Suzuki VZ1600

This is a gradually growing class, which was arguably established by Honda's monster Valkyrie, and has caught on with all the Japanese manufacturers. Yamaha's version is the Warrior, Kawasaki has the Mean Streak, and Suzi has joined in with this particular missile.

Bits N Pieces
Here's what the Suzuki blurb says about the basics of the machine: The heart of Suzuki's newest Marauder is a fuel-injected eight-valve SOHC fuel-injected V-twin engine which delivers high-torque output and high-rpm power right across the rev range.

Engineered to complement the big twin cylinders, the unique 2-into-1-into-2 large diameter exhaust system tuning delivers strong roll-on acceleration in all gears, while enhancing the stretched look of the Marauder.

The robust V-twin is mated to a five-speed transmission with a sport-style toe shift lever and low-maintenance shaft drive that transfers power to the rear wheel smoothly and efficiently.

A double-cradle, high-tensile steel frame and a heavy-duty swingarm strengthened by a cross bar, provide the chassis with the strength to match its aggressive looks. 

Flaunting superbike-style 43mm inverted forks with ultra-responsive compression and rebound damping on its front end, the Marauder 1600's rear suspension features dual air-assisted shocks with rebound damping which is adjustable four ways.

Superior stopping power on the new Marauder would shame many sportsbikes, with massive dual 320mm semi-floating disc brakes operated by six-piston calipers up front, while a twin-piston caliper manages the 300mm rear disc.

Continuing the performance theme, this cruiser rides on a pair of 17-inch cast wheels with aggressive triple spokes, sporting a 130mm wide front tyre and a fat 170mm rear tyre.

Offering total cruiser comfort and style, the Marauder has a low 700mm seat height, with damping rubbers located under the seat and an engine counter balancer to minimise vibration.

What's it like?
You could be forgiven for thinking the term "performance cruiser" is an oxymoron, though I do have to say the idea has a fair bit of merit. Mostly because the majority of V-twin cruisers out there are not exactly what I'd describe as beacons of good performance and handling. In fact, some of them are downright ordinary.

So where does the Suzuki fit into this? Your average Hayabusa owner isn't going to get a fright from it, but the Marauder gets off the line in a very convincing manner and, corner to corner, has more than adequate poke for the majority of riders.

Top speed is nothing to write home about: we got around 180 before acceleration dropped into the 'dignified' rather than 'frantic' range. That's probably enough for this kind of bike, as the feet forward seating potion is hardly ideal for high-speed punting.

Brakes are sensational for a cruiser and would be regarded as more than respectable on anything. This, and the fitment of sticky Dunlop Sportmax rubber as standard, does a lot to encourage confidence in the machine.

 Clutch and gear action were pretty good, while the shaft was about as unobtrusive as you could hope for. Shifting was typical big-twin stuff - positive, but requiring a slightly slower action to get it right every time.

When you look at the ultra-low seating position, it doesn't take long to work out that something had to be sacrificed to obtain it, and that's cornering clearance. It's okay but way short of what the chassis could otherwise cope with.

The suspension does a respectable job of keeping this pretty heavy machine (290 kilos claimed dry - or about the same as an equivalent Harley) under control. Damping is on the plush side and the rear end travel is short enough to get caught out on bigger potholes.

Steering, despite the long wheelbase, is actually quite good. There's a bit of effort involved, but it doesn't suffer the remoteness that some cruiser front ends exhibit.

Overall finish is good and the bike scored quite a few compliments for its looks. Fuel consumption was around the 15km/litre mark, depending on how hard the throttle was twisted.

Specifications

ENGINE:
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 8-valve;
Bore x stroke: 102 x 95mm;
Displacement: 1,552cc;
Compression ratio: 9.0: 1;
Carburetion: Fuel injection 40mm x 2;
Oil capacity (overhaul): 3.5 litres;
Ignition: Digital;
Starter system: Electric;
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump;
Transmission: 5-speed, return;
Primary drive ratio: 1.517 (85/56);
Final drive ratio: 2.619 (15/21 x 33/9);
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual.

CHASSIS:Frame type: Double-cradle, high-tensile steel;
Rake/trail: 32 degrees / 144mm;
Suspension Front: 43mm inverted telescopic;
Rear: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, rebound damping 4-way adjustable, spring preload fully adjustable;
Wheels Front: J17 x MT3.50, cast aluminium alloy;
Rear: J17 x MT5.00, cast aluminium alloy;
Brakes Front: 6-piston calipers, 320mm dual-disc brakes;
Rear: 2-piston caliper, 300mm disc;
Tyres Front: 130/70R17MC, radial;
Rear: 170/60R17M/C, radial.

DIMENSIONS: Fuel tank: 17.0 litres;
Overall length: 2,410mm;
Overall width: 850mm;
Overall height: 1,110mm;
Wheelbase: 1.705mm;
Ground clearance: 125mm;
Seat height: 700mm;
Dry Weight: 290kg.

GENERAL:
Colours: Metallic Saturn Black;
Candy Starlit Blue;
Warranty: 24 month unlimited kilometres;
Price: $18,990 (inc.GST) plus on-road costs.

by Guy Allen