Suzuki Intruder C800 2016 — Specifications

We remember him, the Suzuki Intruder C800, this Japanese custom that had taken an administrative break to comply with regulations. Its return in 2009 changed nothing about its ethos: it remains this motorcycle that speaks softly, that refuses excess. Faced with competition that is often more eye-catching, it cultivates a discretion almost British, with clean lines and those long skirts that dress the wheels. It does not seek to imitate American style, it offers its own version, restrained and harmonious.

Its engine, an 805 cm3 liquid-cooled V-twin, is an illustration of this philosophy. With 53 horsepower delivered at 6000 rpm and a torque of 69 Nm available very low at 3200 rpm, it does not aim for explosive performance. It offers rather a supple propulsion, a roundness that suits long rides. Transmission by cardan brings this mechanical tranquility, without a chain to maintain, ideal for the globetrotter who wants simplicity. The braking, with a disc at the front and a drum at the rear, is sufficient for the pace of life it imposes, but we would have liked a little more bite, especially with a declared weight of 277 kg fully fueled.

This weight is its main point of friction. In maneuvering, especially at low speed, you feel this mass. The 130/90-16 front tire is not an ally for agility. But the motorcycle redeems itself with perfect ergonomics for its audience. The seat at only 700 mm in height and the well-placed footpegs make this Suzuki Intruder C800 an accessible machine, a custom easy to live with from the first contact. The 15.5-liter tank and the maximum speed around 160 km/h define its territory: national roads, country lanes, not the track or long highway journeys.

For whom? For those looking for an authentic custom without American folklore, for the beginner who wants an imposing but easy-to-handle machine, or for the experienced rider desiring a relaxing weekend motorcycle. Its price, around 8600 euros at the time, placed it in direct competition with machines like the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 or some basic Harley-Davidson models. It then offered a more mechanical alternative, more Japanese in its approach. Today, looking for a used Suzuki Intruder C800 is a good idea to find a reliable and distinct custom. Versions like the Suzuki Intruder C800 Full Black prove that its minimalist style can be further accentuated. And for those who adopt it, Suzuki Intruder C800 accessories allow it to be personalized without denaturing its original character.

It is a motorcycle that is not for everyone. It is too calm for the track rider, not equipped enough for the grand traveler. But for a certain tranquility, for riding with style without attracting all eyes, it remains a unique proposition. A Suzuki Intruder C800 test reveals this personality: it does not impress with the numbers, it seduces with its balance and consistency. Its Suzuki Intruder C800 technical sheet lists classic components, but the whole works with a rare coherence. Ultimately, it is the custom for those who don't like customs that are too loud.