Target Audience:
Owners and technicians seeking to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot the 1987 Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder.
Competitors Era:
Competed with other mid-size to large displacement cruisers from Japanese manufacturers like Yamaha Virago, Honda Shadow, and Kawasaki Vulcan.
Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with a large displacement V-twin engine, shaft drive, and comfortable riding position.
Engine Layout:
Longitudinal V-twin engine, contributing to the bike's distinctive profile and smooth power delivery.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of engine systems including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of internal components.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on fuel delivery, carburetion (Mikuni VM series typically), fuel tank, and fuel lines.
Ignition System:
Includes ignition timing, coil testing, spark plug specifications, and troubleshooting of electronic ignition components.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Covers gearbox disassembly, inspection, and assembly, clutch operation, and final drive (shaft drive) maintenance.
Cooling System:
Information on oil cooling system, including oil cooler, lines, and oil flow.
Frame And Suspension:
Details on frame inspection, front fork (telescopic), rear suspension (swingarm, shock absorbers), and steering system.
Brakes:
Includes front and rear brake systems (typically hydraulic disc front, drum rear for this era), caliper overhaul, master cylinder, and brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Covers wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system (alternator, rectifier/regulator), battery, starter motor, and switches.
Bodywork And Trim:
Procedures for removing and installing body panels, fenders, seat, fuel tank, and trim components.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/shaft drive lubrication, and inspection points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding charts, and symptom-based solutions.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine, transmission, and brake system.
Adjustments:
Procedures for adjusting clutch, throttle cables, carburetor synchronization, valve clearances, and suspension settings.
Lubrication:
Specific lubrication points, types of lubricants, and lubrication intervals.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder
Displacement:
1360 cc (83.0 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 118.0 mm
Horsepower:
Approximately 70-75 HP (at crankshaft, varies by market/tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 105-110 Nm (at crankshaft, varies by market/tuning)
Redline Rpm:
Around 6,000 RPM
Carburetor Type:
Twin Mikuni VM36SS carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 13.0 liters (3.4 US gal)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.2 liters (with filter change)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 recommended (check manual for precise specification)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled with oil cooler
Safety Certification:
Not applicable for this era of motorcycle. Manual provides repair information for safety systems.
Braking System:
Hydraulic front disc brake, drum rear brake. Manual details inspection and servicing.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals. Electrical system section covers troubleshooting.
Frame Construction:
Steel frame, manual covers frame inspection and potential repair.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km or 6-12 months (check manual for specific recommendation).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Regular inspection, cleaning/replacement based on operating conditions (e.g., every 6,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 10,000-12,000 km, but specific plug type and gap are critical.
Valve Clearance Check:
Initial check at approx. 1,000 km, then every 6,000-12,000 km thereafter (critical for V-twins).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher.
Transmission Oil Spec:
SAE 80W-90, API GL-4 or GL-5.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for precise type).
Carburetor Issues:
Can be prone to carburetor synchronization issues and jetting problems if not maintained, especially after long storage.
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
Requires periodic inspection and lubrication of the final drive shaft and U-joints to prevent wear.
Electrical Connections:
As with many bikes of this era, corrosion or looseness in electrical connectors can cause intermittent issues.
Valve Stem Seals:
Potential for oil consumption due to worn valve stem seals over time, especially if ridden hard.
Suzuki Legacy:
Suzuki has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles, known for their V-twin cruisers and sportbikes.
Vs Intruder Line:
The VS Intruder line was Suzuki's entry into the popular cruiser market, emphasizing V-twin power and classic styling. The VS 1400 was a key model in establishing this lineage.
Production Period:
The VS 1400 Intruder was produced from 1987 through 2004, with minor updates over its lifespan. This manual covers the inaugural 1987 model.
