Suzuki Intruder 800 Problems and Riders' Opinions on the Bike

The Suzuki Intruder 800 is a middle-weight cruiser with skinny front tires and chopperesque lines. These modern machines are known to be reliable, powerful, and affordable for those on a budget. They are also part of the boldest line of Suzuki's Intruder series of cruiser motorcycles. 

These eye-catching cruisers are unique and simply stand out from the rest. The chrome dual exhaust system portrays a classy look on a modern bike. It gives you a feeling of jumping on a cruiser made from the old days.  

Yet, still being able to enjoy the benefits of modern technology. The Intruder 800 has a combination of V-twin power along with light body weight for maneuverability. Therefore, preferred by both first-timers and more experienced riders. 

These bikes are great for those who want a bit more, while still being in control. However, riding a middle-weight bike with such power and speed can have its downsides. If you own a Suzuki Intruder 800, here are some problems you may encounter during your riding experience. 

Stability Problems

There are some great advantages of riding an 800-class motorcycle. The middle-weight cruiser lets you experience both power and easy handling. They can be beneficial to a wider range of riders and handle many different riding conditions.  

That is exactly why bikes from the 800 class are more about being versatile. These modern cruisers are used by pleasure riders, commuters, and even more aggressive bikers. Everyone can appreciate and enjoy the riding experience of the 800-class motorcycles.  

The Suzuki Intruder 800 is a great middle-weight bike for both commuting and traveling. This model is known for its class-conquering power, torque, and revving V-twin engine. The only problem is that the body weight can feel way too light for its power and speed.  

The Suzuki Intruder 800 is one of the toppers of its class when it comes to power. Just open up the throttle on that bad boy and it will literally fly past all competitors. Most other bikes of the 800 class just can't keep up with its power and speed.  

So, what's wrong with a bike having great power? Well, absolutely nothing as long as it has the weight to sustain the wind velocity. The weight of the bike plays a crucial role in maintaining stability when cruising at top speed on the open highway.  

Riding the Intruder 800 at a high speed can be somewhat frightening and uncomfortable. Doing about 65-70 mph on the highway can get rough with this superlight cruiser. You may feel like you're on a bicycle instead of a middle-weight motorcycle.  

Being blown around and not feeling too solid on the ground can be a very scary riding experience. Even though it has enough power and torque, this bike is much better for cruising. Trying to push its limits on the freeway can get out of control and be dangerous. 

Coming down too fast on twisty roads and making hard turns can also make you lose control. The low seating position with the pullback bar only adds to the problem. Being in that position makes you feel sunk in and it becomes difficult to make those deep turns. 

So, if you own a Suzuki Intruder 800, the best option would be to utilize the bike where its strengths lie. Simply try to avoid freeways and ride in an environment where you have the upper hand. When dealing with a middle-weight bike with excessive power, you have to be aware of its limits.  

Uncomfortable Positioning

The Suzuki Intruder 800 has its own look and design that sets it apart from others. These distinguishing characteristics can cause major problems. Now, I know what you are thinking.  

How can the look and design of a bike cause problems, right? Well, it definitely can when you are dealing with a distinctive model such as the Suzuki Intruder 800. These modern Japanese cruisers are very stylish with bold and stand-out features.   

Ironically, these same features also make the bike not suitable for everyone. Sometimes it is very important that your choice of design for a bike also coincides with your physical characteristics. Otherwise, you will find yourself in a very uncomfortable and awkward position while riding.  

Our first impression of a bike in most cases comes from its appearance. Yet, the more we ride the bike, the less appearance seems to matter. Eventually, ergonomics takes more precedence over appearance for most, if not all riders.

The Suzuki Intruder 800 has the stunning looks of the American Classics. These chopper-style bikes are equipped with pullback handlebars and a narrow frame. Also, a feet-forward riding position, placing the footpegs further back than most other bikes.

Being the middle-weight class of cruisers, the 800 series bikes are normally built to accommodate a variety of riders. Unfortunately, the distinguishing characteristics of the Intruder 800 are not favorable for people of all sizes. There have been complaints of discomfort from riders that are both short and tall.

Shorter riders are not comfortable with the height of the handlebars. On the other hand, taller riders feel cramped because of the pullback bar and the chopper-style lines. That only leaves room for middle-size riders to be physically fit for this cruiser.

Having ergonomic disadvantages can affect a person's ability to ride comfortably and stay focused. Dealing with the ups and downs of a bike's performance is common among riders. However, if you are not physically comfortable, that is an entirely different situation.

Also, the Suzuki Intruder 800 placed the grips at a more vertical angle. That requires the rider to have to actually grip the bars instead of just hooking their hands around them. Another distinguishing character conflicts with comfort as well.  

Small tank

The Suzuki Intruder 800 definitely has a small tank compared to the rest of the other middle-weight bikes. It is common to see cruisers sporting a big fat bulbous tank around town. Be that as it may, the Intruder 800 completely went with the narrow and slim look.

The engineers totally defied the standard "Fat Bike" trend and went with a lean and tight body structure. Placing a bigger tank would obviously contradict the vision of a narrow-shaped bike. Therefore, it was only fitting to place a slender and sleek gas tank that aligned perfectly with the rest of the body.  

As a result, the design really put a limit on the size of the gas tank. Looking good sometimes has its price and may require some sacrifices. In this case, the Intruder 800 had to settle for a smaller gas tank in order to maintain its unique look.  

Having the smallest gas tank in the 800-class of motorcycles is a major disadvantage. A small fuel capacity makes it difficult for long-distance traveling. It can also get pretty frustrating running out of gas one too many times during commuting or on road trips.  

The Intruder 800 will require to be replenished more often than one prefers. Depending on the area, gas stations may not always be available on your route. That can force you to go out of the way, and cause delays and extra headaches.

Riders' Opinions on the Bike

Cruisers in the 800 class give riders the heavyweight look with lightweight handling advantages. They are expected to have power for the open roads, as well as easy handling for your daily commuting. Hence, they are rounder compared to the other classes of cruisers.

The Suzuki Intruder 800 is a modern cruiser that is unique and different. Having such bold and distinguishing features, it can stir up some very controversial opinions amongst riders. While some are fascinated by the bold and revolutionary features, others are just not that impressed at all.  

The stealth and slim body frame definitely set it apart from all the other Fatboy clones. There are those who simply "Just Love" the stunning American Classic look on a modern machine. However, many riders prefer the current and fashionable "Fat Look" for their cruisers.  

As for performance, there is no doubt that the Suzuki Intruder 800 is quite manageable under most conditions. The skinny front tire and the overall low weight make it convenient to maneuver in heavy traffic. But when it comes to flying on the freeway and hard turnings, it can get a bit hairy.

There is one thing though that almost every person with this bike agrees upon. That is the fact that the Intruder 800 can use a bigger gas tank. Being able to carry a little more fuel would be a huge help.

Conclusion

Middle-weight cruisers are mostly flexible bikes that have the best of both worlds. These bikes are great for maneuvering through slow-moving traffic as well as cruising at top speed on the freeway. Their mid-level size and abilities make them very attractive to most riders in general.

The Suzuki Intruder 800 is definitely a classic with its distinctive style. It has the stunning looks of the American Classics mixed with Suzuki's modern-day engineering. Let's face it, when it comes to looks, what's sexier than an old-school cruiser?

Unfortunately, having sexy and stunning looks can only get you so far. The chopper-style lines with pullback handlebars are just not suitable for everyone. Whether you love or hate the look, you might not be the right size to ride with comfort.   

Not to mention, the Intruder 800 is a little too light to maintain stability at high speed. It is crucial to have control of your bike and feel grounded when cruising at top speed on the freeway. Otherwise, it can create a very risky situation and a scary riding experience!