Used Suzukis That Are Better Than Buying New
Buying a new motorcycle is always exciting. It comes with a factory-fresh scent, a warranty, and the satisfaction of being the first owner. However, depreciation can make a perfectly good used motorcycle considerably more tempting. Suzuki is particularly interesting here because its lineup includes long-running engines, proven sport bikes, dependable commuters, and adventure motorcycles that don’t need constant upgrades to stay relevant. Some older models also retain the qualities that made them desirable in the first place, while newer replacements cost considerably more.
2018 GSX250R
New: $5,149 | Used: $3,825
Suzuki developed the GSX250R for enthusiasts just entering the riding community. Its 248cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, wrapped in a sport bike package, is its biggest draw. The 248cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin produces 19.2 horsepower and 13.7 pound-feet of torque. This engine isn’t too demanding on its own, and the riding position, while sportier than a conventional commuter, isn’t as demanding as a bigger middleweight sport bike. It allows new riders to ease into the sport bike segment through body position and a forgiving engine. Highway performance is compromised, but for someone just entering the motorcycle scene, even the GSX250R has the ability to be a very fun motorcycle.
2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S
New: $7,199 | Used: $4,755
The DR-Z400S proves that sophisticated electronics are not necessarily required to make a motorcycle good. First introduced around the turn of the millennium, the DR-Z400 family established itself as a dependable option for riders wanting genuine dual-sport capability. The S version is road-legal, making it suitable for commuting as well as weekend trail adventures. The highlight of the 2018 DR-Z400S is that it has a carburetor, making maintenance on a motorcycle that already requires so little of it so much easier. The DR-Z400S also has a loyal following among dual-sport enthusiasts thanks to its history, so advice and help are freely available anywhere you look.
2019 Suzuki SV650
New: $8,149 | Used: $5,570 ABS: $5,640
The SV650 is one of Suzuki’s most enduring road motorcycles. Introduced back in 1999, it has earned a loyal following through a combination of accessible performance, amazing Suzuki engineering, and relatively affordable fun. The SV650 has changed significantly since then in terms of cycle parts, but the core has always remained the 645cc 90-degree V-twin engine. The design hasn’t changed significantly since then either, but it has become more modern-looking. Reliability is one of its major highlights. Suzuki has used variations of this engine across several models, making mechanics and owners familiar with its maintenance requirements.
2024 Suzuki GSX-8R
New: $9,199 | Used: $6,700
The GSX-8R was first introduced in 2024 and is one of the company’s more modern takes on a fully-faired sport bike. Despite being just two years old, however, you can find a brilliant machine for significant discounts if you look properly. The 776cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin gives you strong midrange performance by producing 81.8 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 58 pound-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. There’s useful acceleration lower down in the rev range, making it more suited to everyday roads rather than a track where a high-revving 600 would be a better fit. We’re getting to that, too.
2020 Suzuki Boulevard C50
New: $9,299 | Used: $5,899
The Suzuki Boulevard C50 evolved from Suzuki’s Intruder cruisers, bringing relaxed ergonomics, a low seat and a V-twin engine that favors lower torque over high-revving power. The C50 has considerable appeal among traditional cruiser enthusiasts and, even new, sits right on the brink of entry-level Harleys and Indians in terms of price. The Boulevard C50 is also a highly personal motorcycle, allowing you to customize it with plenty of aftermarket options like seats, windscreens, and saddlebags. Some things to look out for when inspecting a used bike, however, include leaks and noises from the shaft drive, corroded chrome, and smooth clutch and gearbox operation.
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
New: $9,799 | Used: $6,280
The Suzuki V-Strom 650XT is one of those old motorcycles that demonstrates why an uncomplicated ADV can remain desirable for years. Because of this, heavy discounts on the used market are a little difficult to come by. The V-Strom, however, is known for its rugged capability, so models from even 6-8 years ago tend to hold up well. The 650XT is a versatile motorcycle, and its upright riding position and flexible engine character make it suitable for a range of duties, from commuting and highway touring to long gravel-road adventures.
2018 Suzuki GSX-R600
New: $12,499 | Used: $9,580
The Suzuki GSX-R600 belongs to a generation of supersport motorcycles developed with racetrack performance at the center of their design. Its roots stretch back to the early 1990s, when Japanese manufacturers were turning 600cc sport bikes into serious road and track machines. The 2018 model retains that formula. Powered by a 599cc liquid-cooled inline-four, the GSX-R600 gives you its best performance at higher speeds. If you are looking to start regular track days and don’t have the budget, an older GSX-R600 is an excellent option thanks to its reputation for reliability. However, remember that the 2018 model comes with no electronic rider aids, so it can also prove to be a useful learning tool for riders who would rather not rely heavily on technology.
2017 Suzuki GSX-R750
New: $13,549 | Used: 10,360
The Suzuki GSX-R750 first arrived in 1985 with a combination of low weight and serious engine performance. The 2017 model is powered by a 750cc liquid-cooled inline-four, and unlike the GSX-R600’s high-revving nature, the R750 has more midrange punch. The long development of the platform also means that the GSX-R750 benefits from decades of engineering refinement. Like the R600 above, the R750 also doesn’t come with electronic aids, and the combination of more power and torque makes it just as capable, if not more so, on the track.
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
New: $15,699 (Suzuki V-Strom 1050) | Used: $7,915
Now, if you’re looking for a big ADV but running on a budget, the V-Strom 1000 could be a great option to look at. Introduced in 2002, the V-Strom received a more modern chassis and updated electronics, with further refinements arriving in 2017. The 1,037 cc 90-degree V-twin also brought substantial torque and relaxed highway performance. This, combined with the upright riding position, wind protection, and comfortable ergonomics, make it suitable for long-distance journeys. Now replaced by the V-Strom 1050, the 1000 is not known for extreme off-road capability, so riders who spend most of their time on pavement may benefit most from this choice.
2018 Suzuki Hayabusa (Gen 2)
New: $19,699 (Suzuki Hayabusa Gen 3) | Used: $12,340
First introduced in 1999, the Suzuki Hayabusa became famous for its extraordinary top speed and distinctive aerodynamic bodywork. The second generation arrived in 2008 with a larger engine and more performance, but kept the original bodywork. The third generation brought significant updates and electronics to the bike, but the second-gen holds sentimental value among riders who grew up admiring this iconic machine. The Hayabusa is a notorious speed machine, so always check for accident damage, cooling-system issues, and modifications before purchasing.
Source: Suzuki, Kelley Blue Book, Cycle Trader
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