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

The Suzuki Intruder 1500 has some common problems, such as trouble starting the bike due to dirty or old spark plugs, electrical failure due to loose or faulty connections, engine bogging at high speed, leakage, and ECU problems.

So if you encounter any of the above issues, Keep reading to learn more about these common problems with Suzuki Intruder 1500, their reasons, and their solutions as well.

Troubleshooting And Fixing Suzuki Intruder 1500 Problems

The Suzuki 1500 is a popular, powerful cruiser motorcycle with a V-twin engine. It has a reputation for being durable and reliable, but some users have faced a few common issues with the bike.

If you own this bike or plan to have one, you should be aware of these problems to avoid them or take the necessary steps. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the Intruder 1500 problems and how to troubleshoot and fix them:

1. Rough Start

Many owners of Suzuki Intruder 1500 models frequently experience a shaky start. 

Due to a rough start, you may experience one of these: the bike takes a long time to start, starts but then stalls, or starts but then runs rough.

Dirty or old spark plugs, clogged or damaged fuel lines, and a loose decompression cable can cause the issue. 

In most cases, the loose decompression cable is the main reason behind the rough start issue.

To troubleshoot the issue, you can check the spark plugs to see if they are dirty or old. If they are dirty, clean them. If they are too old, replace them.

Next, remove the side cover, get to the TDC, and check if the decompression cable is loose. If you find it flexible, adjust it and return it to its right form.

If you can do these fixes on your own and don’t need to replace any parts, you can do the fix without spending any money.

2. Not Charging Problem

When the Intruder 1500 has a “not charging” issue, the battery will drain faster, the battery light comes on while the bike is running, the bike won’t start, and sometimes the bike dies while running.

A faulty rectifier, bad alternator, or loose connection often causes this not charging issue in Intruder 1500. A dead battery or a blown fuse can also cause this issue.

For troubleshooting, first check the battery with a multimeter to see if it holds a charge. If not, try charging it with a battery charger or jumper cable.

Secondly, use a voltmeter to check the voltage output. If it’s too high or too low, it means the rectifier is faulty and needs to be replaced. 

Similarly, while checking with the voltmeter, if the stator shows abnormal resistance, the stator needs to be replaced. The price of replacement can range from $50 to $200.

Read Also: Suzuki M109R Problems And How To Fix Them

3. Engine Bogging At High Speeds

If the Intruder 1500 engine loses power when accelerating, hesitates while opening the throttle, or backfires while at speed, it has an engine bogging issue.

A dirty or clogged air filter, faulty carburetor or fuel lines, and an improper air/fuel mixture can cause the engine to bog at high RPM. You can check these components to find the exact reason.

If the issue is with the air filter, cleaning or changing the filter will solve the problem. On the other hand, if the carburetor is the issue, cleaning it and adjusting it is the way to fix it.

The labor cost will vary from shop to shop, while the new air filter may cost you a few bucks.

4. Leakage Problem

The leakage problem arises when the Intruder 1500 motorcycle leaks fuel from the brake or clutch systems. The leakage can damage the bike’s components and affect its performance.

A worn out or damaged slave cylinder, master cylinder, or hoses, as well as an incorrect fluid level or quality, can cause the leakage problem. There could be some internal reasons as well, such as heat or corrosion.

Examine the parts and change the damaged or faulty parts for troubleshooting and fixing. 

This means you may need to change the slave or master cylinder, hoses, or seals, or adjust the fluid level.

You may need to spend a few hundred dollars to change the cylinder. It will depend on the retailer you are buying from.

5. ECU Problem

A problem with the Electronic Control Unit, or ECU, is the worst one a Suzuki Intruder 1500 could have. 

When a problem with the ECU breaks in, the bike will start to lose power and have issues with the ignition, fuel injection, or other systems.

Factors like software glitches, hardware failures, faulty wiring, or external factors such as heat or moisture can cause a faulty ECU.

For troubleshooting, you must check for the trouble codes generated by the ECU and follow the troubleshooting steps. If there is a software glitch, resetting or reprogramming the ECU may also work.

Changing the ECU may be the only option for physical damage, and it may cost you around 200$-450$.

Read Also: 4 Common Suzuki SV1000S Problems And Solutions

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Problems On Suzuki Intruder 1500

Suzuki Intruder 1500 is a reliable bike, but you must follow a regular maintenance schedule to avoid specific problems. Here are some maintenance tips to prevent these problems:

• Change the engine oil and filter every 3000 miles or every three months.
• Clean or replace the air cleaner element and filter. Do this every 1000 miles or every six months.
• Check the spark plugs regularly, and replace them if they are worn out or damaged.
• You must check and adjust the throttle cable and engine idle speed periodically. It will help maintain proper throttle operation, preventing rough starts and stalling.
• Clean and regularly remove any dirt or obstruction from the fuel tank, fuel lines, and carburetor.
• Check and adjust any loose nuts, screws, and bolts regularly.
• You must check and keep the battery clean and fully charged.

Following these maintenance tips can keep your Suzuki Intruder 1500 in good shape and prevent common problems.

Read Also: Suzuki Intruder 1400 Problems – Know Before You Buy One

Should You Buy a Used Suzuki Intruder 1500?

Buying a used Suzuki Intruder 1500 depends on your needs and preferences, but it is recommended to buy a used one if you find one in good condition. Here are some reasons why you should buy one:

• Comfort: It’s a reliable motorcycle known for its smooth ride and comfortable seating. The comfort remains for a used one as well.
• Engine: The V-twin engine of the Intruder 1500 is durable and has a reputation for longevity.
• Budget: Used Intruder 1500s are relatively affordable, making them a good option if you have a budget issue.
• Availability: You can find so many used Intruder 1500s on the market. The parts for this bike are also available.

So, these are some reasons you should buy a used one. But there are several factors that you need to be aware of, like the condition of the bike and engine, the history of the bike, mileage, and fuel efficiency.

Frequently asked Questions

Do you still need some queries or clarifications regarding the Intruder 1500 problems? Let’s take a look at the following FAQ section to learn more:

Final Thought

Having some common problems on a high-end motorcycle like Suzuki Intruder 1500 is not a big surprise. 

Make sure you have cleaned or replaced the dirty or damaged spark plugs, charged the battery, and checked for leakages. You should also monitor the bike regularly for any of the symptoms of a problem.  

Just follow the troubleshooting method to identify and treat the issues. Don’t hesitate to take help from a professional mechanic for a better solution.