SUZUKI
WHEN SUZUKI SPOKESmen say they have big news for 1987, they mean it: Their main attraction next year will be the grandiose Intruder 1400 V-Twin, which should hit the streets sometime in December. Suzuki had hoped that, at 1360cc, the big Intruder would earn the title of the largest-displacement production motorcycle built outside of Brazil (only the 1600cc Amazonas is bigger); but because Kawasaki will also be releasing its own monster V-Twin probably in Febru-
ary, the Intruder will hold that distinction for a short time. We had a chance to take a day-long ride on a pre-production 1400 Intruder during the bike’s press introduction, and the accompanying riding impression touches upon more details concerning this earth-shaker.
Aside from the new Intruder, though, Suzuki’s 1987 lineup is less than startling. Most 1986 models return with new paint and trim, and few other changes. An exception is the GSX-R750, which receives engine changes to improve mid-range
power, and a much-improved rear shock absorber. More dramatic are the refinements to the RM 125 and RM250, which include almost completely revised engines and suspensions.
All in all, Suzuki’s 1987 model lineup highlights the company’s strategy of offering strong models in a few select categories instead of trying to have some sort of model in every possible category. With the introduction of the 1400 Intruder, Suzuki certainly has completed its cruiser range in the strongest possible way.
