Great review. I like your definition of a classic as well, it is what's classic to you! Its great to see some of these not long gone bikes being reviewed from a modern point of view. What it says to me is that a decent bike doesn't need much on it, for the rider to have plenty of fun on it. Nice one.
I've been watching your videos for several years, now, and I smile to myself as I see your gradual, and maybe a little reluctant, appreciation to what riders like myself have known for decades. And that is the fact that some cruisers, and I do mean some, are really excellent and enjoyably competent motorcycles. I have owned 38 motorcycles since 1971 and, although I have owned something of every class, the majority of them would be categorized as cruisers. Currently, I keep a Victory King Pin, Harley Road King, Moto Guzzi California, Yamaha VMAX, and a Triumph America licensed and insured and any one of those would/could take me across these wonderful United States in fine fashion. A dear, and now deceased, buddy of mine rode a Suzuki Intruder 800 before he stepped up to a Harley Street Glide and I rode his mid sized M800 a few times. It certainly was not the bike the 1500 that you just reviewed is, but it helped him get back in the saddle after a twenty year lapse in motorcycle ownership. IF I had more room in my shop, I think I'd like to add a Suzuki Marauder M109R to the stable. Smooth, low end grunt, solid handling, and as you mentioned, slick shifting transmission. Suzuki has always been known for their transmissions. Come see me. I have bikes for you to try out in these beautiful Black Hills where I ride.
When I started riding again in 2013 I bought a new 800cc Intruder. I absolutely loved it. It cost me 5600 pounds. I did 13000 miles on it and traded it in for a new Triumph Speedmaster in 2020 for 4000 pounds. I found it a pleasure to ride, super smooth. Besides a service every year the only other outlay was a set of tyres at 11000 miles. Seven years of riding cost me 2500 pounds, this includes the servicing and two tyres.
Metric cruisers are cruisers done well. Somewhat understated, surprisingly capable and well loved by their owners. I never saw myself as a cruiser guy but ended up getting a Honda Shadow VT750 - they are well loved and ridden bikes for a reason. Very confidence inspiring for us shorter riders
I bought one of these in 2010, my first (and as it turns out only) muscle cruiser. Had it for 6 years. Here in NZ, they were designated VZR1500 Boulevard marketed as Suzuki M90 Boulevard. The Intruder was the C90 and differentiated with an under seat tank, floor boards, swept back cruiser bars and earlier model 1500 engine - they had a more traditional cruiser look, and that under seat tank was a mere 14 litres which was a real worry for my mate who had one, whenever he went on a trip. I believe the the C90 got the VZR engine around 2011-12. Anyway, the M90 was styled after it's big brother M109 with the headlight cowl, forward pegs, flat handlebar and large rear tyre (although "only" a 200 section and not a 240 as on the 109). As I recall from my time with the bike you are spot on with your comments on ride experience. It was great on tour although wind blast became an issue after a while, having feet forward makes it difficult to lean into the breeze. I used to get around 300km to a tank on a trip, so useful range. Loved the no maintenance of the shaft drive and as you noted, nothing wrong with the exhaust noises, I kept the stock mufflers - I thought they looked awesome on the bike anyway. Can't beat black and chrome I reckon. The biggest thumb down for me with mine was the pitiful cornering clearance - those pegs were way out there and clearance suffered as a result. Oh, and I always thought mine weighed in at around 320kg not 363 but hey by any measure, it sure wasn't light! I traded the M90 in for a 2012 Victory Vision in 2016. Thanks for the blast from the past! 😀
Yet another bike that I have in my sights for possible ownership. These classic bike reviews are just the best! Many thanks for your review. Keep 'em coming.
I have the 2018 M1800R version. What a machine. Very happy I bought it, a joy to ride, even with the lack of ground clearance. It compliments my 2017 Busa Z perfectly, and they are both in the Pearl Vigor Blue and Glass Sparkle Black colour schemes. Great channel, keep up the good work.
I ride an Intruder, mine is the M1800R (aka VZR1800.) I got rid of the sissy bar it came with, they spoil the look. If you get access to the 1800 you should give it ago. For the weight it handles very well, and the performance is up there with the fastest of the muscle cruisers. I find it comfortable for longer runs, the clamshell position (feet forward and upper body also inclined slightly forward) seems to suit me well. The performance and handling belies the low ground clearance, you can easily forget and scrape the pegs. You’re spot on about watching how you ride on it, the length of it can take you by surprise on tight bends and with no ABS, mine is kept as a fair weather bike. And it looks sensational IMO.
Great review Andy. I used to have a C800 which served me well as a "learner" first big bike. Always fancied the M1500 but I ride a 1998 Honda Valkyrie for my cruiser and Euro touring duties. Fab bike, super smooth and great sound with Cobra 6 into 6 exhaust!
I have ridden for years with two close friends who both have this bike ..Here in the USA the bike was first called the Intruder and then changed the name to the Boulevard .. Two things they both like about this bike is that the gas is under the seat so the weight is low and it is shaft driven so no chain to clean ..The most agreed on problem is that the bike gets around 38 to 40 MPG US or a range of 120 miles before looking for more petrol for that thirsty motor ..As a first or second big bike this and the Yamaha Star family are great value .I had a 1700 midnight Star for 15K miles .. I bought it for $5000.00 rode it two years or 15000 miles and sold it back to the dealer for $4000.00 when I got my Triumph Street Scrambler.. All the best from New England Andy , Yours Guy
For 20 years I had two C90T Suzuki Intruder 1500's. I road across the United States with my wife. Beautiful riding machine, with having 9 other motorcycles before the Boulevard 1500. I am 5'-6" and had no problem handling it. My first had a carburetor, and second fuel injection. The other thing with the latest is that it had to brake rotors on the front which added greatly to breaking when both my wife and I were on it. It is not a pocket rocket, or a dragster, but surely has enough power for two. My models were oil cooled which made it really low maintenance. I bought a Harley Heritage Softail lately, which is close to the Suzuki 1500. I would love to have my Suzuki back again over the Harley. There are a lot of quirks with Harley design you are always keeping tracked of when to replace components. In the Heritage case, the cam chain tensioners, shift spline linkage, steering yoke, and etc. One the Harley Heritage you have three oil sections, plugs, to change oil. One oil plug on the Suzuki. The other thing is my gas tank on these two models were under the seat which lowers the center of gravity making the bike feel like a 750, instead of a 1500. Never sorry I had the Suzuki's.
Good review as always. I'm a bit gutted you had the 1500 and not it's bigger brother the m1800r or m109r as its often known. That's a dream bike of mine.
Suites you Sir, another really enjoyable classic video Andy, and like you such bikes have grown on me with age. Plus the Intruder looks like it can handle the bendy pothole strewn UK roads. Thank you.
I had a secret fondness for the Intruder 1500 and it's bigger brother the M1800, I'm a sporty bike lover by nature, so it came as a shock ! Do try the 1800, as they do have a slightly different feel and it was a hoot to ride ....Thanks for the vlog and reminding me of my secret fondness 🙂
Good review, durable good looking affordable. When used in its' element a fine machine, Suzuki has had little to sell in USA for last few years, management generally but they make good machines.
I had the earlier 1400 model….frame really too short for my height but I made it work….and boy did have the bottom end torque….gave it to my nephew so it’s still out an about!
Great review, enjoyed watching. I currently own this 1500 model, just had mine resprayed and kept to original Black with extra blue fleck in the paint finish. Really sparkles when the suns on it. I love this bike, exactly what you said half the price of a Harley. I was looking at buying a Breakout 107 for £13k but then I saw this. I took for a test ride and I was hooked. I feel like Arnie from the terminator on it haha. Only one fault I’ve found is pulling away in second at low speed, the bike doesn’t like it. Other than that for me a fantastic bike. I advise anyone to test ride if got the chance.
AFAIK/IIRC, the 'Intruder' name goes all the way back to the mid-80s when Suzuki first brought out their 700cc V-twin cruiser that had that slim 'Easy Rider' styling. I speculate Suzuki chose the name 'intruder' 'cos they reckoned this bike would be their means to get away with 'intruding' into HD's traditional entry-level turf (883 Sportster). It was quickly bored out to 750cc, but in spite of the powerplant being a superb piece of smooth-running engineering, it didn't fix the fact they were a bit manky in the handling department. In an attempt to recover their engine R&D investment Suzuki bored it out again to 800cc and shoehorned it into a bandit styled frame and called the end result the VX800. Interestingly the VX800 was originally designed in America (California), by Americans, for Americans.
It had a sport-tourer look, but in fact the VX800 was a tourer-cruiser. This is perhaps one of the most under-rated motorbikes ever made (IMHO). Unfortunately the general motorcycling press didn't know what to make of it and panned it because 'they' couldn't pigeon-hole it into a particular genre. One review I read compared the VX800 to the 883 Sportster, and his summation was he "liked everything about the VX800 except the styling, and he liked nothing about the Sportster except the styling". Which reveals how HD trade on the mantra of "An ounce of image is worth a pound of performance". The VX800 was only made from 1990-1993 and then the engine got 'Harley-cranked' and put into the VL800 Intruder strictly cruiser bikes. If Suzuki had only put a tiny bit more effort into the suspension setup and tuning of the VX800, they'd've taken an 'ok'(ish) handling machine and turned it into a superb handling canyon-carver. I owned, rode (and wore out) two of them from 1993 to 2013 and I spent the extra $ to sort the front suspension. The VX800 fitted me so well, I did the NZ equivalent of the IBA 1000mile ride (Rusty Nuts MC Grand Challenge 1000mi/24hr) 7 times on it. Anyways, that ended up being a bit of tangential esoteric ramble on the 'Intruder' heritage and what it subsequently informed.
So refreshing to see a thumbnail pop up, that's not the latest 'on trend' thing (I know you have to do those also). Keep these up Andy. Ps re the name, perhaps suzuki haven't heard of Ann summers parties!.
I agree with you Andy about what constitutes a classic. Albeit modern classics. As my age and body shape, arthritis too changed I too became to appreciate a mors upright or cruiser bike. Still immensly enjoyable. Another great review Andy.
Hi, great vid as usual. Cruisers aren't to my taste (yet anyway) but it's good to keep an open mind. I would like to say that the cutting between the riding sections and the static walk-around sections really works for me. It must be a nightmare to edit together but I think it' well worth the effort so thanks for that.
Hi Andy, got the facelift VZR1800 in black with the burnt orange centre stripe, swept Cobra exhaust & 260mm profile rear tyre, amazing looking bike and always attracts a crowd wherever its parked up. I de-badged it, no-one ever asks is it a Suzuki 🤣 All the benefits of cruiser ownership without the HD running costs 👍
Love the style of these types of bike, indeed so much I have owned four cruisers over the years. Never kept them for long though as always found them uncomfortable on my lower back and soon missed the exhilaration of more powerful machines.....Talking of which my brand new 2023 Hayabusa arrives today! Woohoo......
Very interesting bike! I should really try a cruiser myself, someday, you're starting to convince me. In any case, you've got your work cut out for you, having to review all the bikes built in the last 20 years haha
Sorry about that - UA-cam decide where, when and how many adverts to serve - it is annoying I agree. I just signed up to UA-cam Premium and now no longer get any adverts in exchange for a small monthly sub - it's great!
Morning Andy nice review as usual. The main thing that discourages exuberant riding on these bikes is not the handling it’s the lack of ground clearance. I’ve own a couple of middleweight cruisers over the years a Yamaha Dragstar 650 and a Yamaha Virago 535. Both great bikes for laid back riding. If you could ever get your hands on an air head BMW boxer like the R80RT or R100RT or even the original R80GS it would make an interesting comparison to your modern GS. Cheers
Yes, I've owned a couple of BMW air-heads a 80/7 and a R100RS bikes with excellent build quality and reliability...The R100RS was especially suited for longer distance riding, big lazy engine plus a superb weather cheating faring...
Hi Andy, yes absolutely great bikes. After emigrating to Perth Australia from London, I bought the Suzuki Boulevard M109R, used it for both touring and fun days out, obviously the weather here lends itself to not needing the heating grips. 8/10 from me.
The intruder has always been on my list as a cruiser to get to take the wife out on, although I'm yet to ride one. I recently purchased a near mint 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R in blue. She's been serviced and having a few small jobs done at the moment ready for summer. My 12 year old son set me a youtube channel up so I'll film it when the weather gets better, not to your standard of course. Its all OEM which is rare, ill let you know when i do it if you fancy a gander. Great vid BTW.
Well unfortunately 5 weeks ago a 70 year old lady cut across me and its a write off. I'm recovering from multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung, I'm up and mobile and on light duties at work, I'm made of tough stuff. Maybe I'll get a cruiser with the insurance money. I still have my MT-10 to play on when my strength returns. Its not my first rodeo and won't be my last no doubt. Stay safe.
Great video as always, I own and ride the m800 variant, can not fault it in the slightest, yes it doesn't have the grunt of some of the bigger harleys. But for the price. You cant go wrong and you get so much bike for your money with just as much street presence.
Great stuff Andy, really enjoyed it cheers. I think you're spot on with the pluses you point out here and I'm definitely a fan of a quality "classic" model. On a side note, as far as the latest offerings go there are now a number of new metric cruisers around and they all have a lot going for them - personally I hope we see more of them revamped with fresh designs. Back in the US the Indian Scout Bobber and Harley Fat Bob come to mind first as striking an excellent balance (right up my alley) but I for one reckon the cruiser category remains ripe for continual innovation to appeal to each new generation of riders. A lot of the current models could do with a lower price point in that respect though ;)
I remember walking into a Suzuki dealer in 1997 and seeing the original Intruder and having a snigger at the name and you said exactly what I was thinking lol
York Suzuki had a demo Saturday, they had one of these & a 800 cruiser, at the time I had a 1250 Suzuki Bandit, it was a first come first tried, getting there the 800 was fully booked up, the 1500 was also well booked up, I was only 1 hour late, but it would be 3.30-ish before I could swing a leg over, a six n half hour wait, I never got to have a demo ride, 1 mile away was A1Moto, Triumph dealer, 1 week later I was riding out on a Triumph cruiser, I still have it, love it to bits, weather I would still have the Suzy remains to be seen.
Great review as always, Andy! I tried the 800 back in the day (the late nineties), it had lots of torque and was faster than my ZX-6R in the first two gears
I had the 1800cc version, the Intruder M1800R. I bought it new when they came out way back in 2006. 125bhp with about the same ft lp in torque. Big 240 section rear tyre. Paid £10K for it which at the time was the most expensive bike i'd ever bought. Kept it for around 3 yrs and in that time the only issue was the exhaust cans rotting out, i chopped them off and had some stainless steel short slash cuts attached. At the time i was doing a lot of touring and bike rallies and this was an extremely comfortable bike for distance riding, used to go to rallies in Belgium three times a year on it. Its weight was always the issue for me though and after 3 years i went back to lighter bikes. I never regretted buying it though and it was a great cruiser experience. Although this Intruder has been the only cruiser i've owned in 50 years of riding motorcycles. But the older we get the weight of bikes does become more of a consideration.
I like these classic reviews. This bike is one of the....how can I say this without making owners sad? I better leave it! But quality is at the better end. Thank you mr Flyer!
As a fan of shaft drive I did consider the intruder, but settled for a Kawasaki Meanstreak 1600. Both great looking bikes with performance to surprise some people.
@@ttmadness34 I found the Meanstreak had a low centre of gravity, so you didn’t feel it’s weight. Fast and comfortable but on long journeys my lower back would complain. I sold it for something I could tour long distance on
I test rode the M108, it was a drag cruiser with 125hp and the torque was the same at 125, fast in a straight line, was fun, bought a BKing as I got a much better deal at the time.
Great review. I would expect that you might really enjoy riding a Yamaha Star Stratoliner. If you get a chance give it a go as it is an amazing bike and has awesome power and a really good ride. Strats are 1900cc's with about 100 horsepower.
Thanks Andy enthusiastic review ! While I like its classic looks, I'm enjoying a mid size xsr700 Yamaha a nimble, cruiser also agile in dense traffic or country roads. Cheers 🍻
Another nice review. My ride for the last twelwe years is a Vulcan. A cruiser just like that one. A bit smaller, though and lighter. But a nice, comfy ride with enough pep for almost all situations except track. Cruisers are great buys used, there are real bargains to be made with these. Well built, good quality and the japanese brands are unbreakable and very low maintenance. A slight downside is that riding for longer periods of time are hard on the back. That is easy to fix, just shorten the daily distance a bit when touring. Leaves more time to enjoy the trip anyway and that is why we do it. Why ride 500km per day when you can do 300 instead and arrive to a daily goal fresh with lots of time to see something else beside the road? These Classic Reviews are more to the point than some ridiculously expensive superbikes that only few people can afford to (or want to) buy, most of us normal working stiffs anyway have rather limited budgets to spend on a bike. So these reviews hit the spot.
You didn't mention the shaft drive. I love the look of these bikes. I want the M1800 BOSS. It's the blacked out version, so there's no Chrome to polish. Any colour will do as they all look fantastic to me.
One of my mates has the 1800cc watercooled version. The only bike that tested my upper body strength more, to haul up off its sidestand was a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. Heavy machines do damp out the bumps on our crappy roads but I'm happier manhandling something much lighter. I met a chap on the Gower, near Swansea who'd had a turntable fitted in his garage, to be able to get his Rocket 3 out. I'm a former gravedigger and heavy labourer but you can't beat physics. Five feet eight and nine and a half stone don't compute when trying to lift a toppled behemoth.
Not a cruiser fan here Andy , but had few over the years and nice easy relaxing way to motor about . Roads looking bit wet and slimey there !!! Big heavy bike to be out on the weather but seems to be quite capable there with you riding it there !always looks worse on cam the roads .😮. By the way I just came down from way up North in Scotland this morning and after watching your nc500 tour I came down by the lecht and the aviemore ski area and just to let you know they where under full swing plenty of snow even on the lower tracks .👍👍 I was in the car mind you .😁😁 I need to get back up this year on the bike , that is one cracking road .👍
If you ever get the opportunity to ride a Moto Guzzi California 1400 you’ll be in for a treat. It’s a great cruiser experience with Brembo brakes as a bonus. Fitted with side cases it’s a capable tourer for sure, my 2015 has been a great machine, and it handles so well that twisty roads are great fun
As an American, I thought ,or programed from a young age, cruiser style bike was going to be what I wanted when I started this hobby 21 years ago. Got myvself a 2000 VStar Yamaha. Loved the bike as it was my first, put 35000 miles on it. But did not like the chrome to polish and did not like my feet being in front of me as your back is curved like a "C", and as a PT, not good for posture and back alignment. For a quick go out to dinner and have a lady on the back maybe like the ones that were walking on the sidewalk during this video would do nice. Great video on your classic.
Great sounding engine and in lovely condition. I am wedded to my bike for life I'm afraid . . . my eye wanders every now and then . . but nothing serious.
Keep up the good work with these reviews of "old" bikes! Not everyone has, or wants to throw £15k + at a toy and frankly the plastic fantastics get a bit boring. Enginewise, brilliant engineering, but electronics with menus to try the patience of Job? No thank you. What is the point of more power than any normal road rider can handle, necessitating a black box to make the machine rideable?? Anyway, £15k will buy maybe three toys!
Great review as always! Nice looking model, still unsure of year ! 2015, 2013??!! I was interested in a Japanese cruiser, maybe a Kawasaki VN900, so good to hear your views on this one
Great review (as always!) And a great bike! Just been looking at 2023 models, absolutely stunning! Be nice if you could get one to review! Would also like your take on a super meteor, I've just got one, would love to see what you think of them.
I watched a you tube video some years ago of a bike week in Daytona Florida. It was a group on Marauders. When I searched for the bike here in the UK I got no results. It was/is an Intruder over here. Now I know.
Nice review. Interesting bike although not my thing really. I do remember it now you mention it but had forgotten it existed beforehand if that makes sense.
Seriously...."classic" reviews have a lot of interest but I completely get how difficult it is for the likes of us to get hold of them to try (which is why I was so chuffed when SuperBike factory came on board).....maybe a local dealer with second hand sales your best bet?? You kind of have to take what you can get though.....
Before I purchased my big Z, I gave serious thought to buying one of these. I think the one I was looking at was an 1800cc, correct me if I'm wrong. Had I the opportunity to try one, I might not own the big Z. Then again, there is room for another addition to the family! 😬
I had the 1600 - 2005 which was a rebadged Kawasaki Meanstreak! Took it to the south of France “N” and “D” rotates most of the way - kept off the autoroute. One of the best holidays we had but too hot to wear all the gear. Straight through Vance and Hines sounded great - flames shooting out the back…..what a laugh.
@@TheMissendenFlyer I promise you they did - mine was a 1600 not a 1500 and I thought it was odd at the time. I have a photo of course. Appreciate your vids - I have a new T120 and at the other end of the scale a YB100 2 stroke which I rode around the coast of Ireland last year followed by billowing smoke!
What a marvelous change of pace! I think you would really enjoy the Rebel 1100, and the discontinued Yamaha Warrior, which was the first cruiser to feature a modern aluminum frame.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Also passed this video off to a friend here in Toronto who's dad has been rocking one of these Suzukis as his daily in Vietnam for ages and loves it!
As I've got older cruiser have become more appealing :-) closest I got was owning a Triumph Adventurer about 15 years ago. Great bike but wasnt feet forward....which is the thing that has always put me off. Intruder is a great looking bike though...thanks for the excellent review.
Back in 2013 (or was it 2015 🤔) Suzuki loaned me the 1800 variant in Fire Engine red to do a club weekend tour of Snowdonia. Hell of a bike and fun to ride - but not if you were behind it apparently. The mahoosive rear tyre was showering following chums with huge clouds of gravel and dust! I'm surprised that with your slight stature you didn't find the reach to the bars a problem. I certainly did and with the wheelbase being approximately 2 lamp posts, even the roundabouts of Milton Keynes were a problem. I did manage a Snowdonia minor road uphill hairpin bend with just a single dab though!!
Yes hairpins can be quite focusing on these beasts can't they Geoff!! And weirdly I found the reach to the bars fine - those bar risers were mahoosive!
I had that Suzuki Intruder 1500 in about 2010, bought it as a pre-registered for only £7000. I also had the rear cowl that replaced the rear seat and a dark sports screen. From what I recall I found the second gear clunky and you had to feather the clutch going around roundabouts. It was a great seat height for my 5' 6".
I wasn't a cruiser man either but 4 years ago I bought a Harley on looks alone to go with my other 2 bikes . Now , if the bikes had to go , it would be the last one out the door . There's just something about them I find.
I had the predecessor and wish I had kept it. You have to change your style of riding on a cruiser but once you have got used to it it’s comfortable relaxed riding
In it's day this cruiser had looks and good pricing, especially compared to today's pricies. But, one can not overlook the upgrades that have today's bikes much more dependable and safe. Also maintainence might be a problem with techs not trained on 10 year old bikes. Sure is a looker though., and looks to have been well taken care off. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋♂️
M1800R or a V Rod,Thats two of my cruiser wish list.I remember UK bike mags always called cruisers and customs Tarts Handbags!!They were all sports bike mad....
I tried to sit on many cruisers and with most, I can’t comfortably reach the handle bar. The reason is that my feet are not beneath the saddle but far up front. I’m so folded up that I can’t hold on to the handle bar. Most cruisers are way too heavy, in weight, for me.
Great review. I like your definition of a classic as well, it is what's classic to you! Its great to see some of these not long gone bikes being reviewed from a modern point of view. What it says to me is that a decent bike doesn't need much on it, for the rider to have plenty of fun on it. Nice one.
That is exactly right!
Love your reviews. Been purely on 4 wheels for about 7 years. Using your videos to get great no nonsense reviews.
I appreciate that!
I've been watching your videos for several years, now, and I smile to myself as I see your gradual, and maybe a little reluctant, appreciation to what riders like myself have known for decades. And that is the fact that some cruisers, and I do mean some, are really excellent and enjoyably competent motorcycles. I have owned 38 motorcycles since 1971 and, although I have owned something of every class, the majority of them would be categorized as cruisers. Currently, I keep a Victory King Pin, Harley Road King, Moto Guzzi California, Yamaha VMAX, and a Triumph America licensed and insured and any one of those would/could take me across these wonderful United States in fine fashion. A dear, and now deceased, buddy of mine rode a Suzuki Intruder 800 before he stepped up to a Harley Street Glide and I rode his mid sized M800 a few times. It certainly was not the bike the 1500 that you just reviewed is, but it helped him get back in the saddle after a twenty year lapse in motorcycle ownership. IF I had more room in my shop, I think I'd like to add a Suzuki Marauder M109R to the stable. Smooth, low end grunt, solid handling, and as you mentioned, slick shifting transmission. Suzuki has always been known for their transmissions. Come see me. I have bikes for you to try out in these beautiful Black Hills where I ride.
When I started riding again in 2013 I bought a new 800cc Intruder. I absolutely loved it. It cost me 5600 pounds. I did 13000 miles on it and traded it in for a new Triumph Speedmaster in 2020 for 4000 pounds. I found it a pleasure to ride, super smooth. Besides a service every year the only other outlay was a set of tyres at 11000 miles. Seven years of riding cost me 2500 pounds, this includes the servicing and two tyres.
That’s what I call good value motoring! I spent more than that recently on a part for my car!
Metric cruisers are cruisers done well. Somewhat understated, surprisingly capable and well loved by their owners.
I never saw myself as a cruiser guy but ended up getting a Honda Shadow VT750 - they are well loved and ridden bikes for a reason. Very confidence inspiring for us shorter riders
I bought one of these in 2010, my first (and as it turns out only) muscle cruiser. Had it for 6 years. Here in NZ, they were designated VZR1500 Boulevard marketed as Suzuki M90 Boulevard. The Intruder was the C90 and differentiated with an under seat tank, floor boards, swept back cruiser bars and earlier model 1500 engine - they had a more traditional cruiser look, and that under seat tank was a mere 14 litres which was a real worry for my mate who had one, whenever he went on a trip. I believe the the C90 got the VZR engine around 2011-12. Anyway, the M90 was styled after it's big brother M109 with the headlight cowl, forward pegs, flat handlebar and large rear tyre (although "only" a 200 section and not a 240 as on the 109). As I recall from my time with the bike you are spot on with your comments on ride experience. It was great on tour although wind blast became an issue after a while, having feet forward makes it difficult to lean into the breeze. I used to get around 300km to a tank on a trip, so useful range. Loved the no maintenance of the shaft drive and as you noted, nothing wrong with the exhaust noises, I kept the stock mufflers - I thought they looked awesome on the bike anyway. Can't beat black and chrome I reckon. The biggest thumb down for me with mine was the pitiful cornering clearance - those pegs were way out there and clearance suffered as a result. Oh, and I always thought mine weighed in at around 320kg not 363 but hey by any measure, it sure wasn't light! I traded the M90 in for a 2012 Victory Vision in 2016. Thanks for the blast from the past! 😀
Thanks for that - glad we concur!
Yet another bike that I have in my sights for possible ownership.
These classic bike reviews are just the best! Many thanks for your review. Keep 'em coming.
Glad you like them!
Love these classic reviews ❤️
Excellent work 👍🏻
Glad you like them!
I have the 2018 M1800R version. What a machine. Very happy I bought it, a joy to ride, even with the lack of ground clearance. It compliments my 2017 Busa Z perfectly, and they are both in the Pearl Vigor Blue and Glass Sparkle Black colour schemes.
Great channel, keep up the good work.
Thank you Mark - will try my best too!
Great video !! I'm more interested in the Classic reviews than new bike reviews.
I ride an Intruder, mine is the M1800R (aka VZR1800.) I got rid of the sissy bar it came with, they spoil the look. If you get access to the 1800 you should give it ago. For the weight it handles very well, and the performance is up there with the fastest of the muscle cruisers. I find it comfortable for longer runs, the clamshell position (feet forward and upper body also inclined slightly forward) seems to suit me well. The performance and handling belies the low ground clearance, you can easily forget and scrape the pegs. You’re spot on about watching how you ride on it, the length of it can take you by surprise on tight bends and with no ABS, mine is kept as a fair weather bike. And it looks sensational IMO.
Nice one!
Great review Andy. I used to have a C800 which served me well as a "learner" first big bike. Always fancied the M1500 but I ride a 1998 Honda Valkyrie for my cruiser and Euro touring duties. Fab bike, super smooth and great sound with Cobra 6 into 6 exhaust!
Nice one!
I have ridden for years with two close friends who both have this bike ..Here in the USA the bike was first called the Intruder and then changed the name to the Boulevard .. Two things they both like about this bike is that the gas is under the seat so the weight is low and it is shaft driven so no chain to clean ..The most agreed on problem is that the bike gets around 38 to 40 MPG US or a range of 120 miles before looking for more petrol for that thirsty motor ..As a first or second big bike this and the Yamaha Star family are great value .I had a 1700 midnight Star for 15K miles .. I bought it for $5000.00 rode it two years or 15000 miles and sold it back to the dealer for $4000.00 when I got my Triumph Street Scrambler.. All the best from New England Andy , Yours Guy
Sounds like a great value bike to me!
For 20 years I had two C90T Suzuki Intruder 1500's. I road across the United States with my wife. Beautiful riding machine, with having 9 other motorcycles before the Boulevard 1500. I am 5'-6" and had no problem handling it. My first had a carburetor, and second fuel injection. The other thing with the latest is that it had to brake rotors on the front which added greatly to breaking when both my wife and I were on it. It is not a pocket rocket, or a dragster, but surely has enough power for two. My models were oil cooled which made it really low maintenance. I bought a Harley Heritage Softail lately, which is close to the Suzuki 1500. I would love to have my Suzuki back again over the Harley. There are a lot of quirks with Harley design you are always keeping tracked of when to replace components. In the Heritage case, the cam chain tensioners, shift spline linkage, steering yoke, and etc. One the Harley Heritage you have three oil sections, plugs, to change oil. One oil plug on the Suzuki. The other thing is my gas tank on these two models were under the seat which lowers the center of gravity making the bike feel like a 750, instead of a 1500. Never sorry I had the Suzuki's.
Good review as always. I'm a bit gutted you had the 1500 and not it's bigger brother the m1800r or m109r as its often known. That's a dream bike of mine.
Suites you Sir, another really enjoyable classic video Andy, and like you such bikes have grown on me with age. Plus the Intruder looks like it can handle the bendy pothole strewn UK roads. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for stopping by once again Stephen!
I had a secret fondness for the Intruder 1500 and it's bigger brother the M1800, I'm a sporty bike lover by nature, so it came as a shock ! Do try the 1800, as they do have a slightly different feel and it was a hoot to ride ....Thanks for the vlog and reminding me of my secret fondness 🙂
Thanks for watching!
Good review, durable good looking affordable. When used in its' element a fine machine, Suzuki has had little to sell in USA for last few years, management generally but they make good machines.
I had the earlier 1400 model….frame really too short for my height but I made it work….and boy did have the bottom end torque….gave it to my nephew so it’s still out an about!
Really enjoy your classic bike series, this is a good looking bike, plenty to polish on this one and great value.
Glad you like them!
I bought a Suzuki Intruder VL1500 in 1999. Removed the passenger seat and loved it, believe it or not my other bike was the Hayabusa at the same time.
I get that - different bikes for different moods!
Great review, enjoyed watching. I currently own this 1500 model, just had mine resprayed and kept to original Black with extra blue fleck in the paint finish. Really sparkles when the suns on it. I love this bike, exactly what you said half the price of a Harley. I was looking at buying a Breakout 107 for £13k but then I saw this. I took for a test ride and I was hooked. I feel like Arnie from the terminator on it haha.
Only one fault I’ve found is pulling away in second at low speed, the bike doesn’t like it. Other than that for me a fantastic bike. I advise anyone to test ride if got the chance.
Thanks for watching Sarah!
I've got a 2008 C90 with about 34,000 miles on it, still runs like new, love it
Cool! And thanks for stopping by!
AFAIK/IIRC, the 'Intruder' name goes all the way back to the mid-80s when Suzuki first brought out their 700cc V-twin cruiser that had that slim 'Easy Rider' styling. I speculate Suzuki chose the name 'intruder' 'cos they reckoned this bike would be their means to get away with 'intruding' into HD's traditional entry-level turf (883 Sportster). It was quickly bored out to 750cc, but in spite of the powerplant being a superb piece of smooth-running engineering, it didn't fix the fact they were a bit manky in the handling department.
In an attempt to recover their engine R&D investment Suzuki bored it out again to 800cc and shoehorned it into a bandit styled frame and called the end result the VX800. Interestingly the VX800 was originally designed in America (California), by Americans, for Americans.
It had a sport-tourer look, but in fact the VX800 was a tourer-cruiser. This is perhaps one of the most under-rated motorbikes ever made (IMHO). Unfortunately the general motorcycling press didn't know what to make of it and panned it because 'they' couldn't pigeon-hole it into a particular genre. One review I read compared the VX800 to the 883 Sportster, and his summation was he "liked everything about the VX800 except the styling, and he liked nothing about the Sportster except the styling". Which reveals how HD trade on the mantra of "An ounce of image is worth a pound of performance". The VX800 was only made from 1990-1993 and then the engine got 'Harley-cranked' and put into the VL800 Intruder strictly cruiser bikes.
If Suzuki had only put a tiny bit more effort into the suspension setup and tuning of the VX800, they'd've taken an 'ok'(ish) handling machine and turned it into a superb handling canyon-carver. I owned, rode (and wore out) two of them from 1993 to 2013 and I spent the extra $ to sort the front suspension. The VX800 fitted me so well, I did the NZ equivalent of the IBA 1000mile ride (Rusty Nuts MC Grand Challenge 1000mi/24hr) 7 times on it.
Anyways, that ended up being a bit of tangential esoteric ramble on the 'Intruder' heritage and what it subsequently informed.
So refreshing to see a thumbnail pop up, that's not the latest 'on trend' thing (I know you have to do those also).
Keep these up Andy. Ps re the name, perhaps suzuki haven't heard of Ann summers parties!.
Yes not the marketing departments finest hour when they came up with that one!!
I agree with you Andy about what constitutes a classic. Albeit modern classics. As my age and body shape, arthritis too changed I too became to appreciate a mors upright or cruiser bike. Still immensly enjoyable. Another great review Andy.
Thanks as ever - always appreciate your comments and feedback!
Hi, great vid as usual. Cruisers aren't to my taste (yet anyway) but it's good to keep an open mind. I would like to say that the cutting between the riding sections and the static walk-around sections really works for me. It must be a nightmare to edit together but I think it' well worth the effort so thanks for that.
I’m so glad you noticed it Tom, cheers 👍
Classic or not these are great reviews and interesting articles, keep up the good work 😊👍
Glad you like them!
Hi Andy, got the facelift VZR1800 in black with the burnt orange centre stripe, swept Cobra exhaust & 260mm profile rear tyre, amazing looking bike and always attracts a crowd wherever its parked up. I de-badged it, no-one ever asks is it a Suzuki 🤣 All the benefits of cruiser ownership without the HD running costs 👍
Agreed 100%
Love the style of these types of bike, indeed so much I have owned four cruisers over the years. Never kept them for long though as always found them uncomfortable on my lower back and soon missed the exhilaration of more powerful machines.....Talking of which my brand new 2023 Hayabusa arrives today! Woohoo......
Congratulations, enjoy (and be careful!)....
Very interesting bike! I should really try a cruiser myself, someday, you're starting to convince me. In any case, you've got your work cut out for you, having to review all the bikes built in the last 20 years haha
I'm not complaining, I love bikes (as you may have gathered)!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I think I'm following you for over 5 years now Andy, always had a sneaking suspicion you kinda liked them bikes.
Thanks for an interesting review Andy good stuff, seems to be an increase in advertising of late on your channel most frustrating 😊
Sorry about that - UA-cam decide where, when and how many adverts to serve - it is annoying I agree. I just signed up to UA-cam Premium and now no longer get any adverts in exchange for a small monthly sub - it's great!
Morning Andy nice review as usual. The main thing that discourages exuberant riding on these bikes is not the handling it’s the lack of ground clearance. I’ve own a couple of middleweight cruisers over the years a Yamaha Dragstar 650 and a Yamaha Virago 535. Both great bikes for laid back riding. If you could ever get your hands on an air head BMW boxer like the R80RT or R100RT or even the original R80GS it would make an interesting comparison to your modern GS.
Cheers
Yes, I've owned a couple of BMW air-heads a 80/7 and a R100RS bikes with excellent build quality and reliability...The R100RS was especially suited for longer distance riding, big lazy engine plus a superb weather cheating faring...
Hi Andy, yes absolutely great bikes. After emigrating to Perth Australia from London, I bought the Suzuki Boulevard M109R, used it for both touring and fun days out, obviously the weather here lends itself to not needing the heating grips. 8/10 from me.
really like the classic reviews, good work, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
The intruder has always been on my list as a cruiser to get to take the wife out on, although I'm yet to ride one. I recently purchased a near mint 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R in blue. She's been serviced and having a few small jobs done at the moment ready for summer. My 12 year old son set me a youtube channel up so I'll film it when the weather gets better, not to your standard of course. Its all OEM which is rare, ill let you know when i do it if you fancy a gander. Great vid BTW.
Sounds good! Please do…
Well unfortunately 5 weeks ago a 70 year old lady cut across me and its a write off. I'm recovering from multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung, I'm up and mobile and on light duties at work, I'm made of tough stuff. Maybe I'll get a cruiser with the insurance money. I still have my MT-10 to play on when my strength returns. Its not my first rodeo and won't be my last no doubt. Stay safe.
The “modern classic• reviews are great. Keep them coming.
Thanks Pete - will do!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Andy .
Indeed it is!
Had the 125 version about 20 years ago. Loved it. Didn’t feel like a 125.
Great video as always, I own and ride the m800 variant, can not fault it in the slightest, yes it doesn't have the grunt of some of the bigger harleys. But for the price. You cant go wrong and you get so much bike for your money with just as much street presence.
Great stuff Andy, really enjoyed it cheers. I think you're spot on with the pluses you point out here and I'm definitely a fan of a quality "classic" model.
On a side note, as far as the latest offerings go there are now a number of new metric cruisers around and they all have a lot going for them - personally I hope we see more of them revamped with fresh designs. Back in the US the Indian Scout Bobber and Harley Fat Bob come to mind first as striking an excellent balance (right up my alley) but I for one reckon the cruiser category remains ripe for continual innovation to appeal to each new generation of riders. A lot of the current models could do with a lower price point in that respect though ;)
I have a m1800 vzr intruder and love it, had it nearly 10 years now and you can't beat the looks and performance of this beast.
Great review, as usual in this 'classic' series. I, like you think of a classic, as a bike around the era I got intrested in motorbikes,.
Glad you’re happy with my definition - it appears not all are!
I remember walking into a Suzuki dealer in 1997 and seeing the original Intruder and having a snigger at the name and you said exactly what I was thinking lol
...glad it's not just me...
York Suzuki had a demo Saturday, they had one of these & a 800 cruiser, at the time I had a 1250 Suzuki Bandit, it was a first come first tried, getting there the 800 was fully booked up, the 1500 was also well booked up, I was only 1 hour late, but it would be 3.30-ish before I could swing a leg over, a six n half hour wait, I never got to have a demo ride, 1 mile away was A1Moto, Triumph dealer, 1 week later I was riding out on a Triumph cruiser, I still have it, love it to bits, weather I would still have the Suzy remains to be seen.
If one is so inclined to want a cruiser this is defo one of the best. Well thought out, powerful handles, in the US these can be had for pittence.
Great review as always, Andy! I tried the 800 back in the day (the late nineties), it had lots of torque and was faster than my ZX-6R in the first two gears
I had the 1800cc version, the Intruder M1800R. I bought it new when they came out way back in 2006. 125bhp with about the same ft lp in torque. Big 240 section rear tyre. Paid £10K for it which at the time was the most expensive bike i'd ever bought. Kept it for around 3 yrs and in that time the only issue was the exhaust cans rotting out, i chopped them off and had some stainless steel short slash cuts attached. At the time i was doing a lot of touring and bike rallies and this was an extremely comfortable bike for distance riding, used to go to rallies in Belgium three times a year on it.
Its weight was always the issue for me though and after 3 years i went back to lighter bikes. I never regretted buying it though and it was a great cruiser experience. Although this Intruder has been the only cruiser i've owned in 50 years of riding motorcycles. But the older we get the weight of bikes does become more of a consideration.
Tell me about it Jeff!
I like these classic reviews. This bike is one of the....how can I say this without making owners sad? I better leave it! But quality is at the better end.
Thank you mr Flyer!
Thanks for stopping by as ever John!
As a fan of shaft drive I did consider the intruder, but settled for a Kawasaki Meanstreak 1600. Both great looking bikes with performance to surprise some people.
I do like the Kawasaki VN range.
How are you findoing the meanstreak? Im looking at a big cruiser for my next bike. Got it down to the c1500T a vn1600/1700 or a Triumph thunderbird.
@@ttmadness34 I found the Meanstreak had a low centre of gravity, so you didn’t feel it’s weight. Fast and comfortable but on long journeys my lower back would complain. I sold it for something I could tour long distance on
I test rode the M108, it was a drag cruiser with 125hp and the torque was the same at 125, fast in a straight line, was fun, bought a BKing as I got a much better deal at the time.
Great review. I would expect that you might really enjoy riding a Yamaha Star Stratoliner. If you get a chance give it a go as it is an amazing bike and has awesome power and a really good ride. Strats are 1900cc's with about 100 horsepower.
I'll check it out!
Great looking bike. I had a Honda Shadow that I really enjoyed but, my back complained too much so I bought a GS so I can sit upright when riding.
I owned one for three years. 100 reliable travel.
Thanks Andy enthusiastic review !
While I like its classic looks, I'm enjoying a mid size xsr700 Yamaha a nimble, cruiser also agile in dense traffic or country roads.
Cheers 🍻
Good choice!
Another nice review. My ride for the last twelwe years is a Vulcan. A cruiser just like that one. A bit smaller, though and lighter. But a nice, comfy ride with enough pep for almost all situations except track. Cruisers are great buys used, there are real bargains to be made with these. Well built, good quality and the japanese brands are unbreakable and very low maintenance. A slight downside is that riding for longer periods of time are hard on the back. That is easy to fix, just shorten the daily distance a bit when touring. Leaves more time to enjoy the trip anyway and that is why we do it. Why ride 500km per day when you can do 300 instead and arrive to a daily goal fresh with lots of time to see something else beside the road? These Classic Reviews are more to the point than some ridiculously expensive superbikes that only few people can afford to (or want to) buy, most of us normal working stiffs anyway have rather limited budgets to spend on a bike. So these reviews hit the spot.
Glad you think that Robert - it was a big part of the reason for me doing them!
You didn't mention the shaft drive.
I love the look of these bikes.
I want the M1800 BOSS. It's the blacked out version, so there's no Chrome to polish.
Any colour will do as they all look fantastic to me.
Good call!
. My mate has a 2010 model in burgundy, it looks quite sharp with the rear seat cowl installed. In North America it's known as the M90 Boulevard.
what a cool bike. cool instrument cluster and proper mudguards.
2:43 had to stop to LOL with your comments on the bikes dubious name. Hilarious 😂❤
A fellow had one of these in my learn to ride class. A heck of a first bike. Fairly predictably he struggled but everyone thought it was a cool bike.
Quite a machine for your first bike!
Interesting, 😎 great review as always 👏😉
Thanks! 👍
One of my mates has the 1800cc watercooled version. The only bike that tested my upper body strength more, to haul up off its sidestand was a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. Heavy machines do damp out the bumps on our crappy roads but I'm happier manhandling something much lighter. I met a chap on the Gower, near Swansea who'd had a turntable fitted in his garage, to be able to get his Rocket 3 out. I'm a former gravedigger and heavy labourer but you can't beat physics. Five feet eight and nine and a half stone don't compute when trying to lift a toppled behemoth.
Agreed!
Was the Moto Guzzi Griso ever a classic you hankered after riding? If so, any chance of one of your inimitable tests?
Yes and you never know!
Not a cruiser fan here Andy , but had few over the years and nice easy relaxing way to motor about . Roads looking bit wet and slimey there !!! Big heavy bike to be out on the weather but seems to be quite capable there with you riding it there !always looks worse on cam the roads .😮. By the way I just came down from way up North in Scotland this morning and after watching your nc500 tour I came down by the lecht and the aviemore ski area and just to let you know they where under full swing plenty of snow even on the lower tracks .👍👍 I was in the car mind you .😁😁 I need to get back up this year on the bike , that is one cracking road .👍
It sure is!
Bike has awesome looks all over. Even more impressive is your schedule management.
Thank you!
If you ever get the opportunity to ride a Moto Guzzi California 1400 you’ll be in for a treat. It’s a great cruiser experience with Brembo brakes as a bonus. Fitted with side cases it’s a capable tourer for sure, my 2015 has been a great machine, and it handles so well that twisty roads are great fun
Great looking bike there. I’d be interested to see a review of the Honda VT750, which is another shaft drive cruiser from a similar era. 👍
As an American, I thought ,or programed from a young age, cruiser style bike was going to be what I wanted when I started this hobby 21 years ago. Got myvself a 2000 VStar Yamaha. Loved the bike as it was my first, put 35000 miles on it. But did not like the chrome to polish and did not like my feet being in front of me as your back is curved like a "C", and as a PT, not good for posture and back alignment. For a quick go out to dinner and have a lady on the back maybe like the ones that were walking on the sidewalk during this video would do nice. Great video on your classic.
Do you know I didn't even spot those gorgeous young ladies distracting me to the left.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer that's funny, I didn't either. Until I was thinking of someone to put on the back of the bike. Funny how our brains work.
....I did spot them....
Great sounding engine and in lovely condition. I am wedded to my bike for life I'm afraid . . . my eye wanders every now and then . . but nothing serious.
5% ride 45% cleaning 50% polishing.
Yes 100%
Keep up the good work with these reviews of "old" bikes! Not everyone has, or wants to throw £15k + at a toy and frankly the plastic fantastics get a bit boring. Enginewise, brilliant engineering, but electronics with menus to try the patience of Job? No thank you. What is the point of more power than any normal road rider can handle, necessitating a black box to make the machine rideable?? Anyway, £15k will buy maybe three toys!
Wow I can't believe how many classic bikes you have recently reviewed that are on my shortlist, though I wish you had got the 1800 boss 109r
Great review as always! Nice looking model, still unsure of year ! 2015, 2013??!! I was interested in a Japanese cruiser, maybe a Kawasaki VN900, so good to hear your views on this one
I've not ridden one but like the look of 'em....
Great review (as always!) And a great bike!
Just been looking at 2023 models, absolutely stunning! Be nice if you could get one to review!
Would also like your take on a super meteor, I've just got one, would love to see what you think of them.
I didn’t realise you can still get the Intruder in the UK!
@@TheMissendenFlyer not sure either, I should of made it clear it was a UA-cam video, my bad!
That's an m90 here in US. Good video.
I watched a you tube video some years ago of a bike week in Daytona Florida. It was a group on Marauders. When I searched for the bike here in the UK I got no results. It was/is an Intruder over here. Now I know.
Nice review. Interesting bike although not my thing really. I do remember it now you mention it but had forgotten it existed beforehand if that makes sense.
Oh like that Andy! Been trying to sort some 'classic' reviews but nobody wants to lend me any used bikes! Even bloody Superbike Factory the sods! 😢
Well you have to be one of the special ones......
Seriously...."classic" reviews have a lot of interest but I completely get how difficult it is for the likes of us to get hold of them to try (which is why I was so chuffed when SuperBike factory came on board).....maybe a local dealer with second hand sales your best bet?? You kind of have to take what you can get though.....
Was never a fan of cruisers. Until I broke my leg. On a push bike!
Have just got a Indian of Krazy Horse. Great service and lovely people.
Yes a cracking dealer that - and a cracking bike!
Before I purchased my big Z, I gave serious thought to buying one of these. I think the one I was looking at was an 1800cc, correct me if I'm wrong. Had I the opportunity to try one, I might not own the big Z. Then again, there is room for another addition to the family! 😬
Big bikes are definitely awkward to shift in the garage! Need a modified hand controlled aircraft tug! 😅
Agreed!
Lovely route there, i recognise most of that, took the pushbike over that way from St Albans last summer was lovely!
A favourite spot with cyclists!
I had the 1600 - 2005 which was a rebadged Kawasaki Meanstreak! Took it to the south of France “N” and “D” rotates most of the way - kept off the autoroute. One of the best holidays we had but too hot to wear all the gear. Straight through Vance and Hines sounded great - flames shooting out the back…..what a laugh.
Sounds great fun - though I doubt Suzuki rebadged a bike the Kawasaki Meanstreak!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I promise you they did - mine was a 1600 not a 1500 and I thought it was odd at the time. I have a photo of course. Appreciate your vids - I have a new T120 and at the other end of the scale a YB100 2 stroke which I rode around the coast of Ireland last year followed by billowing smoke!
Yes, they also rebadged the Suzuki V Strom as a Kawasaki KLV 1000
.....you're having a larf!
@@TheMissendenFlyer ha ha - I can prove it
Good review a lot of bike for the money cheers Andy 👍🏍
No problem 👍
You could probably sort the brakes out just by upgrading to braided hoses like Hel's. They look cooler too
True....
What a marvelous change of pace! I think you would really enjoy the Rebel 1100, and the discontinued Yamaha Warrior, which was the first cruiser to feature a modern aluminum frame.
I'll check it out!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Also passed this video off to a friend here in Toronto who's dad has been rocking one of these Suzukis as his daily in Vietnam for ages and loves it!
As I've got older cruiser have become more appealing :-) closest I got was owning a Triumph Adventurer about 15 years ago. Great bike but wasnt feet forward....which is the thing that has always put me off. Intruder is a great looking bike though...thanks for the excellent review.
My pleasure!
It's called a boulevard m90 in the US. The C90 boulevard has floorboards, and heel toe shifter, and bigger fenders.
Back in 2013 (or was it 2015 🤔) Suzuki loaned me the 1800 variant in Fire Engine red to do a club weekend tour of Snowdonia. Hell of a bike and fun to ride - but not if you were behind it apparently. The mahoosive rear tyre was showering following chums with huge clouds of gravel and dust!
I'm surprised that with your slight stature you didn't find the reach to the bars a problem. I certainly did and with the wheelbase being approximately 2 lamp posts, even the roundabouts of Milton Keynes were a problem. I did manage a Snowdonia minor road uphill hairpin bend with just a single dab though!!
Yes hairpins can be quite focusing on these beasts can't they Geoff!! And weirdly I found the reach to the bars fine - those bar risers were mahoosive!
I had that Suzuki Intruder 1500 in about 2010, bought it as a pre-registered for only £7000. I also had the rear cowl that replaced the rear seat and a dark sports screen. From what I recall I found the second gear clunky and you had to feather the clutch going around roundabouts. It was a great seat height for my 5' 6".
Nice bike. I personally preferred the suzuki M800. Not too heavy, but dont see many about now.
I wasn't a cruiser man either but 4 years ago I bought a Harley on looks alone to go with my other 2 bikes . Now , if the bikes had to go , it would be the last one out the door .
There's just something about them I find.
Seems they hook a lot of people that way....
“The only electronics on this bike, is the starter”. I had to laugh at that one. 👍🏼
Well they didn't always have that did they!
@@TheMissendenFlyer ……can’t imagine kickstarting that beast of an engine 🤬 🤣
I had the predecessor and wish I had kept it. You have to change your style of riding on a cruiser but once you have got used to it it’s comfortable relaxed riding
Yes for sure it's a different style of riding - I just can't get on with "feet forwards" though....
I love the captions UA-cam adds…
“Hey kids it’s the best of the floor here”
😂
Catchy!
In it's day this cruiser had looks and good pricing, especially compared to today's pricies. But, one can not overlook the upgrades that have today's bikes much more dependable and safe. Also maintainence might be a problem with techs not trained on 10 year old bikes. Sure is a looker though., and looks to have been well taken care off. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋♂️
M1800R or a V Rod,Thats two of my cruiser wish list.I remember UK bike mags always called cruisers and customs Tarts Handbags!!They were all sports bike mad....
I think times have changed for the better....
I don’t believe this is a 2013. I had the 2013 Blvd C90 1500. Whole different gauge set up.
I tried to sit on many cruisers and with most, I can’t comfortably reach the handle bar. The reason is that my feet are not beneath the saddle but far up front. I’m so folded up that I can’t hold on to the handle bar.
Most cruisers are way too heavy, in weight, for me.