Suzuki Intruder VL1500X anyone hacked one?

[toastmuncher]

[toastmuncher]

Have been offered one and am pondering it as have just picked up a nice old hedingham.

More pics..................





These are just stolen from google pics.

The hack will be on the correct, left, side so the exhaust wont cause any issues for me. Not much frame visible to attach clamps to so perhaps a subframe required?

[Agent Wayward]

Frame looks good, just hidden under all those chrome covers...

Manybe just a subframe for the lower rear mount point to move it back a bit?

[toastmuncher]

you sire, are a gentleman AND a scholar. I do love the input gained from these VERY pages.

God bless you all.

Any more info from you clever swines is more than welcomed.

[NortwestRider]

Thats one HULLAVA frame,looks like it would take a car well ( if you can find the frame under all the plastic !!)

[ronb]

Yup. Have one with a Champion Sidecar attached.

[hydawaydoc]

I had an Intruder with a California sidecar. It looked great and handled very well (thanks Gary). However the engine left a lot to be desired. It had excessive vibration under load; even moderate interstate grades. I now have the sidecar mounted on a V-Strom 1000 and couldn't be happier.

[toastmuncher]

Originally Posted by ronb

Yup. Have one with a Champion Sidecar attached.

Thanks for that, did you use clamps on the frame or a subframe? I guess it was awkward with the exhausts on that side. Could I ask what sort of mpg you get, the bike is reputed as being a little thirsty?

[toastmuncher]

Originally Posted by hydawaydoc

I had an Intruder with a California sidecar. It looked great and handled very well (thanks Gary). However the engine left a lot to be desired. It had excessive vibration under load; even moderate interstate grades. I now have the sidecar mounted on a V-Strom 1000 and couldn't be happier.

How do the gas figures compare? What sort if issues did you have with the engine? Was it just underpwered, 67 BPH Ive read, which isnt much more than my triumph, I guessed the extra torque would make it work.

[Hackpirate]

i had an intruder with a california sidecar. It looked great and handled very well (thanks gary). However the engine left a lot to be desired. It had excessive vibration under load; even moderate interstate grades. i now have the sidecar mounted on a v-strom 1000 and couldn't be happier.

pictures!!

[ronb]

Originally Posted by toastmuncher

Thanks for that, did you use clamps on the frame or a subframe? I guess it was awkward with the exhausts on that side. Could I ask what sort of mpg you get, the bike is reputed as being a little thirsty?

Mine is set up with clamps on the frame. So far no issues (3 years, 1 trip to Idaho from Tennessee). i'm running a Vance and Hines 2-1 exhaust which frees up some room. I've found the gas mileage to be exponential with speed. 55 mph with 2 passengers is good for around 32-34 mpg. 70 mph with two passengers gets you down to 25-27. My hack is a 2+2 so aerodynamics isn't it's best quality. I added a 5 gallon auxillary tank, which prevented pushing to the next gas stop in Nebraska.

[toastmuncher]

[toastmuncher]

Thank you ronb, just translated that to 40mpg uk, from your 32-34. The hedingham above is what shell be dragging, in theory it will be a bit more aerodynamic.

I am beginning to think I have a problem, I look at any, ANY, bike now with a 'hhhmmm where would the lower links go etc' rather than 'how fast etc'.

[toastmuncher]

the one I have in mind is a mess so I will get her painted up in matching yellow/lemon and white.


Just to outdo 'northwestrider' I have just ordered a 10x10 workshop which comes next wednesday.

[ronb]

Originally Posted by toastmuncher

Thank you ronb, just translated that to 40mpg uk, from your 32-34. The hedingham above is what shell be dragging, in theory it will be a bit more aerodynamic.

I am beginning to think I have a problem, I look at any, ANY, bike now with a 'hhhmmm where would the lower links go etc' rather than 'how fast etc'.

I didn't notice your home base until you mentioned it. yes i believe your car will slice through the air easily in comparison to mine. a couple of other mods you may want to consider; i've obtained a jet kit and airbox kit from GMan.com (improved power, eliminate the flat spot) and changed the pressure plate springs to heavier ones, as I experienced clutch slip when accelerating hard or going up steep hills. Since making these changes I've been pretty satisfied with the rig.