Suzuki Intruder 1500

In 1998, Suzuki came out with the Suzuki Intruder 1500, also known as the LC 1500. This was a big fat cruiser style motorcycle and unlike anything Suzuki had done before. From 1985 up until the 1500 was released all the models in Suzuki's cruiser line (including all of the intruders, the marauder, and the savage) were lean, mean , and very chopper-esque. While this particular style worked well for the company, they decided it was time for something different.

Enter the LC 1500

When I say "something different" I do not necessarily mean different from everybody else, but rather mean different as a departure from the intruder line. The other members of the Japanese "big four" had had fat, classic style motorcycles in production for several years. Among them, Honda and Kawasaki were leading the classic pack with Yamaha lagging somewhat behind.

The letters in the LC 1500 are a bit of a mystery. To my knowledge, Suzuki has never admitted to what the LC stands for, but many believe it stands for legendary classic or legendary cruiser.
Regardless of the actual designation of LC, to say that this particular cruiser is a classic in its own right would be an understatement.

Size Is Everything

Weighing in at nearly 700 pounds with full tank of gas, the 1500 is an absolute heavyweight and just like a heavyweight champion boxer, this big cruiser is not afraid to flaunt its size. It is large in all aspects from front to rear and side to side. If you are familiar with the Suzuki Intruder and how thin and streamlined that motorcycle is, then just imagine going to the other end of scale and you've got a good idea of the sheer girth of the LC.

While a cruiser this large may appeal to some, others would say that it is just too big. If you have never sat on one, then the seat height of just under 27 inches sounds enticing...until you consider that the seat itself is 16 inches wide! For the short-legged riders (and I myself fit into this category) straddling one of these is akin to straddling a bull. The low and wide handlebars may also prove to be a tad challenging for those with shorter arms (myself included here as well!). However, if you are a bigger person and find that other motorcycles feel almost toy-like, then you definitely owe it to yourself to check out the Suzuki Intruder 1500.