VS800/S50
VS1400/S83
Comparison

The following is my impression of the 2001 VS800 Intruder & the 2001 VS1400 Intruder.
As Many know Suzuki rebadged their cruiser line in 2005 to Boulevard with Cubic Inch designations.
The VS800 Intruder is now an S50 while the VS1400 Intruder is now an S83

I started riding in 2001 on a 2001 VS800 Intruder and over the next 54 weeks proceeded to accumulate
30,700km or 19076 miles. While many complain about the stock seat, I found it to be rather
comfortable. The gas tank while small always managed to get 50mpg and a range of 150 miles.

My VS1400 was also a 2001 model, purchased in June of 2002 and I accumulated 45,000km or 27963 miles
by the time I put it away in October of 2004. Again many complain about the stock seat and I had no issues.
This motorcycle also seemed to get 50mpg for me with a range of 150 miles.

The brakes on the VS Intruders are notorious for squeeking or squeeling and it's true on both models. I
managed 18,000km of the VS800 front brakes before having to replace the first set. The rear drum brake
was never replaced and I can only assume the front replacement pads would have lasted as long as the
originals. The VS1400 has a disc brake setup on both the front & rear wheels. The original pads on the
VS1400 lasted 10,000km for me and were replaced by EBC pads on both ends. The replacement front pads
lasted me 20,000km and the rears lasted 30,000km. When I traded my 1400 in 2004 it was on it's
3rd set of front pads which would need replacement soon & the 3rd set on the rear just replaced.
It's my opinion that the brakes on the VS1400 are better than the brakes on the VS800

I took long trips on both bikes, so those who say the VS Intruders are not made for travel know not
of what they speak!!! Taking passengers wasn't an issue either as both could perform this task well.
It's my opinion that the VS1400 has an advantage when taking a passenger over the VS800

The VS800 is aprox 100lbs lighter than it's bigger sibling the VS1400. This lighter weight and better power to
weight ratio allows the VS800 to get off the line quickly. Magazines have performed tests and the VS800
typically wins the 1/4 mile sprint against any and all, up to most 1500cc cruisers, including the VS1400.
This little feat is a bit of a sore spot for Intruder owners who like to refer to the 800 as a "gurlie" bike
I'll still say I get off the line quicker on the VS800 than I ever did on the VS1400. You have to ask yourself if
I should be a better rider when I started in 2001 on the VS800 or when I traded the 1400 in 2004 and why
I still can't get off the line as quickly on the bigger machine.
It's my opinion the VS800 is more flickable than the VS1400 and a better solo ride

Stock tires are universally reviled and many will recommend Avon Venom X or Metzler ME800 as quality
replacements. I know I was amazed at the difference in handling on my VS1400 when I installed
Avon Venom X tires at the 23,000km mark. When I traded the bike at 45,000km there was still life left
on the Venoms which had 22,000km at that point. The Venoms handled great on all road surfaces,
dry pavement & torrential rain included.

The battery on the VS Intruders can be a PITA to service since it's located in front of the rear tire.
You have to drop a floorplate to drop the battery and it helps if the rear of the bike is raised a
little bit. The Intruders both use dual carbs and dual air boxes, which means to service the front
filter the gas tank has to be removed!!!.


I'll add more to this as I think of it

The VS800/S50 was originally available as a 700cc or 750cc
1985 thru 1988 models had Cast Wheels as an option.
1989 thru 1999 models had a 21" front wheel

*** 1987-1996 VS1400 Intruders 4 speed ***
1996 Canadian model 5speed
*** 1997 VS1400-2006 S83 5spd***

Opinions above are mine & mine alone
While I strive to have accurate information
it is possible there may be typographical errors.
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Of This Information
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