Suzuki Pros and Cons

[roger3645]

I'm going to look at a boat with a Suzuki 115hp outboard, I believe the model year is 1990. Never owned suzuki motor nor do I know anyone who does. So my question is; do they have an over all good reputation, anything particular about suzuki's I should look for? Are parts available (aftermarket)?

Are parts more expensive compared to mercury/johnson?

I suspect suzuki dealers are limited compared to mercury and johnson.

If you own a suzuki outboard, would you buy another one?

Thanks
Roger

 

[George Bear]

Re: Suzuki Pros and Cons

I can not remember how many outboards I have run in the past 70 years. I can say that my current Suzuki is the best motor I have ever owned. I run offshore in the ocean on a single outboard. I have no doubt she will bring me home. My 4 stroke Suzuki is very fuel efficient. I can idle for hours and never foul a plug if I am slow trolling. I have heard of horror stories about corrosion in the Suzukies and warranty problems. I always flush after running in salt water and have never seen any sign of corrosion. This motor has been run in salt water for four years and I would buy another Suzuki tomorrow if necessary.

 

[stylesabu]

Re: Suzuki Pros and Cons

I have an 1986 75 hp two stroke, I love it. it keeps up with my buddy's 90 hp johnson. we both have the same 16 foot hull boat.I have had no problems finding parts, i bent prop shaft on some rocks.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: Suzuki Pros and Cons

They seem to be good engines but you aren't going to find even 1/10th of the parts availability as you would for Merc or J/E from the same era. A good insight is gained if you look at the number of 80s-90s J/E and Merc lower units on ebay and then do the same for the Zuke 2 strokes.

-E

 

[keggy]

Re: Suzuki Pros and Cons

Finding service is very difficult make sure you have a few dealers close to home.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Suzuki Pros and Cons

Suzy dealerships seem to be rather regional. Here in the upper midwest there seems to be a fair number of Suzy dealers. I have one on my pontoon and my dealer is just 15 miles away. I fish frequently in northern Wisconsin and there are two Suzy dealers on that lake. You can order Suzy parts on-line as well.

 

[OSBD1]

Re: Suzuki Pros and Cons

I owned a 1986 Yamaha PRO V 150 for 2 years and 1987 Suzuki DT200 Super Six for 20 years and the only problem I ever had was a head bolt broke and it was in a water jacket. I only used premium gas, Suzuki oil, NGK spark plugs and I changed gear oil every year and the impeller every 2 years. When I was stationed in NC, CA and FL I ran this motor really hard for 7 years. in 1996 I retired and moved back to Colorado and I didn't use the boat as much. After I moved back to Colorado, I serviced it every spring. The only Suzuki Dealer that serviced 2 strokes was 138 miles away. I am a mechanic by trade, so I serviced it myself. The only time it ever failed to start was when there was water in the gas tank. I sold the boat this past August because a bass boat was not practical for me anymore. I bought a Fish & Ski with a 200hp Mariner this October from someone in Kansas who was not forthcoming as to the condition of the motor. I know you assume a risk when you buy something used, but this reinterates my point. I will never own anything but a Suzuki or a Yamaha. It is true about dealers being distant. I would reccomend that before you buy it have a compression test or leak down test done and then after you buy it take it to a Suzuki dealer and have the motor checked out. If you take care of it you won't have to take it to the dealer.