing to be cleaned and tuned. Other than that it needs the "fuel tank cleaned out oil changed and a general tune up." The owner said he did not have the money for this kind of work b/c he lost his job. It also has a dent on the side of the tank where it looked like someone dropped it and the handle bars hit it.

Given all this, how much more money should I expect to put into this bike? And how much should I offer him? The Blue Book value is $1900 and it is already priced down to $1350. I was hoping for about $1200 to ensure I stay within budget after repairs and all the safety gear Im going to need.