Suzuki Intruder C1500T test

Menus

• Classic rebel
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion

Classic rebel

Best known for its roadsters and other sports cars, the Japanese brand has long demonstrated an enlightened eclecticism. Since 1986, several customs support Suzuki production. VS 750 and 1400 cm3 then Marauder 800 successively tried to break into a market for long stroke twin cylinders, trusted by the Milwaukee firm. Primarily intended for the North American market, the manufacturer Hamamatsu offers a limited but now complete range of machines dedicated to cruising. Replacing the M 1500 which disappeared in 2009, the new C 1500 T Intruder derives closely from it and thus forms the link between the entry-level M and C 800 and the superlative M 1800 R.

Discovery

In its all-dark livery, the Intruder displays understated elegance tinged with rebellious attitude. Its oriental origins align with the prevailing aesthetic codes of the segment. To reinforce its appeal, the model capitalizes more on its name than on its brand. The container therefore receives plates only labeled Intruder, and smelling the American way of bike.

Designed for more ambitious road trips, this bagger also displays the pretensions of a traveler as implied by the T of her surname for Touring. A large windshield stretches the lines of a non-adjustable 45mm fork with black tubes and sheathed sheaths. A large chrome-rimmed optic, embellished with a short cap, hangs on it, all in contrast. Equally imposing, the water drop-type tank, long and wide and containing 18 liters, is capped with a plate supporting the instruments. Its curves then spin towards a large, slightly hollowed pilot saddle. A welcoming passenger seat, perched on the hump of the rear mudguard, completes the leather upholstery. Stretched from the same material, two contoured suitcases follow on either side, the flowing lines of the rear.

This new luggage accompanies the Intruder as an integral part of the machine. With a capacity of 24.5 L for the right saddlebag and 26 L for the left, waterproof, these elements are particularly neat. Ignition key controlling the opening, spaces surrounding the hollow barrels, large chrome hinge, thick cover, easy handling … This equipment, although moderately roomy, does not usurp its usefulness.

A lockable helmet holder also stands alongside these stylish cases..

Plunging, the curve of the stern receives a large triangular domed LED lights, genetic mimicry of Suzuki customs. Less streamlined than that of the thunderous M 1800 R, it overhangs a rather massive plate support. More common, its tubular steel frame with double cradles supports the whole and houses the large water-cooled 54 ° V-twin. Inherited from the old M 1500, this one is discreet, adorning only its shiny metal cylinder head covers and dressing its sides with polished fins cutting out its dark mass. Housings and other surfaces disappear behind numerous plastic covers surrounding the lower engine and taking care of the integration of the block. It still has eight valves that drive two overhead camshafts and incorporates dual cylinder ignition. Made of aluminum alloy, they receive an in-house treatment (SCEM) by electrolysis, reducing friction and increasing heat transfer. A suitable compound protects segments and scrapers from the boiler. Its 1,462 cm3 develop 79 hp (58.9 kW) at 4,800 rpm. The bore x stroke ratio (96 mm x 101mm) gives pride of place to torque with a maximum of 13.1 m / Kg (12.8 da.Nm) reached from 2,600 revolutions / minute. These values ​​are also the result of work on the air box, which has 3 separate chambers to better supply the engine (as on the M 1800 R). The admission is entrusted to Mikuni 42mm injector bodies and an injection system identical to that used on the GSX-R range: double throttles managed by a 32-bit ECU unit. Finally, its breath is collected by collectors of large diameters, making up a line of superimposed exhausts coated with mat black facings. These long tubes and silencer flutes with bevelled ends run along the machine, completing a dynamic line..

To manage its good character, the Intruder 1500 uses a assisted clutch (Suzuki Clutch Assist System – SCAS) reducing the pressure to be exerted during use. The final transmission is provided by a shaft and cardan shaft housed in the left side of the oscillating arm, the movements of which are entrusted to a mono-shock absorber adjustable in preload. To stop the 363 kilograms of the fully-loaded Suzuki cruiser, a four-piston caliper clamps a single 320mm disc up front. The opposing two-piston retarder brakes a 280mm element. The set seems a bit tight, especially devoid of ABS.

Finally, the low rider look is amplified by 7-spoke cast aluminum rims 17 inches for the steering gear against 16 for the opposite. Ditto for other details such as the locking of the column, effective goes a cylinder placed on the fork. Another, on the left side, controls the contactor.

In the saddle

The Intruder C 1500 T is very low, welcoming its rider just 720mm off the ground in a comfortable saddle. Feet resting on wide rubberized steps, legs spread by the tank whose knees are flush with the top, we raise our arms to grab a handlebars 870 mm wide. Fixed on a top tee without much attraction, the horns of the hanger deserve a more marked return inward. Anxious to mimic American production, Suzuki equips its model with large diameter handles, surrounded by shiny metal, and integrates the brake hydraulic reservoir as well as possible. Its control is adjustable in spacing unlike the cable clutch lever.

Positioned in this way, we will lower our eyes to discover the instrument panel, fixed to the can. There too, no frills, black line requires, but a complete set combining large analog tachometer and two digital windows. The first, in an arc of a circle, offers a fuel gauge with five segments. The other, larger, has a gear indicator, an odometer and two partials, a clock and provides information on the oil level. On the other hand, no tachometer…. as is often the case with customs. Next to these meters is placed the gleaming tank cap to the standards of the genre: no hinge to retain it or place to put it..

More practical, the mirrors are easily adjusted and return a wide field of vision devoid of vibrations. The long crutch can also be deployed and folded up easily and the profiled indicators contribute to the custom atmosphere. We blame the Suz ‘for a somewhat agreed overall image as well as the too straightforward cutting of the edges of its tank. Certainly, black is black, but a little more daring would not detract from the visual impact, on the contrary. More regrettable, terminals and electrical wires are revealed too conspicuously, at the level of the commodos. The steering column, it takes care of its look, integrating the cables behind a welcome cover. Finally, the cradles and passenger footplates mountings deserve better aesthetic integration..

In the city

Rather discreet, the Intruder C 1500 T relies on the cough of its twin to avoid anonymity. In fact, its palpitations make the air vibrate at the slightest acceleration. However, we are far from the muffled growls of its sister dragster M 1800 R. Not very prolix in vibrations, the twin-cylinder emits only at slow motion. A firm movement of the ankle snaps the first and the Traveling Intruder soars smoothly.

Despite its mass and size, the cruiser quickly shows itself to be docile and balanced. Thus the 31.1 ° caster angle and a rise in 200 mm still leave it a certain agility. The Suzuki is even relatively responsive for this type of machine. However, the front axle embarks gently during maneuvers at very low speed and the U-turns are obviously not its cup of tea. With the usual precautions that its width implies, the wide interface remains accessible all the same..

We will then prefer the main boulevards to let the custom slip away. But only on the second report. The very relative flexibility of the Japanese block thus slams the transmission on higher speeds. With the left hand at rest, we will thus avoid the use of a reluctant box asking for frank orders to lock. We then discover a twin with a happy and dynamic extension, making it possible to get out of traffic without difficulty. Only roundabouts should be approached with restraint in order to avoid the squealing of the steps. Although this Intruder tolerates urbanities, its niche is the more distant horizon.

Motorway and expressways

It’s time to snore the twin and go up, finally, gear. The staging of the box is truly surprising. The second rises easily to 130, the third to 150…. while at the legal motorway, the fifth and last report seems to make the machine reluctant. Inconsistent, the revivals then require to go down one or two speeds to give body to the acceleration. These provisions should limit the consumption of the cruiser at constant speed but do not cease to amaze. Especially at more than 160 km / h, the course holding begins to show some deviations, questioning the choice of such long reports.

Performing up to 110 km / h, the protection of the windshield also shows limits thereafter. The air flows then go up under the windshield, blowing on the lower body. Likewise, the helmet undergoes slight swirls at its top. However, the comfort remains very correct, the possible rains hitting only the lower legs and the arms proving an appreciable effectiveness..

Stable, the Intruder C 1500 T is gentle on the humid Provencal highways, making the improbable oceans sparkle, more or less peaceful. In search of a change of scenery, let’s take the bush of the secondary network.

Departmental

No need to try to dawdle under diet. The oriental cruiser hardly tastes the intrusion into low revolutions. It is therefore on the essential second gear that we "attack" the hinterland. Particularly pleasant, the roaring soundtrack of the Intruder brilliantly accompanies the covers of the big twin. Limited in pins, mechanical approval is required everywhere else. Of course, the reduced ground clearance inherent in the model tempers the too unbridled ardor but the pleasure is there: between the one is the three. Even between two and four when the bitumen stretches its meanders further and allows higher speeds allowing to shift an additional gear.

Despite everything, once this very simple user manual has been accepted, the C 1500 T shows pleasant behavior and good dynamics. Easy to place on its trajectory, the Intruder does not vary and leaves on the opposite angle with ease. The large lever arm provided by the king size handlebars makes this task even easier.

Specifically dedicated to heavy motorcycles with generous torque, the Bridgestone Exedra G852 and 853 tires are very suitable for this machine. Comfort, traction, responsiveness, these envelopes combine well with the serene work of the suspensions. Perfectible progressively, the damping is greatly boosted by a soft upholstery.

Part-cycle

Surprisingly agile, the Intruder proves a studied geometry and a good distribution of the masses. Both in town and on the road, the Suzuki is easy to handle, its high weight but placed low limiting possible efforts on its handlebars..

Braking

As expected, the simple front disc is a little alone to manage the important mass transfer during deceleration. The attack is moderate, as is the potency that follows. The rear caliper comes to its aid with force but quickly blocks the wheel if you insist a little too much on the pedal. Their joint use, however, delivers sufficient efficiency.

Comfort / Duo

Offering Pullman saddlery, the Intruder C 1500 T heals its pilot. The buttocks of the accompanying person will appreciate an identical treatment but much less a marked flexion of the legs. The addition of a sissy bar is also an essential option ensuring pleasant duo trips both on departure and arrival..

Consumption

The staging of the gearbox should take care of this aspect, despite an 18-liter tank and substantial displacement and weight. At least 250 km are possible but this evaluation will have to be refined by a longer test.

Conclusion

In this "all black" version, the Intruder C 1500 T plays the bad boys of the great and long ways. Consensual, its discreet plastic does not panic hearts. Only its original luggage attracts attention, bringing a little surprise to this classic exercise. Touring translation of the ex-custom version of the disappeared M 1500, this Suzuki brings the advantage of traveling more comfortably with a tasteful style without any real false note. In this "Matte Black" color (non-shiny exhausts) the Japanese woman is priced at € 13,499. Count 100 to 300 euros more for the two-tone Red-Black and Gray-Black dresses. The latter are then dressed in more chrome, giving more relief and light to the cruiser. Less rebellious but certainly more attractive, the latter will be more able to tempt a clientele keen on shiny and often American references. We will quote, for the Harley Davidson brand, the Switchback Black ABS at 17,190 €, the most likely opponent to our Intruder. Safe braking and the myth of the series…. On the old continent, the Moto Guzzi 1400 California, equipped and integrating a number of very current technologies, is offered but at more than six thousand euros additional to 19,350 €. However, it is difficult to stick to the price as the Italian is fascinating and its positioning much more upscale. Finally, we will mention the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic Tourer, at 16,399 €, more exuberant and sporting a very raised finish..
At all costs, the Suzuki is therefore particularly affordable in this market. Sober, almost austere, its overall performance will appeal to the less fanatic of low riding enthusiasts. Its mechanical "outlaw" style and leather suitcases are the essence of its character. Will they ensure the hold-up of the segment?

Strong points

• Luggage storage
• Motor extension
• Sound
• Agile cycle part

Weak points

• Lack of sex appeal
• Engine staging

Competitors: Harley Davidson VRod, Kawasaki VN 1700, Moto Guzzi California, Triumph Rocket III

Colors

Matt Black, Red-Black and Gray-Black

The C1500T technical sheet

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