Suzuki Intruder VS1400: Remove Seat and Tank - Tear Down Part 1

This is the first instalment of my Suzuki Intruder Tear Down series. Part 1 includes how to remove the seats, fuel tank and side panels of a Suzuki Intruder VS1400 1997 model. This exposes the wiring harness and the carburetors.
This is the biggest project I have taken on, The bike will be completely stripped down to the frame, the engine will be removed for new piston rings to be installed, the wiring harness is going to be rewired and the entire bike overhauled, ready for spring 2020....I hope.
Hagar Moto Website: For detailed, step-by-step instructions, visit:
bit.ly/3bdUWEp
Suzuki Intruder Workshop Manual:
Clymer Repair Manual Suzuki Intruder VS1400: amzn.to/3onx9FP
Popular Clutch Parts for Suzuki Intruder VS1400:
Full Clutch Kit by Barnett: amzn.to/3hMq1k1
Clutch Gasket by Caltric: amzn.to/3rUlrEZ
Clutch Friction Plates by Caltric: amzn.to/2Lrtsk0
Gasket and Friction Plate Kit by Caltric: amzn.to/2XeMvQW
Tapered Steering Stem Bearings by All Balls: amzn.to/38jGlWc
Popular Carburetor Parts for Suzuki Intruder VS1400:
Carburetor Rebuild Kit by KIPA: amzn.to/35bGWY7
Rear Diaphram Membrance by Lanbao: amzn.to/2MIDrCd
Popular Fuel System Parts for Suzuki Intruder VS1400:
Spark Plugs by NGK: amzn.to/38hsZtB
Iridium Spark Plug by NGK: amzn.to/2JQ3o1n
Pod Filters by DNA: amzn.to/3s1AA7u
Fuel Pump by Bruce & Shark: amzn.to/35dxG5S
Fuel Pump by OSIAS: amzn.to/2LrUc3T
Popular Brakes Parts FOR Suzuki Intruder:
Front and Rear Brake Pads by Master Chen: amzn.to/2JQlgJD
Popular Electrical System Parts for Suzuki Intruder VS1400:
Replacement Battery (YTX16-BS-1) by PowerStar: amzn.to/2XjjXWy
Popular Tools:
22 Litre Ultrasonic Cleaner: amzn.to/397dDXN
6.5 Litre Ultrasonic Cleaner: amzn.to/2MGCFpd
BelRay High-Quality Waterproof Grease: amzn.to/2LaLerV
Rotary Tool: amzn.to/2MGU9lh
Screw Driver Set: amzn.to/392Fato
Please keep in mind that I am not a mechanic, I have no professional training and the advice that may be interpreted from these videos is purely my own opinion and does not reflect that of which a professional mechanic or motorcycle engineer would provide.
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Motorcycle Specs:
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: Intruder VS1400
Year: 1997
Engine Size: 1360cc
Fuel Type: Petrol - Four Stroke
Cooling System: Air/Oil Cooled
Transmission: 5 Speed
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Camera Gear:
Sony A7iii
Interfit SuperLite 9
Neewer LED 660 Panel
Sennheiser MKE300 External Mic
#hagarmoto #suzukivs1400 #suzukiintruder

Q&A -> Thanks for checking out the video, if you have any questions drop them here!

[@mikeastorga3941]

What's up man I'm trying to come up with a fuel tank for my 93 intruder 1400. I'm having a hard time finding it, is there another tank about the same capacity you would recommend adapting?

[@LewisBlack-om3nc]

Hey fella I've got the 90 VS an having trouble getting spark I believe it's cuz I don't have power to coils

[@billwyatt2449]

I'm glad the seat is comfortable. That engineering is real Hickerbilly

[@cooperbaucke5774]

I tried to find videos of maintenance on these last fall. so thankful you popped up this winter. keep it up!

Thanks Cooper! Really happy that the videos are of use to you, I will most certainly be keeping it up :D Be safe out there brother

[@ericroman9126]

Dude the way you just nonchalantly walked the bike! omg! I just bought this same bike a few hours ago and moving it off the trailer and into my garage was crazy hard. This bike hasn't ran in 5 years. Hopefully its just seized brakes. I literally bursted eye vessels from pushing so hard.

[@jorgecorrea1176]

Hey man, loving your content. I actually have a 96' intruder that my dad gifted me, and unfortunately I crashed last summer and messed up the front/gas tank. Fortunately I only came out with some scratches. I came on here today because Im looking into finally repairing. Ill be watching more of your vids as I get into repairing. You have a video on how to replace handlebar and odometer? Cheers bro.

[@dragonstorm76able]

Great detail videos. Very professional and helpful in all work with Trude. I have been driving the 1400s since 1998. I would have really wished to be able to use something like that for my first conversion. Now I've just started a new project with the conversion of a 1987 US 4-speed Vs 1400 and I like to watch your support videos. Maybe we will meet sometime. Always have a good and safe journey. With Trude you have one of the most beautiful and most reliable motorcycles, also in the custom scene ...

[@Ben7Seven]

So glad Ive found your channel. Thx a lot for charing all that info

[@hablandoalchile9159]

Awesome videos. thanks for all the help, it is very hard to find detailed videos out there for this type of bike. Thanks a lot.

[@lassetapani69]

You had done just absolutely brilliant videos. Absolutely perfect

[@Pejt]

FINALLY! I have a 1999 and cant find anything interesting on KZbin, instasub!

Thanks so much Pejt, I thought the same when starting the channel, there is bits and pieces but nothing in depth or easy to watch. Thanks for subbing more videos coming this weekend :) happy new year.

[@71008ar15]

Thank you I have the same bike and yes it's very hard to find information on these. I look forward to seeing your next video and good luck sir.

No problem Eric, part 2 should be live by the weekend ;)

[@tmlhkyfn]

www.intruderalert.ca Check the Wrenching & Tips section for a lot of basic information & some ideas on modifications

[@306cabrio16V]

Thanks for the videos, just doing a build on my 1988 here in Germany. What I recognized, most of the hardware on your bike isn't original. I recently took a part a bone stock 1993, and both mine and that one use mostly 10 and 8mm stainless hardware for side panels, tank, fender struts and stuff like that. The bolts even look nice, well machined and some have blue plastic protectors integrated in the bottom of them.

[@fredflintstone3956]

I was going to skip this video because I've already done this way too many times (long story), but I'm glad i watched. I very much want to congratulate you on this. It's very informative, and one of the first incredibly important bits I spotted was about 4:40 when you're taking off the main seat, and explaining what's under there, and to not just "rip it off". how do I know that's a REALLY bad idea? Well.... as you can probably guess, I had no idea the ECU was under there. I unbolted the seat expecting it to just lift off, and pulled a bit too hard. The ECU case snapped in half, and left most still bolted to the seat. It was not fun getting it epoxied back together. I still don't know if that is part of what's still plaguing mine. Keep up the good work; can't wait to watch the others!

Hey Fred, thanks for your kind words, yes the seat does catch a few people out. What is your bikes symptoms? Does it turn over? or is it dead in the water?

[@fredflintstone3956]

@ - It's Michael actually. The Fred Flintstone moniker is for a bit of anonymity at times. Anyway....long story short (yea, right), like you, I bought the bike not running, back in 2016. No big deal I thought. Was I wrong! I took it to a shop, because I lacked the time and patience, and experience on Intruders. The mechanic went through the carbs, forks, and miscellaneous bits. When I went to pick it up it wa running, but barely. He said because it has straight pipes it's not going to run right, but didn't get into the details of why. That was an understatement. Fortunately I had a trailer with me, just in case. I should have just left it until it wa spot on, I got it home, tried to ride a bit around town, spitting, sputtering, backfire, would only run half ass if I had the choke full on. I trailered it back to him, said "when it's right, call me". Couple weeks later he calls, again I drag a trailer with me just in case. I get it home, It's better, but 'better' is a relative statement. The list of what I have done (most previous to him working on it) Boiled out the gas tank, cleaned out the tank petcock, cleaned out the main/reserve switch, installed factory curved fuel lines (but installed small inline filters under the tank), new battery, repaired the ECU (inspected for fried components, epoxied the case back together, cleaned terminals as best I could), and that's it I think. He said he installed a new fuel pump. Nothing was done, that I remember or know of, to the ignition system. On the FB page that led me to you, there was mentions of straight pipes and having to re-jet the carbs, although I don't know why that would matter. Ideas? Any further work will be done by me; my wife wants it out of the garage, sell it or ride it. Can't do either until it's running properly. I paid $700 for it originally, and have another $1200 invested. If I sell it as is, I will take a major hit, and I don't like that option. I know the next video is about carbs; maybe that will help me as well.

[@fredflintstone3956]

@ - It just occurred to me...is that a factory or aftermarket main seat? I like that. Mine had a Corbin 'Gunfighter' on it, and I don't like its style so much.

Ahhh man, sounds like you may have a few buts going on. 1st thing I would do is remove the carbs and have them ultrasonic cleaned, if any if the jets are even slightly blocked it will cause problems. Also if its sputtering and coughing slot you may had an air leak, this could be on the rubber boot from the air boxes or could be on the diaphrams of the carbs. The smallest pin hole can make a huge difference. Full carb tear down and inspection video is on the way. :)

[@martinhardie2336]

Well done on producing these videos.... as a pro video editor/cameraman you've done a great job with the audio & camera work (many don't!! ) If possible could you do a video on stripping/cleaning/setting up & balancing of the carbs? I'm sure many 1400 owners would benefit from an instructional video of how to do it....... Keep up the good work

Thanks for your kind words Martin, you may have touched on what is my day job there ;) I will absolutely put this on the video list for you, i'll do a whole disassemble, rebuild and sync video during the rebuild process :) Thanks again.

[@martinhardie2336]

@.....so am I correct I saying that your in some way involved in video production....

You would be correct good sir, you'll notice the first 2 videos weren't really lit or graded right and it drove me mad lol, I've not had chance to film today as I've been adjusting the lights and angles and building a diy dolly etc haha want to have as good production value as possible, I'm fortunate to have it at my disposal so why not use it

[@martinhardie2336]

@...... Well what's the chances of that, another 1400 Intruder enthusiast that works in video production. I'm a cameraman/video editor myself, work for the local university producing teaching, promo work.... do the bulk of my filming with a Sony PMW200, EX1 and FS-7 and an Osmo... use AVID MC for editing....its a breathe of fresh air to be able to watch instructional videos like yours that have been done properly, too many folk on YT knock stuff out which is technically good but is let down massively by poor audio and bad camerawork, usually done on a iPhone... I look forward to watching all your current and future videos

@@martinhardie2336 sounds like a great set of kit my friend! And thanks again for your kind comments, I thought if I'm going to do this channel it needs to be as pleasing to the eye and ears as possible, I have a lav mic that I'm going to start using soon and I'll run the lot through a quick EQ process and sync up in post to get as nice sound as possible. The workshop is very echoy too so need to get some canvas prints up on the walls to help reduce it. Shooting the vids with my run and gun Sony A7iii set up at the moment, but I like how it's looking :) shooting and uploading part 6 tomorrow.

[@milanhosek343]

Great video, just a note torx and Allen key are not the same thing 🙂

[@mhsnake404]

What a real mensch

[@kuus6kuustonen]

Awesome stuff mate! Really priceless to actually see someone taking the parts off. Best learning experience by far. My own -93 VS is under maintenance just in time so your videos are helping a lot with my own tinkering :) P.S. "One snapped exhaust bolt." Check.

Hi arttu tha ks for your comment and kind words. Apologies for the huge delay in responding to your comment it slipped under my Radar. How is your 93 vs coming along???

[@kuus6kuustonen]

@ Thanks for asking! Fenders, tank etc. in painting, bolt still in engine block, but otherwise coming along slowly and steadily. There's plenty of time still before spring.... or how do we say XD

@@kuus6kuustonen sounds exciting man! Are you going to upload and footage to YT some can check it out when it is done?

[@kuus6kuustonen]

@ Haven't really thought about it. I might record something if it's worth watching. Maybe the bolt removal project at least ... XD We'll see, I'll keep you updated!

[@BrokenFingersProduct]

Thanks you very much! Love these vids!

[@lukemetzger212]

you are a badass thank you

[@bockibear]

Lifesaver. I just bought a 1996 Suzuki intruder 1400 in July. Trying to get it going after a long sit through winter. How do I change the spark plug? I didnt see one that said spark plug when I browsed your other vids. If you know which one I'll go there straight away! Thank you so much!

The sparks are housed under the front right hand chrome case and rear left chrome casing. You'll need a 10mm spanner to remove the fixing bolts, under the casings you'll find the coil lead seated ontop of the spark plug, remove the cable by pulling it and then you just need a long socket to remove the plugs

[@arvilrichards22]

Hey I need help lol I have a 95 intruder vs 1400 and can't find a used seat but found a 05 s83 seat it says it won't fit but it looks like the same one I have on it now just better shape what's the dif in the seats

[@WindsurfingParadise]

Nice !!! Do you have a video "how to change the battery" ?

Hey thanks for your comment I dont have one at the moment but I will be doing one during the rebuild saga, the engine has just been removed so wont be long until its put back together, I hope.

[@agnidominik4693]

Very informative, thanks! Got a question though, could not see it in the video, but is the rear cylinder inspection cover accessible after removing the seat and the tank? Asking because it seems I have a minor oil leak, and it looks like it is coming from the rear inspection cover gasket :)

I don't think the rear cylinder cant be accessed without removing the engine. I could be wrong but if memory serves me right, only the front cylinder can be accessed in the frame.

[@agnidominik4693]

@ after some wrenching and screwing, your assumption is 'unfortunately' correct :) but I'm glad that you are still around, looking forward to future Intruder episodes!

[@dicedoomkid]

I just got a marauder for $300 It has no brake lines installed and for some reason it won’t stay running, If anyone has a suggestion as to what I may have to do I would appreciate it.

[@jessemcmacmcmanx3969]

Hi there. What is that style of seat called? Where did u get it?

It came with the bike when purchased. I'm afraid there are no markings on the seat, I have searched high and low for the manufacturer and as of yet, no luck. Part of me thinks it was custom made for the previous owner

[@jessemcmacmcmanx3969]

@ oh ok thanks for the response

[@antoinog7597]

Hey just a quick question where are the mixture screws located on these carbs do the carbs have to be removed to get at them thanks keep up the great videos

No they don't my friend :)

[@antoinog7597]

@ well that's good news where are they located I have a set of Jardine exhaust and getting popping and backfire I'm thinking the A/F will have to adjusted

[@antoinog7597]

The location of the mixture screws that is

[@pluret]

Thanks! Subscribing now. -98 1400.

Thank you for your support! More videos coming real soon! The tear down is nearly complete, then it's on to the really fun stuff!