Hi.  I recently purchased a 2003 Suzuki Intruder VS1400.  This is the 8th bike I've owned in my 47 years; my 1st Suzuki, all the others were Hondas.  I can say with complete certainty, this is the WORST MOTORCYCLE I have ever owned!!!  I hate every cubic inch of it!

The engine runs like crap, it handles poorly, and the clutch is sticky and grabby. 

When it's cold at start-up, it only fires on 1 cylinder.  Not only does this make it extremely hard to start (that is, when it starts at all), it also makes for an extended warm up time.

The poor handling is just a result of a poor design, with the front wheel set so far forward.  Everytime I lean it over in a turn, the front wheel tends to "dive" into the direction of a turn.  The first few times I leaned it over, I damn near dumped it!  Not only very unsafe, but it just feels really awkward!

The clutch is sticky and grabs abruptly when actuated, making the whole bike feel clunky and cumbersome.

When I brought it in for its 600 mile first service, I explained all these problems to the service manager, which he in turn forwarded to the mechanic that worked on it.  When I picked it up, the mechanic wrote several remarks on the work order.  Basically, he verified that all my complaints about this model were justified, because he had heard similar complaints from other owners.  He summarized his remarks by writing, "That's normal on this model.  Try to get used to it, and learn to live with it as is."

Unbeliveable!  In this day of high tech, how could Suzuki ever produce such a pile of junk?!?!?  I'm already trying to sell it.  Course, the first question I've been asked is, "Why in the world are you selling it, after only putting 600 miles on it?"  Fair question, but if I answer honestly, I'll probably never be able to unload it!  I suppose I could use it for a boat achor!

Has anyone out there experienced any of the same problems I've mentioned?  If so, do you have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mike.

I'll buy it for $50.00, since you are so disappointed with it.

Man, you got a lemon. I have a 2000 vs1400, bought it second hand and it drives like a dream, starts every time with just a click of the starter, corners like a dream except at high speed. :O( Clutch is dreamy, brakes are pretty good except for the back brake which is ok. Its a bit prone to rust but everything in Ireland rusts because it never stops raining over here  

But I love my VS1400 and happily spend hours on end cruising around on it. It is a very powerful cruiser and will leave most other similar cruisers sitting at traffic lights.

I owned a honda shadow before this bike and I would not go back. The Shadow cornered like a cow and wouldn't pull the socks off a dead horse, but it sounded nice and looked nicer than the Suzuki. Sounds to me like you got a lemon my friend. Try someone elses. Take care man.

I agree completly with every statement you wrote. I to made the mistake of purchasing this exact same motorcycle.

I have experienced more problems with this bike then I have the all my other motorcycles combined. It now been in the shop for the fifth time since I purchased it. I only have 2800 miles on it, and I would sell it for half what I payed for it right now.

Have you made any attemp to get help from Suzuki directly?