Review of the Suzuki VL1500 Intruder (Boulevard C90) motorcycle

Cruiser model Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC

was first introduced in 1998.
The abbreviation LC stood for Legendary Classic. At the time of its appearance, the motorcycle was based on a V-shaped air 2-cylinder engine with a carburetor power system, but by 2005 it received an injector and changed its name to Suzuki C1500 Intruder
and
Suzuki Boulevard C90
(for the North American market). In 2013, the model receives the BOSS prefix, changing its appearance and receiving a new liquid engine from the Suzuki VZ1500 / Boulevard M90. Currently, the base version of the Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS is only available in the North American market - the touring version of the Suzuki Boulevard C90T is still available in other markets.

Main modifications and generations of Suzuki Intruder 1500:

• Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC
  - existed on the market from 1998 to 2004. Visually different are the front 2-piston opposed calipers and the triangular air filter cover.
• Suzuki Intruder C1500 / Boulevard C90
  - existed on the market from 2005 to 2012. It is a continuation of the previous modification. Visually distinguished by 2-piston front calipers and an oval air filter cover.
• Suzuki Boulevard C90T
  - existed from 2005 to 2012. Represents the previous modification + leather saddlebags, windshield and a different saddle.
• Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS
  - appeared in 2013 and replaced the previous C90. The modification differs in a single-disc front brake, black color instead of chrome, different wheels and a liquid engine from the Boulevard M90 version.
• Suzuki Boulevard C90T BOSS
  - appeared in 2013 and replaced the previous C90T. Built on the basis of the previous modification + saddlebags and windshield.

2019 was the final year of production of the Suzuki Boulevard C90.

Main competitors of Suzuki VL1500 Intruder / Boulevard C90:

• Honda VTX 1300
• Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan
• Yamaha XV1600

Brief history of the model

• 1998 - start of production and sales of the Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC model.

Model

: Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC.
Code
: VL1500W

• 1999 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC.
Code
: VL1500X

• 2000 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC.
Code
: VL1500Y

• 2001 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC.
Code
: VL1500K1

• 2002 - The model receives dual disc front brakes, the rear brake receives a 4-piston caliper (instead of 2-piston).

Model

: Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC.
Code
: VL1500K2

• 2003 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC.
Code
: VL1500K3

• 2004 - no significant changes. Last year of production of the Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC model. The model receives hydraulic compensators, a hydraulic clutch and an alarm system.

Model

: Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC.
Code
: VL1500K4

• 2005 - the model changes its name to Suzuki Intruder C1500 and Suzuki Boulevard C90 (for the American market). A touring modification of the C90T appears. The model receives an injector, a 14-liter fuel tank (instead of 15.5 liters) and minor visual changes (an oval-shaped air filter cover).

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500K5, VL1500TK5

• 2006 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500K6, VL1500TK6

• 2007 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500K7, VL1500TK7

• 2008 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500K8, VL1500TK8

• 2009 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500K9, VL1500TK9

• 2010 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500L0, VL1500TL0

• 2011 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500L1, VL1500TL1

• 2012 - no significant changes. Last year of production of Suzuki Intruder C1500 and Suzuki Boulevard C90.

Model

: Suzuki Intruder C1500 (Europe and before), Suzuki Boulevard C90 (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T.
Code
: VL1500L2, VL1500TL2

• 2013 - the basic version is replaced by the Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS and becomes available only in the American market. The model gets a new look (less chrome, more black), new wheels and brakes, and a new 77.8 hp liquid engine. (instead of 68 hp) and an increased fuel tank (18.2 l instead of 14.0 l). Based on the Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS, a touring version of the Suzuki Boulevard C90T BOSS appears

Model

: Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T / BOSS (North America, etc.).
Code
: VL1500BL3, VL1500TL3

• 2014 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T / BOSS (North America, etc.).
Code
: VL1500BL4, VL1500TL4

• 2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T / BOSS (North America, etc.).
Code
: VL1500BL5, VL1500TL5

• 2016 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS (North America), Suzuki Boulevard C90T / BOSS (North America, etc.).
Code
: VL1500BL6, VL1500TL6

• 2017 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS, Suzuki Boulevard C90T (North America, Australia).
Code
: VL1500BL7, VL1500TL7

• 2018 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS, Suzuki Boulevard C90T (North America, Australia).
Code
: VL1500BL8, VL1500TL8

• 2019 is the last year of production.

Model

: Suzuki Boulevard C90 BOSS, Suzuki Boulevard C90T (North America, Australia).
Code
: VL1500BL9, VL1500TL9

Flaws

The owners list only a few disadvantages:

• the fuel tank is small (it is worth noting that the injector has a reserve of about 300 km);
• According to some users, the checkpoint is not adjusted . Overtaking the front wheel with the rear wheel - constant slipping or skidding when changing gears;
• The steering wheel is not designed for shooting between rows.

Although many people change the latter, the status of a cruiser requires understanding.

and dignity

The advantages of the bike are especially felt on the highway, where you can calmly maintain cruising speed and not even hear the noise of the engine.

More advantages:

• cardan;
• good traction throughout the entire range;
• maneuverability;
• low center of gravity, track stability;
• comfortable fit.

For tourists, they also add a high windshield that cuts off the air flow on top of the helmet.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Suzuki Intruder C1500 / Boulevard C90:

Dimensions and weight

The motorcycle is large, heavy and wide - you can’t really navigate through traffic jams.

Dry weight in 2005 increased to 302 kg .

Curb - 344 kg . For a tourist - 363 kg .

It is curious that the tourist, having stock panniers, is narrower in width than models without them:

• in length - 2,525 (2,560) mm ;
• width - 995 (990) mm ;
• in height - 1,125 (1,440) mm .
• Seat height - 720 mm .
• Wheelbase - 1,675 mm .

In parentheses are the dimensions of the tourist.

For whom is it intended?

Export version, as well as the cruiser type, assume the biker is of average height and above.

Sitting on a bike is basically as comfortable as sitting on a chair in front of the TV.

According to users, it may be uncomfortable for a short person; the ideal height is from 175 cm .

Reviews

Reviews of Suzuki Intruder VL1500 LC / C1500 / C90:

Expand Collapse

Suzuki Vl1500 Intruder LC. My wife had one and I rode on it...They started installing brakes on it in 2002. I didn’t like the handling, the base was stretched too much and I had to get used to the steering (when exiting a turn, you don’t need to add gas, otherwise the rear wheel begins to overtake the front). The exhaust pipe nuts were constantly loosening. I constantly changed the front wheel bearings, it’s unclear what the Japanese were thinking when they installed the 203 bearing there. The motor has been used for 1 season and our mileage on it is about 23,000 km.

Boulevard c90:

1. Acceleration dynamics are slightly worse than those of the TC88, probably due to the cardan drive. On the third or fourth he catches up and overtakes.

2. Fuel consumption is 5-6 liters, with a tank of 14 liters the frequency of refueling compared to a softail with a tank of 18 liters. the same

3. The brakes are better than on the softail.

4. Maneuverability with a dragbar is decent, but worse than with a softail.

5. It rushes along the highway like a locomotive; it cannot be compared with softails. I haven’t driven touring HDs, so I can’t compare.

PS When exiting a turn, I unscrew the handle, the rear wheel does not lead the front!!! The mileage is 32 because the bearings in the hub have not been changed, the condition is normal.

Suzuki VL1500 LC. I've been there so I have experience. I really liked it! I bought it right away. The gearbox works very well, you don’t feel the weight at all while driving, a very comfortable fit and excellent wind protection, the steering wheel is, of course, too wide for row spacing, but you can make it narrower. excellent traction at the bottom. One thing I didn’t like was that the tank was small. Now I sometimes sit on it in the garage. not disappointedso.

I took a C90 for myself. I rode along the highway and around the city. I concluded that the motorcycle handles no worse than the Drag star classic 1100. It is superior in dynamics and traction. The injector makes me happy with the economy, and the platforms and seat are comfortable. I’m very pleased. It’s not as heavy as it seems .with a height of 170 and a weight of 65 I’m doing great

I took the C90 this season. Any bike is for everyone, but I like this one. It rushes along the highway like a locomotive. It steers without problems. Probably like any heavy cruiser. Really good crown with windshield! After last season it was demolished on Shadovka, this one is really great! You eat for yourself, you get high. The first time I got caught in the rain, out of old memory, I thought I’d have to dry my clothes. No such thing! Only the pants below the knees were splashed and it hit the helmet. Not even a drop fell on my jacket! Of course it didn’t rain like a wall, but it was still pleasant. Sitting comfortably, like on a chair in front of the TV.

Peculiarities

Round headlight.

Fuel tank.

Front fender.

Dashboard.

Exhaust pipes.

Rear lighting.

One of the main features of the bike was the cardan.

Hydraulic compensators were a good bonus that simplified maintenance for the user , but they were abandoned when replacing the engine in the latest versions.

According to some comments, the gearbox requires getting used to , otherwise you will have to constantly watch how the rear wheel overtakes the front, resulting in skidding during any gear change.

A separate package can hardly be called a feature, but users noted several advantages of this particular option.

Comparison with analogues

This time, to compare our specimen, we will not select a specific opponent for it; it just so happens that the cruiser class is one of the most conservative, and we will try to find the most striking differences from its classmates.

The first thing that distinguishes our motorcycle is its controversial engine, despite the V-shape typical for the class, it is distinguished by relatively low vibrations and acceleration dynamics at the top, similar to a rower, without losing its impressive torque.

Next is the design of the motorcycle. Here we obviously had to be smart; it’s difficult to distinguish your product from the variety of similar equipment; sometimes even experienced motorcyclists cannot distinguish the models of different motorcycles, but many are able to recognize Boulevard.

The company also tried to work on the exhaust sound. In our opinion, the sound turned out to be rich, although it did not yet reach the Harley sound. The reason is largely due to the philosophy of different companies when building an engine.

Another surprising thing was the fuel consumption. It is large for a technologically complex engine, even compared to its brothers in the class with more primitive engines.

Suzuki boulevard engine

Suzuki engineers did a good job on the boulevard cruiser's engine, as if to compensate for the lack of modern gadgets in the brakes and suspensions. They started with a big V-twin, more or less similar to those found in American bikes. And although its camber angle is greater than the canonical 45 degrees, this engine is like a donut with filling: the best part is inside.

It may not be the most cubic engine in the class: “only” 90 cubic inches, that is, 1462 cubic centimeters, but this is enough both to satisfy the need for speed and for excellent appearance. The large radiator at the front of the frame provides a liquid cooling system, but at least it doesn't stand out among the other black parts.

As usual, Suzuki uses nickel-phosphorus-silicon carbide cylinder lining and chromium-nitride rings to reduce mechanical power loss due to friction and reduce excess heating of moving parts. Mixture preparation is controlled by AFIS, an automatic fast idle system that reads coolant temperature and enriches the mixture for easy starting and smooth idling on a cold engine. SDTV - Suzuki's Dual Throttle Valve - additionally controls the intake tract configuration based on throttle position.

In order to make vroom-vroom more enjoyable, the manufacturer installed a clutch booster in the Boulevard cruiser, which makes squeezing the handle soft. The five-speed transmission has ratios suitable for country driving at reasonable speeds.