Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot Suzuki VS700/VS800 Intruder motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda Shadow, Yamaha Virago, Kawasaki Vulcan, Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Design:
Classic cruiser styling, V-twin engine, shaft drive, comfortable riding position.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor tuning, jetting, fuel pump), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox removal, disassembly, inspection, assembly, shift mechanism, final drive (shaft drive).
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (disassembly, seals, oil, springs), rear shock absorber (removal, inspection), swingarm, bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic circuits, caliper service, master cylinder, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, pad and disc inspection/replacement.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), battery, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), ignition coils, starter motor, switches, fuses, diagnostic codes (if applicable).
Fuel System:
Carburetor operation, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, jetting specifications, fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (VS800).
Bodywork Frame:
Frame inspection, body panels, fenders, seat, fuel tank removal/installation, controls (handlebars, levers, cables).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain/drive inspection, brake fluid flush, coolant service (if applicable).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation. Includes engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical components, and bodywork.
Specifications:
Torque values for critical fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, part numbers, electrical specifications, maintenance intervals.
Scope:
Comprehensive coverage from basic rider maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and schematics.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - typically searchable and printable.
Illustrations:
High-quality diagrams, exploded views, and photographs to illustrate procedures.
Physical Format If Applicable:
Perfect bound or spiral bound (for printed versions) for ease of use on a workbench.
Physical Format If Applicable:
Durable paper stock to withstand workshop conditions.
Engine Type:
V-twin, four-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (2 per cylinder for VS700/VS800)
Displacement:
VS700: 699 cc (42.6 cu in); VS800: 805 cc (49.1 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
VS700: 79.0 mm x 71.0 mm (3.11 x 2.80 in); VS800: 83.0 mm x 74.4 mm (3.27 x 2.93 in)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 9.2:1 to 9.6:1 (check specific model year)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
VS700: Approx. 60-65 HP; VS800: Approx. 65-70 HP (wheel horsepower will vary)
Torque:
VS700: Approx. 45-50 lb-ft; VS800: Approx. 50-55 lb-ft
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., VM34SS for VS700, BSR36 for VS800)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 11-13 liters (2.9-3.4 US gal)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 motorcycle-specific engine oil (API SG or higher, JASO MA compliant)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5-3.0 liters (2.6-3.2 US qt) with filter change
Ignition System:
Digital CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Spark Plugs:
NGK CR9E or similar (verify specific plug for model year)
Length:
Approx. 2200-2300 mm (86.6-90.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 800-850 mm (31.5-33.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1150-1200 mm (45.3-47.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1590-1600 mm (62.6-63.0 in)
Dry Weight:
VS700: Approx. 180-190 kg (397-419 lbs); VS800: Approx. 190-200 kg (419-441 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 200-220 kg (441-485 lbs) with fluids
Weight Distribution:
Designed for stable handling, typically around 50/50 when rider is seated.
Crash Safety:
As with most motorcycles, safety depends heavily on rider skill and protective gear. No standardized crash ratings like cars.
Braking System:
Disc brakes front and rear. Early models may have drum rear brake. ABS was not commonly available.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, front and rear turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel frame, designed for rigidity and rider support.
Tires:
Tubeless tires. Common sizes include 100/90-19 front and 150/80-15 rear (verify specific sizes).
Audio System:
None (classic cruiser design, no integrated audio).
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (on some models), odometer, trip meter, indicator lights for turn signals, high beam, oil pressure, neutral.
ABS:
Not available on most models. Later Boulevard S50 models might have offered it as an option in some markets, but it was rare.
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available (classic motorcycle technology).
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact interval.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Rebuild kits for carburetors are common maintenance items.
Brake Fluid:
Flush and replace every 2 years or as recommended.
Final Drive Oil:
Change every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Inspect gaiter for leaks.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 Motorcycle Oil (JASO MA)
Cooling System Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (Suzuki recommends specific coolant).
Carburetor Issues:
Pilot jets can become clogged, leading to hard starting or poor idle. Diaphragms can crack or tear over time.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can cause intermittent faults, especially in humid climates. Check grounds.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early VS700 models did not have a fuel pump; VS800 models have one which can be a point of failure if not maintained. Diaphragm issues are common.
Stator And Rectifier:
Charging system components can fail over time, leading to battery drain. Regular checks of voltage output are advisable.
Front Fork Seals:
Fork seal leaks are common with age and mileage. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.
Manufacturer:
Suzuki Motor Corporation, a Japanese multinational corporation renowned for its wide range of products, including motorcycles, automobiles, ATVs, and marine engines.
Genesis:
The VS700 Intruder was introduced in 1986 as Suzuki's entry into the burgeoning cruiser market, competing with American and Japanese rivals. It featured a distinctive V-twin engine and shaft drive.
Evolution To Vs800:
In 1987, Suzuki increased the displacement to 805cc (VS800) to provide more power and torque, addressing a common desire in the cruiser segment. This engine became the mainstay for many years.
Rebranding:
In 2005, the VS800 Intruder was re-badged as the Suzuki Boulevard S50, continuing with the same core platform but with updated styling and branding as part of Suzuki's broader Boulevard cruiser line-up.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.