1998 Suzuki Dual Sport reviews

This bike is a lot of fun to ride. Great handling, good performance for a 600. It isn't going to take a busa, but can get you a ticket in any state you want. Power starts on around 9000rpm and goes through the rest of the band. Suspension is good for a 195lb rider front and rear. Brakes are responsive and tight. Makes for a good learner bike and isn't going to break the bank for replacement parts should you need them. Show less

Purchased this bike a month ago and loving every minute of it. I have been off a bike for over ten years and decided it was time to get back into it. I was looking for something nice with decent power, reliable, and inexpensive. The VZ7800 was the perfect fit. I have since put a new mustang wide seat (recommended), Mapam foward controls, bigger drag handlebars, mirrors and some chrome accessories. The bike looks awesome Show less

I have had this bike for nearly 3 months now and have done about 1000 miles. It is fast as you need really, and some more and I got the 2003 Black and Silver and it looks the part. Powerband kicks in at around 9000rpm and you have to hang on. Gearbox seemed clunky to start with but now the miles have racked up it seems a lot smoother. Handling is superb especially when your down to the last gallon in the tank because it feels like your on a 250 weight wise. People say the brakes arent up to much but i find them adequate for my driving ok there are better but they are there. It feels great it certainly looks great and it gets you noticed. I would definitely buy it again. Show less

This is my first bike. I checked out a lot of new bikes and brands first before I found this one. I bought it used with only 2100 original miles on it (it was also bought in 1999 but 98 model year), so to me that is a brand new bike. I figured for a first bike I didn't want to spend about $10,000 or up and then find out I don't like riding or the bike itself. I bought this one because I liked the way it sat and I felt like if I dropped it (which I already did twice - no damage) it wouldn't freak me out like a new one. The HD Sportster is too top heavy for me, the Honda Shadow too wide, and a lot of the lower bikes seemed too heavy or the engine too big for a beginner like me. I like the options I can get with my bike and a lot of aftermarket companies have goodies for it too because of the cruiser style. The only thing I don't like about it is the handlebar reach- it's not too wide but too far. But maybe that is because I am a 5'5" female. So either I will get used to it or change them. All in all it is a pretty impressive bike and for some reason, mine doesn't look maroon and white like the Suzuki site says is the color combo for that year, it really looks burgundy and cream. It is a sharp color combo and no, the paint is not faded - it is all the same color even under the pillion seat. It has plenty of power and can keep up with the rest of the bunch but doesn't look like a little bike. This is one I can recommend to both beginner and experienced rider who is looking for a nice looking bike at the right price. Show less

I have had my 1100W for 8 months, for the price I paid it is still a very quick machine. 155HP claimed, maybe a bit over rated,but I do not have a lot to compare it with as I had not riden for 18 years!! I find the riding style to be slightly uncomfortable on long hauls of 400KM's. Would appreciate any feedback comparing this bike to the new models. Show less

This bike is FANTASTIC...just right for cruising around town, and short trips. Seating is comfortable and overall handling exceeds expectations. The bike has kinda a Harley look...not a bad thing. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this bike. Show less

The looks are great. I could do with a little more paint and less decals. Acceleration is very smooth and predictably fast. Cornering is good but the steering is a little heavy on the "turn-in". The handlebars are short and require a little heavier counter-steer to make it go, but once you figure it out, it's a true pleasure to drive. The water-cooled engine is MUCH smoother, not as hot to ride, and very little "buzz" compared to the older, oil cooled models. The engine heats up quickly in heavy traffic, but the radiator fan seems to keep the engine under the "HOT ZONE". Even in 100-degree temps, while riding at normal speed limits, the temp is in the lower portion of the gauge. The riding position is not bad. I'm 47, 5'-7", have a long torso, and short legs - It feels like part of you when you ride it. Maybe cause I'm older and really appreciate the fact I'm still riding. The instrumentation is sparse, but almost all you need. A clock and a fuel gauge would have been nice. The fuel light comes on with about 50 miles left to go. 35MPG is the average for "spirited" riding. All in all, a great bike, not perfect, but compared to the price tags of the new onesit's a steal. Show less

This bike handles great, but the power is way off for everyday riding. My bike has a mysterious carburetion problem that no one can fix. Before it was piped and jetted, the problem was there, and now it is more pronounced. The bike wants to stall when you start from a stop, and there is a bad flat spot at 4000 RPM. Once out and ripping, this bike is great. Good power, delivery, excellent handling. The suspension is a little soft and you feel every bump, especially when leaned over, but I would definitely go with another Suzuki. Show less