2003 marks a century of motorcycle production for Harley Davidson and there has been a huge increase in the popularity of a style which dates back to the 1930’s. Japan has noticed this desire for cruisers and responded with a huge number of alternative choices. Harley purists argue that the Japanese can’t make "real" cruisers like they do in the old US of A.

Wrong!, the Japanese have had more than enough experience building, of all things, Harley Davidsons. They were quite adept at producing Harleys (under license) prior to the Second World War and, when hostilities started, they stuck their oriental middle finger up at the Yanks and just kept making the things for themselves.

Today, all Japanese brands reproduce the look if not feel of the Harley at, in some cases, half the price of the "real McCoy". In standard trim, they can go faster, run smoother, handle better, are more economical and require less maintenance than their American counterparts.

The Suzuki VL1500 Intruder has been around for a few years now and has collected quite a following. In its base form, it bears a remarkable resemblance to a Harley Fat Boy. The engine configuration is very similar, as is the weight and seat height.

The test bike was an earlier 1998 model with 60,000klms on the clock and optioned up to the hilt with lots of chrome bits, leather panniers and big screen. John and Val Connolly, both reckon it’s more comfortable than John’s previously owned Heritage Softail. I found the VL1500 very responsive, easy to ride, with excellent braking and great vee twin sound. The ride was plush, but not soft, however, it did want to wallow if I pushed it too hard into tight lumpy corners, although it was all very controllable and fun.

Mirror vibration was negligible, while vibration to the feet, bum and hands was indiscernible. The standard Japanese type controls were easy to reach and use, the hydraulic clutch light, and the adjustable leavers make it all user friendly.

The rider seating position was excellent for my 183cm(6ft) frame and still fitted the much shorter J.C. very well. The shift on the 5 speed gearbox was a little "clunky" but not to the same extent as the new Harleys I’ve ridden. Shaft drive makes for a very smooth and quiet transition of power from the grunty engine to the rear wheel.

As with most cruisers, ground clearance is not a strong point, but I found that with practice, I could successfully negotiate tight turns at speed without grinding bits away on the tar. The 2003 model VL1500 price on road is $17,899. By comparison, a non EFI Fat Boy won’t give you much change from 30 grand.

Some earlier models have been known to have some isolated problems, but these can be easily rectified. Suzuki of Newcastle at Broadmeadow know what to look for and are a good place to have any prospective second hand Suzuki cruiser checked out.

The horn could be louder, the rear shock easier to adjust and the under seat 15 litre fuel tank could be larger. I mean, what’s the point of having a bike that you can ride comfortably for hundreds of k’s at a time if the thing needs refuelling every 200klms?

Test Bike is owned by John and Val Connolly, many thanks to them for their invaluable assistance.

J.C. calls his Intruder the Fat Lady, and I guess the debate over "real" cruisers will rage until the aforementioned does in fact sing.

"Hey, is that an opera I can hear?"

May your lid never skid....www.users.hunterlink.net.au/~mbbidp