Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey, I'm new to the forum, and I wanted to ask your opinions of a bike I'm looking at. I'm 20 yo, about 6'2" and 280, and I was looking at a 1998 Suzuki Marauder VZ800. Any ideas on it? I know it's been dropped once, but not by it's current owner, has 8500 miles, and new tires. Is $3500 too much for it? Too little? Just right? I'd appreciate ANY feedback on it, I'm just getting into the sport.
Thanks!
Wrider

Edit: The lady that was selling it ended up selling it before I could even look at it. I am now looking at a 2001 Suzuki Volusia 800. Supposedly it comes with lots of extras, including a helmet, gloves, leather saddle bags, etc. Anyway, he's asking 100 less than her, and I think it's a better bike, especially since it's shaft driven... Any Ideas? Comments? Suggestions? Everything I read seems to be positive toward this bike, so I'd like some feedback from someone if you have the experience. Thanks, and hopefully I'll actually get to see this one! lol
Wrider

Welcome to the forum ¡

You will found a lot of information and help in this forum.

I´m a new member too, and I dont know about your bike, but many members is going to give you the information that you need......

Look up the NADA (National Auto Dealers of America) or Kelly Blue book site for the value.

Check out the J an P Cycles catalogue site to check out tire prices.

That's how you can see about the basic value of stuff. Then, decide if the drop damaged anything crucial, that needs mechanical attention. J and P sells all the parts. (I need a mechanic, I'm not handy)

(I work in commercial lending, this is how we figure out the value of collateral)

Is it in your budget? Sometmes even tho it adds up in the guidebooks, it's too much for YOU. Also - even if the values in the books are dead on to the price, negotiate! Start a bit lower that asking price. If you pay with cashola - they will sometimes take less because you are ready to hand it over.

And last but not least - did you take the MSF class?

That's a nice bike.

Also check and see how they are selling on ebay and adjust accordingly. It sounds like it's already in the right price range but I don't know for sure.

Remember that NADA and KBB are great guides, but don't try and hold the guy to them if the price is lower. Certain markets lead to higher prices.

However, if at the end of the day you like the bike, you can afford it and you feel taht you'll get equal or more happiness for the bike compared to the money you trade for it then go for it.