Suzuki VS1400 Intruder Reviews - Page 5 of 5

2004 Suzuki VS1400 Intruder from United States of America

Model year2004
Year of manufacture2004
First year of ownership2004
Most recent year of ownership2005
Acceleration marks 8 / 10
Roll-on Performance marks 7 / 10
Handling marks 7 / 10
Braking marks 5 / 10
Reliability marks 3 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Dealer Service marks 0 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
5.3 / 10
Distance when acquired0 miles
Most recent distance8800 miles
Previous motorcycleSuzuki VZ800 Marauder

Summary:

Good bike, lousy dealer and factory support

Faults:

After sevice by the dealer, it developed an ocasional "ping", similar to what bad gas would do (I only use premium). After having it for a month, and admitting there was something wrong, the dealer said they couldn't fix it and to call customer service. Called them and they said I had to take it up with the dealer. Probably won' buy another Suzuki anytime soon. If anyone has an idea what might be wrong, please comment.

General Comments:

Good acceleration, excellent fuel mileage, fairly comfortable, fun to ride when it doesn't make noises it shouldn't.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th December, 2005

8th Sep 2007, 00:28

I have a 2001 Intruder 1400 VS and I'm glad to know it isn't just me; mine started making a slight tapping sound too, once in a while. I just chalked it up to a big engine that probably should have been water cooled. I've put about 10,000 miles on it and the only thing I've had to replace is tires, battery and plugs; other than that I'm pretty happy with it.

2001 Suzuki VS1400 Intruder from Canada

Year of manufacture2001
First year of ownership2002
Most recent year of ownership2004
Acceleration marks 8 / 10
Roll-on Performance marks 8 / 10
Handling marks 7 / 10
Braking marks 5 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 5 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.3 / 10
Distance when acquired0 miles
Most recent distance27000 miles
Previous motorcycleSuzuki VS800 Intruder

Summary:

Best looking motorcycle, and the most bang for your buck in the class

Faults:

Normal wear and tear items only.

General Comments:

The VS1400 Intruder has been around since 1987 and very few things have changed over the years. Ignition box located under the seat has changed and there are no after-market sources for replacement for the early years. This possibly contributes to the early models producing more horsepower than newer versions. At one time, all the wiring was routed inside the handlebars, where it's now routed outside.

Originally a 4 speed, Europe received a 5 speed gearbox in 1992, Canada received that option in 1996, and the US finally got the 5 speed version in 1997.

Until very recently, it was the quickest of the big twin motorcycles, with other manufacturers having to bump up their displacement over 200cc to win that crown.

For a big twin, it weighs in at a svelte 577lbs wet in stock trim.

Many will say the stock seat is a brick, but a few of us have travelled extensively with few complaints.

As with any motorcycle, in the right hands the VS1400 is an awesome bike, and while not recommended, it can wheelie and handles the twistiest roads with ease. It's the perfect platform to stretch into a chopper as it already has those lines.

The VS1400 stands out from the crowd and always attracts admirers wherever you happen to ride.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th November, 2005

Average review marks: 7.6 / 10, based on 12 reviews