Suzuki Cavalcade LX

Got this bike from my father a few years back. He was always raving about how great it was but I never really thought about as I had been told I could not ride any more due to health issues. Finally he made me take it away saying he could no longer get on it due to his failing health. Due to no one riding it and ethanol sitting in the tank it would barely run when I got it. After a little maintenance and repair it is running great. Got it with 32,000 miles on it, it now has 55,000. I rode it to work today as I do almost everyday. The air ride has made the difference for me, this is the most comfortable thing I own.

This machine was just purchased and I've put several hundred miles on her already, and all I can say is WOW! Too bad Suzuki only made this killer King of Tourers for 3 years. Everything works on this bike except the cruise control, and I discovered the clutch lever switch has failed, which caused that problem, a cheap and easy fix. For a 30 year old machine, it's in unbelievable condition, with fantastic paint, excellent vinyl seats, and minimal wear and tire on the big bike overall. With more standard features and accessories than anything else made at the time, and the biggest, most powerful engine, this huge tourer puts not only the rider, put just as importantly, the passenger in cushy luxury. Three inflatable air cushions are in the seat and backrest for her, as well as an adjustable backrest and floorboards. Arm rests in just the right position and a three way adjustable headrest with fabric lining, as well as rear speakers give that girl everyhting she could want! But there's even more: on top of either saddlebag lid are magnetically closed storage compartments and a vanity mirror with a light in the trunk! She gets to control the radio and her air cushions from the rear seat too.

The wife and I literally float over the worst road bumps and potholes on this machine on TWO layers of air: one in the automatic load-levelling suspension, and the other in the seats. NOTHING I've ever ridden has provided such a soft, comfortable ride. Even the adjustable handlebars are rubber mounted, removing all traces of shock when hitting raod bumps. The rider gets adjustable footpegs, a huge windshield on top of a gigantic fairing, two sets of fairing lowers, heat vents for the legs, chrome footrests in front of the footpegs, handlebar mounted cruise and radio controls, and a killer radio/cassette system by Clarion with 20 watts. It's loud and clean as well. There's maintenance free valves, shaft drive of course, and liquid cooling, triple disc brakes, 1360cc of V-4 power with 112 horses, plenty of extra lighting all around, cornering lights, self cancelling turn signals, and HUGE twin tail lights like a CAR. This massive super tourer is heavy, but I find it not unbearable, and it handles well at low speed in spite of other comments to the contrary. There's more to tell, but I gotta go for a ride now! God bless!

I've owned my Cavalcade for about 15 years. It is a great motorcycle. I've taken this bike all over the eastern US from the U.P. of Michigan to the Dragon, Blue Ridge Parkway to up state New York, New Hampshire, Vermont & Maine. This bike is made to be ridden and to put the miles on. It is very comfortable on long days with its air adjustable ride, cruise control, 1400 CC's of smooth power, adjustable foot pegs for rider and passenger and adjustable trunk/back rest for the passenger. It's a well thought out bike that was made to compete with the Goldwing of it's day. You do need to be careful with tight cornering at low speed as it is a very heavy bike.

One main drawback is maintenance. Owning one of these requires you to be able to work on it yourself but outside of basic maintenance i.e. oil changes & tires, little ever needs to be done. The motor on the Cavalcade is solid as they come.

I really like my Cavalcade and have no plans on making a change anytime soon.

I bought a 86 Cavalcade LXE from a older gentleman down the street. Last summer he was asking $3500 but had no interest in the bike even though it was an attractive bike.

Couple months ago he hit me up again and said he needed to sell it for he was buying a lake home up north. When he said he would sell it for $2500 I was able to afford it. Drove it couple times and felt good. Biggest bike I'd ever owned was a 88 kaw 750 street bike. Everything on the bike works and tires have alot of tread but 10 yrs old, with no weather cracking.

When I turn slow sharp turns something in the fork, steering area shakes a little. Can anyone tell me what this may be. I am guessing something should be greased or replaced? Any answers let me know.

The bike has 29,000 orig miles and looks and drive well. Was $2000 a reasonable price to pay? The original owner sprayed ether somewhere in a small hole leading to carb i believe to get it started. He said that was due to being only 48 degrees outside? It starts every time for me without ether. Seems like a easy riding hog to me.

I am the happy and proud owner of a 1987 Cade LXE. With only 52,000 miles on the clock when I bought it in June, it still has years of life left. With all the goodies that Suzuki managed to shoehorn into the LXE there was little left to improve on... but previous owners did their best. A beautiful 2 tone black and silver paint job, highlighted with red cross-hatch pin-striping has people stopping me all the time. Some say they are sent back in time and are amazed at the bike's appearance and condition. At a recent bike festival I was somewhat taken aback by the notice the crowd took of my Cade when there were so many custom bikes to be amazed about. Anyway, you get the idea. The last concessions were an LED rear brake light strip, a purchase of an adapter for the radio allowing MP3 player usage and a bright, white LED strip for the front end following the curve of the windshield. I am a little obsessed about safety so I wear Joe Rocket gear in neon yellow, neon Eco brand full face helmet... but a major addition in the name of safety was a Screaming Banshee horn system. It has saved my bacon 4 times in 2 months... check it out on Youtube!

The bike is HEAVY and if you are an older rider with symptoms of arthritis etc., you may think twice about the Cade. On the highway it handles like a cat and has plenty of get up and go but at slow or at idle speed you have to be totally attentive as the weight wants to take a bite out of you and it can and will, if you let it. Parts availability is a problem so be prepared to surf the 'net while you look for that one piece holding you back from a run. Cavalcade USA is the mecca when you need help or want to locate other owners for events. Pay particular attention to the electrical load you place on this bike. Too many lights or accessories put the stator under stress and they will burn out... for lights, think LED.

I have averaged 46 MPG (Imperial mileage) and I have not had any issues over 1600 miles. Regular checks of the vital organs and liquids will keep you safe. Remember, these are Classic Ladies and deserve TLC. If anyone would like a pic of my bike just e-mail me at [email protected] and I would likewise enjoy seeing your mount. Ride Safe!

I bought my 87 calvacade off internet it was listed for a very low price of 1500.00 I was very reluctent to

to contact owner because of this. I didn't know anything about this machine and it had been 25yrs. since

I had rode any motorcycle. I reserched the net about the cade and was supprised at what Ifound all

possitive reviews. Ithen contacted owner we met and I rode the beast very shakey at first cade was big

bulkey and took some getting used to. I had to make about a 130mi. ride home after i bought it,

I gave 1100.00 dollars for my cade' needing tires'but all comp. worked radio,cruise,ect. bikr had 36,000

on it. I have owned since sept. 2012, L lost my youngest som nov. 2011, this bike has been the best

thing for me to clear my head when I need too.I love this machine and have turned down twice my investment more than once. This is just what a 65yr. old griving father needs at this point of my life

as my son would say RIDE TO LIVE LIVE TO RIDE.

Thank you

C.D.

Gadsden,Ala.

I bought my first Suzuki Cavalcade LX in 85. Still riding it today because i can't find anything better. Have over 100,00 miles on it with just regular normal upkeep & it is running like new !!! This bike is so good I just bought an 87 LXE that I found in Ohio just to have another Cavalcade. You will not go wrong with a Cavalcade. I have been riding for over 40 years & it is without question the best bike I have ever owned. I generally travel two up & haul a trailer. Do long distances. I wish Suzuki would bring this bike back, I would buy another one in a heartbeat !!

Great power, very smooth, and handles very well. Many standard features including electronic cruse control, AM/FM radio, intercom, auto leveling, 3 way air adjustable passenger seat, large trunk and saddle bags. A great long distance touring bike. Just wish Suzuki would bring this bike back. I would be the first buyer of a new one.

You can't go wrong with this bike if you have a knack for mechanical things. Due to it's age, many dealers won't work on them. All in all, the best touring bike ever built.