Suzuki C800 Intruder

"I NEED your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle," as Arnie once famously said. In fairness he wasn't riding a Suzuki Intruder at the time, but he could well have been. And given the choice, he may have settled for the huge-headlamped Harley impersonator and kept a few quid in his back pocket at the same time.

For technically, that's the whole point of bikes like the Intruder. They're for people who deep down want a Harley, but don't wish to part with the kind of money that this usually requires. And if you can see past the shiny plastic indicators and the kiddy buttons on the instrument panel, what you will find is a very refined cruiser in its own right. It’s got the staggered pipes and the spoked wheels, and it looks and feels like its American rivals. It’s just that it’s all been tempered with a healthy dose of Japanese engineering, and the handling is very pleasant indeed.

Even Suzuki know what game they're playing. You have to look hard to find a Suzuki logo on this ocean liner of a bike. The ones on the tank are tiny compared with the Intruder badge, and the one on the rear fender could soon be covered with a GB sticker if you so wished. And for the vast majority of the public, that's enough for them to think you're riding something at least twice its actual price. Smart move.

So that's the public's perceptions dealt with, what's the Intruder like to ride? If appearances are anything to go by, it should be heavy, slow and awkward to manouevre. Appearances, however, can be deceptive and in this case they certainly are. Given that a lot of the 'chrome' bears no relation to anything metallic, the Intruder shaves off an awful lot of weight in that area. In fact, it feels nothing like its stated dry weight of 246kg, given how easy it is to push around on my drive and to perform three-point turns. And depending on how much low speed manouvering you do, that ‘light’ feeling could make all the difference. Do bear in mind though that it’s certainly not one for ducking in and out of traffic on the early morning commute; it’s still two and a half metres long and, at 985mm, verges on the full metre wide.

A traditional middleweight cruiser, the Intruder is certainly no powerhouse. If you want ridiculous strength, try its monstrous 1,800cc brother, which Fowlers also stock. But with a liquid-cooled 800cc V-twin growling away beneath you, it's still a long way from being slow. Boy racers who fancied their chances at the traffic light grand prix were easily dispatched, especially with the heel option gear mechanism which allows for almost seamless cog-swapping. The spread of power, or torque really, is remarkably even and the creamy smooth engine bob-bob-bobs along nicely, never missing a beat. You don't get a rev counter, but you don't need one -- you know where the power is, and it‘s not at the top end. So the lump-free motor will spin you comfortably and rapidly up to 90mph, meaning you can always keep with the flow, whatever the road. But then that’s it. It just won’t push any more. Ninety’s not really a struggle, but the ton is out of the question. So what? I like my licence just the way it is.

Ground clearance is actually very good for a cruiser, allowing for fair amounts of speed to be carried through the bends. It has metal ‘blobs’ on the underside of the hinged foot plates that soon tell you if you are getting a bit too frisky. The unusual 170-section rear is quick enough to roll in as you sway left or right.

The instrumentation is classic, although a little tacky, and these are the biggest numbers I have ever seen on a speedo! The fuel gauge is also strangely wide of the mark. It showed only three bars out of four, despite being filled to the brim, and the last bar is good for 60 miles before the motor dies of thirst. Switchgear is also plasticky but, in fairness, ergonomic and precise.

The suspension is hardly advanced but it copes well with even the deepest of potholes while the super-padded seat soaks up any remaining bumps. The progressive rear single shock is neatly tucked away out of sight for that classic hardtail appearance.

The brakes are an interesting combination too, but honestly I can’t fault them. The rear gets a drum brake. That’s right, a drum brake. But it works really nicely for silent, smooth reductions in speed. There may only be a single disc on the front, but it’s grabbed by good quality Tokico parts and never feels out of its depth, despite the bike’s natural tubbiness. Fuel consumption was average, rather than exceptional, returning around 40 to the gallon, which is a smidgeon frustrating as, despite its girth, the tank only holds a measly 3.4 gallons. Even the baby 125 version holds 3.3 gallons.

The Intruder is a truly pleasing ride for long-distance jaunts. That enormous headlamp buffets a

lot of the wind away, albeit not in a very aerodynamic manner, and those cowhorn bars are so comfortable. Budget cruiser it may be, but you still get the benefits of footplates, which are essential with this relaxed riding position.

You have to admire Suzuki's ability, not to make cheap motorcycles, but to make great motorcycles and then not charge very much for them. If you look at it this way, you could have one of these, a DR-Z400SM and a Bandit 1250 all for the same price as a brand new Mondeo. I'm amazed Ford haven't gone out of business!

Article written: July 17, 2007

The Suzuki C800 Intruder was kindly loaned by Fowlers Motorcycles of Bath Road, Bristol. For more information about test rides, call Fowlers on 0117 977 0466.

OUR STEER ON THE C800 INTRUDER

Price: £5,549 (@ July 2007)

Engine: 805cc, 45 deg V-twin

Top speed: 95mph

Power: 51 bhp at 6,000 rpm

Torque: 51 ft lb (69 Nm) at 3,500 rpm

Transmission: five-speed, shaft drive

Weight: 246 kg

Fuel capacity: 15.5 litres (3.4 gals)

Seat height: 700 mm

by Jon Bennett