Review of the Suzuki Intruder 1400 (VS 1400, Boulevard S83) motorcycle

VS1400 Intruder

— a model of a
Suzuki
.

The Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder cruiser model begins its history in 1987, being the second motorcycle in the Intruder line (the first was the Suzuki VS 750 Intruder). This model was produced until 2004, after which it was replaced by the Suzuki Boulevard S83, aimed at the American market and slightly different from the original Suzuki Intruder 1400. The Suzuki Boulevard S83 was available until 2010, after which it was discontinued.

The Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder was based on a 2-cylinder V-shaped air-oil-cooled engine with a volume of 1360 cc, producing up to 71 hp. power and up to 113 Nm of torque. It is noteworthy that as the Suzuki Intruder 1400 model was updated, it produced less and less power - for example, early versions (1987-1994) produced an average of 71 hp, and the latest modifications (1998-2004) came with more power only 60 hp However, with the advent of the Suzuki Boulevard S83 model (in 2005), the situation changed - the motorcycle received characteristics at the level of earlier versions of the Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder - 71 hp. and 112 Nm. However, stricter environmental regulations meant that the new model was only available in North America.

Main modifications of Suzuki Intruder 1400:

Suzuki VS1400GLP Intruder - version with high handlebars. It is the basic version of the motorcycle. The Intruder was available throughout the entire production period.

Suzuki VS1400GLF Intruder is a version with a lower, more direct handlebar. Was available on pre-1995 Intruder models.

Suzuki Boulevard S83 is a continuation of the Intruder 1400 for the American market. Features lower handlebars, saddle, air filter cover and other minor visual changes. The main technical difference is that only full-power versions with 71 hp were produced. power. Was available from 2005 to 2009. inclusive.

From 1987 to 1990, the Suzuki Intruder 1400 model was equipped with a 4-speed gearbox, which was later replaced by a 5-speed gearbox. By the way, Canadian versions of the motorcycle received it in 1995, and versions for the USA - in 1997.

Among the features of the Suzuki Intruder 1400, we should highlight a steel frame, classic spoked wheels, simple suspension in the form of a conventional telescopic fork and a double shock absorber at the rear, disc brakes, a 13-liter fuel tank and 242 kg of dry weight.

MIDDLE LINK

In terms of the number of skulls per unit area not occupied by chrome, this Intruder is an absolute record holder

Xenon lamp in the headlight - this is not included in the standard configuration of the Intruder

The original “double-barreled gun” is part of the Intruder tuning exhaust system

I don’t know what exactly true jeepers call the owners of sports cars and other “charged” small things, but the latter call the harsh off-road conquerors nothing more than “tractors.” No offense, of course, and not seriously, it’s just that the automotive world is multipolar, and everyone has their own interests in it. It is difficult to suspect the mass unity of owners of two-wheeled vehicles, where the difference between the poles of sportbikes and choppers is even more noticeable - the former are accustomed to living at exorbitant speeds on country roads, while the latter are more adapted to leisurely and spectacular movement along city streets. The first ones are dressed in tight-fitting overalls and, clinging to the fuel tank of a sportbike, contemplate the world rushing by through dark filter glasses. The latter, with hundreds of rivets and skull-and-bone symbols on leather clothing, are most associated with the concept of “biker” and slowly, with proudly straightened backs, parade in fringed saddles of chrome-plated choppers. The former call the latter “goatbeards,” the latter dubbed the former “plastic.” Again, as a joke and without a stone in his bosom. Because the two-wheeled world also has its poles...

Remote running boards for a chopper are both an additional convenience and an almost obligatory style attribute

Footrests for the rear passenger are available, but there are only a few people willing to ride the Intruder behind the driver

Chrome-plated pneumatic signal “pipes” - a powerful and impressive chopper in all respects must also have a corresponding “voice”

Meanwhile, there is a rather controversial offspring in the line of modern motorcycles. Namely, a chopper with many of the makings of a sportbike. So far, we have never heard of the fact that somewhere there is its antipode, that is, a sportbike with the behavior of a chopper - unless we are talking about a “sport” with a rather tired engine. But there is a super chopper, and its name is Suzuki Intruder VS1400. Like any good motorcycle, such a chopper is not cheap - for the 1992 model you will have to pay $6,000. But, as Irkutsk resident Igor Gnidenko admits, it’s worth it - suffice it to say that the Intruder today is one of the very few choppers, if not the only one of its kind, who is able to rear up in a completely “sportbike style” and ride on one rear wheel And although the power of the one and a half liter (!) Intruder engine is not at all “sporty”, it does not even reach a hundred horses, without certain skills it is better not to get behind the wheel of this adrenaline generator. Because absolute numbers in the table of technical characteristics are one thing, but their actual manifestation on the road is completely different. In general, Intruder has enough stupidity. However, despite the prevailing opinion about the extreme difficulty and even impossibility of tuning the power part of Japanese motorcycles, some “squeezing” of additional forces from these high-tech engines is still possible. This is something Igor did not fail to take advantage of after, at the end of the 2004 season behind the wheel of an Intruder, he was no longer satisfied with the “basic” abilities of this chopper. And the tuning began.

The power of the one and a half liter engine is by no means “sportbike”, but the Intruder’s character is very cool

The most dramatic changes affected the rear of the motorcycle.

First of all, all the “roughness” of the engine was eliminated, which is now polished to a shine in every sense of the word.
The original exhaust system with a simply chic chrome-plated “double-barreled gun” replaced the standard one. The Intruder brakes also required additional intervention - now all brake system hoses are reinforced. But the biggest hit was the rear of the motorcycle, which turned out to be almost completely redesigned, from the design of the seat to the brake light at the end of the wing. In general, the chopper assumes the simultaneous presence of the driver and his charming companion on its back - it also has additional footrests for this, and there is also a rear seat back. But, keeping in mind the tough character of the Intruder, there were few willing to try their luck, and it was decided to eliminate the backrest as unnecessary, and at the same time modify the design of the seat. But the footrests for the rear passenger remain. So, just in case... But the additional footrests turned out to be more than appropriate for the Intruder driver himself. But not the ones in the back, but the ones in front - have you all seen the imposing pose in which chopper owners like to sit on their “iron horses”? Now this Suzuki is no exception. In chrome, under the velvety rumble of the engine, under the bass of the pneumatic signal, illuminating the road with xenon from a single headlight - oh, dreams...

But perhaps the most noticeable manifestation of the Intruder's tuning can be considered the airbrushing on the black varnish of its wings and fuel tank. Today’s drawing is the third one since I purchased the motorcycle, but the theme is still the same – evilly grinning skulls. What can you do, style obliges, besides, something less aggressive and intimidating will, as they say, not suit such a chopper. And whether the Intruder is as scary as it is painted, let it be shown by the “BaikalMotorShow”, where Igor and his motorcycle intend to compete for the honor of the two-wheeled brethren. Shall we wait?

Vyacheslav STARTSEV

Automarket+Sport No. 12/2007

Brief history of the model

1987 - start of production and sales of the Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder model. The motorcycle produces 71 hp. power and 112 Nm of torque. Has a 4-speed gearbox. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe, Japan). Factory designation: VS1400GLPH, VS1400GLFH.

1988 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe, Japan). Factory designation: VS1400GLPJ, VS1400GLFJ.

1989 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe, Japan). Factory designation: VS1400GLPK.

1990 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe, Japan). Factory designation: VS1400GLPL, VS1400GLFL.

1991 - The motorcycle lengthens and becomes taller. In the version for European countries, a 5-speed gearbox appears (instead of a 4-speed). Last year of production for Japan. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe, Japan). Factory designation: VS1400GLPM, VS1400GLFM.

1992 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPN, VS1400GLFN.

1993 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPP, VS1400GLFP.

1994 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPR, VS1400GLFR.

1995 - Canadian versions of the motorcycle also receive a 5-speed gearbox. The motorcycle produces 64 hp. power and 113 Nm of torque. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPS, VS1400GLFS.

1996 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPT.

1997 - American versions of the motorcycle receive a 5-speed gearbox. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPV.

1998 - the motorcycle produces 60 hp. power and 105 Nm of torque. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPW.

1999 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPX.

2000 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPY.

2001 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPK1.

2002 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPK2.

2003 - no significant changes. Last year releasing for the European market. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America, Europe). Factory designation: VS1400GLPK3.

2004 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Intruder 1400 (North America). Factory designation: VS1400GLPK4.

2005 - The Suzuki Intruder 1400 model is discontinued, and it is replaced by the Suzuki Boulevard S83 version for the American market. Model: Suzuki Boulevard S83 (North America). Factory designation: VS1400K5.

2006 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Boulevard S83 (North America). Factory designation: VS1400K6.

2007 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Boulevard S83 (North America). Factory designation: VS1400K7.

2008 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki Boulevard S83 (North America). Factory designation: VS1400K8.

2009 is the last year of production of the Suzuki Boulevard S83. Model: Suzuki Boulevard S83 (North America). Factory designation: VS1400K9.

I decided to continue the discussion! I drove it a little less than 2000 km and formed a definite opinion. I can tell you about everything related to taxiing. No matter how hard I try, I can’t use the footpegs on it no matter how hard I turn. Even in sharp turns with changing terrain. In the same places I hit the running boards on Desperado. Therefore, myth 1 is debunked! You still haven’t said what’s bad about this motorcycle? Simplicity? Lack of electronic features? As for me, this is a plus in his piggy bank. Fewer mechanisms and electronics means less chance that something will go wrong far from civilization. And braking and steering are quite sufficient. This motorcycle is for travel, and not for shooting from traffic light to traffic light like crazy. Although, if desired, at a traffic light you can do the in-line SeaBiha 400 and the goose 650. Emergency braking does not cause problems if the pilot has enough experience. Both brakes are quite effective and the timing of the start of locking is perfectly controlled. A motorcycle with such a base takes corners just fine, I went into apex turns at a speed of 80-90 km/h and everything steers and is controlled perfectly. So myth 2 is debunked!

As for the age of the motorcycle, this is a subjective concept. Sports motorcycles and naked bikes with a mileage of 60,000 kilometers are definitely firewood. I know what I'm talking about. And if you, having read the list of my past motorcycles in my profile, think that this is all I rode, you are mistaken! I rode a completely different type of equipment over the years, helped friends with the purchase and transportation of motorcycles of completely different classes. So you probably won’t be able to surprise me. This bike is simple - that's its beauty. And the fact that it is made of iron adds the feeling of a real motorcycle. It is pleasant to operate, touching iron, heavy parts that do not feel like cheap plastic. Everything is sound and reliable. I really regret that this motorcycle has been removed from the assembly line. The new generation is not looking towards classic motorcycles, everyone needs a racing gun. Let's see enough of the afterburner and let's drive around the city. That is why this motorcycle was produced without changes for more than 20 years, and only in 2009 it was discontinued. And not because the design is outdated, but because the demand for classic motorcycles is falling. For the same reason, Harley began producing road bikes, and is developing enduro and electric bikes. The consumer market dictates its own rules. And you, as a consumer, follow these rules. Every year a new iPhone, a new wardrobe, every two years almost a new motorcycle, car... Disposable things, why be proud of it? Perhaps I’m not as rich as you, but for example, I could strain myself and buy myself a Bolivar 109 or 2010, which is all pathos and stuffed with technology. Upside-down, aluminum frame, etc... But first of all, I am a practical person, and I don’t buy things that will be expensive for me to maintain later. Secondly, I don’t like cruisers of the new format at all. Thirdly, I have a family, and taking money from the family budget during a crisis is at least not nice. Here are all the reasons for choosing this motorcycle. So tell your horror stories to others, but don’t rub in the experienced ones. And they will figure it out without you. And since you don’t like these types of motorcycles as a class, then why the hell are you reading my blog and wasting your time? It would be better if we went driving from traffic light to traffic light at 200 km/h while it’s high season. Or what do you usually do there?!,…

Specifications

Model	Suzuki VS1400 Intruder / Boulevard S83
Motorcycle type	cruiser
Year of issue	1987-2009
Frame	steel tubular
engine's type	2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V-shaped
Working volume	1360 cc cm.
Bore/Stroke	94.0 mm x 98.0 mm
Compression ratio	9,3:1
Cooling	air-oil
Number of valves per cylinder	SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (with hydraulic lash adjusters)
Fuel supply system	carburetor, 2x Mikuni BDS36SS/BS36SS
Ignition type	fully transistorized
Maximum power	71.0 hp (52 kW)/ 4,800 rpm – Intruder 1400 (1987-1994), Boulevard S83 64.0 hp (47 kW) / 4,600 rpm - Intruder 1400 (1995-1997) 60.0 hp (44 kW) / 5,000 rpm - Intruder 1400 (1998-2004)
Maximum torque	112 Nm (11.5 kg-m) / 3200 rpm – Intruder 1400 (1987-1994), Boulevard S83 113 Nm (11.5 kg-m) / 2600 rpm - Intruder 1400 (1995-1997) 105 Nm (10.5 kg-m) / 2800 rpm - Intruder 1400 (1998-2004)
Transmission	4-speed ('88-90, up to '95 - Canadian versions, before '97 - US versions) 5-speed
type of drive	cardan
Front tire size	110/90-19 M/C 62H
Rear tire size	170/80–15 M/C 77H
Front brakes	1 disc, 295 mm, 2-piston caliper
Rear brakes	1 disc, 275 mm, 2-piston caliper
Front suspension	telescopic fork, stroke - 160 mm
Rear suspension	double shock absorber (preload adjustment), stroke - 105 mm
Gas tank capacity	13.0 l, including reserve - 3.0 l
Length	2330 mm – Intruder 1400 2335 mm – Boulevard S83
Width	710 mm – Intruder 1400 (GLF) 770 mm – Intruder 1400 (GLP) 765 mm – Boulevard S83
Height	1135 mm – Intruder 1400 (GLF) 1220 mm – Intruder 1400 (GLP) 1145 mm – Boulevard S83
Wheelbase	1620 mm
Seat height	740 mm
Maximum speed	159 km/h - for the 64 hp model.
Acceleration to 100 km/h (0-100)	5.8 sec - for the 64 hp model.
Motorcycle weight (dry)	242 kg - Intruder 1400 (GLF) 244 kg – Intruder 1400 (GLP) 243 kg – Boulevard S83

How it was!

Everything breaks down! It’s just that someone promotes it, and someone hinders it!

The motorcycle was put into the garage in mid-September 2014 due to a breakdown of the ignition unit. Everything was disassembled, checked, and called.
The reason turned out to be the ignition coil of the rear cylinder. On the 1400 model, the original coils may have been reliable, but 10 years ago, apparently their service life came to an end. The original block was replaced with an American-made Dynatek 3000. Under the new ignition, I had to play with the fuel level in the carburetors and the position of the metering needles, but the jets remained original. After driving for a season with this ignition, I was happy, but not 100%. The lows up to 2000 rpm disappeared, a little top and a juicy mid appeared. As soon as the opportunity arose to install the original ignition unit, I did it without hesitation.

In winter, the motorcycle was completely disassembled, the frame and rims were sandblasted and powder coated. This pleasure cost me 2000 rubles. for two wheels and 3000 rubles. for the frame. A new steering wheel was also welded and polymerized for 1000 rubles. I paid 8000 rubles for painting the attachment.

Everything on the motorcycle that was worn out was replaced.

1. I went through the carburetors - the metering needles, needle wells, shut-off needles, floats and membranes with flaps were replaced. Air filters replaced, cables lubricated and replaced. Mann fuel filter installed.

2. Checked the engine, replaced the hydraulic compensators and oil seals, replaced the clutch discs and springs.

3. Replaced the wheel and steering column bearings.

4. I went through the front fork and replaced the oil seals, guide bushings and oil.

5. I went through the electrical wiring and removed the extra collective farm.

6. Replaced rubber seals in the brake system and hydraulic clutch release mechanism.

7. New brake discs were made from steel. Cut on a hydraulic cutting machine, heat treated and ground.

8. The exhaust has been replaced. Almost all the little things, bolts, washers, rubber bands, new springs have been installed. New steering handles, mirrors, turn signals have been installed, the number has been moved to the left side vertically, a new stop has been installed, the rear fender has been made, the front fender has been purchased and installed.

9. The driver's seat has been redone.

After the winter of 14-15, the motorcycle came out in the form that you can see on the main page.

If anyone is interested in prices and a list of spare parts, I will post them in the comments, and I will also be happy to answer your questions.

Total costs amounted to 84,893 rubles.

In the summer, the motorcycle underwent a major engine overhaul. I’ll tell you about the reasons, methods and cost of repairs in the next post.

And here it is painted, assembled, run-in, but without the reupholstered seat.