Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2016 — Specifications

Who still remembers the days when Suzuki offered an accessible custom without falling into the caricature of the beefed-up American cruiser? The Suzuki C 800 Intruder has occupied this niche for years — the Japanese-style custom that doesn't try to overdo it. Back in the catalog in 2009 after a hiatus due to emissions regulations, this 2016 version carries on a simple, well-honed formula. A 45° V-twin displacing 805 cc, liquid-cooled, delivering 53 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and, more importantly, 67.7 Nm of torque available from just 4,000 rpm. Nothing earth-shattering on paper, but that's precisely the point: riding easy, stress-free, with a flexible engine that responds well in the mid-range.

Style-wise, the C 800 Intruder plays the understated elegance card. Its lines are smooth, well-proportioned, with wraparound fenders dressing the 16 and 15-inch wheels. The LED taillight and the instrument cluster integrated into the tank add a touch of modernity without compromising the overall look. Chrome is present without turning into a Christmas tree. This is a far cry from the flashy boulevard cruiser, and that's a good thing. For those wanting more muscle, Suzuki offered the M 800 cousin, far more extroverted. Here, the watchword remains restraint.

The spec sheet of the Suzuki C 800 Intruder reveals a steel double-cradle frame, a 41 mm inverted fork with 140 mm of travel, and a rear mono-shock. Braking combines a 300 mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper and a rear drum. A classic choice in this segment, even though a disc on both wheels would have been appreciated given the machine's weight. And that's where the shoe pinches: 277 kg wet weight is heavy. Very heavy for an 800 cc. By comparison, a Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star offers more displacement at a similar weight, and a Kawasaki VN 800 Classic was already lighter in its day. This excess weight, combined with a rather wide 130/90 front tire for a custom of this size, clearly hampers low-speed maneuverability and parking lot maneuvers.

The Suzuki C 800 Intruder redeems itself with rider comfort. With a seat perched just 700 mm off the ground and long floorboards, it inspires confidence immediately. Shorter riders will plant both feet flat without hesitation. The shaft drive eliminates chain maintenance — a real everyday convenience — and the five-speed gearbox is more than adequate for a machine topping out at 160 km/h. The 15.5-liter tank allows decent range without being generous: you'll need to keep an eye on the gauge on longer rides.

How much horsepower does the Suzuki C 800 Intruder have, and more importantly, is it enough? With 53 hp, it doesn't claim to rival the big American twins, but that's not its calling. It's aimed at riders who enjoy leisurely cruises, motorcyclists looking for a custom with character for weekend rides or the daily commute without breaking the bank. Priced at 8,599 euros new, it remains competitive against Japanese rivals in the segment. For those eyeing a used Suzuki C 800 Intruder, model years 2012 to 2018 are readily available on the second-hand market, and the engine is known for its reliability. An unpretentious machine that fully embraces its role as a peaceful custom — provided you accept its extra bulk.