Suzuki Intruder VL800 User manual

IMPORTANT
 WARNING/  CAUTION/
NOTICE /NOTE
Please read this manual and fol-
low 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
messages highlighted by these
signal words:
NOTE: Indicates special informa-
tion to make maintenance easier
or instructions clearer.
FOREWORD
Motorcycling is one of the most
exhilarating sports and to ensure
your riding enjoyment, you should
become thoroughly familiar with
the information presented in this
Owner’s Manual before riding the
motorcycle.
The proper care and maintenance
that your motorcycle requires is
outlined in this manual. By follow-
ing these instructions explicitly
you will ensure a long trouble-free
operating life for your motorcycle.
This motorcycle also conforms to
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and California Air
Resource Board (CARB) emis-
sion regulations which apply to
new motorcycles. The proper
adjustment of engine components
is necessary for this motorcycle to
comply with the EPA and CARB
regulations. Therefore, please fol-
low the maintenance instructions
closely to ensure emission com-
pliance. Your authorized Suzuki
dealer has experienced techni-
cians that are trained to provide
your machine with the best possi-
ble service with the right tools and
equipment.
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.

All information, illustrations, and
specifications 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 discrepan-
cies between information in this
manual and your motorcycle.
Suzuki reserves the right to make
production changes at any time,
without notice and without incur-
ring any obligation to make the
same or similar changes to vehi-
cles previously built or sold.
Suzuki Motor Corporation
believes in conservation and pro-
tection of Earth’s Natural
resources. To that end, we
encourage every vehicle owner to
recycle, trade in, or properly dis-
pose 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 ............................................................. 1-2
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! ........................................... 1-3
SPECIAL SITUATIONS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE .......................................... 1-4
KNOW YOUR LIMITS .......................................................................................... 1-5
BE EXTRA SAFETY-CONSCIOUS ON BAD WEATHER DAYS ........................ 1-5
PRACTICE AWAY FROM TRAFFIC ................................................................... 1-6
INSPECTION BEFORE RIDING .......................................................................... 1-6
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING ......................................................................... 1-6
CARRYING A PASSENGER ............................................................................... 1-6
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION’S
“RIDING TIPS AND PRACTICE GUIDE” HANDBOOK
(FOR OWNERS IN USA) ..................................................................................... 1-7
BE STREET SMART ........................................................................................... 1-7
LABELS ............................................................................................................... 1-7
CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................... 1-7

1-2
THE SPORT OF
MOTORCYCLING
Your motorcycle and this owner’s
manual have been designed by
people like you who enjoy motor-
cycling. People become motorcy-
clists for many reasons. For
starters, street riding is fun and
invigorating. But no matter why
you became a motorcyclist, or
how experienced you are, you will
eventually face some challenging
situations.
In preparing for these challenges,
you will be fine-tuning your coordi-
nation, concentration, and atti-
tude. Learning the skills and
strategies associated with motor-
cycling is the basis for safely par-
ticipating in this sport. Many
motorcyclists find that as they
become better riders, they also
get more enjoyment from the free-
dom unique to motorcycling.
Please remember:
MOST ACCIDENTS CAN BE
AVOIDED
The most common type of motor-
cycle 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 motorcy-
clists? No. Other drivers simply
don’t always notice motorcyclists.
Ride defensively. Wise motorcy-
clists use a strategy of assuming
they are invisible to other drivers,
even in broad daylight. Pay care-
ful 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 motor-
ists the best view of you. Wear
bright, reflective clothing. Put
reflective strips on your helmet.

1-3
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, hel-
mets do not cause or intensify
injury if you crash. Helmets simply
help your skull protect your intelli-
gence, your memory, your per-
sonality, and your life.
Your eyesight is equally valuable.
Wearing 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.
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 emer-
gency, 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 stop-
ping power. The front and rear
brakes can and should be used
together to maximize 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 intersections to give
their reaction time a head start.

1-4
Emergency stopping and swerv-
ing are techniques that you
should practice and master before
you find yourself in an emergency
situation. The best place to prac-
tice such techniques is in a con-
trolled environment such as the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s
(MSF) rider training courses. The
MSF’s Motorcycle Rider Courses
(fundamental techniques) and
Experienced Rider Courses
(advanced strategies) present
hands-on instruction of the basic
principles 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 gradu-
ates.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS REQUIRE
SPECIAL CARE
Of course, there are some times
when full-force braking is not the
correct technique. When the road
surface is wet, loose, or rough,
you should brake with care. When
you’re leaned over in a corner,
avoid braking. Straighten up
before braking. Better yet, slow
down before entering a 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, possi-
bly resulting in loss of directional
control or causing you and your
motorcycle to fall over.

1-5
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 involv-
ing only a motorcycle (and no
cars) is going too fast through a
turn. Before entering a turn, select
an appropriately low cornering
speed.
Even on straight roads, ride at a
speed that is appropriate for the
traffic, visibility and road condi-
tions, your motorcycle, and your
experience.
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 vehi-
cle, especially one with two
wheels, if you are tired or under
the influence of alcohol 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 motorcycle.
BE EXTRA SAFETY-CONSCIOUS
ON BAD WEATHER DAYS
Riding on bad weather days,
especially wet ones, requires
extra caution. Braking distances
increase on a rainy day. Stay off
the painted surface marks, man-
hole covers, and greasy appear-
ing areas, as they can be
especially slippery. Use extra cau-
tion at railway crossings 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!