Suzuki VS Intruder - A Short Piece on this Classic Model

The Suzuki Intruder motorcycle has been a long time favorite of many devotees. Indeed, since the time when the first model debuted in 1985, it has remained a popular motorcycle in the new market as well as the used market. Let's see why.

When a person wanted a cruiser in the '80's, he didn't have much to choose from. Mainly, he could purchase a Harley-Davidson or go without. That was great and all if you liked Harleys, but what if you wanted a different bike?

That was when the Japanese cruiser lines came into use.

When the Japanese makers discovered they could make money off of the cruiser buying American public, it didn't take each company any time at all to come out with their own brand of cruiser-style motorcycle. This was superb for those who were not strictly American buyers only. At perhaps 50% less money in most cases a rider could have a fresh new cruiser that was every bit as practical and satisfying as its American complement.

But there was just one problem. Though all four prime Japanese manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) introduced their own models, it was Suzuki who seemed to get it right the first time with its Suzuki Intruder motorcycle. The other three manufacturer's cruisers seemed to combine a cruiser style with a street bike functionality, a mishmash that most riders found a little on the ugly side. The 1986 VS 700 Intruder, however, was clean, pure cruiser from start to finish.

Let's start by delving a little into the engine. The Intruder's motor is a 45-degree v-twin with overhead cams. This setup holds true for the whole Intruder series of cruisers (VS 700, VS 750, VS 800, VS 1400). The cooling method for these motorcycles - other than the VS1400, which is both air and oil-cooled - is by liquid. The tranny utilizes the same case as the crankshaft. And all the power is transmitted to the rear wheel by way of a shaft drive instead of a chain.

While you can have a cruiser that doesn't have a v-twin, this engine style is considered the apex among cruiser devotees.

With the right motor in place, Suzuki concentrated on not only rider comfort, but cruiser style as well.

Beginning with the rider's seating position, Suzuki made sure that the Intruder had a comfortable, low-slung seat with forward positioned (though not extremely forward) foot pegs and forward controls. The handlebars additionally served to both look the cruiser part and put the rider's arms and hands into ergonomic positions.

With the rider comfortable and ready to go, Suzuki did what the others did not: they uncluttered and cleaned-up the entire bike.

The different cables were either veiled or organized so they would not draw attention to themselves. It was the same with the wiring system. The dash setup, for lack of a better term was not cluttered with instruments and lamps that were not needed on these kinds of motorcycles. Only one instrument, the speedometer, and one "idiot light" box were used. These two things gave you everything you had to know from whether the motorcycle had its high beam on to the speed you were traveling.

The front end forks had a pleasing rake to them. Almost chopper-like. This was good because the whole Intruder also embraces this look. From front to back, the Intruder is tenuous and exhibits essentially no extra fat.

What about the chrome? Have I mentioned the chrome? These cruisers had lots of chrome but not in the excess and not to the point of being tawdry, either. Just the right about to give the motorcycle a little shine.

Having the right style and performance down pat, it's no wonder that this compact cruiser stole the hearts of so many bikers over the years. Oh, and the low price/high value didn't hurt either!

If you're in the market for a new or used cruiser, I think you should take a gander at the Suzuki Intruder motorcycle if you don't already have one in your sights.