Category:
Mid-size V-twin cruiser
Target Audience:
Riders seeking accessible V-twin styling and a reliable cruiser experience.
Competitors:
Honda Shadow VT700, Yamaha Virago XV700, Kawasaki Vulcan 700.
Engine Configuration:
Liquid-cooled, V-twin, four-stroke
Styling:
Classic cruiser styling with low seat height and forward controls.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetors), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch service, lubrication, shift mechanism.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear shock absorber), steering, wheel and tire service, brake system (front and rear).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system components, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), battery, starter motor, instrumentation.
Bodywork:
Fender removal/installation, fuel tank service, seat service, handlebar replacement, minor body panel adjustments.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment, brake adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, fault finding charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including engine rebuilds, carburetor tuning, suspension overhaul.
Technical Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve adjustments, carburetor synchronization procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Type:
70-degree V-twin, four-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
699 cc (42.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 81.0 mm (2.91 x 3.19 in)
Horsepower Hp:
Approximately 50-55 HP (claimed)
Torque Ft Lb:
Approximately 43-45 lb-ft (claimed)
Carburetion:
Two Mikuni BS34 carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
13.0 L (3.4 US gal)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SE or SF (Refer to manual for specific Suzuki recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
2.7 L (2.9 US qt) with filter change
Safety Ratings:
Not applicable (Motorcycle)
Braking System:
Front: Hydraulic disc, Rear: Drum brake
Suspension Type:
Front: Telescopic fork, Rear: Swingarm with dual shocks
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (typical upgrade), turn signals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 3,000 km (1,800 miles), clean/replace as needed
Spark Plug Service:
Replace every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as per manual recommendation
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-40 API SE or SF (Suzuki recommends)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Refer to manual for specific type)
Fork Oil Spec:
Suzuki SS-5 or equivalent 5W fork oil (Refer to manual for capacity)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, stator coil failure (early models), carburetor cleaning/rebuilding due to age, front fork seals.
Electrical Issues:
Aging wiring harness connections, regulator/rectifier failure.
Brand Legacy:
Suzuki has a long history of producing reliable motorcycles, from sportbikes to cruisers, with a focus on V-twin engines in the cruiser segment.
Predecessor:
While not a direct predecessor, Suzuki offered smaller displacement cruisers before the VS700.
Successor:
The VS700 was succeeded by the VS750 Intruder and later the VS800 Intruder, which became a mainstay in Suzuki's cruiser lineup.
Production Years:
1986-1991 (VS700/VS750 Intruder series)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan