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
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VL1500B/T (99011-06J56-03A) Black
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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.