My pick of the best used Suzukis proves you can find a stunner for not a lot of dosh

Triumph are famous for triples. Honda are known for their quality, Harley build cruisers and KTM like making bikes for getting dirty. And Suzuki? They don’t have a signature style or engine. But the reason for this is that they’ve made high-class offerings for every category and type of bike – and in the used market they’re usually ace value too. Slip into that blue and white paddock jacket, and let’s go.

• Related: A complete set of riding gear for less than £700

Read on for our expert guide to stunning used Suzukis!

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MCN Recommended: 2006-2007 Suzuki GSX-R750 K6 – £4000 – £6000

Spot-on blend of traditional charm with modern ability

Spec:

• Power: 147bhp
• Engine capacity: 749cc
• Seat height: 810mm
• Kerb weight: 199kg

Not just a sportsbike. The GSX-R is a modern legend, a statement about who you are and, crucially, a ruddy steal. There have been endless ace versions of the 750 but the best value is the K6 model from 2006. Fully updated, it got more power and braking power, fewer vibes and kilograms, and cast the mould from which the 750 would be made until it was dropped. Prices are solid and classic status assured, yet you’ll get one from £3000. Fast, usuable and sweet handling, it’s as epic as ever.

Suzuki GSX-R750 K6 used buying advice

• If the fuel injection warning lamp is illuminated it might indicate that the bike has had a race exhaust at some point, or that it’s got the common throttle position sensor failure.
• Make sure the exhaust valve opens and closes correctly. They play up.
• Be cautious if it has an aftermarket quickshifter as the longevity of the 750’s gearbox can suffer.
• Check that the front brake master cylinder recall has been carried out.
• There are a few problems with charging, often from an overheating reg/rec – some owners relocate it into the fairing to help it stay chilled.

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1999-2007 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa – £4500 – £7000

23 years since its release and the Hayabusa is still a legend…

Spec:

• Power: 175bhp
• Engine capacity: 1299cc
• Seat height: 805mm
• Kerb weight: 215kg

Ooh, it’s a Hayabusa. And everyone knows the Hayabusa is The Fastest Bike Ever and that you’re clearly a special individual if you can deal with a 400mph bike. Thing is, live with the hyperbike and you realise its seamless drive and effortless progress are just as attractive as its headline performance figures. Nothing feels as stress-free and luxurious for covering ground briskly.

Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa used buying advice

• Subframes cracked on early bikes if the 4-into-2 exhaust was swapped for an aftermarket pipe.
• Brakes are often criticised so look for master cylinder, pad and caliper upgrades. Ensure it’s a pukka update, not ham-fisted tinkering.
• There are acres of plastic and the Hayabusa’s finish isn’t the finest so look for scruffy badly-fitting panels.
• The engine is über-reliable, but go up and down the gearbox to make sure everything’s in order. If it’s been ‘derestricted’, how? And who by?

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1987-1997 Suzuki RGV250 – £6000 – £10,000

The defining two-stroke 250 is still as addictive to ride as ever

Spec:

• Power: 58bhp
• Engine capacity: 249cc
• Seat height: 755mm
• Kerb weight: 128kg

Speed, power, staggering handling and a semi-exotic race-bike feel made us all lust after the RGV250 in the late ’80s and early ’90s. This of course means cough-up-your-tea prices here in 2025. However, find a good RGV, give it a while to (re)form a bond, and you’ll find Suzuki’s V-twin stinkwheel is still something special. Sunny summer evening, empty country roads… there’s nowt like it.

Suzuki RGV250 used buying advice

• The V-twin enjoys running on quality oil. If the owner’s been using mower-grade stuff, run away fast.
• Warm it properly, service on time (including pistons and rings), and it’ll last. But they need loving owners.
• The three-part powervalves have no lubrication, and if the centre pin becomes loose parts can fall into the cylinders. This isn’t favourable.
• Suspension was soft when new, so inspect for age-related sagging.
• Restored, y’say? Make sure it’s proper, not a rattle-can makeover.

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2002-2008 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom – £2400 – £3500

The go-to machine for effortless yet enjoyable daily riding

Spec:

• Power: 105bhp
• Engine capacity: 996cc
• Seat height: 845mm
• Kerb weight: 220kg

Suzuki V-Strom 1000s start at tired 125 money, while just £2500 gets an average-mile bike in fine nick with history and desirable accessories. It’s amazing value, and one of the reasons why Suzuki’s adventure-sports all-rounder is adored by commuters, tourers and those after the most machine for their quids. Reliable, comfy, easy to ride, capable, and cheap… what’s not to like?

Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom used buying advice

• The ex-TL1000 V-twin is solid and proven, though early bikes had a weak alternator (updated for 2003) and it’s known for eating its way through clutch baskets – feel for a judder at 3000rpm.
• Out-of-sync throttle bodies cause misfires. Fuel pumps ‘whistle’ during starting if the fuel level is low; excess noise when the tank is brimmed can mean a worn pump.
• Expect a shoddy engine finish and fur-smothered chassis on bikes that have been used all year round.

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2001-2009 Suzuki DR-Z400 – £2500 – £6000

There’s a reason every group of trailie junkies includes a DR-Z

Spec:

• Power: 39bhp
• Engine capacity: 398cc
• Seat height: 935mm
• Kerb weight: 133kg

Suzuki’s venerable DR350 was the trail rider’s favourite (still is for some) and its later replacement, this liquid-cooled DR-Z, is just as popular. You won’t see a group of green-laners that doesn’t have a 400 in its midst. It’s because the Suzuki works for both experinced and novice riders, and still has enough on-road capability to make decent commuter or back-lane plaything.

Suzuki DR-Z400 used buying advice

• Reliability is decent. However, the water pump seal can give up. Listen for a noisy camchain tensioner and big-end rumbles, and look out for exhaust smoke.
• Paint will have worn off the frame where boots and legs rub and the engine will look scruffy. Just how it is with well-used trailies. Plastics are tough, but replacements are cheap and easy to get if they’re damaged.
• Worn suspension and chassis misalignment? It’s been abused.