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Suzuki Intruder C800 Review (2001)

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Suzuki C800

It's my pride and joy, gives me great pleasure and I find the shaft drive superb.
- Rating: 6 / 10

What Is It?

The Suzuki Intruder C800 is a mid-range cruiser style bike and is powered by a liquid cooled 805 cc 45° V-Twin, producing 52 bhp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque at just 3,200 rpm.

Specs

  • Seat Height: Low (700 mm / 27.6 inches)
  • Weight: Very heavy (277 kg / 611 lbs)
  • Economy: Average (40 mpg / 7.1 l/100km / 14.2 km/l)
  • Range: Average (140 miles / 225 km)
  • Power to Weight: Low (0.188 bhp/kg / 0.140 kW/kg)
  • Top Speed: Average (100 mph / 161 km/h)

Pros

  • Harley looks for half the price
  • Low seat
  • Comfy

Cons

  • Fuel gauge accuracy
  • No rev counter
  • Long
  • Wide

What Is It Like?

Suzuki C800

Choosing The C800

I bought my C800 Intruder new in September 2013 after nearly 40 years away from motorbikes. I liked the retro styling and looked at numerous bikes with similar styling for months before buying and choosing the Suzuki.

My first choice was a Harley Davidson Soft Tail but I couldn't afford the extra £7,000 that it would cost. I have since had a test ride on a HD and found the vibration on tick over awful and the bike very heavy but what a joy to ride, the torque and power compared to my bike is awesome, mind you it was nearly 1,000cc bigger.

Engine

On tick over the bike is very smooth with no vibration, driving off and changing gears there is always a small clunk each time I change.

The Intruder rides vibration free throughout the rev range and has reasonable torque / power when needed.

Brakes

The front brake is great and although there is only a drum on the rear and I was a bit worried that it would not be up to scratch but I have had no problems with it. Mind you I am more of a Sunday rider than all out racer.

Protection

It cruises well at 60 mph with little wind hitting me but at 70mph you can feel the wind buffeting you about. Without the screen it is a lot worse, but I do have a very long back and short legs. Mind you, if I wanted to race about I suppose I would of bought something more suitable.

Comfort

For me it has a very comfortable riding position with feet forward and straight back.

Finish

Paint work on the bike is holding out well but the chrome is not so good. The chrome on the side stand is pretty poor and is showing signs of age with bits of rust on it, this was evident before 12 months so I should have taken it back to dealer I bought the bike from but didn't.

The chrome on the wheels needs constant cleaning to keep the rust at bay. It is used purely for pleasure so is only on the road when it is dry and not too cold.

Running Costs

One of the main reasons I opted for the C800 was the shaft drive and I find it superb. I have done 4,800 miles on it with two services done at a small independent bike garage, the first service was £75 (Suzuki dealer £220) second service £95.

It is now due another service which will be about the same price as the second service. The bike always starts first time even after periods of 3 or 4 weeks of no use.

Insurance is £130 with breakdown cover, helmet and leathers replacement included.

Mods

I have added a full screen to it which helps keep the wind of me and a set of hard panniers to help with carrying a small amount around with me if needed.

To Sum Up

Would I have another one?  Well I have been looking and was offered a very good deal at the dealer I bought my Suzuki from replacing it with a Kawasaki VN900 Special but in the end did not do the deal simply because I think my Suzuki looks better.

I am still looking and like the 1,500cc bigger brother in the Suzuki Intruder family. Watch this space...

- John, Suzuki Intruder Owners Club UK

Deals, specs and pics

Price Guide

Year
Dealer
Private
Part Ex
Mileage
2016
£5,950
£4,750
£4,150
8,500
2015
£5,850
£4,650
£4,100
10,300
2014
£5,700
£4,550
£4,000
12,100
2013
£5,600
£4,500
£3,900
13,900
2012
£5,450
£4,350
£3,850
15,700
2011
£5,350
£4,250
£3,750
17,400
2010
£5,200
£4,150
£3,650
19,100
2009
£5,050
£4,050
£3,550
20,700
2008
£4,900
£3,950
£3,450
22,300
2007
£4,800
£3,850
£3,350
23,800
2006
£4,650
£3,700
£3,250
25,200
2005
£4,500
£3,600
£3,150
26,400
2004
£4,300
£3,450
£3,050
27,600
2003
£4,150
£3,350
£2,900
28,700
2002
£4,000
£3,200
£2,800
29,600
2001
£3,950
£3,150
£2,750
30,400

Year shows signs of appreciation

Gear & Accessories

Add Your Review

Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.

More Info

Check out this video review from Biker Bits.