IN BRIEF
High Points: Acceleration unsurpassed by any big V-twin cruiser; New transmission offers improved highway manners; Clean, distinctive styling; Shaft drive; Fits most wallets.
Low Points: Crowded seating arrangement; Awkward low-speed handling.
First Changes: Roomier saddle; Less awkward handlebar; Jet kit.
SPECIFICATIONS
1997 Suzuki Intruder 1400
Designation: VS1400GLP
Suggested base price: $8499
Standard colors: black/maroon, blue/white
Extra cost colors: NA
Standard warranty: 12 mos., unlimited miles
Recommended service interval: 7500 miles
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Type: air-cooled 45-degree tandem V-twin
Valve arrangement: SOHC; 2 intake, 1 exhaust valves per cylinder; operated by rockers, hydraulic adjusters
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1360cc, 94 x 98mm
Compression ratio: 9.3:1
Carburetion: 2, 36mm Mikuni CV
Lubrication: wet sump, 5.3 qt., spin-on filter
Minimum fuel grade: 87 octane
Transmission: wet multiplate clutch; 5 speeds
Final drive: shaft, 2.666:1
CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 61.4 in.
Wet weight: 578 lb., 57% rear wheel
GVWR: 1035 lb.
Overall length: 91.9 in.
Seat height: 27.6 in.
Rake/trail: 36 degrees / 6.54 in.
Wheels: wire-spoke; 19 x 2.15 front, 15 x 4.00 rear
Front tire: 110/90-19 Bridgestone Exedra tube-type
Rear tire: 170/80-15 Bridgestone Exedra tube-type
Front brake: double-action caliper, 11.6-in. disc
Rear brake: double-action caliper, 11.0-in disc
Front suspension: 41mm stanchions, 5.1 in, travel
Rear suspension: dual dampers, 4.1 in. travel, adjustment for preload
Fuel capacity: 3.4 gal. (.8 gal reserve)
Handlebar width: 28.5 in. wide, 1.0 in. diameter
ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION
Charging output: 300 watts
Battery: 12v, 14AH
Forward lighting: 55/60-watt 5.75-in. headlight, position lights
Taillight: 1 bulb, license light
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter; warning lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, oil pressure, low fuel
PERFORMANCE
Fuel mileage: 39 to 51 mpg, 46.8 mpg average
Average range: 165 miles
RPM at 60 mph, top gear: 2860
200 yard, top-gear acceleration from 50 mph, terminal speed: 76.7 mph
Quarter-mile acceleration: 13.64 sec., 94.7 mph
Brasfield: The Intruder 1400 has one of the best engines in cruising, and the new cogs in the tranny have improved the bike without any trade-offs. Since the first three gears haven't changed, the Suzuki's around-town grunt is the same as it ever was--addicting. Raising the top gear ratio improves the highway character of the engine enough to make me wish we'd had this bike on our big twins tour.
However, in the long haul the seat shape makes me slouch, would still quickly eat up my resolve to rack up miles. Because of things like the soft suspension, shaft effect, and a flaccid front brake lever (which comes almost all the way back to the grip, trapping the fingers of us two-finger brakers, even during moderate stops), this new, better 1400 hasn't replaced the Vulcan Classic in the big twin chamber of my heart. Now, if Suzuki produced a Marauder style 1400, the Kawasaki might have to start looking over its shoulder.
Evans Brasfield
In the long haul, Brasfield slouched off to freelancing and fatherhood, but when he isn't changing diapers (on the kid), he can be reached through his website: Evans Brasfield.
Friedman: One thing I like about the Intruder is the way it irks some people at a local cruise-in on Thursday nights.
You know the type. They talk about how much they have spent on chrome, paint and getting impressive dyno numbers out of their big twins. Then in glides this pretty maroon and black Suzuki that looks just as slickly finished (give a brake hose or two) as that expensive custom they've been crowing about and will still suck the side panels off Mr. Mybikessobitchen's ride. Not that we'll ever get to confirm that. I think he has already found out about how Intruders run. Last week he needed a new tire before he would see which one was faster. Time before there was some song about the carb needing adjusting.
His girlfriend knows though. She always comes over to ogle the Intruder and say, "That is SUCH a pretty bike." He always acts like he doesn't notice, but last week he asked sort of casual-like what it cost. When I told him, he kind of choked and blew coffee out of his nose and all over his $2500 paint job.