2000 SUZUKI INTRUDER VS-800
Written: Oct 20 '04
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Pros: Economy, handling, mid-sized power
Cons: Fuel capacity, seat comfort
The Bottom Line: Buy!!
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| w5cgh's Full Review: 2000 Suzuki INTRUDER 800 |
I bought my 2000 VS-800 in October 2003 when it had 1954 miles on it, and I have not been sorry. My previous riding experience was minimal and many years ago, so I was determined to buy a mid-sized bike to get some experience under my butt before trading up to something bigger. Even though I'm 220 pounds and 6'1", I have not been disappointed, and have put just over 12,000 miles on the bike in the twelve months I've owned it. My intruder has a Slipstreamer windshield, Willie and Max saddle bags w/Suzuki bag bars, Suzuki crash bars, and road pegs. Forward controls with a bit more stretch would be nicer for my long legs, but the road pegs are fine, even on several longer rides that I've taken.
The seat padding leaves a lot to be desired, but I've never bothered looking into a different seat.
Handling is nimble, and the 800 cc V-twin has plenty of power for safely negotiating the Dallas/Fort Worth freeway system.
My riding philosophy is basically "If it ain't raining or icey, I'm riding", and I rode to work all last winter, including many sub-40 and sub-35 degree days, and one day when it was 26. Once I learned the tricks to getting her to start in cold weather, she never failed to fire. Basically, just choke the living snot out of her and she'll start every time. When you think the choke knob is all the way out, pull it another 1/8" and you're there.
The intruder is pretty easy on tires, with something like 7500 miles on the original rear, and 9000 on the front before replacement. As I'd heard from other Intruder riders, handling, while never BAD, seemed to improve when the OEM Bridgestone tires were replaced with something else.
The front brakes with only a single rotor and the rear drum brakes tend to be a bit anemic, but a good combination of front and rear brakes have never failed to bring her to a stop.
I've done only very minimal two-up riding, so can't really comment on that.
The 3.2 gallon gas tank is a bit on the small side, but I get between 100 and 120 miles before hitting the reserve, and if you're riding in a group with various bike models, you're certainly not going to be the only one stopping for gas at 100 miles. Besides, my kidneys won't last much more than 100 miles anyway!!
Over all, I love the Intruder, and would highly recommend it for both new and experienced riders.
Brad Bradfield
Ft Worth, TX
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 4,400
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2000
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Epinions.com ID:
w5cgh
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Reviews written: 1
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