[peggysoo]

Can anyone advise me on what (if any) the main differences are between the various models within the VS Intruder range? I live in the UK and own a 1996 VS600. over here the VS800 and VS1400 were also original imports but you occasionally see other sizes such as the VS750 which have been imported as used bikes. I am aware that generally speaking all parts within the range with the exception of those for the VS1400 tend to be interchangeable as the only difference I am aware of is the actual cylinder capacity. some of the models also have letters signifying a variant after the actual size (such as GL) I have just managed to purchase an original Suzuki service manual which I will hopefully find benficial when working on my bike. the Manual is for a 1988 VS750 GL J. it was avaiable at a very good price and so I snapped it up! Although I feel sure the majority of what is contained in the manual will be the same I would appreciate it if anyone here can inform me of anything which is significantly different as I would hate to get something important like torque settings wrong! any information would be very gratefully recieved. My bike is getting on a bit in years now (aren't we all!) and despite its very low mileage (less than 10,000 so far) it will require increasing amounts of maintenance as time and miles go on and as money is tight I need to attempt as much maintenance as I can myself in order to continue to enjoy riding her.

 

[DrBob]

The 700 and 750 Intruders were nearly identical. They first sold the VS as a 700 to escape the tariff on bikes over 700cc, and then punched it out a little when they raised the tariff limit to 750cc in 1985. When the tariff was dropped in 1991, they swapped to an 800cc motor with different cylinder heads. There were some significant changes when they went to the 800, such as different size wheels and tires, swapping the front brake to the other side, larger diameter front forks, a heavier duty clutch, larger brake rotor, and some other changes. Over the years the front tire was reduced from 21 to 19 inches (sometime around 1999), and some small details were changed, like adding four-way flashers, changing the handlebars, and eliminating the sissy bar. They never sold the 600 in the US, so I am not too familiar with it.
Maybe you can fill me in: what diamiter forks does the 600 have? How long are the rear shocks from bolt to bolt? What size wheels and tires does it have?

 

[peggysoo]

Thanks for that! Dr Bob! I am sorry I have not replied before now but have just got back from my vacation in Spain. I will have to go out to the shed with a tape measure to tell you the answers you need (unless they are in my handbook) I will get back to you again shortly, Thanks

 

[DrBob]

Hey paggysoo-
Hope you had a great time in Spain! I have been traveling on business, and am leaving on a 4000-mile motorcycle trip Thursday. I'll check back tomorrow to see if you have posted...if things are the same dimentions as the 800, then it will be safe to assume that the only difference is the motor and the torque settings, etc, are the same. i think the 600 shocks will be a little shorter or the wheels a little smaller, as the seat height is listed as a half inch lower than the 800.