The Suzuki Intruder has been a long time darling of many fanciers. Indeed, since the inception of the first model in 1985, it has remained a celebrated motorcycle in the new markets and used markets both. Let's find out why.

When a rider longed to have a cruiser in the eighties, he had a slim selection. Essentially, he could go with a Harley-Davidson or go without. Which was great if you were a Harley fan, but what if you wanted a different cruiser?

That was when the Japanese cruiser market came into use.

Once the Japanese manufacturers found out they could make money on the cruiser buying Americans, it didn't take the four major companies any time at all to come out with their own brand of cruiser-style motorcycle. This was superb for those who were not adverse to purchasing something not made in America. For about 50% less money in most cases one could have a fresh new cruiser that was every bit as useful and satisfying as its American analog.

However there was a small issue. Even though the 4 prime Japanese manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) came out with their own models, only Suzuki seemed to get it right on the first try with its VS line. The other manufacturer's cruisers appeared to meld a cruiser style with a street bike practicality, a hodgepodge that most riders found a little on the ugly side. The 1986 VS 700 Intruder, however, was clean, pure cruiser from start to finish.

We'll start by talking about the engine. The Intruder's motor is a 45-degree v-twin with overhead cams. This configuration holds true for the whole Intruder line of cruisers (700vs, 750vs, 800vs, 1400vs). The cooling method for these motorcycles--other than the 1400, which is at the same time oil cooled and air cooled--is by liquid. The tranny utilizes the same case as does the crankshaft. And all the power is transmitted to the rear wheel by a drive shaft in lieu of a chain.

While you can have a cruiser that doesn't have a v-twin, this style of engine is considered the zenith among cruiser admirers.

With the right power plant in place, Suzuki turned its attention not only cruiser comfort, but cruiser style as well.

Starting with the rider's pilot position, Suzuki made sure that the Intruder had a comfortable, low-slung seat with forward positioned (though not extremely forward) foot pegs and forward controls. The handlebars additionally served to both look the cruiser part and put the operator's wrists and hands into casual positions.

With the rider comfortable and set to go, Suzuki did what the other three failed to do: they uncluttered and cleaned-up the complete motorcycle.

All the various cables were either veiled or organized so as not to draw attention to themselves. It was the same with the wiring system. The dash setup, for lack of a better term was not cluttered with instrument gauges and lights that were not needed on these kinds of motorcycles. Only one instrument, a speedometer, and one instrument light box were used. These two things told you everything you had to know from whether the motorcycle was running low on oil to the speed you were traveling.

The forks had a pleasing rake to them. Nearly chopper-like. A good thing because the whole Intruder also embraces this look. From front to back, the Intruder is trim and exhibits practically no surplus fat.

What about the chrome? Have I mentioned the chrome? These cruisers had lots of it but not in the extreme and not to the point of gaudiness, either. Just enough to give the motorcycle some gleam.

Having the proper looks and performance in the bag, it's no wonder that this little cruiser stole the hearts of so many riders over the decades. Oh, and the low price/high value didn't hurt either!

If you're in the market for a new or used cruiser, I think you should take a gander at the Suzuki Intruder motorcycle if you don't already have your eye on one.