Suzuki Intruder 1500 Problems. Things to Consider if You Own One

Most owners consider the Suzuki Intruder 1500 as one of the best cruisers ever made. They even swear that it is almost indestructible because of its high build quality that is engineered to better withstand the test of time and rough riding conditions compared to its rivals in the market.

The model eventually evolved into the Boulevard C90, but the two still share a lot of components. Their differences have only been limited to their aesthetics and fuel injection systems.

The production of the Intruder 1500 ran from 1998 to 2004 until it was revitalized as the Boulevard C90 in 2005. Since the two have plenty of common parts they share a number of issues as well. In this article, we will take a look at the key problems found in the Intruder 1500 that may also manifest in its successor.

Usual Problems Found in the Intruder 1500 That You Must Consider

According to many long-term owners of the Intruder 1500, the life of the bike can be stretched out from 100,000 up to 200,000 miles before requiring major parts replacement or engine rebuild/replacement. However, there are a few problems that you should watch out for and address right away on the get-go to reach those marks.

Among the most common problems experienced by Intruder 1500 owners are the following:

1. Rough Starts

The most common problem associated with the Intruder 1500 is hard starting. This can happen even if you have just parked your motorcycle for a while or it has been left sitting for a long time in your garage.

Most of the time, this can be attributed to dirty or old spark plugs. So, the first thing that you should check in this instance is their quality. If they are only dirty, then a simple cleaning of their connectors with a soft rag or a cleaning solution usually does the trick. However, if they are already showing signs of corrosion or any kind of damage, they should be replaced right away.

The next part where you should proceed with your diagnosis if the problem persists is in the fuel system. Obviously, your bike will not start if there's not enough fuel in its tank. Check also the fuel lines for any form of rupture or clogging, which may affect the continuous flow of fuel.

Clogging can be easily taken care of by your mechanic with a cleaning tool while minor breaks along the fuel lines can be repaired using a seal kit. Major damage will likely require the replacement of the fuel lines though.

You might want to look into the starter of your cruiser as well. The starter is one of the most important parts of a motorcycle. It's responsible for starting the engine, and if it's not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems including hard starts.

If you're sure that the battery is still charging and working well, check the connections between the battery and the starter. Make sure that they're clean and secured well. Assess the condition of the starter, too. If it's already damaged or worn, it has to be replaced with a new one immediately.

2. Battery Not Charging

Make sure the battery is charged and in good condition. A weak or dead battery will cause hard starting and many kinds of electrical issues. You may need to clean or replace the battery terminals if they are corroded and replace the battery itself if it's already way past its usable life. However, there are many cases wherein the battery charging system itself is to blame.

The battery charging system in the Suzuki Intruder 1500 is critical to the bike's operation. It keeps the battery charged and provides power to the bike's electrical components. If the battery charging system is not working properly, it can cause many problems.

Symptoms of a bad battery charging system include a fast-draining battery, dim headlights, hard starts, and all sorts of electrical problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to take your bike to a mechanic to have the problem diagnosed and repaired.

Repairing a bad battery charging system is usually fairly straightforward in the hands of an experienced mechanic. The most common problem is a faulty rectifier/regulator. This part can be replaced relatively easily by a qualified mechanic. Other potential causes of battery charging problems include a faulty stator, voltage regulator, or battery. Again, a qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose and repair these problems.

3. Engine Bogging at High Speeds

The engine bogging problem in the Suzuki Intruder commonly manifests with other problems. Among them is the hard starting issue discussed earlier. If you're experiencing this in your Suzuki Intruder 1500, there are a few things you can do to diagnose and fix the problem.

One possible cause of engine bogging is carbon deposits buildup in the engine. This can be caused by several things, including old or poor-quality gasoline, oil that's not been changed frequently enough, or a clogged air filter.

To clean the carbon deposits from your engine, you'll need to remove the cylinder head and clean all of the parts inside. This includes the valves, piston rings, cylinders, and connecting rods.

The most basic cleaning process normally uses a brush or steel wool for easy-to-remove dirt or a putty knife for the really sticky ones. After the parts have been cleaned, the next step usually involves the application of a decarbonizing agent. This can be either a liquid or a powder, and it helps remove any remaining carbon deposits from the engine.

Once everything is clean, reassemble the engine and see if that solves the bogging problem. If the bogging persists, however, you'll likely need to replace some parts. Commonly replaced parts include the spark plugs, ignition coil, and fuel injectors. If you're not sure which part is causing the problem, take your bike to a mechanic for diagnosis. They can help you identify which part needs to be replaced and walk you through the replacement process.

4. Leaks

To detect leaks in your motorcycle, you will need to check all the hoses and connections. Make sure that there are no cracks or holes in any of the hoses. You should also check the gaskets and seals to see if they are damaged. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the parts.

When checking for leaks, it is important to pay attention to the color of the fluid. If the fluid is clear, it is most likely water. If the fluid is red, it is most likely engine oil. If the fluid is black, it is most likely transmission fluid. At times, the mixture of any of the two would result in a gel-like substance that can bring about clogging or lubrication issues in the affected areas.

If you notice any leaks, it is important to have them repaired by a mechanic as soon as possible. Leaks can cause damage to your motorcycle and can lead to more serious problems.

5. ECU Problems

When your Suzuki Intruder 1500's ECU starts acting up, it can be tough to diagnose the problem. Is it a software issue? A hardware issue? Something else entirely?

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help narrow down the cause of the problem. First, check for any error codes that may have been generated by the ECU. These codes can give you a good idea of where to start your diagnosis.

Next, take a look at the condition of the ECU itself. If it looks damaged or corroded, there is likely a hardware issue that needs to be addressed. However, if the ECU looks fine, the problem may lie in the software.

Finally, try flashing or resetting the ECU. This can sometimes clear up software issues and get your Suzuki Intruder 1500 back on track without further errors in its system.

A faulty ECU can have many negative effects on the Suzuki Intruder 1500. For starters, it can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. It can also lead to a loss of power, incorrect fuel ratios, and a variety of other problems. In some cases, a faulty ECU may even cause the motorcycle to catch fire.

It's important to get any issues with the ECU fixed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage or safety hazards. If you're experiencing problems with your bike's ECU, take it to a qualified mechanic or technician for diagnosis and repair.

Conclusion

Riders just love the Suzuki Intruder 1500 cruiser for its comfortable ride and stylish looks. This bike is perfect for cruising around town or hitting the open road.

The Intruder 1500 has a powerful engine that provides plenty of torque for acceleration and passing. It also has a wide variety of aftermarket parts and accessories available, so riders can customize their ride to suit their individual style. Whether it's a dependable commuter or a fun weekend cruiser, the Suzuki Intruder 1500 is a great choice.

To best enjoy the Intruder 1500's features and maximize your riding experience with it, it's important to ensure that it is always trouble-free by addressing any problem that will come your way as you use it. With that, we hope that the information presented here will come in handy in guaranteeing the best performance out of your bike.