1986 Suzuki 1400VS Intruder Owner's Manual

The 1986 Suzuki 1400VS Intruder is a powerful V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring a 1360cc four-stroke engine, shaft drive system, electronic ignition, dual exhaust, hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, five-speed transmission, and classic cruiser styling. This manual covers safety information, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting for proper ownership experience.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Controls and Instruments 4. Specifications 5. Operation Instructions 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Basic Maintenance Procedures 8. Troubleshooting 9. Storage Recommendations 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1360cc V-twin engine, shaft final drive, hydraulic disc brakes, five-speed transmission, electronic ignition, dual exhaust system.

Feature	Description
Engine	1360cc 4-stroke V-twin, air-cooled
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Brakes	Hydraulic disc front and rear
Ignition	Electronic (CDI)
Fuel System	Mikuni carburetors
Suspension	Telescopic fork front, dual shocks rear
Fuel Capacity	4.5 gallons (17 liters)
Seat Height	28.3 inches (720mm)
Weight	584 lbs (265 kg) wet

Safety Information

Always wear proper protective gear and follow safe riding practices.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Perform pre-ride inspection of tires, brakes, lights, and controls.
Observe all traffic laws and speed limits.
Allow adequate distance for braking and maneuvering.

WARNING! Motorcycles offer no crash protection. Ride defensively and assume other drivers may not see you.

Controls and Instruments

Familiarize yourself with all controls before riding.

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, turn signal switch, horn button, high/low beam switch.

Right Handlebar: Front brake lever, engine stop switch, starter button, throttle grip.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators, oil pressure warning light.

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

Specifications

Engine Type: 4-stroke, V-twin, air-cooled
Displacement: 1360cc
Bore x Stroke: 94.0 x 98.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel System: Mikuni BS34SS carburetors
Ignition System: Electronic CDI
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: Shaft
Front Tire: 130/90-16
Rear Tire: 150/90-15
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal (17L)
Oil Capacity: 3.7 qt (3.5L) with filter change

Operation Instructions

Starting and riding procedures for optimal performance.

Pre-ride inspection: Check tires, fuel, oil, brakes, lights, chain/shaft.
Starting: Turn fuel valve ON, set choke for cold engine, turn ignition ON, pull clutch, press starter.
Warm-up: Allow engine to warm 2-3 minutes before riding.
Shifting: Use clutch smoothly, shift at appropriate RPM ranges.
Braking: Use both brakes together, front brake provides 70% stopping power.
Parking: Use side stand on firm surface, turn fuel valve OFF for long parking.

CAUTION! Avoid rapid throttle openings and excessive engine braking.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliability and longevity.

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

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Essential maintenance tasks for owners.

Oil change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with 10W-40 motorcycle oil.
Air filter: Remove side covers, clean foam element with solvent, re-oil lightly.
Tire pressure: Check cold - front 28-30 psi, rear 32-34 psi.
Chain adjustment: Maintain 1-1.5 inches of free play (if applicable).
Brake inspection: Check pad thickness, fluid level, lever/pedal operation.
Battery: Check electrolyte level, clean terminals, test voltage.

Tip: Use only recommended fluids and genuine Suzuki parts.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, battery	Check fuel valve, choke, spark plugs, battery charge
Poor performance	Air filter, carburetion	Clean air filter, check carburetor synchronization
Electrical issues	Battery, connections	Test battery, check ground connections, fuses
Brake problems	Fluid, pads, air	Check fluid level, pad wear, bleed if spongy
Unusual noises	Loose components	Check exhaust, chain, engine mounts, bearings

Note: Complex issues should be addressed by qualified Suzuki technician.

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage prevents damage during periods of non-use.

Clean motorcycle thoroughly.
Change oil and filter.
Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer.
Remove battery and store on tender.
Inflate tires to maximum pressure or place on stands.
Cover with breathable motorcycle cover.

CAUTION! Store in dry, cool location away from direct sunlight.

Warranty Information

1986 Suzuki motorcycles included 12-month unlimited mileage warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty repairs must be performed by authorized Suzuki dealer. Keep maintenance records for warranty validation. Contact Suzuki Customer Service for warranty claims: Suzuki America, 3251 E. Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92621.