My New Ride
Written: Sep 21 '04 (Updated Sep 23 '04)
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Pros: Reliable, good looking, easy handling in a variety of conditions
Cons: Could use more attention to the fit and finish.
The Bottom Line: Excellent stylish bike for the budget-minded.
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| hularider's Full Review: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1400 |
Well, I wanted to write a review on the '03 'Truder, since that is what I have, but durned if I can find a difference between that and this one! These bikes are the last of their kind - Now they are Boulevards, and I don't know a thing about that.
My beloved Honda Nighthawk 450 now has 180,000 miles on it and is much in need of an overhaul. And My Honey decided he wanted to start sleeping at night, rather than worrying about whether or not I would make it home on my mosquito. As I don't own a car - my bike is my only motorized transportation - having a reliable ride is very important to me!
So, he bought me an "Engagement Bike." (SURE I have a wedding set - two rings with a really big motorcycle-shaped box wrapped around them!)
Got the Suzi on the last weekend in February, and it is now September. I've put 6,000 miles on it, with only minor problems - most of which were related to it being a year-old showroom bike, so the carbs had to be re-done a couple of times. It was worth it, though, as picking up a floor model a year late significantly reduces the cost out the door.
The 60 horses packed into the air-cooled six-valve V-twin engine are well-behaved and docile, but can move out when called on. Blast down the highway all day, and this bike is perfectly happy, yet it can toodle around town and ease through parking lots with no problems at all. I was actually quite happily surprised at the easy handling of this bike - especially for a cruiser.
Gears are set one-down, four-up. First gear is a bit narrow, in my opinion. I'd like to get a bit lower before I have to slip the clutch all the time, and at the top, first seems to peter out around 22 mph, and second dosen't really kick in until over 25. In my town, I spend a lot of time between 20 and 25 mph, so that is something of a problem. Fortunately, it does not at all MIND slipping the clutch for extended periods, though I am wondering how that will affect the clutch plates in the long term. I'll edit this and let you know when I have more miles on the bike.
Speaking of slipping the clutch - Shift this bike with conviction! If you are a wuss about shifting, it will:
1) not shift at all
2) partially shift and leave you in false neutral
3) shift and then pop back to the previous gear or neutral
The clutch is also a bit "poppy," and will sometimes think about shifting for a moment, then LEAP into gear. Watch that friction zone, it's a narrow one!
Balance is excellent, the low center of gravity, 63.8 inch wheelbase and 28.9 inch seat height make this 550 pound (wet/full) machine a very easy bike to handle. I am able to hang at a stop sign quite nicely. Turns are graceful at any speed.
I'm not impressed with the seat. It was helped significantly with the addition of a sheepskin pad. And the pillion is a torture rack. But now that I have the sheepie, the front seat is wonderful for a long commute, though after about hour two, I seriously need to take a walk - but then you are supposed to stop every hour anyway.
I'd prefer a flatter bar, more of a drag style. The stock bar puts my arms at an uncomfortable angle.
If you like forward controls, these are definately forward! The finned rubber peg pads give a cushy feel, and make foot vibration almost unnoticeable.
Stock pipes are quiet, which is how I like them.
I get about 130 miles out of a tank, which is sufficient to carry me across the island. I do have to refuel to come home. While there is no fuel gauge, it does have the time-honored "reserve" valve. And, there is always opening the gas cap and peeking in! Do remember to shut off the fuel if you will be parked more than a couple of hours, or the gasoline will slooooowly drip into your engine, diluting the oil. This is especially important if you will be gone for a while - I left my bike at the airport for over a week, flew home, jumped on it, and promptly had to go on reserve.
Fit and finish is OK, but nothing to write home about. Had a few screws and bolts fall off the bike in the first couple months, battery fell out the bottom while I was riding it - THAT was exciting! - and the chrome is already starting to bubble. My Honey's HD is a few years older, the bikes receive the same kind of care, and his chrome is in better shape than mine. But then, he paid quite a bit more for his bike, and while it is gorgeous, "chrome don't get ya home."
I do have to say I get compliments whenever I take this bike out. You may find deals as good, but I think, for the money, it would be hard to do better. I plan to hang on to this bike until the wheels fall off!
Overall Length: 2 330 mm (91.7 in)
Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 620 mm (63.8 in)
Dry Weight: 243 kg (535 lbs)
Engine type: Air-cooled 1360 cc V-twin, SOHC, 6 valves.
60 hp (44 kW)/ 5,000 rpm, 105 Nm/ 2.800 rpm.
5 gears (1 down, 4 up)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 7000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
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Epinions.com ID:
hularider
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Member: Leilehua Yuen
Location: Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Reviews written: 69
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
HulaRider is an author, artist, and educator who specializes in Hawaiian culture and arts.
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