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What's your take on the 1500 version ?

6K views 35 replies 20 participants last post by  DCinCT 
#1 ·
Does anyone have experience with the 1500 model of the Suzuki ? Did they have the timing chain problems the same as the 800 model ? My son is looking at a 2000 1500 with 29000 miles.
 
#7 ·
The old Intruders have serious reliability issues, especially with the charging system. Not worth the time or effort.
 
#8 ·
Suzuki made a 1400, a 1500 and then called the 1500 a "C90".............I have ridden the 1400 and it's more of a "Sportster" sort of bike, pretty fast but not too comfortable. I rode a 1500 and it was a "blah" sort of bike. Not much pazzazz but comfortable enough. The C90 is just a slight upgrade from the 1500 but both had quite small gas tanks. The 1500 had charging problems if I remember right.
 
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#11 ·
The new models, like mine are completely redesigned from the model you're inquiring about. The fuel is back to the tank and a larger capacity, more power and hard bags. I believe those earlier model's issues are stopping people from buying the upgraded version.
 
#16 ·
The new C90's have had a major upgrade since their reconfiguration after 2013. Gas tank back on top and 4.8 gallons. Water cooled thus reducing most if not all the need for Mod 3. Frame is different so few after market parts available but they're starting to show up. My 2015 flies like the wind and I rarely hit 5th gear as you have to be hitting 85-90mph to get there. A little more top heavy but I'm 65, weigh 150 lbs and don't have any major issues. I did lower it 2 inches, pull the bars back 2.5 inches though. Most people who have the older models still love them even with the occasional problems. I'm used to C50s and still love them but this C90 is a whole step up.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I have a 2005 vl1500/C90, there are no valve train problems with the vl1500 model, the electrical system on the 2000 model is good from the factory but if it hasn't already been done it can be made rock-solid for less than $200 and 1 hour of time it's called mod 3 and it was developed and proven by the members on the vl1500 Delphi site to make the electrical system on these bikes rock solid.

Many of the members over on the vl1500 Delphi forum have well over 100,000 trouble free miles on them with no major engine or trans work needed, with regular maintenance these bikes are a hidden gem that many misunderstand and don't know much about. Don't let the lack of knowledge and misinformation posted here lead you astray, stop by the Delphi vl1500 forum and learn more about the bike from those that know it best.

Delphi Forums Login*-*Welcome! Please log in.
 
#21 ·
I recently Upgraded from a 2007 c50-T with a 1400 rear end to a 2013 c90T BOSS. I liked my c50 but ride the freeway 30 miles each way to work. The more i Ride the C-90T the more i like it. I is a quite different experience from the C-50. I have ordered the GMAN bully fuel controller as the newer bikes are setup to run really lean so run hotter. The weigh is not an issue after a couple of days riding. I also goes like the wind but is not geared very well for city riding.

George
 
#22 ·
I have a 2003 model, technically it’s a Intruder VL1500LC .. I’ve had it for six years, and I haven’t had any trouble with it. Someone has already mentioned the charging issues, easy fix called mod 3 , it eliminates some plugs that are prone to melt, and adds a few wires that help with better battery charging. As far as performance, Www.gmanindustries.com has that covered. These bikes are know to be long lasting and pretty much trouble free as far as the drive train.. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one. Theres a forum for them as well. Www.bullyriders.com . Thats the short link. The newer ones , 2013 and up are totally different bikes.
 
#23 ·
UPDATE: The new C90s / 1500 starting in 2013 is an almost totally new bike. Comfort, power....to me it is a slightly heaver, much more powerful version of the C50 that I love. Tank is now real and back on top. Water cooled solves most of the stator/rectifier problems. I believe the tires are somewhat larger (correct me if I'm wrong on that), improved wiring and stronger frame. Less aftermarket mods available but they are starting to show up. I'm 66 y/o and 150 lbs. Lowered my C90 2 inches and pulled the bars back 2.5 inches. I lean back on my Grasshopper backrest, put my feet up on my Kury pegs and cruise the highway at 85 in 4th gear smooth as silk. Mine is a 2015 BOSS. Not sure what 5th gear is for unless it's 'star drive'. :wayhappy:
 
#24 ·
UPDATE: The new C90s / 1500 starting in 2013 is an almost totally new bike. Comfort, power....to me it is a slightly heaver, much more powerful version of the C50 that I love. Tank is now real and back on top. Water cooled solves most of the stator/rectifier problems. I believe the tires are somewhat larger (correct me if I'm wrong on that), improved wiring and stronger frame. Less aftermarket mods available but they are starting to show up. I'm 66 y/o and 150 lbs. Lowered my C90 2 inches and pulled the bars back 2.5 inches. I lean back on my Grasshopper backrest, put my feet up on my Kury pegs and cruise the highway at 85 in 4th gear smooth as silk. Mine is a 2015 BOSS. Not sure what 5th gear is for unless it's 'star drive'. <img src="images/smilies/Drogar-Happy(DBG).gif" border="0" alt="" title="Way Happy" class="inlineimg" />
From my understanding they were having emission issues so they took the engine and such from the m90.
 
#29 ·
The '04 is air cooled. It also only has a 3 gallon fuel tank.
 
#31 ·
There are alot more VL1500s making it to 100k on the clock without major mechanical issues (save for the faulty charging system that plagues all older models) than you will ever see with VL800s. Hydraulic tappet adjusters, better engine design and you don't have to wring its neck to get it to do freeway speeds. The tiny tank is really the only complaint most owners have.
 
#35 ·
a buddy of mine had an 07 C90 for a time. I got to ride it and was quite impressed with it. It did have a processor and loud exhaust. The exhaust I didn't like but that thing had real get up and go exciting to ride. It pulled well in any gear or speed without chugging. I seriously considered buying it. The exhaust and smaller tank were the biggest issues I had. Could have bought a different exhaust and a Gman tank. I test rode the newer C90 at Thunder in the Valley Johnstown PA. I was not impressed with the bike. Fuelling was way to lean and it chugged a lot more than I cared for.

If I was going to consider going back to a Cruiser, an older C90 with it's hydraulic valves Air/oil cooled, could be a good bargain. I would install a processor if it didn't have one. Maybe the new C90 would be better with a processor as well. I believe the new C90 requires valve servicing much like the C50.
 
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