According to most manufacturers and enthusiasts, there are six main categories of motorcycles you can ride; cruiser, sport, touring, standard, dual purpose, and dirt bike. What this means is that no matter your intentions, there's a bike out there with your name on it if you choose to go looking for adventure, and you can always customize something to your liking as well.
Both Honda and Suzuki have been manufacturing motorcycles dating back to the 1950s, but their almost 70-year runs have been different on a number of fronts. Honda is involved in many other industries including auto, boating, power equipment, and robotics (remember ASIMO?), and despite all that diversity, the company is still the largest bike manufacturer on Earth, with many new exciting products on the way. Suzuki on the other hand has chosen to focus more on motorcycles over the decades, while concurrently producing donor automobiles and engines for other manufacturers. They boast a rich racing history and produce some of the fastest bikes ever made.
In terms of reliability, both companies are rated top notch with Suzuki second and Honda third behind only Yamaha, which boasts an impressive line-up as well.
With Suzuki's rich racing history and Honda's reputation for high build quality, which company makes the better bike for you? Let's find out.
For Beginners
With an almost cult-like following, the Suzuki SV650 is a lot of sportbike for the $7500.00 price tag, and of course, many used examples are out there as well. It has great cornering, ABS, 'Low RPM Assist' which helps prevent stalling, and just enough power and forward leaning posture to make you think you're driving a faster machine without getting you into too much trouble.
For the less adventurous, the truly best starter bike is a cruiser model like the iconic Honda Rebel 250, 300 or 500. The relaxed low-slung saddle, leaned back rider position and smooth ride are ideal for the long drives you need while getting used to the dynamics of the road, and its attractive styling belies the fact it isn't equipped to drive aggressively.
For Racers
Carved as an effigy to the deadly fast Peregrine Falcon, Suzuki's GSX1300R Hayabusa boasts a top-speed of 200 mph and a whiplash-inducing 0-60 mph time of 2.47 seconds. In 2020 it features a fully adjustable KYB suspension, Ramair intake, Brembo brakes and has "exceptional control in tight corners". Seen above in 'Metallic Thunder Gray', you can have all of this for a mere $15K, and that's the beauty of Suzuki.
If you love Honda and want some speed, their fastest bike in 2020 is the CBR600RR, with a blistering 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. For $17K you get a growling 999.8cc engine, ABS, Brembo brakes and an Ohlins Smart electronically adaptive front suspension.
For Touring
Honda surpassed 400M motorcycles and scooters produced as of December 2019, and one of the best touring bikes on the planet is their flagship Gold Wing (above). Priced between $24-$32K, the 2020 model features a 1833cc flat six-cylinder engine, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, power adjustable windshield, heated handgrips, cruise control, 7" digital display, 29+ gallons of storage and a whole lot more. Motor Bike Writer called it a "lounge chair for the open road", and Suzuki simply doesn't make anything to compete with it.
For Cruising
The blacked-out Suzuki Boulevard M109R Boss is truly a beautiful cruising machine. It features a 109 cubic-inch, 1783cc V-Twin engine with huge 4.4-inch forged aluminum pistons that drive the equally huge 240/40 x 18 low profile rear tire hiding behind the dual slash-cut mufflers. Twin front floating disc-brakes with dual-piston calipers make sure you can stop after a long drive celebrating the measly $15K you just spent buying it.
Honda's closest offering is the 2020 Shadow Phantom starting at $7900.00. In true Honda fashion, it's an understated retro-styled cruiser featuring a 745cc V-Twin, wire-spoked wheels and a rear drum brake. Best used for urban settings rather than long road trips, it still manages to hit all the right spots with comfort, agility, seating height and light 549-lb curb weight.
For Off-Roaders
Dual-sport bikes are always super lightweight and feature a high seating position to navigate over dirt trails and Supermoto courses. One of the best is the $5200.00 Honda CRF250L, equipped with a 250cc engine, front and rear disc brakes, and a long-travel Showa suspension to absorb contact. Though not particularly great in any place, it can be ridden virtually anywhere with confidence, which also makes it a terrific full-sized learner bike. Maybe the best thing ever written about a motorcycle was for this bike; "Post apocalypse, CRFs will rule the pockmarked landscape”.
Suzuki's also offers a great entry-level dual sport bike in the 2020 Suzuki DR200S. The bike features a 199cc engine that gets 88 mpg, telescopic front forks. a push-button starter, and sells for $4700.00. Equally adept on pavement or dirt, this light-weight machine has been called "the greatest slow bike ever" by some reviewers.
Buying a motorcycle truly comes down to personal preference. Honda and Suzuki are two of the top manufacturers with some of the best build quality and long-term reliability in the business, so you really can't go wrong with either company, but new Suzuki's are generally cheaper than new Honda's. Now go have fun!