Suzuki Intruder 1400 Problems – Know Before You Buy One

The most common Suzuki Intruder 1400 problems include overheating, carburetor problems, engine stalls, etc and these can be severe if not fixed immediately. For example, due to overheating, the overall performance as well as engine output can be affected or for carburetor issues, the starting problem may occur.

However, these problems can be solved very easily if you can identify them properly and know the necessary steps to fix them. And that’s what you’re going to explore here.

Troubleshooting And Fix For Suzuki Intruder 1400 Problems

Despite having large and powerful V-twin engines, the Suzuki Intruder 1400 sometimes shows different issues impacting its performance. Let’s discuss the most common problems and their solutions one by one.

1. Carburetor problem

Due to any issues with the carburetor, the acceleration of your bike will drop. Not only that, but you may also see low fuel economy and smell the odor of fuel while keeping the bike idle.

Well, checking the carburetor itself is the first thing to do. Also, check the spark plug. When the carburetor is damaged, the spark plug can generate a backfire, which will make the plug grayish or black.

Solving the problem includes replacing the carburetor. Though sometimes cleaning the dirt and debris from it may also work.

The price of a new carburetor can be around $20-$50 if you buy them online and the servicing cost is discussed with the mechanic. 

2. Vibration

Suzuki Intruder 1400 comes with a large and heavy engine. As a result, while running at high speeds, riders experience intolerable vibration. This not only hampers the riding experience but is also harmful to other engine parts as well.

The reason behind this vibration is the loose or worn-out engine mounts and accessories. If you’re facing such issues, check whether the screws and nuts are tight enough or not.

Tightening the mountings should resolve this issue. However, if you don’t have the necessary tools or only tightening is not working, you can contact a professional.

The cost can vary depending on how severe the problem is and how much time it will take to fix it.

3. Starting issue

Some riders have complained that the bike sometimes causes problems while starting. Sometimes, it won’t start no matter how hard you try. 

The reason behind this problem can be the fuel quality, a problem with the solenoid, or a malfunction in the ignition control module.

Anyways, if you see such problems, try changing the fuel and solenoid in the first place. Then see if the problem is fixed or not. 

If not, maybe the culprit is the ignition control module which controls the ignition of the engine.

The control module is just under the seat. You can see two Yellow, one black, and one green wire connected to the module. 

You have to cut those wires and fix them altogether bypassing the Ignition control module. Thus the problem will be solved in most cases.

The price of a Solenoid can vary from $27-$40. The service charge is completely dependent on the mechanic’s demand.

Read Also: Suzuki Intruder 1500 Problems: Common Issues And How To Fix Them

4. Bad alternator and stator rectifier

The function of the alternator in a bike is to recharge the battery when the bike is running. And the stator rectifier generates adequate current for all other electrical parts of the bike.

If the alternator stops working properly the battery won’t be charged fully. Thus the overall performance will drop.

For troubleshooting first, check if you’re facing a problem while starting the bike. Sometimes, the battery will be too low while starting but after it has started, it’ll be okay.

Overcoming this problem includes changing the alternator or stator rectifier. To get a price estimation you can visit online shops that are selling these parts.

5. Overheating

The Suzuki Intruder 1400 has a common problem of overheating, mostly while running for too long or stopping in traffic. As a result, you may also notice power loss and performance drop in the engine.

This problem can occur due to several reasons including a faulty thermostat, malfunctioning radiator, or damaged or blocked cooling fan. 

However, you have to check each of these things to ensure where the problem actually lies. 

The cost of each of these parts is different and depends on what brand and type you’re looking for.

Read Also: 4 Common Suzuki SV1000S Problems And Solutions

6. Clutch slipping

Clutch slipping can be very dangerous since it can reduce control over the power transmission. You may face it while shifting gears or halting the bike. 

Stiff gear padel, squeaking sounds, leggings, etc are the symptoms of clutch slipping on the Suzuki Intruder 1400.

Sometimes, the clutch disk loses traction and thus fails to transfer or control power from the engine to the wheel.

Using higher-graded lubricating oil is the first thing to do to overcome this issue. Try to change the oil twice a year to ensure the best performance.

7. Battery draining

The battery can be one of the prime reasons for problems during starting the bike, malfunction of electric equipment like dimmed headlights, low volume of horn, irregular or faulty display readings, etc. 

However, you can identify a faulty battery just by seeing its physical appearance, shape, or voltage readings. 

Lower voltage reading means the battery is dying. And an irregular shape of the battery means it’s already dead.

In this case, replacing the battery is the only solution. However, it’s recommended not to overuse a drained or damaged battery as it can affect the whole electrical system.

Changing a batter can cost you around $50.

Tips To Prevent Problems On Suzuki Intruder 1400

The problems that we’ve described above are the results of long-term negligence. So, to get rid of such problems, you must maintain the bike properly. 

Here are some tips on how you can prevent problems with Suzuki Intruder 1400 bikes.

• Try changing the engine oil in the first 20 hours. Later you should change the oil after every 100 hours of riding. 
• Try to use 10W-40 synthetic oil to get the best output.
• Initially, changing the oil filter and the gear oil at the first 20 hours and then once a year is considered a good practice.
• Ensure the cooling water is coming through the pipe properly along with the pilot water.
• Check the propeller regularly to ensure there are no dents, rust, or fishing lines on it.

Read Also: Suzuki M109R Problems And How To Fix Them

Should You Buy Used Suzuki Intruder 1400?

Well, of course, you can buy a used Suzuki Intruder 1400 if the condition of the bike matches your expectations. Here are some tips to consider while deciding whether to buy this bike or not.

• Suzuki Intruder users have complained about rust and corrosion in older bikes. Moreover, poor battery life is also common. So, consider this before buying an older bike.
• The warranty policy is another thing to check. If there’s still any warranty available, this means you can buy the bike as an experiment since you can always fix most problems under the warranty policy.
• Make sure to know the original distance that the bike has run. This will give you an overall idea of how the engine may work.
• Discuss the price with an experienced and professional one. Generally, depending on the model the price of a used Suzuki Intruder can vary from $1000-$2500.

Frequently Asked Questions

From the engines to the aesthetics, everything is widely popular about the Suzuki Intruder 1400 bike. But still, there are many things you might don’t know. Let’s explore some of such things here below.

Final Words

The Suzuki Intruder 1400 is an affordable yet impressive cruiser bike. Though it has some issues when it comes to performance or longevity, these can be sorted out by experienced and proper maintenance.

However, in different groups or discussions, people suggest repairing or fixing necessary things once every 3 months to get the best out of your bike. This will definitely prolong the bike’s life.