Suzuki M 800 INTRUDER 2014 — Specifications

How to reconcile the appearance of an American muscle-bike with the handling of a European machine? That was the challenge Suzuki took on with the M 800 Intruder, a model that, especially on the used market, attracts riders seeking a compromise. Here, we find the DNA of the Intruder family, notably that of the large 1800, but condensed into a more affordable format. The silhouette is instantly recognizable: this trapezoidal headlight integrated into a massive fairing, this 41 mm inverted fork that gives a technical air, and these chrome accents that shine in the sun. It is a motorcycle that parades with assurance, without requiring the muscles of a mover to handle it.

The mechanics, however, tell a different story. The 805 cm³ V-twin engine, with its 53 horsepower delivered at 6000 rpm, is not a fury. Its torque, 64.7 Nm, arrives low, around 3200 rpm, which guarantees supple acceleration and relaxed riding. We are far from the explosive performance of a Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 or a Yamaha XV950, but that is precisely the point: this Suzuki M 800 Intruder targets the rider who wants a stylish custom without the sometimes ungrateful character of a large twin. The engine is refined, injected, and content to murmur rather than roar. With a 15.5-liter tank and a top speed of 160 km/h, it is intended for quiet rides, not highway duels.

The chassis, a classic steel tube double cradle, carries a wet weight of 269 kg. A mass that, combined with a seat height of 700 mm, makes the motorcycle accessible even for beginners in the custom world. Shaft drive transmission adds a touch of refinement and ease of use, typical of this category. But the braking, with a single disc at the front and a drum at the rear, shows the limits of its age, especially when compared to more recent models equipped with double discs. This is a point where the price/performance compromise is felt, especially for Suzuki M 800 Intruder 2005 models that are often found on used listings.

At the time, its price of 8699 euros opened up an interesting niche. For much less than the price of a large Intruder, one obtained this futuristic silhouette and this visual presence. It is not suitable for the track rider or the hurried touring rider, but rather for the urban dweller who wants to stand out, or the novice who aspires to custom aesthetics without extreme mechanical constraints. Today, in used Suzuki M 800 Intruder version, it represents an economical and stylish entry into the world of muscle-bikes, even if its modest performance and dated braking require a certain state of mind: that of savoring the style, without expecting the fury.