Suzuki M 800 INTRUDER 2013 — Specifications

Can the raw aesthetics of a muscle bike be satisfied with a civilized engine? Suzuki took a gamble with this M 800 Intruder, a proposition that stands out from the landscape of large-caliber customs. The silhouette is immediately recognizable, that of the VZR 1800, with its headlight encased in a massive cowl and this 41 mm inverted fork that gives the front a serious look. But beneath this chrome armor and this brute attitude, the heart beats differently: a 805 cc V-twin engine that produces only 53 horsepower. This is a modest power, almost timid compared to the behemoths of the category.

The target audience here is not the track rider seeking lightning acceleration, but rather the globetrotter who wants a visual presence without the constraints of an oversized engine. With a torque of 64.7 Nm available very low, at 3200 rpm, the engine is refined, docile, ideal for long straight roads or peaceful bends. It won't shake you, it will carry you. The shaft drive adds to this feeling of mechanical tranquility, an absence of harassing maintenance. But this smoothness comes at a price: the top speed is around 160 km/h, and the weight of 269 kg when fully fueled makes the bike a little cumbersome in tight urban maneuvers. We are far from the liveliness of a Harley-Davidson Street 750 or even a Honda Shadow.

The chassis, a double cradle made of steel tubes, is conventional and robust, shared with the C 800 model. The suspension, with a mono-shock at the rear, is configured for comfort, not for performance. The braking system, mixed with a disc at the front and a drum at the rear, is sufficient for the intended riding style, but lacks punch if you need rapid deceleration. It is a motorcycle that is experienced more than driven aggressively.

The 15.5-liter fuel tank and a seat height of 700 mm make it an accessible machine, easy to take in hand for a beginner or a rider returning after a long break. Its price, around 8699 euros at the time, was its massive argument. It offered the futuristic-classic silhouette of the Intruder range without the prohibitive entry ticket of the 1800. For those seeking a compromise, a Suzuki M 800 Intruder 2005 or a used Suzuki M 800 Intruder still represents today an interesting entry point into the world of customs, halfway between showmanship and ease. It does not win performance trophies, but it fulfills its role as a road seducer with a disarming mechanical honesty.