Suzuki versus Yamaha

[storysunfolding]

Here's the story. I'm looking for the bike I'm going to buy in the spring. I'm trying to decide between the c-50 and the yamaha v-star 1100 custom. Ideally I want the Yamaha warrior, but don't we all?

Anyway- at a few dealerships that sell a variety of brands I ran into the same thing. The salesmen told me that suzuki was crap. Poor quality, poor durability, bad aftermarket support, and so on. The overall consensus was that if you want a japanese motorcycle you buy Yamaha or Honda or save money for a ducati or bmw.

So is Suzuki really that bad a brand?

Are they pushing me towards Yamaha because Yamaha's have more expensive and frequent maintanence (maybe that's rumor mill)?

I like both bikes, I've sat on them and the pros and cons of each bike seem to equal out... except that hte suzuki is alot less expensive.

[Sev]

My friend has had an '04 marauder for 2 years now and something like 12000 km with no real problems. So if you're leaning towards that I'd say go for it.

[ZooTech]

Anyway- at a few dealerships that sell a variety of brands I ran into the same thing. The salesmen told me that suzuki was "crumb". Poor quality, poor durability, bad aftermarket support, and so on. The overall consensus was that if you want a japanese motorcycle you buy Yamaha or Honda or save money for a ducati or bmw.

That's a load of you-know-what! To even suggest that Suzuki makes crappy bikes is rediculous. The fuel-injection on my dad's C50 is spot on, the fit-and-finish is superb, and it looks and rides fantastic. And I don't know about aftermarket support in the past (check with Wizzard about that) but with the launch of the new Boulevard moniker Suzuki has really bolstered their aftermarket offerings.

If you want a Warrior but only have cash for an 800cc Suzuki, buy the M50. It can't compete with the Warrior on the drag strip but it'll give it a run for its money aesthetically.

[storysunfolding]

lol

I could afford the warrior, I just can't justify it... especially with the insurance. Habitat or Relay for Life could use that money more than I'd use the extra power from the M50.

Still, I see a guy who commutes on a warrior and it's a very nice.

Sad to say that I can already see rust on it though...

[DivideOverflow]

Most dealers I've seen either do Yamaha and Honda together, but not with Suzuki.. At least around here, the only place that sells suzuki is the Suzuki/Ducati dealer. Another one is honda/yamaha/kawasaki.

I'd take a Suzuki over a V-star.

[storysunfolding]

One near me is a Yamaha suzuki, another is a honda kawasaki and another has yamaha, honda, suzuki and ducati.

So suzuki isn't the red headed stepchild of motorcycles that I was led to believe?

[Chip Beazley]

I have had 6 Suzukis and all of them have been extremely good bikes in all aspects. I have had a far, far better owner experience with Suzuki motorcycles than I have had with Yamahas.

I have had 2 Yamahas where I had so many problems with the bike and they stayed out of service so much that the factory replaced the engines in both of them. I can't bring myself to even consider owning a Yamaha now. I just can't work up much enthusiasm for the brand or the dealer here that sells them.

IMHO Suzukis are better engineered than Yamaha (please do not start a flame war here...remember opinions are like o-rings - everybody has one). Also the Suzuki cruisers are overhead cam and either air/oil or liquid cooled whereas Yamahas (aka Star) for the most part are still powered by push rod air cooled engines. Nothing against air cooling, but the liquid and air/oil cooled, overhead cam engines in Suzuki's bikes seem to run with a lot less engine and valve train noise and the power output is more consistent overall. This is especially noticeable during the heat of the summers that we have in the deep south.

[Bubba]

My last three bikes were Suzuki's. My new one is a Yamaha Silverado.
The reason for change. The Yamaha is easier to maintain.
BTW: The Yamaha Silverado runs the 1700 Warrior motor and is cheaper than the Warrior.

[storysunfolding]

My last three bikes were Suzuki's. My new one is a Yamaha Silverado.
The reason for change. The Yamaha is easier to maintain.
BTW: The Yamaha Silverado runs the 1700 Warrior motor and is cheaper than the Warrior.

It might have the same motor, but the Warrior just looks mean. It looks like it eats babies. That's what I want in a scoot, something that says watch out or your first born child will have birth defects.

[High_Side]

Ideally I want the Yamaha warrior, but don't we all?

No.