Suzuki Intruder VL1500B User manual

California Proposition 65 Warning
Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger
vehicle or off-road vehicle can expose you to chemicals
including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid
breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as
necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area
and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.
WARNING
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the
motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when resold or
otherwise transferred to a new owner or operator. The manual
contains important safety information and instructions which should
be read carefully before operating the motorcycle.
To p
3rd cover2nd cover
8 mm
VL1500B/T (99011-06J56-03A) Black
4/1

IMPORTANT
 WARNING/  CAUTION/
NOTICE /NOTE
Please read this manual and follow its
instructions carefully. To emphasize
special information, the symbol
 and
the words WARNING, CAUTION,
NOTICE and NOTE have special mean-
ings. Pay particular attention to mes-
sages highlighted by these signal
words:
NOTE: Indicates special information to
make maintenance easier or instruc-
tions clearer.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in vehicle or equipment
damage.

FOREWORD
Motorcycling is one of the most exhila-
rating sports and to ensure your riding
enjoyment, you should become thor-
oughly familiar with the information pre-
sented in this Owner’s Manual before
riding the motorcycle.
The proper care and maintenance that
your motorcycle requires is outlined in
this manual. By following these instruc-
tions explicitly you will ensure a long
trouble-free operating life for your
motorcycle. This motorcycle also con-
forms to the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency (EPA) and California Air
Resource Board (CARB) emission reg-
ulations which apply to new motorcy-
cles. The proper adjustment of engine
components is necessary for this
motorcycle to comply with the EPA and
CARB regulations. Therefore, please
follow the maintenance instructions
closely to ensure emission compliance.
Your authorized Suzuki dealer has
experienced technicians that are
trained to provide your machine with the
best possible service with the right tools
and equipment.
All information, illustrations and specifi-
cations contained in this manual are
based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication. Due
to improvements or other changes,
there may be some discrepancies
between information in this manual and
your motorcycle. Suzuki reserves the
right to make production changes at
any time, without notice and without
incurring any obligation to make the
same or similar changes to vehicles
previously built or sold.

Suzuki Motor Corporation believes in
conservation and protection of Earth’s
Natural resources. To that end, we
encourage every vehicle owner to recy-
cle, trade in, or properly dispose of, as
appropriate, used motor oil, engine
coolant, and other fluids, batteries, and
tires.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
THE SPORT OF MOTORCYCLING
FUEL, OIL AND COOLANT RECOMMENDATIONS
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS
BREAK-IN AND INSPECTION BEFORE RIDING
RIDING TIPS
ACCESSORY USE AND MOTORCYCLE LOADING
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
STORAGE PROCEDURE AND MOTORCYCLE CLEANING
CONSUMER INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

1-1
1
THE SPORT OF MOTORCYCLING
MOST ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED .................................................................................................... 1-3
IF YOU DON’T HAVE A HELMET - BUY A HELMET, AND WEAR IT EVERY TIME YOU RIDE ............. 1-3
IF A COLLISION IS IMMINENT, DO SOMETHING! ................................................................................... 1-4
SPECIAL SITUATIONS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE ................................................................................. 1-5
KNOW YOUR LIMITS ................................................................................................................................. 1-5
BE EXTRA SAFETY-CONSCIOUS ON BAD WEATHER DAYS ............................................................... 1-6
PRACTICE AWAY FROM TRAFFIC .......................................................................................................... 1-7
INSPECTION BEFORE RIDING ................................................................................................................. 1-7
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING ................................................................................................................ 1-8
CARRYING A PASSENGER ...................................................................................................................... 1-8
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION’S
“RIDING TIPS AND PRACTICE GUIDE” HANDBOOK
(FOR OWNERS IN USA) ............................................................................................................................ 1-9
BE STREET SMART ................................................................................................................................... 1-9
LABELS ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-9
CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................... 1-10

1-2
THE SPORT OF
MOTORCYCLING
Your motorcycle and this owner’s man-
ual have been designed by people like
you who enjoy motorcycling. People
become motorcyclists for many rea-
sons. For starters, street riding is fun
and invigorating. But no matter why you
became a motorcyclist, or how experi-
enced you are, you will eventually face
some challenging situations.
In preparing for these challenges, you
will be fine-tuning your coordination,
concentration, and attitude. Learning
the skills and strategies associated with
motorcycling is the basis for safely par-
ticipating in this sport. Many motorcy-
clists find that as they become better
riders, they also get more enjoyment
from the freedom unique to motorcy-
cling.
Please remember:

1-3
MOST ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED
The most common type of motorcycle
accident in the U.S. occurs when a car
traveling toward a motorcycle turns left
in front of the motorcycle. Is that
because other drivers are out to get
motorcyclists? No. Other drivers simply
don’t always notice motorcyclists. Ride
defensively. Wise motorcyclists use a
strategy of assuming they are invisible
to other drivers, even in broad daylight.
Pay careful attention to other motorists,
especially at intersections, because
they may not be paying attention to you.
Select a lane position that gives you the
best view of others, and other motorists
the best view of you. Wear bright,
reflective clothing. Put reflective strips
on your helmet.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE A HELMET - BUY
A HELMET, AND WEAR IT EVERY
TIME YOU RIDE
Most accidents occur within a few miles
of home, and almost half occur at
speeds of less than 30 mph. So even if
you’re just going on a quick errand, be
prepared-strap on your helmet before
you take off.
Helmets do not reduce essential vision
or hearing. Generally, helmets do not
cause or intensify injury if you crash.
Helmets simply help your skull protect
your intelligence, your memory, your
personality, and your life.
Your eyesight is equally valuable. Wear-
ing suitable eye protection can help keep
your vision unblurred by the wind and
save your eyes from airborne hazards like
bugs, dirt, or pebbles kicked up by tires.

1-4
IF A COLLISION IS IMMINENT, DO
SOMETHING!
Many riders fear locking up their brakes
or haven’t learned to swerve to avoid an
accident. Many inexperienced riders
(and too many seasoned riders) use
only their rear brake in an emergency,
resulting in unnecessary impacts in
some cases and unnecessarily high
impact speeds in other cases. Your rear
brake can only provide about 30% of
your motorcycle’s potential stopping
power. The front and rear brakes can
and should be used together to maxi-
mize braking effectiveness.
Experienced motorcyclists learn to
“cover” the front brake lever by lightly
resting a couple of fingers over the lever
when riding in traffic and near intersec-
tions to give their reaction time a head
start.
Emergency stopping and swerving are
techniques that you should practice and
master before you find yourself in an
emergency situation. The best place to
practice such techniques is in a con-
trolled environment such as the Motor-
cycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) rider
training courses. The MSF’s Motorcycle
Rider Courses (fundamental tech-
niques) and Experienced Rider
Courses (advanced strategies) present
hands-on instruction of the basic princi-
ples of motorcycling and a variety of
accident avoidance maneuvers. Even a
seasoned motorcyclist can improve his
or her riding skills, and pick up a few
new skills, through these courses.
Some insurance companies even offer
discounts to course graduates.

1-5
SPECIAL SITUATIONS REQUIRE
SPECIAL CARE
Of course, there are some times when
full-force braking is not the correct tech-
nique. When the road surface is wet,
loose, or rough, you should brake with
care. When you’re leaned over in a cor-
ner, avoid braking. Straighten up before
braking. Better yet, slow down before
entering the corner.
In these situations, the traction available
between your tires and the road surface
is limited. Over-braking when traction is
limited will cause your tires to skid, pos-
sibly resulting in loss of directional con-
trol or causing you and your motorcycle
to fall over.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Always ride within the boundaries of
your own skills. Knowing these limits
and staying within them will help you
avoid accidents.
A major cause of accidents involving
only a motorcycle (and no cars) is going
too fast through a turn. Before entering
a turn, select an appropriately low cor-
nering speed.
Even on straight roads, ride at a speed
that is appropriate for the traffic, visibil-
ity and road conditions, your motorcy-
cle, and your experience.

1-6
Riding a motorcycle safely requires that
your mental and physical skills are fully
part of the experience. You should not
attempt to operate a motor vehicle,
especially one with two wheels, if you
are tired or under the influence of alco-
hol or other drugs. Alcohol, illegal
drugs, and even some prescription and
over-the-counter drugs can cause
drowsiness, loss of coordination, loss of
balance, and especially the loss of good
judgment. If you are tired or under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs,
PLEASE DO NOT RIDE your motorcy-
cle.
BE EXTRA SAFETY-CONSCIOUS ON
BAD WEATHER DAYS
Riding on bad weather days, especially
wet ones, requires extra caution. Brak-
ing distances increase on a rainy day.
Stay off the painted surface marks,
manhole covers, and greasy appearing
areas, as they can be especially slip-
pery. Use extra caution at railway cross-
ings and on metal gratings and bridges.
When it starts to rain, any oil or grease
on the road rises to the surface of the
water. Pull over and wait a few minutes
until this oil film is washed away before
riding. Whenever in doubt about road
conditions, slow down!

1-7
PRACTICE AWAY FROM TRAFFIC
Your riding skill and your mechanical
knowledge form the foundation for safe
riding practices. We suggest that you
practice riding your motorcycle in a non-
traffic situation until you are thoroughly
familiar with your machine and its con-
trols. Again, consider taking one of the
MSF’s Rider Courses. Even experts will
be pleased with the caliber of the infor-
mation presented in these courses. As
the MSF says: “The more you know, the
better it gets!”
INSPECTION BEFORE RIDING
Review the instructions in the INSPEC-
TION BEFORE RIDING section of this
manual. Perform an entire pre-ride
inspection before you head out on the
road. Spending a few minutes preparing
your machine for a ride can help pre-
vent accidents due to mechanical fail-
ure or costly, inconvenient breakdowns
far from home.

1-8
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING
The accessories you use with your
motorcycle and the manner in which
you load your gear onto the bike might
create hazards. Aerodynamics, han-
dling, balance, and cornering clear-
ance can suffer, and the suspension
and tires can be overloaded. Read the
ACCESSORY USE AND MOTORCY-
CLE LOADING section.
CARRYING A PASSENGER
Carrying a passenger, when done cor-
rectly, is a great way to share the joy of
motorcycling. You will have to alter your
riding style somewhat since the extra
weight of a passenger will affect han-
dling and braking. You may also need to
adjust tire pressures and suspension;
please refer to the Tire Pressure and
Loading section and the Suspension
section for more details.
A passenger needs the same protection
that you do, including a helmet and
proper clothing. The passenger should
not wear long shoe laces or loose pants
that could get caught in the wheel or the
chain. Passengers must be tall enough
that their feet reach the footrests.

1-9
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
FOUNDATION’S
“RIDING TIPS AND PRACTICE GUIDE”
HANDBOOK
(FOR OWNERS IN USA)
This special handbook, supplied with
your owner’s manual, contains a variety
of safety tips, helpful hints, and practice
exercises. This manual can increase
your riding enjoyment and safety. You
should read it thoroughly.
BE STREET SMART
Always heed speed limits, local laws,
and the basic rules of the road. Set a
good example for others by demonstrat-
ing a courteous attitude and a responsi-
ble riding style.
LABELS
Read and follow all the labels on the
motorcycle. Make sure you understand
all of the labels. Do not remove any
labels from the motorcycle.

1-10
CONCLUSION
Traffic, road and weather conditions
vary. Other motorist’s actions are unpre-
dictable. Your motorcycle’s condition
can change. These factors can best be
dealt with by giving every ride your full
attention.
Circumstances beyond your control
could lead to an accident. You need to
prepare for the unexpected by wearing
a helmet and other protective gear, and
learning emergency braking and swerv-
ing techniques to minimize the damage
to you and your machine.
The best way to learn basic riding skills
and evasive maneuvers or refresh your
own riding skills is to take one of the
courses offered by the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation. Your authorized
Suzuki dealer can help you locate the
fundamental or advanced riding skills
course nearest you, or owners in the
USA can call toll-free 1-800-446-9227.
Good riding on your new Suzuki!

2-1
2
FUEL, OIL AND COOLANT RECOMMENDATIONS
FUEL ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
ENGINE OIL ................................................................................................................................................ 2-5
FINAL GEAR OIL ........................................................................................................................................ 2-8
ENGINE COOLANT SOLUTION ................................................................................................................ 2-8

2-2
FUEL, OIL AND COOLANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
FUEL
Your motorcycle requires regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump octane rating of 87 ((R+M)/2
method). In some areas, the only fuels
that are available are oxygenated fuels.
NOTE:
• If the engine develops some trouble
like lack of acceleration or insuffi-
cient power, the cause may be due
to the fuel the motorcycle uses. In
such case, try changing to a different
gas station. If the situation is not
improved by changing, consult your
Suzuki dealer.
• If pinking or knocking is experi-
enced, substitute higher octane
grade gasoline or another brand,
because there are differences
between brands.
Oxygenated fuels which meet the mini-
mum octane requirement and the
requirements described below may be
used in your motorcycle without jeopar-
dizing the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty or the Emission Control System
Warranty.

2-3
NOTE: Oxygenated fuels are fuels
which contain oxygen-carrying additives
such as alcohol.
Gasoline/Ethanol Blends
Blends of unleaded gasoline and etha-
nol (grain alcohol), also known as GAS-
OHOL, are commercially available in
some areas. Blends of this type may be
used in your motorcycle if they are no
more than 10% ethanol ( ). Make sure
this gasoline-ethanol blend has octane
ratings no lower than those recom-
mended for gasoline.
Fuel Pump Labeling
In some states, pumps that dispense
oxygenated fuels are required to be
labeled for the type and percentage of
oxygenate, and whether important addi-
tives are present. Such labels may pro-
vide enough information for you to
determine if a particular blend of fuel
meets the requirements listed above. In
other states, pumps may not be clearly
labeled as to the content or type of oxy-
genate and additives. If you are not
sure that the fuel you intend to use
meets these requirements, check with
the service station operator or the fuel
supplier.