1987 Suzuki Intruder vs700

[oddvar]

Hi all, I am looking for a new motorbike.

It is at the end of the biking season (live in Norway, so the temperature is getting to low and snow eventually cover the country), so I think I have a chance to make a good bargain at this time of the year, contrary to the start of the season.

Suzuki Intruder have always been one of my favorite cruisers and these days one of them from 1987 (imported from US) showed up on the market place, and the price was absolutely something I can live with.

The bike looks in very good condition, lots of chrome, saddle bags are there, the paint still look very good, and the seller only live 20 minutes away by car.

It has had its battery changed, the clutch, and the forks in front have been overhauled. The owner also says that it has always had a spot in a garage.

However, it IS a old bike, and it has run 47000 miles/ 69000 kilometers which is my primary worry, I'm planning a road trip through Europe next summer and I need a bike I can trust.

But then again Suzuki made/make great bikes. Either way, I hope someone can give me some advice of why I should buy this bike, or why I should not.

Thanks

Oddvar

[WintrSol]

If it has had regular service, it could go more than another 50,000 miles or more. There are riders on another forum that have put on more than 100,000 miles, with little more than regular maintenance and clutch springs. With it idling, listen to it, using a mechanics's stethoscope, for any sounds that would indicate signs of unusual wear, like piston slap or rod knock. If it sounds tight inside, it probably is.

[oddvar]

Thanks mate - I bought a stethoscope that I will bring, it was not a bad suggestion.

[oddvar]

Originally Posted by WintrSol

If it has had regular service, it could go more than another 50,000 miles or more. There are riders on another forum that have put on more than 100,000 miles, with little more than regular maintenance and clutch springs. With it idling, listen to it, using a mechanics's stethoscope, for any sounds that would indicate signs of unusual wear, like piston slap or rod knock. If it sounds tight inside, it probably is.

Right, I went to look at it, forgetting to bring the stethoscope (went by on my way home from town), but it was not necessary. You could hear valve train noise by your own ear, though the engine was room temperature when we started it.

Should that get me worried?

Else than that, the back tire needs change - is this something you can do yourself (garage prices in my country are close to 200$/hour).

[WintrSol]

This engine has tappets, so it does make some tapping sounds. Better tapping than silent. Adjusting them can be tricky the first time, because access is tight between the frame and valve covers.

Many guys do their own tire, but I take the wheel off and let the guy with the tire tools do it. You can save a lot taking the wheel in by itself, so ask at the shop. If you have spokes, it takes a tube, which makes it a bit harder to get the new tire on.