Comments: 1-15, 16-25
I've been stranded on this bike only twice in 11 years, both times due to electrical faults.
The first was back in 1994 due to a corroded battery connection, which I replaced with thicker-gauge wire; it's been fine since then.
The second was in 1999 & again in 2005 when my ignition fuse kept blowing, but only when I had a certain seat installed.
This year I finally traced it to a wiring harness that was being pinched between the bottom of that seat and a bolt on the rear fender, which had worn through the insulation on two wires, allowing them to short-circuit against the bolt when someone sat on the seat. I wrapped each of the exposed wires in electrical tape and re-routed the harness away from the bolt, and have not had a problem since then.
The fork seals tend to need replacement every 4-5 years or so.
The hydraulic lines for the clutch & front brake need to be bled about once a year; I believe Suzuki recommends replacing the fluid completely every 2 years.
This bike is the epitome of cheap transportation. It gets nearly 60mpg (under 4 liters/100km) on the highway, is cheap to register & insure, and requires minimal maintenance.
It's light and handles well for a cruiser.
I love its looks, and have added many custom parts over the years. It often gets compliments (both before & after my modifications were done).
The brakes are fine for solo riding, but when carrying a passenger, one needs to anticipate stops.
One thing I wish Suzuki had added was a tachometer.
Nowadays, it is very hard to find a cruiser with one standard. Tachometers and center stands unfortunately are now few and far between.
Back in the '70's even my little Suzuki TS 125 had both as standard equipment! All for under $800 new!
The tach-lack was indeed a major frustration until I finally installed a Drag Specialties mini-tachometer with an electrical pick-up a few years ago. It functions reliably except in extended rain; also the illumination doesn't always work (which is annoying at night). I'll fix it eventually - as long as it doesn't leave me stranded, it doesn't bother me too much! :)
The lack of a centerstand used to bother me due to the lack of clearance under the bike for maintenance, but I've gotten around that as follows:
* for battery servicing, I simply roll the rear tire onto a thick piece of wood (I sometimes put the bike in gear to keep it from rolling off) - that way there's enough room for the battery compartment door to swing open completely;
* for oil changes, I've made a custom low-profile drain pan by cutting a hole in the side of an empty 1-gallon anti-freeze container - when laid on its side it fits under the bike without even raising the rear tire.
I guess how well one can live with anything (or anybody...) depends on how much one has to adapt to make living with them bearable. With the Intruder 700 (aka 750/800/S50), I don't feel like I've had to adapt too much over the years.
The 86 700 Intruder is a great bike. I am an older rider, and this bike is great. It has good power for pulling out, and good pickup on the highway. I have owned mine for awhile now, and have no complaints. GREAT BIKE.
I've owned mine for 18 years and it's been pretty reliable. Shortly after 5400 miles, a plug blew out of one end of the oil journal in the crankshaft, causing oil to bypass one of the main bearings and costing me about $1K in repairs.
I've had to replace the temperature sensor that tells the fan to turn on, as well as the turn signal flasher.
All-in-all, a pretty good bike.
I've owned my 700 Intruder for 12 years now and put close to 30,000 miles on it. I love how this bike feels so natural and fits me like a glove. It's been very reliable. The only times I've been stranded on it were one time when I noticed somebody decided to pull the choke while it was parked and by the time I recognized this it was too late. One other time the clutch hose broke on me too. All in all that makes it a very reliable bike.
My likes:
Good acceleration
Simple yet beautiful design
Reliability
Handling
Dislikes:
Battery is not easy to remove or install
Lack of self canceling turn signal
Stock seat (I replaced it with better Suzuki gel seat)
Tool compartment is tight, only so much room for tools
I bought my 1987 Suzuki Intruder used and have owned it for 12 years. Starts easy every time even after winter storage. Nothing has ever failed on this bike that was not my fault.
I have put over 30,000 miles on it most across country and it will no doubt do 30,000 more!
The only thing that I dislike, is if you lay this bike over, count on replacing the foot peg, and if you have no crash bars, it can get ugly.
How much horsepower was the 1986 vs700 putting out? Enough for a large man (6'1, 250) to ride?
Yes, definitely, it's a great bike, just got mine, I'm a little overweight or under tall :) and we get around just fine. Very well balanced. Handles great in twisties and on hard straight up hills. You can't go wrong.
I bought my Suzuki VS700 new in 1987. It still runs perfect like the day I bought it.
I have performed the normal maintenance; plugs, and oil. I have had to change the battery about 4 times over the years after the original battery finally failed. It has been stored under a tarp when not riding in the snow.
All in all, my wife and I have loved this bike, even though we have out grown it. I still use it, and plan to drive a bit this 2007-2008 winter and summer. My only regret is that when I bought it, I didn't get the 1400.
Be Blessed!
Karl.
At 56, I am getting back into riding. I bought a 86 Suzuki Intruder in good shape, but it does need some work. All four turn signals broke in half and hanging from the wires. I removed all the screws, but cannot figure out where the wire connections are. Any advice help appreciated.
brad_steffey@yahoo.com
Thanks, Brad.
Hi, I have a 1987 VS 700 Intruder. Love it.
However lately the gears "crunch" when changing, even though I've lately changed the fluid & the clutch lever is only half way out when contact of the clutch plates engage.
Still love the bike, but would like to have some answers to the above. Thank you.
I got the turn signals removed. Bike only has 2215 original miles and has been sitting outside for years. I drained all the fluids, removed both air filters, oil filter, spark plugs and battery. I would like to know how to turn the motor before I connect a new battery. Does anyone know if you can jump the start so the motor will turn? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks Brad
brad_steffey@yahoo.com
I just bought my 86 Intruder for 50 bucks, just now getting it started (at least for a few seconds) but it has been neglected. I'm making a chopper out of it. Anyone know the best place to find aftermarket parts for this bike (carb rebuild kits etc...? If so e-mail me srodgers17@cfl.rr.com)
Hey can any one tell me some performance upgrades you can do to a 86 Intruder 700? I have pipes and drag bars, but I'm looking for engine upgrades. Let me know. Thanks.
Vernluke@juno.com
Removing the battery in this bike is a pain. A tip for getting at that pesky right side post. Buy the cheapest 10MM socket you can find. Cut off a 3/8 of an inch of the 10MM part of the socket. Weld this on to a piece of 5/16 inch bar stock. Grind the bar stock flat above the socket. Slips right in between the swing arm; does what a screw driver or end wrench can't.