24th Oct 2007, 23:09
No, I'm sure the tapping is coming from the motor not the gas cap... The gas cap rattles, the motor taps...
18th Jul 2008, 13:00
As a fellow that has owned and maintained myself since I purchased new in 1996, and have put only 60,000 KM on, I have experienced all kinds of noise. The headlight had a rattle until I installed a shade on it, gas cap rattled until I cut and installed a 3mm felt pad under it, gas tank recently developed loud rattle at certain RPM's, sounded like bike was going to explode, replaced all the rubbers under it; solved the problem...
I have built and installed a terminal extender for the battery, which is basically a large 85 amp, 300 volt diode connected to the positive terminal and mounted with a plastic mount and an aluminum terminal to charge and or jump start the old girl... I have also built and installed on the front signal lights a small set of halogen running lamps, and a separate switch wired to the accessory fuse, however do not use the accessory fused ground terminal, as it is attached to the foot stand relay and will shut off the motor when switched on, use a frame ground to solve problem.
Aside from brake pads, tires and a new battery in 2002, the old girl runs strong and and looks fantastic...
Hope these comments can help you...Bob.
19th Aug 2008, 14:01
After cleaning and balancing the carburettors, checking all electrical components with a multi-meter, my Suzuki VS1400 will not reach above 50 mph. After this speed it will not accept any more throttle and begins to sound confused, either the timing feels out or the rev limiter is kicking in. I've had the CDI checked by circuit board technician and it is OK. The only fault I have found is the decompresser relay doesn't check out to the spec in the manual. Any ideas of what is the matter? Thanks.
21st Sep 2008, 11:46
I have the same bike, exactly the same symptoms. Have changed all the relays, only difference is the fuel pump does not run. Going to try a new CDI from www.ignitech.cz when they return my email. What's your outcome? Thanks, Lee.
29th Apr 2009, 02:58
1996 VS1400 gas cap rattle fix: Disassemble gas cap and remove steel bearing that acts as a fuel shut-off if bike is tipped. You're removing a safety precaution, yes, but you'll fix half the rattling.
For the other half of the rattling, take a sandwich baggie and cut to slightly larger than the hole where the lock itself goes into the cap. About the size of a quarter. The insert baggie into hole and then place lock into hole. You'll need a needle or wood screw to punch through the baggie so that the screws that hold the lock to the gas cap will thread. Then tighten down. Check for rattle (or lack thereof). MAKE SURE LOCK BOLTS RETRACT WHEN TURNING KEY IN GAS CAP BEFORE REINSERTING CAP INTO TANK. Don't want to insert the cap onto the tank, then find you can never get it off again.
16th Nov 2009, 18:16
Premium burns too slow. My mechanic said, "don't put premium in this (S83), only regular".
Spitz.
24th Jul 2010, 17:59
I am buying an 04 Intruder in a couple of days. What is the deal with the oil cooled engine? Is there any sort of over heat on a long trip? I really can't find any info.
20th Apr 2011, 22:12
No problems with overheating, but best to keep moving. Don't hang around in long traffic jams.
15th May 2011, 06:55
Just bought a 99, no problems on the highway, but I was stuck in traffic for 1/2 an hour the other day and she died... let it cool down and there seemed to be no problem. My previous bike was air cooled, and this never happened.
22nd May 2011, 03:47
I bought a 2007 S-83, new but a year old. Old gas had the carbs plugged, the dealer cleaned the carbs, runs nice, only get around 37 mpg, I was told around 50 mpg.
While taking off, the clutch will abruptly finish engaging itself, I have less than 4000 miles on it, and have needed front and rear brake pads replaced, no other problems, reasonably happy with it.
23rd May 2011, 07:25
I just bought an Intruder that was in a garage since 2007. I was considering getting the carbs done, but am concerned about the cost. What did you pay?
23rd May 2011, 07:37
Hello Bob, I just bought a 99, and am having a hell of a time trying to find service info. Even the Clymer is not very complete. The carbs look like a nightmare to get out, is it as bad as it looks? Also, the fuel shut off under the tank, which way is on? Mine seemed to run dry all the way to the right. Should the screw be straight up and down?
Thanx, Rob
5th Sep 2011, 22:10
Dropped my Intruder 1400, does anyone know where the tip over safety is located? Or any other ideas; it won't start.
10th Mar 2013, 23:27
Under the tank, just one click, have all fluids changed and get a smaller bike.
7th Dec 2013, 03:51
Bought a 2006 S83, had 3000 km on the clock, great looking bike, a ton of in-line power.
Now the negatives:
The pillion seat is not liked by my lady; her knees end up scrunched up too high and long trips were a problem.
This bike does not handle, on every corner I was fighting those long forks and that narrow front wheel.
Gas tank is tiny and trips had to be well planned to find gas stations along the way. The bike ran out of gas on the highway at speed and there is no way you can fiddle around under your left leg to put it on reserve while you are trying to find neutral.
I loved my S83, the look, the sound and its old school twin carbs and spoked wheel look, but seriously it did not handle well and I was beginning to think it was my riding style, but I have since spoken to many ex Intruder/S83 riders and they told me the same thing... if you love your S83, great, but it just didn't do it for me.
25th Jun 2015, 12:24
Hi there, I have a VS1400 Intruder trike, and I've got a loud whirring noise coming from the engine. I've removed the engine because I thought it was the front drive. The mechanic says it's not, so I've brought it home again because they say check drive shaft. I've noticed some rubbing and iron filings. Can anyone please help, because I feel like I'm trying to flog a three legged horse.
Tracey.
19th Mar 2017, 15:13
I have owned two air cooled motorcycles, both with oil coolers, and have never had a problem with overheating. A Yamaha FJ600 in California and a Suzuki Intruder 1400 in Illinois. In hot climates I'd probably look to go water cooled for stop and go rush hour traffic such as Phoenix or South Texas, but only then.
11th May 2017, 18:28
I just bought myself a 96 Intruder 1400, and the dealer said $600 to do the carbs. I found a cheap way with Seafoam:
1. Empty your tank.
2. Fill with a can of Seafoam.
3. Disconnect your plugs and reconnect the gas tank.
4. Turn over till fuel bowls are filled with Seafoam and let it sit overnight.
5. Drain your carbs and put in a full tank of premium and presto, a cheap and easy carb clean if they aren't too bad to begin with.
7th Aug 2020, 10:20
I just bought a 96 VS1400 Intruder, my first one. The guy I got it from said he was riding it and decided to paint it, so he took the fenders off etc. Well I can't get it to fire and I've checked everything. The boost sensor is missing; will the bike run without the boost sensor on it?
13th Oct 2007, 09:07
These bikes are known for the little steel ball in the gas cap used for venting, to rattle at different times and it can sound like a ping!