Dont think I could have picked a better bike. :0)

After having passed my CBT on Friday 13th 2012 (eeek)on a Suzuki VANVAN 125 and sort of muddling my way through it (first time on a bike, information bombardment etc)what an absolute pleasure it was to finally get a good run on my Suzuki GZ 125 Marauder (03 plate with 4300 miles on the clock, for £800...bargain)which I had bought a couple of weeks before.The Marauder doesnt so much pull away as let you glide along with it and let you know "relax son your gonna be alright" as being a small cruiser (not me, the bike)this adorable looking little machine gently builds up its speed giving you time to take in the beauty and feel of the bike as well as your surroundings.
Being on the heavy end for a 125 but lighter than a normal cruiser: suits the bike and rider alike in my opinion,you sense when you come to junctions etc, the Marauder just asks for that gentle touch and takes you where you want to go,(the 125 VANVAN seems to be in far too much of a hurry...hey maybe at 44 im just getting old and like the more relaxed pace of the GZ)Roundabouts are a breeze ,feeling like you are on a "carousel", whereas the day before I was sure I was entering the "wall of death" hey same company different bikes, its a demographic thing I suppose.It doesnt so much eat bends, more welcomes them and savours them which leaves the rider only hungry for more.(having put her to bed for the day...IM STARVING!!!
I have heard it said "clunky gear changes" and in part I suppose thats true but I thought that went with a cruiser style machine and for me only added to the experience of being on a bigger bike,having said this I was commiting a "faux pas" by riding with baseball boots on (hey it was sunny in Scotland today...need I say more!)and of course when these baseball boots came to a stop, where were they? Yip on the tarmac, not almost up on "tippy-toes" with other bikes I could mention.(short-stop)
Hitting 60mph is fine with me, do I feel I need more power, hey maybe in the future when I attain my full licence, but for the time being im happy on this learning curve but I am even happier this curve is being taught by such a gorgeous,well made machine with all HER curves in the right places.
Verdict:OH YES