Suzuki Intruder 250LC

As the Beach Boys once sung "it’s not a big motorcycle", but this groovy little motorbike certainly has a lot of personality.

Sitting at the entry-level end of the Suzuki cruiser range, the Intruder 250LC (coded as VL250K7 for those of you playing at home) offers classic retro looks with LAMS approved rideability, and is a great proposition for both the young and young at heart.

Sure, the Intruder isn’t going to set the world on fire with its performance - offering just 18kW/23Nm it’s certainly not going to get you booked - but in saying that, it’ll more than happily keep with fast flowing traffic while still having enough in reserve to get you out of trouble.

Best of all, that V-twin engine note (as subdued as it is) does bring a lot of character to the already gleaming Harley’ look-a-like, and gives what Suzuki says is "the pulsing rhythm of a thumping V-twin" through a large, sweeping chrome-plated muffler.

At highway speeds there’s a little love-buzz (vibration) through the forward-set foot pegs, but otherwise the classic low-slung riding position is comfortable, relaxed and the seat well-padded. Sitting only 685mm from the ground the low seat height means that even novice riders will feel at ease when negotiating two wheels for the first time.

The bike feels light, weighing in at only 143kg, and with such a low centre of gravity is easy to manoeuvre both in traffic, and in the garage.

In fact the only real issue with the bike’s balance is light steering feel (and a lowered ride height) when riding two-up. Standard ground clearance is 150mm. The pillion seat can be removed to eliminate the issue (or the temptation), and to also expose the glossy rear fender, further adding to that classic cruiser look.

Although it’s been around for the best part of a decade, the Intruder is still a handsome bike. There’s plenty of chrome - perfect for practising your ‘wax-on, wax-off’ technique - an uncluttered array of controls, traditionally-styled spoked wheels and a large five-litre under-seat storage compartment.

On the road the longer 1520mm wheelbase and 31-degree rake will certainly help inspire confidence in newer riders, as the bike very easy and very forgiving, even when encountering messy mid-corner lumps and bumps on sub-par rural roads. Similarly the suspension does a great job of soaking up all but the biggest craters -- though heavier riders may find the Intruder “bottoms out” through particularly choppy cantons.

Braking comes complements of a single piston calliper grabbing a single, solid 275mm disc up front. The braking action is easy with a smooth feel, the lever offering four levels of adjustment. Up back, a drum brake provides ample performance, though unlike all other controls on the bike, its foot-operated action is a little stiff and long of reach.

The only other negative encountered on our week-long test was a propensity for a few coughs and splatters when rolling off and quickly back on the throttle. The carburettor-fed engine perhaps not fine-tuned for cold Victorian winters, a trait again highlighted by the extended period through which the choke was required.

Warmed-up though, the engine is quite tenacious (for its size), spinning freely and happily to the top of its rev range. Fuel economy through a 50:50 mix of city and highway riding, returned an average of 4.8L/100km; not bad for such a fresh engine.

Familiarising yourself with the functionality of the bike is pretty straight-forward, though the ignition barrel placement (under your left thigh) and separate steering lock (located on the right-hand side of the yoke beneath the headlamp) may catch out beginners.

Indicator, horn, headlamp and starter switches, all within a thumb’s reach, are in the usual spot while mirror placement is excellent with a clear view of the traffic behind you.

So whether you’re a Fonzi wannabe, a miniature Arnie or you just prefer a relaxed, dependable ride that won’t break the bank, the Intruder is definitely one for the list.

SPECS: SUZUKI VL250K7

ENGINE
Type: Air-cooled, SOHC, 6-valve, 65-degree vee-twin
Capacity: 248cc
Bore x stroke: 52.0mm x 58.5mm
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel system: Carburettor

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 17.9kW @ 8500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 23.0Nm @ 6000rpm

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