Suzuki or Kawasaki? and Hi.....

**ktee** · 7th August 2005, 08:48

Hi there. I've been reading your excellent info for so long now that I decided to join in.

Question ...... Have any of you ladies riden or owned a Kawasaki W650 or a Suzuki Marauder 800? I'm trying to decide what next to buy and someone elses experience is always a good starting point. Which is best in terms of ease of riding. I'm 5"4 and how far forward are the foot pegs on the Marauder? Anyhoo lots of questions but enuf for now. Cheers

**Riff Raff** · 7th August 2005, 09:05

Hi there and welcome to KB. I haven't ridden either of those bikes so can't comment. Are you looking at a cruiser because that's what you're into, or is it because of your height? The only way you're going to know what you like is by trying them. It really comes down to what feels best to you when you're riding and gives you the most enjoyment.

**SlashWylde** · 7th August 2005, 09:25

Heres a couple of reviews that might help:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=9322

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=8831

LB · 7th August 2005, 09:30

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Hi ktee, welcome to the KB gargre.

Mrs Hitcher has an 800 Marauder - in fact this is her second one as unfortunately she wrote her first one off. I'm sure Mr Hitcher will see this thread in due course and make constructive comment.
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**zadok** · 7th August 2005, 09:47

Welcome to K.B Ktee. Like your profile pic.
Sorry can't comment on either of those bikes, having not owned or ridden either, except to say I'm quite taken by the style of the classic look Kawasaki W650.

**ktee** · 7th August 2005, 10:23

Thanx for the comments thus far. I love the look of the Kawasaki ZZR250 and enjoy riding it find it's not so good for learning slow riding skills. The GN250 is fun to ride and easy to control at slow speeds. So my problem is I love the look of sports road bikes but am finding the more upright seating etc of the GN provides me with more learning opportunities. So this makes me think my progression may be more to the cruiser style. Any thoughts?

**Pixie** · 7th August 2005, 11:32

I would recommend the W650 for it's seating position,over a sportbike or a cruiser.It is what I refer to as a conventional bike half way between the two extremes,and is more adaptable than either.I am a fan of the bandit for this very reason.

**ktee** · 7th August 2005, 12:25

Thankyou for that Pixie ... it makes alot of sense. I will have to take one out for a testride.

**Hitcher** · 7th August 2005, 16:50

Greetings and welcome. Mrs H does indeed have a Marauder (the VZ800K4, not the mini-Mean Streak Boulevard M50).

You've probably by now read all of the stuff about the bike. You may also be interested in Mrs H's performance data as well. She's a whisker over 5'2" dripping wet and is not a large person by any stretch. Given that the average woman rider is 5'3", one wonders why bike manufacturers don't do more to build or modify bikes so that the shorter rider can manage them...

However manage a Marauder Mrs H does very well indeed.

She would ride a Sprotsbike(TM) if she could find one upon which she didn't have to tippee toe to keep upright when stationary (an important consideration, as most offs are slow speed events), doesn't crush her nether regions, and which she doesn't have to lean on her wrists to ride. Trail bikes? Forget it. BMW claim to have a height reducing kit for the F650 but you have to buy the bike first as there is no demonstrator available with one already fitted. Similarly other manufacturers claim a bunch of mods that can be done to various sprotsbikes (such as dropping the forks through the triple clamp, and dicking around with the rear suspension) but this must compromise the handling.

So in the meantime, get a cruiser! They are strangely addictive. If we had a gargre I suspect there would be a Mean Streak in it...

**ktee** · 7th August 2005, 17:32

Thanx Hitcher..... appreciate the feedback. I'm 5"4 and teeny tiny weight wise but I am able to sit over the Kawasaki ZZR250 comfortably and hold it up and after dropping it, lift it up but riding it slowly makes me feel like the weight of it is going to take over. I agree messing with forks and such must affect the handling.

Safe riding to you and Mrs H.

**Beemer** · 11th August 2005, 17:51

Originally Posted by Hitcher

She would ride a Sprotsbike(TM) if she could find one upon which she didn't have to tippee toe to keep upright when stationary (an important consideration, as most offs are slow speed events), doesn't crush her nether regions, and which she doesn't have to lean on her wrists to ride. Trail bikes? Forget it. BMW claim to have a height reducing kit for the F650 but you have to buy the bike first as there is no demonstrator available with one already fitted.

Are you talking about the F650CS or the GS, Hitcher? If she wants to try a CS for size, I have the one with the low seat and the lower profile rear tyre. If it is a GS, there is currently one in Motorad (you may have seen it the other night - a yellow one?) that even I could touch the ground on - and I am only 5'1".

**Hitcher** · 11th August 2005, 19:24

Originally Posted by Beemer

Are you talking about the F650CS or the GS, Hitcher? If she wants to try a CS for size, I have the one with the low seat and the lower profile rear tyre. If it is a GS, there is currently one in Motorad (you may have seen it the other night - a yellow one?) that even I could touch the ground on - and I am only 5'1".

Thanks for the offer. It up we may take!

**Beemer** · 11th August 2005, 21:58

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Thanks for the offer. It up we may take!

I could do you a good price! It's up for sale mainly because I am only 5'1" and find the wide seat isn't conducive to getting my feet down in a position I am happy with. I am fine riding it, but don't enjoy low speed riding or stopping on off-camber roads as I am on absolute tip toes. It has all the extras - ABS, heated grips, power socket, hazard lights, etc. And a personalised plate! Send me a PM if you want to come and check it out.

**Motu** · 11th August 2005, 22:20

I'd love a W650,I don't think the seat height is as low as a cruiser,but it's styled as a classic bike,and they fitted a broad range of people.A versatile bike that can be adapted to other uses,and capable of different riding styles - not being narrow focused (sportsbike,cruiser,dirtbike) you will find the handling and seating position will allow you cope with more varied road and weather/traffic conditions.A great bike,I'd like to have the funds to head in that direction.