Opinions please, Suzuki VL250

[KelvinAng]

I thought they're pretty good bikes (at least on paper, but I don't really know very much about bikes). Nothing on TardMe except dealer advertisements, and few people discuss these bikes here. So just wondering... are they so good that nobody is willing to sell them, or are they so bad nobody's buying? Or... am I in the wrong forum?

Yeah I know everyone has different opinions but I've love to hear them all...

[Rosso]

Gidday KelvinAng,
I have just joined the Forum and noticed your query on the above.
I purchased a Suzuki VL 250 Intruder last November and have had a great run out of it so far, after a lot of looking around at various bikes ,it was the one that stood out and was the most comfortable to ride, they look great and sound like a bigger bike. I havn,t owned a bike for quite a few years and felt it was wiser too start off again with a smaller machine.
Your right about not seeing too many on Trademe ,I guess I was lucky and picked this one up and all the riding gear for $1000 bucks cheaoer than the dealer had on it, it had done 1100K.
No doubt I will upgrade in a year or so , as you do
Cheers
Rosso

[Edbear]

The two best 250 cruisers on the market are the Suzuki and the Yamaha, closely followed by the Hyosung.

It would be a toss up between the Suz and the Yam, but mainly would depend on brand preference. It is possible that if you're tall the VL would be a better fit. You can't really go wrong with either, though I was disappointed that Suzuki saw fit to change the dual exhausts to a single muffler. Doesn't look as good IMO, though again, others may disagree.

Both have excellent build quality and are virtually bulletproof.

[Edbear]

Oh PS. Welcome both of you to KB!

[1 Free Man]

where do I start?????
I have had my Intruder since the weekend before Easter. As of 6.00pm today I have clocked up 3908 km. I have never owned or ridden a road bike in my life (I'm 54). I have found it so easy to get along with. For a first timers bike I would say you wont go past it. The only thing that I have an issue with is the seat is too soft and when the air goes out of it you end up sitting on the plastic part under the foam. I am having the seat re-done Tuesday by MCDONALD MOTOR TRIMMERS in Tauranga.
I dont think you will find an INTRUDER on the market 2nd hand just yet. As I understand it the VL250 INTRUDER have only been coming into the country since last year.
I can't compare with any other bike but as far as BANG FOR YOUR BUCKS goes I don't think you can go wrong. $6380 brand new on the road with full warranty.
I looked at the HYOSUNG(sp) as well as they are a little cheaper, about a grand I think, but went for the Suzuki because I just liked the look of it.
Next step for me will probably be a C50T BOULEVARD.

[damo]

VL250 is a great bike. There are some 2nd hand ones around, however do a proper check on the vin and frame serial numbers if you buy one.

cos mine was stolen and I'd hate for someone to buy it unawares hahaa

[Edbear]

...Next step for me will probably be a C50T BOULEVARD.

Well of course I couldn't possibly comment...

[KelvinAng]

Thanks guys for sharing your opinion. I didn't know the VL250 is new in NZ, so that might explain why it's quite rare on the 2nd hand market... I like the look and sound of it, plus $6000+ brand new seems like quite a good deal for a bike this good on paper. If I recall correctly the Yamaha one cost quite a bit more.

Is there anything about this bike that you guys wish it had or is different? I do agree the twin exhaust would have look way cooler, and possibly removed to keep cost low I guess.

[woodboats]

Excellent bike.
Before my wife upgraded to her 650 V Star she had the 250 Intruder.
Plenty of power for what it is, good handling and can go all day at 100-110.
You do have a bit more if needed but for road travel those are acceptable speeds.
I used to love taking it for a ride, lots of fun.
We ended up putting saddle bags and luggage rack on for touring.
At the time I felt the Intruder was the better bike for cost as compared to the Yamaha. Don't get me wrong, the 250 Yamaha is also a good bike but cost wise it I would look at the Intruder.

[duckonin]

250 VL has been around for a few years now with the two into one single exhaust...Great little bikes cheap to run with a lot of go in them, not many second hand ones around for those reasons..they were $8000 plus ORC a few years back...Great buying load one up easy to ride Auk Welly and back no prob, but do stay well to the left of the center line.....IDGITS coming toward you want you side also..

[Metalor]

Well, if I had the choice on any 250 to ride I'd probably ride the VL... nicest looking 250 in my opinon! Sadly, money is a bit of a problem for me :P

[KelvinAng]

Excellent bike.
Before my wife upgraded to her 650 V Star she had the 250 Intruder.
Plenty of power for what it is, good handling and can go all day at 100-110.
You do have a bit more if needed but for road travel those are acceptable speeds.
I used to love taking it for a ride, lots of fun.
We ended up putting saddle bags and luggage rack on for touring.
At the time I felt the Intruder was the better bike for cost as compared to the Yamaha. Don't get me wrong, the 250 Yamaha is also a good bike but cost wise it I would look at the Intruder.

I've always been wondering how the VL250 would perform as a touring bike. Do you remember how much does installing the saddle bags and luggage rack cost you?

[KelvinAng]

Well, if I had the choice on any 250 to ride I'd probably ride the VL... nicest looking 250 in my opinon! Sadly, money is a bit of a problem for me :P

Money is a problem for most people! :-) Actually I also question myself many times the logic of spending so much on a 250 because I know sometime in the near future I'm bound to get my Full and then will want to sell this and get a larger bike.

But the VL250 is such a beauty and it doesn't pop up used too often...

[1 Free Man]

I've always been wondering how the VL250 would perform as a touring bike. Do you remember how much does installing the saddle bags and luggage rack cost you?

hi there
I have, 3 weeks ago, bought Pannier bags and support bars for my INTRUDER.
As usual I cant find the F**k'n invoice. I think they cost me $650 all up. The intruder bags are small but better than nothing. They are well made with SUZUKI imprinted on the front of them. The down side of them is the crap way which you secure them to the bike. They supply a length of leather lace to cut in half and tie the bags to the support bars. I am takinng them to the uphostery guys to see if they can come up with a better idea. I'm thinking velcro or something like that. I could see the leather tie coming loose after a while on the road and the things flying off.
I am taking the bags in tomorrow when I get my seat re-done. Watch this space and I'll keep you up with the play.
As WOODBOATS said the INTRUDER cruise's at 100-110 sweet as. Would do it all day I think

[woodboats]

We used the Venture luggage rack (approx $225) and saddle bags from Trade Me $185.
With one up you can carry any amount of luggage with that set up.
Have ridden 2 up a few times and is fine for short trips, no real problem for the bike but it is only a 250 so have to keep that in mind with 2 up.

The darn little thing always got more attention than my bike! Not many folks believed it was only a 250 due to the nice cruiser design. Of course another bonus is with the low seat it is easy to keep your feet flat when stopping.