Suzuki M 800 INTRUDER 2011 — Specifications

Are you looking for the look of an American muscle bike, but without the constraints of a 300 kg behemoth with 80 horsepower? Suzuki thought of you with the M 800 Intruder. This machine, often found today as a used model, like the Suzuki M 800 Intruder 2005 version, offers an ingenious formula: it borrows the frame and aggressive silhouette of its big brother, the 1800, but with a much more affordable engine. The result is a custom that makes an impression on the street without requiring the arms of a weightlifter to maneuver it.

At its heart is a 45° V-twin engine with 805 cc, announcing 53 horsepower and a torque of 64.7 Nm available very low, around 3200 rpm. These figures will not impress performance enthusiasts, but they clearly define the role of this motorcycle. It is made to ride with style, not to pulverize lap times. Shaft drive transmission adds to this calm and practical character, avoiding the maintenance concerns of a chain. With a wet weight of 269 kg and a seat at only 700 mm, the Intruder is welcoming, even for beginners or those who prefer a stress-free ride.

Aesthetically, Suzuki has done well. The 41 mm inverted fork, the encapsulated headlight, and the generous applications of chrome give an undeniable visual presence. The classic but effective steel tube double cradle frame supports specific 16 and 15 inch wheels that anchor the motorcycle in its genre. However, some technical choices are questionable. The rear brake remains a drum, an archaic solution on a machine of this category and of its original price, nearly 8500 euros. And with only 15.5 liters under the seat, long journeys will require particular attention to gas stations.

Compared to its contemporaries, such as some Honda or Yamaha customs with equivalent power, the Suzuki M 800 Intruder stands out with its more massive design and its "muscled" attitude with less effort. It does not rival the finesse of a Boulevard, but it offers a unique alternative: the look of a large custom for the maneuverability of a mid-size. It is the perfect motorcycle for those who want to impress at the local café or for a relaxing Sunday ride, without ever fighting with a too-nervous engine or crushing weight. In short, it is proof that you can have attitude without having a brute's character.