Suzuki VL 1500 Intruder LC / Boulevard C90

Suzuki VL 1500 Intruder LC
Manufacturer Suzuki
Production 1998-2004
Class Cruiser
Engine Air/oil-cooled, 45-degree tandem V-twin
Bore / stroke 1462cc, 96 x 101mm.
Power 67 hp at 4,800 rpm[1]
Torque 114 Nm at 2,300 rpm[1]
Transmission Wet multiplate clutch, 5 speeds
Wheelbase 66.9 in
Dimensions L: 99.4 in
W: 33.3 in. (handlebar)
Weight 669 lb (wet)
Fuel capacity 3.5/4.1 gal
Related Suzuki VL 1400

The VL 1500 Intruder LC was a cruiser motorcycle with a feet-forward riding posture, shaft drive and engine balance shafts made by Suzuki from 1998 to 2004.[2]

After VL production ended with model year 2004, Suzuki replaced the motorcycle in its model range with the 2005 fuel-injected [2] Boulevard C90, which is being produced as of 2013.

VL 1500 Intruder LC

The original Suzuki VL 1500 Intruder LC featured a low 26.7-inch seat height and an underseat 3.5-gallon fuel tank, contributing to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and low speed handling. Its new[1] engine is designed to produce a claimed 67 hp (745 watts) at a low 4,800 rpm and 84 pounds-feet (114 Nm) at 2,300 rpm.[1] In 2002, its front single disc brake was upgraded to dual discs and the bike received a 0.6-gallon larger, 4.1-gallon fuel tank.[3] In 2004, the bike received four-way emergency flasher / high beam passing switch, multi-reflector turn signals, hydraulic valve lash adjusters, hydraulic clutch and a back-torque limiter.[1]

The motorcycle's name combines V referring to its V-twin engine configuration, L referring to its long frame,[3] 1500 referring to the approximate metric displacement of the engine and the LC standing for Legendary Classic.

Production Resumed for the C90 in the 2013 model year

Boulevard C90

Suzuki Boulevard C90
Manufacturer Suzuki
Production 2005-2010,2013-
Predecessor Suzuki VL 1500 Intruder LC
Class Cruiser
Engine Air/oil-cooled, 45-deg. V-twin
Bore / stroke 1462cc, 96.0 x 101mm
Power 66 hp at 4,800 rpm
Torque 115 Nm at 2,800 rpm
Transmission Hydraulic wet clutch,5 speeds
Wheelbase 66.9 in
Dimensions L: 99.4 in.
W: 35.5 in (handlebar)
Weight 721 lb (wet)
Fuel capacity 3.7 gal

In 2005, Suzuki re-branded its lineup of cruisers as its Boulevard series,[2] renaming the VL1500, the Boulevard C90. Aside from a name change, some minor cosmetic changes were also made to the bike, as well as some more drastic mechanical changes including replacing the carburetor with a new multi-hole fuel-injection system that was borrowed from Suzuki's Suzuki GSX-R line of racing bikes. It also added a 32-bit ECU processing chip and a marginally revised 3.7 gallon fuel tank.[4]

The engine’s torque and acceleration were increased by the introduction of the new fuel-injected system, featuring dual throttle valve and auto fast-idle systems. The engine employed Suzuki's proprietary SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders, a race-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating for reduced weight and improved heat transfer, allowing for tighter and more efficient piston-to-cylinder clearance,[5] similar to a Nikasil coating. The engine developed 66 hp at 4,800 rpm and 115 Nm at 2,800 rpm.[1]

References