1986 Suzuki 1400VS Intruder Free Owner's Manual

The 1986 Suzuki 1400VS Intruder is a classic V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring a 1360cc air-cooled four-stroke engine, shaft drive system, dual exhaust, low-slung chassis, and distinctive cruiser styling. This owner's manual covers essential information for safe operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting of your motorcycle.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Controls and Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Basic Maintenance Procedures 7. Storage Guidelines 8. Safety Information 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1360cc V-twin engine, shaft final drive, hydraulic disc brakes, electronic ignition, dual seat, and classic cruiser styling.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	4-stroke, air-cooled, 45° V-twin
Displacement	1360cc
Fuel System	Mikuni BS34SS carburetors
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Brakes	Hydraulic disc front and rear
Suspension	Telescopic fork front, dual shocks rear
Fuel Capacity	4.0 US gallons (15 liters)
Seat Height	27.6 inches (700mm)
Weight	584 lbs (265 kg) wet

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform these checks before each ride to ensure safety and proper operation.

Check fuel level and add fuel if necessary
Inspect tires for proper pressure and wear
Test front and rear brakes for proper operation
Check oil level and condition
Verify all lights and signals are working
Check chain tension and lubrication (if applicable)
Ensure throttle moves freely and returns properly

WARNING! Never operate motorcycle without proper pre-ride inspection. Failure to inspect may result in accident or injury.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operating the motorcycle.

Right Handlebar: Throttle control, front brake lever, engine kill switch, start button

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, turn signals, horn, headlight dimmer switch

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators

Foot Controls: Gear shift lever (left), rear brake pedal (right)

Starting Procedure: Turn key to ON, ensure kill switch is in RUN position, pull choke (cold starts), pull clutch lever, press start button

Specifications

Engine: 1360cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, 45° V-twin
Bore x Stroke: 94.0 x 98.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel System: Dual Mikuni BS34SS carburetors
Ignition System: Electronic CDI
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork, 5.9 in travel
Suspension Rear: Dual shocks, 3.5 in travel
Brakes Front: Hydraulic disc, 295mm
Brakes Rear: Hydraulic disc, 275mm
Tires Front: 130/90-16 67H
Tires Rear: 150/90-15 74H
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 US gal (15L)
Oil Capacity: 3.7 US qt (3.5L) with filter change

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is essential for safe operation and longevity of your motorcycle.

Item	Every 600 mi	Every 4000 mi	Every 8000 mi
Engine oil	Replace	Replace	Replace
Oil filter	-	Replace	Replace
Air filter	Inspect	Clean/Replace	Clean/Replace
Spark plugs	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Brake fluid	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Brake pads	Inspect	Inspect/Replace	Inspect/Replace
Tire pressure	Check	Check	Check
Drive shaft oil	-	Replace	Replace

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Essential maintenance tasks you can perform yourself.

Oil Change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with recommended oil
Air Filter Cleaning: Remove filter, clean with compressed air or replace if damaged
Spark Plug Replacement: Remove old plugs, gap new plugs to 0.7-0.8mm, install
Brake Inspection: Check pad thickness, inspect discs for wear, check fluid level
Tire Maintenance: Check pressure (front 28 psi, rear 36 psi), inspect for wear/damage
Chain Maintenance: Clean and lubricate chain, check tension (1.0-1.2 inches play)

CAUTION! Always use genuine Suzuki parts and recommended lubricants for optimal performance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage procedures for extended periods of non-use.

Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
Change oil and filter
Remove spark plugs and add teaspoon of oil to cylinders
Clean entire motorcycle thoroughly
Inflate tires to recommended pressure
Disconnect battery and store in cool, dry place
Store in dry, covered area with weight off tires if possible

WARNING! Never store motorcycle with fuel in carburetors as it may cause damage.

Safety Information

Essential safety guidelines for motorcycle operation.

Always wear approved helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs
Follow all traffic laws and regulations
Maintain safe following distance from other vehicles
Use turn signals and hand signals when changing lanes or turning
Be aware of road conditions and adjust speed accordingly
Never carry passengers unless motorcycle is equipped for them
Complete motorcycle safety course for proper training

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue, spark	Check battery, fuel flow, spark plugs, kill switch position
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, clogged carb	Clean/replace air filter, clean carburetors
Electrical issues	Battery, fuses, connections	Check battery voltage, inspect fuses, clean connections
Brake problems	Worn pads, air in lines	Inspect pads, bleed brake system if necessary
Overheating	Low oil, cooling fins blocked	Check oil level, clean cooling fins
Unusual noises	Loose components, engine issues	Inspect for loose parts, check valve clearance

Service: Contact authorized Suzuki dealer for complex repairs

Warranty Information

Limited warranty coverage for 1986 Suzuki 1400VS Intruder. Original warranty period has expired. For service and parts, contact authorized Suzuki dealers. Keep maintenance records for reference. Use only genuine Suzuki parts for optimal performance and reliability.

Support: Contact Suzuki customer service or visit authorized dealer for assistance with your 1400VS Intruder.