The VS700 and VS750 are the same motorcycle at two displacements, produced back-to-back as Suzuki navigated a US import tariff situation. The VS700 launched in 1985 at 699cc specifically to stay under a threatened 700cc import duty threshold; when that threshold was set at 750cc instead, Suzuki bumped displacement to 747cc and sold it as the VS750 from 1985 through 1991. From 1992 the engine was bored again to 805cc to become the VS800. Mechanically the VS700, VS750, and VS800 are closely related -- the same basic water-cooled 45-degree V-twin architecture, shaft drive, and chassis layout across all three. Sun Coast stocks salvage parts from VS700 and VS750 donors, each photographed and cataloged individually before shipping from Florida.
VS700 / VS750 generation and parts compatibility
| Model | Years | Displacement | Key differences |
|---|
| VS700 Intruder | 1985-1987 | 699cc | 19-inch front wheel (1985-1987); produced to avoid import tariff |
| VS750 Intruder | 1985-1991 | 747cc | Front wheel grew to 21-inch for 1989; 5-speed throughout |
The front wheel change from 19 to 21 inches on the VS750 in 1989 is the primary parts break within this family. Both the 19-inch and 21-inch spoked front wheels from the VS700/VS750 are documented to fit the VS1400/S83 as well, per Wikipedia's Suzuki Intruder entry. Engine internals, carburetors, shaft drive, and chassis components cross freely between VS700 and VS750. The VS800 (1992+) replaced the VS750 and is mechanically similar -- many wear items cross between VS750 and VS800, though bodywork and some chassis dimensions differ. The VX800 sport-standard (1990-1993) used the same 805cc engine in a completely different sport-naked chassis; engines can be swapped but nothing else transfers between VS750 and VX800.
Common VS700 / VS750 failure points and replacement parts
Carburetor varnish and age degradation: All VS700 and VS750 bikes are now 35-40 years old. Carb boots, float bowl gaskets, and accelerator pump diaphragms are age-sensitive rubber components that fail regardless of mileage. Any used VS700 or VS750 should have both carburetors fully disassembled and inspected before attempting to run. Ethanol in modern pump fuel accelerates diaphragm failure on bikes stored with fuel in the bowls.
Cam chain tensioner noise: The hydraulic cam chain tensioner on the VS-series V-twin is a documented wear item across the entire VS family. Cam chain rattle at idle, particularly on cold startup, indicates a worn tensioner or stretched chain. On a 35+ year-old bike, the tensioner should be inspected as a baseline maintenance step on any acquisition.
Rear shock wear and shaft drive lash: Forum threads on intruderalert.ca and the broader VS-owner community document rear shock wear as common on higher-mileage VS700/VS750 bikes. The shaft drive develops lash with age and missed fluid changes -- clunking on gear engagement or during corner throttle transitions is the indicator. Shaft drive fluid should be changed immediately on any used example with unknown history.
Electrical system age: 35-40 year-old wiring harnesses, connectors, and rubber insulation are at end-of-life on most VS700/VS750 survivors. Ground strap corrosion causes intermittent electrical faults. Stator and rectifier/regulator failures are also age-related on these bikes.
Commonly replaced VS700 / VS750 parts
- Carburetors, carb boots, and accelerator pump diaphragms
- Cam chain and tensioner
- Rear shock absorbers
- Shaft drive and final drive housing
- Front and rear wheels (spoked)
- Stator and rectifier/regulator
- Fork seals
- Seat
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will VS750 parts fit a VS800 Intruder
Many wear items and engine components cross between the VS750 and VS800, as the two bikes share the same basic architecture. Bodywork, some chassis components, and wheels may not cross directly due to dimensional differences introduced when the VS800 replaced the VS750 for 1992. When sourcing from a VS750 donor for a VS800 build or repair, verify fitment by cross-referencing part numbers.
Q: What is the difference between a VS700 and VS750
The VS700 and VS750 are the same motorcycle at different displacements. The VS700 (699cc) was produced from 1985 specifically to stay under a US import tariff limit; when that limit was set at 750cc, Suzuki introduced the 747cc VS750. Both use the same basic engine design, chassis, and shaft drive. The VS700 and VS750 can share most mechanical parts, with the 1989 front wheel size change (19-inch to 21-inch on the VS750) being the main fitment variable.
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