Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2013 — Specifications

How much horsepower does the Suzuki C 800 Intruder have? Exactly 53, delivered with an almost disconcerting smoothness by a water-cooled 805 cc 45° V-twin engine. It's a far cry from the raw sensations of an American V-Twin, and that's precisely the approach chosen by this Japanese machine, which appeared in the lineup in 2005, disappeared while adapting to Euro3 regulations, then returned in 2009 without abandoning its philosophy. The Suzuki C 800 Intruder specs confirm a torque figure of 67.7 Nm available from just 4,000 rpm — enough to cruise through city streets or along main roads without ever straining the engine. Fuel injection replaced the carburetors, and a shaft drive handles transmission to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox. No chain to lubricate, no belt to monitor. For relaxed daily use, that's a compelling selling point.

In terms of styling, Suzuki played the understated card. The steel double-cradle frame carries wraparound fenders, tastefully measured chrome accents, and an LED taillight that modernizes the whole package without undermining the classic design. The speedometer integrated into the tank adds a welcome touch of character. Compared to a Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star — lighter but less powerful — or a Honda VT 750 Shadow with a similar footprint, the C 800 stands out through a visual balance that Suzuki clearly refined. Two-tone versions feature cast alloy wheels, while the all-black livery retains spoked rims — a detail that lets riders customize the look to suit their taste.

The downside comes with a number: 277 kg wet weight. That's heavy, especially for a displacement that doesn't exceed 160 km/h at top speed. The 130/90-16 front tire, wide for the category, further weighs down the steering through tight sequences of turns. At low speed, parking maneuvers require a degree of forethought. Braking, handled by a single 300 mm disc up front and a drum at the rear, gets the job done without enthusiasm. A twin-disc setup — or at least a four-piston caliper — would have been welcome to compensate for the mass. In 2013, even on an entry-level cruiser, it falls a little short.

That said, the Suzuki C 800 Intruder knows how to welcome its rider. The seat, perched just 700 mm off the ground, reassures shorter riders, while the forward-mounted floorboards set up a relaxed position with legs slightly extended. The 15.5-liter tank provides decent range without turning every outing into a hunt for the next gas station. For a rider looking for an accessible cruiser that's easy to live with daily and capable of swallowing back roads on weekends without fatigue, the package holds up. It pairs well with an A2 license, and Suzuki C 800 Intruder owners from 2012 or 2018 confirm this versatility year after year.

Listed at €8,899 when new, it now trades at much softer prices on the used Suzuki C 800 Intruder market, often between €3,500 and €5,500 depending on mileage and condition. At that price, it's hard to find a cruiser as well finished and as easy to maintain thanks to its shaft drive. It will never shake the pavement or turn heads at a red light, but it's an honest machine, designed for riding without overcomplicating life. A solid choice for anyone who prefers understated pleasure over a show of force.