The Suzuki Intruder 800 Page 2
That leads me into my next issue: foot peg position. The pegs are WAY TOO CLOSE TO THE RIDER. I am a middle-height fellow 5' 11" and I was very uncomfortable with the stock position. If I bought this bike, the first thing I'd get would be forward controls, or highway pegs. Just to test it, I put my legs over the stock pegs that were there (resting it against the back of my ankle/lower calf) and it was MUCH easier on me. Forward controls indeed.
Handlebars: buckhorn. I think my hands were nearly vertical. It seems most stock cruiser bars are leaning toward wide and straight bars, like the Shadows or Vulcans. I was pleasantly surprised when I rode the 800. Once again, it looks uncomfortable, but in actuality it feels just fine. The bars, placed as they were, made it easy for me to lean back and relax with my lower back supported by the stepped seat.
Looks: sweet. Generous chrome all around with very nice lines coming from the gas tank down. I have to say that the way the frame molds around the engine is very trick. I love the look of the molds near the forks. As for the small looking tank--I was shocked by the miles this bike can cover.
As I’ve mentioned, it is nearly 100 miles to Cook Forest from where I lived. I filled up just before we left to come home, and it took just a few dollars of premium gas to fill. If only my car could run like that...
The only gripes I had with the design (other than the foot position) are the rear fender, and the weight distribution. First, the rear fender. Personally, I think it's too small...I know what they're going for--the chopper look and all, but it's just not my style. It's just me. I did get a few "Nice bike." compliments when I was at gas stations and rest stops. Next, the weight distribution. Going into deep turns was an occasionally hairy experience. The gas tank sits high, compared to the Marauder I was used to riding at the time, and when full of gas, it sloshes a decent amount of weight. It was a very different feel from the low-slung ride I was used to at the time. But I made it nonetheless.
My final all-around impression of the Intruder 800 is that this is a bike for those who don't want the ultra-retro styling of a Shadow Aero, or Vulcan 1500 Classic, but still wants to look cool on a bike that can pull away from many other cruisers without breaking a sweat.
The Intruder has had a LONG production history (since the mid- 80s). That means a HUGE aftermarket. I think the size of the Intruder's aftermarket is perhaps larger than the Vulcan's and Shadow's. If you don't like the way your Intruder looks, there are more than enough opportunities for customization.
Build your own! There are plenty of chopper and customization kits for Intruders.
