Suzuki Intruder 250LC / VL250

Top 250 Cruiser – I bought my 2009 VL250 with 21,000 km's on it, have wound on another 5,000 Km's and it has always been reliable. Power wise I found it acceptable, it would easily leave cars off the line and comfortably cruise on 100 Km/h with 2/3 throttle, max speed about 130 Km/h. I wanted more grunt without spending too much, first thing I did was cut the… Read more

muffler in half (de cat) and modified baffle which not only reduced weight but sounds great too. Next I replaced the stock air cleaners with aftermarket oval pod type but because of the extra air flow it forced me to re-jet the carb(took me alot of trial and error and many plug checks to get correct jet sizes), then I changed the spark plugs to NGK CR7EK(twin electrode), the results are amazing, it has A LOT more torque in power curve with a top speed of 145 Km/h prob go faster but didn't want it to grenade on me, now it cruises on 100 Km/h with about 1/4-1/3 throttle and will easily accelerate to 130+ Km/h when overtaking on highway. Amazingly this hasn't really hurt my fuel economy prob because my throttle requires less twist to get to speed ;) The only criticism would be that it is a bit light weighted on highway when windy, can get a bit hairy scary at times.

DO NOT RIDE IN COLD WEATHER – I brought a 2000 model used with 37,000 kms 7-8 months ago and has been fairly reliable. Good fuel economy, Perhaps a little small for me at 5 foot 8 inches, Handles very well for a cruiser... However coming into Autumn and Winter I encountered the notorious cold weather issues (Which dealers had told me would not be an issue). I nearly had two… Read more

accidents this morning due to vacuum hose / carby clogging from cold fuel. Throttle response will cut out, it will back fire and stall on deceleration, nearly impossible to maintain a steady continuous speed without it dying out (travel requires chopping throttle), and un-burnt fuel will bank up causing the need to pull over and fast idle the fuel away before continuing, but the issue will return in 10-15 mins. This bike is completely incapable of operating safety in winter due to its carburetor design shortcomings without the use of water remover / antifreeze fuel additives. This bike was great in warm weather, but it if you are not switched on and well practiced, it will get you killed in winter.

2012 VL250 ACCESSORIES – I've bought a 2012 VL250 with 670ks on it. Not even run in yet. Was wondering where to buy accessories, like saddle bag brackets and a sissy bar with a luggage rack. The only ones I can find only go to 2009. Any help would be much appreciated. Great little bike.

In cold weather keep your intruder under Cover I did this every night it started without using choke – I've been riding for 40 year's and The intruder is the best bike that I have the pleasure in riding Show details

Great bike! – Such a great bike to learn on and to cruise around the town on. Highly recommend. Easy to maintain and never had any issues with it. Super solid bike. Just awesome. Show details

Love this bike – My first ever bike and I love it could not fault it ! It drives nice, sounds good and is very very easy to handle also not to heavy either ! I would most definitely recommend this bike to anyone looking at getting it I'm so happy with it !  Show details

Perfect first bike – After looking at a lot of bikes,this one is a real looker. For the price,it's worth the money ,great to drive! The seating position is perfect and is great on highways too! Might keep this one for a few years. The bike is really lightweight,good for cornering etc Suzuki do make good bikes  Show details

Amaze – Straight to the overall point..It feels like a real quality bike, very sturdy and not cheap chrome like copies etc from Malaysia..It happily pulls you along at the speed of an average family sedan so cruies at 100km nicely, all the acceleration stops at about 120-125. Top speed about 140. Who wants to go faster than 120 anyway? Great amount of… Read more

space under the seat, cheap and easy to run and maintain. I bought mine at a good price. Highly recommended

Good entery level to learn ....... low maintance Good bang for youre dollar – For a first bike or second kick a round bike these gems are a mayzing very low maintance air cool relibilaty which is hard to find in some of the more expencive rivles mine is only a 250 mine has no problems overtaking / keeps me out of truble//and save me money..just in runing costs once you twick em to youre liken set and forgett/after that… Read more

keep fluids cleen plugs filters air& oil these bikes are desined to work on them youre self.......painshence and commoncence....

Excellent little bike – I've had my Suzuki vl250 2009 for a couple of months now and could not be happier with my 1st ever motorcycle. I am 6 foot 1 / 95kg - yes I do look a little big on it but I don't care! I love how it runs and pulls and it has been a fantastic bike to learn on, very light and nimble and does exactly what i need it to, cruiser around on a nice sunny… Read more

afternoon or a weekend here in SA. Starts first time every time. I've done some highway riding as well and the bike sits comfortably on 100km/h. I have done about 3k on it already and I do not see myself getting bored any time soon as some may suggest (I guess everyone is different). Maybe I do not know any better as I have not tried any other bike but as I said, the vl250 does what i wanted a bike for in the first place, simply cruise....

Happy days

A great 250, – My 2000 VL250 does take 5 minutes to warm up but once underway it is very tractable for a bike of its dimensions. The combination of saddle bags and under seat storage are useful and seat comfort is good for 120 kms or so. At the speed limit the bike is fine though extra power for overtaking is nice. My XR250L can burn it in top end acceleration.… Read more

Overall this bike is extremely practical for older riders such as myself and it is much easier to haul out of my garage than my Honda VT1100.

Not just for learners – The emphasis of a lot of reviews is that this is a learners machine. Thats not right, as it is suited to anyone who wants a responsive machine sited to about town and that handles the open road well. The twisty roads we have here in Tassy are perfect for it. The underseat storage would embaras some scooters and the handling and control are great.… Read more

After 40 odd years of rding I find this machine a real diamond in the rough and am working on cutting it just right.

Bulletproof bike for short learners – I bought the 2007 VL250 four months ago with 1200 kms on it for my wife to learn on. Although it's not a fast bike by any means it has enough power to leave the traffic behind at the lights and will happily sit on 100kph all day, even with my 100kg weight. The seat is very low so my 5.0" wife can touch both feet on the ground but it's still not… Read more

cramped for me at 5.11".. Great for short riders, excellent fuel economy, reliability, very comfortable for a small bike. There is no fuel guage. The steering lock is difficult to use and the ignition lock and speedo poorly placed.

A 250cc worth having – I have had my intruder vl250cc for over 6 months now dropped it once sort of and had no major issue's with it. The cool thing about this bike is that the cool staff you can buy for it like a windshield or floorboards a luggage rack and sissy bar unlike the virago yamaha 250 there sissy bar cost nearly $500AUD while i got the suzuki sissy bar and… Read more

luggage rack all for under $430 and not some chinese [censored word removed], really good top gear. The bike can handle highway speeds but going up some hills i found it slowing down to 70kms from 110kms but i weigh 100kgs fat i am but hey it's only a 250cc on the flat roads i was passing every car i could. I have done 120kms and at that speed my helmet wanted to fly off me, while would i want any to go any faster. It's cheap to run and i can go to adelaide to melbourne on it cheaper than cars i think it costs $50 bucks one way which is 800kms, i think thats pretty good. The bike costs me $12 to fill up australian and gets me 257kms, rego is cheap and insurance ain't bad too.

So far this bike has been good to me. Me and a mate of mine are heading to the great ocean road soon and both on intruder 250's. This bike looks good, feels good and performs good. If you want speed fast take off's and hassle free highway up hill journeys then buy another bike, but if you want cheap fuel, a fun ride, cheap rego and just learning to ride a bike than this bike be for you. When i was looking for a bike just sitting on a 450cc or 750cc scared me off it. while the 250cc was just right, i know now that i should of gotten the 450cc or even 750cc and just manned up but i thought my life was too important to [censored word removed] up so since i was just learning to ride i got my 250cc intruder and i'm happy with it. Cheap to run Slow on some up hills mountains

outstanding little beast – Im six foot tall and i weigh 93kg, not once has my bike strained to get me from a to b on the hilly and twisty roads of hobart and its surrounding areas. Shes comfortable in the saddle for extended times, and for the most part can keep up with the highway traffic, having said that, this is a 250 and on the highway you will find you will want to… Read more

give it more then she has. However that being said, because of its small size you will become more then proficent at changing gears from the sound of the motor, due also in part to there only being a speedo for you to read. You will also have a host old bikers swamp you when you are in a rush, to tell of that old harley they had in 1956. In short if you are a learner and keen to be resonsible and learn the basics before that big 750 beckons, get this little beast good on fuel, very much built for learners keeps up with the muppets on the road and can beat most at the lights, if it breaks, hit it with a hammer that'll sort it! old people will talk your ear off about it, and that old bike they used to ride when they were your age. this wilk get old fast

Best in class – I have had my VL250 for 8 years (2001 model) and now have 65 000 on the clock. Great for daily city commute. Also have a Honda VT750 for highway and open road rides. I have fitted small screens to both bikes to take away some of that harsh wind issue. Lite weight and fuel economy. Looks bigger than it is.  Show reply

Very happy – I'm a novice rider who weighs 85kg. This bike is a lovely ride. It starts first time every time, looks great and is really an awesome bike to learn on. I am very happy even 2000km into my riding life with the power and feel of this bike. Highly recommend.  Show 6 replies

Keep's on Tickin – My 2009 VL250 has just ticked on 40,000k and it still runs beautifully. Get's up and goes but run's out at about 110km/h perfect for cruising. Not for the corners but going for 3/4 hour ride around the place its comfortable and great on the fuel. Don't race enjoy the scenery and you will enjoy this bike. Great Looks, Comfortable, Frugal on Gas, Head Turner Not enough grunt, Windy days are interesting ... Show reply

Short – I'm an old bloke, 50 plus, with a stuffed back . . . spinal fusions, disease, etc. This bike is easy to ride for anyone short in stature. I can't sit in a car for more than 15 minutes but can ride my Intruder almost pain free for a couple of hours. I should have bought one of these (earlier model) years ago! Low to the ground, easy to ride. Just a little bit gutless on the open road. Show reply

Good for what it is – I've owned the bike for 3 years now, had it serviced regularly, and it's always been reliable. I've had no problems with the bike. It's comfortable to ride up to 100km/h after which you really start to feel like you're pushing it. it has respectable acceleration from the traffic lights, but I can't escape the feeling that I'm on a small bike. like… Read more ·  6

if you're taking it easy, before you know it you're in 5th gear and you're only at 40km/h. That said, the bike is probably at its happiest cruising around 80-90km/h.

However I guess you shouldn't expect too much from a 250. if you want to do the highways at 120+ then this is obviously not the bike for you. but if you want a cheap reliable bike that's good looking and comfortable around town then it's a good choice. I think the best of the 250's as far as looks and engineering. I think it achieves a lot considering its small engine size and overall it's a great bike that will do everything that you reasonably ask of it. punches above its weight. cheap to run. reliable. comfortable. looks good. lightweight and easy to handle engine size

easy to ride easy to maintain – Bought my Suzuki vl 250 in december last year and never been happier with the way the bike handles and performs after riding much bigger bikes all my life (35 years). I downsized because i dont go quick anymore and the Suzuki is just fine for cruising the highway at a hundred kph. Very attractive little machine and easy to maintain. Very frugal… Read more ·  2

on gasoline. Very comfortable to ride especially with my bad back and a bit of a head turner as well. I liked the look of the bike and the feul efficiencyI

Excellent – What a great little machine with the looks of a far bigger bike. It is great as a learner bike, easy to ride and handle for all types of riding. I had the bike for 22000 km, all it cost was the usual servicing and a little bit of TLC and I had no troubles what so ever. The only thing that this bike would need is louder pipes. The bike is soft so… Read more

the cars around don't know that you are there and mistakes happen very quickly, louder pipes resolve this issue.

Overall ... good, good, good Every thing,

fuel efficient,

great comuting bike for around the town Could have a bit more grunt

breaks could be a bit better

Excellent – For a first bike, the Intruder is great. Not interested in racing, this is a great bike for cruising the highways. Comfortable & the wife loved it, she who hated bikes :) Graet to ride, handles great  Show reply

Excellent – Great first bike. It'll do me for the next 12-18 months for sure. I'm told they hold their value well. Low to the ground. Easy to manoeuvre. The look of a bigger bike without the weight or bulk. Looks gorgeous - classic cruiser style, but still quite an upright riding position. Enough power to get you out of a sticky situation if required.… Read more

Comfortable seat. No fuel gauge! Speedometer positioned lower than I'd like (you have to move your head down to see how fast your going, which means taking your eyes off the road). Without a screen, you tend to feel the wind above 80km/hr.

Excellent – Bought a new 2010 model. I'm in love with it. Great first bike. I'm just under 5ft tall limited to what I could ride but no compromise here, this bike is great. You feel the wind around 100k's but that's the case with any light bike. Cons aren't really cons, alot of 250's don't have many accessories as we're all expected to upgrade. Indicator… Read more ·  1

position was my main dislike which I had moved so I could fit saddle bags. I've had experienced bikers ride it and they were also impressed. Can't recommend it enough - awsome ride - you'll love it! Great riding position, gorgeous chunky big bike look, but without the weight. Comfy seat. Looks and handles great. Good storage under seat. No fuel gauge. Speedo positioned on the tank, you get used to it, but would prefer it higher so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. Difficult to find accessories for. Indicators would be better positioned on the rear mudguard so saddlebags could be fitted. Had to have a heated carby fitted by Suzuki, no charge, due to carby freezing & humidity, but Suzuki covered this under warranty.

Excellent – A great bike for a learner for both male and female . Very easy to ride has adequate breaking capabilities . Overall devoid of any major faults . Very good looking bike , a lot of interest shown by the general public . Purchased as my first motorbike 2007 second hand with only just over 1000 klm .Have found it very economical and easy to ride… Read more

in traffic and on the open road .You can take to the highways at bottom end speed range with ease 100 kmh ,very comfortable ,low height seat , OK in wind just keep knees locked into tank . Plastic instrument housing ,no fuel tank gauge . Have to keep looking down at speedometer as is mounted on fuel tank ,ignition on left side of bike .Only has single exhaust pipe whereas earlier modeils had twin .

Excellent – I have the 2008 model, loved the bike the look of it before id even taken it for a test ride, the sound the drive is excellent and is so comfortable i could ride from sun rise to sunset... i could not fault this bike at all... its an excellent first bike to have... Awesome cruiser, great comfort, money well spent, love the whole look of the bike Cant fault it at all

Excellent – Bought this bike secondhand with 16 500 km, I'm crazy about it. The first thing that will surprise you is the power of the engine when you know this is only a 250cc. You will leave most cars behind you when the stoplight turns green and with a topspeed of 140 km/u you've got everything you need to manage in modern traffic. And at hat speed, wind… Read more

is very heavy, so i feel no need to go any higher... Another ting is that wherever you go with this bike, you will have people coming to you asking questions about it or staring at it intensively. Fun at first, but this could get pretty anoying... Third advantage is comfort. The Suzuki vl 250 offers perfect suspension and the standard saddle offers enough comfort to keep you satisfied. Disadvantage; The bike accelerates great from 0-110 kph (110 in fourth gear), but once shifted to fifth the intruder confesses that she's only a 250, and she'll reach 140, but you'll have to be patient...(accelerating 4 kph per second or something like that). But a 100 is enough to cruise on the highway and leaving the trucks behind you and a 100 that she will reach within ten seconds (impressive). I love the vl 250, she's so damn beautifull.... 2 cylinders, enough power for highway, suspension, general comfort For cruising, not racing!