What's Wrong with Suzuki?
by Robbie "Dale" Jackson
Contributing Editor
(c) 1995-1996 Motorcycle Shopper. All Rights Reserved.
Suzuki literature isn't exactly plentiful but there is more
supply than demand. Yamaha owners call and talk endlessly about the
RD350 they had when they were a kid; Honda owners love their Dreams,
CB750s, CBXs and on and on; Ossa, Montesa and Bultaco are bikes some
people have never heard of, but their followers can tell you what
engine changes were done and in what years; how one shade of red is
"a bit" deeper on one model than the other.
They can spot an after market footpeg in a heartbeat. These loyal
bike owners have searched for anything and everything they can find.
They are even manufacturing new items, just to have something else to
look for. So, why don't I hear from Suzuki riders?
I have no real proof that Suzuki doesn't enjoy the following
of other lesser known bikes, but I believe it to be true. I do know
that there have been far fewer Suzukis sold than Hondas, Kawasakis
and Yamahas. But they are probably fourth in the world for sales
during the past three decades. They seem to be reliable and there are
plenty of parts around.
As a baby boomer, I don't recall seeing any Suzukis. Except for
the occasional Harley-Davidson I don't recall seeing anything but Hondas.
You know ... "You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda."
The only thing I have to support my claim of low interest in
Suzuki is a large inventory of Suzuki literature. Nobody ever asks me
about it. It would be an exaggeration to say nobody wants Suzuki stuff.
A couple of times a year someone will call about the RE5. This rotary
engine bike is unique. The "Hustler" is the subject of conversation,
sometimes. And there is a fair amount of demand for GSXR literature.
People claim the large GS series engines can take punishment and still
demand respect at the track. The first Katana and XN85 Turbo come to
my attention from time to time. But there's no phone ear around here
from listening to people praise their Suzuki.
In addition to the RE5, there are other unique Suzukis. The
GT750, "Water Buffalo" (wonder who nicknamed it that), was the only
water-cooled, two-stroke, three-cylinder bike of its time. Suzuki had
so many different models they even had look alikes for other brands.
Except for two-stroke engines, Suzuki had it's "Step Through" and
"Trail 90".
It's a struggle to come up with other interesting things I have heard.
I'm sure there must be some great stories about Suzuki, but who is
telling them?
When looking at non-scientific data it's necessary to consider
things beyond my control. Maybe, these bikes are so popular that
everybody is collecting and riding them instead of looking for literature.
Is there a Suzuki Club that has access to large amounts of literature and
they don't need any? (I think that could be true about BMW). Am I being
boycotted by Suzuki lovers? Are Suzuki owners so content with their
bikes they just don't feel the need to brag about them? Could Suzuki be
America's best kept secret?
Whatever the reason for the lack of interest in Suzuki, at least
to my knowledge, there is no shortage of literature about them.
So, what's wrong with Suzuki?
Robbie "Dale" Jackson is owner of Motorcycle Memories, a mail-order company
specializing in out-of-print and unique motorcycle literature.