The smaller version was designed to be small enough to escape the projected 45% US import tariff on imported bikes, while the larger version was designed to take on the Harley 1340cc Evolution models as well as Japanese bikes like the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500.

The model would continue in this form until 2004, with the only change of note being that Suzuki started painting the engine black in 1999.

Other changes to the VS800 included straighter bars with longer risers; the addition of four-way flashers; a one-piece seat; smaller turn signals; the deletion of the sissy bar; and the addition of a plastic fake air cleaner on the side of the engine (to hold the tool kit formerly stored in the sissy bar).

The exception is that fake air cleaner, which screws into threaded holes in blocks cast into the cooling fins on the cylinders, which the Intruder 800 did not have.

The VS1400 and LC1500 Intruders used single disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels.

In 1990 a MAP boost sensor was added to the VS1400 model to increase highway mileage.