Initial Reaction to 2001 Intruder 800.
Written: Apr 05 '02
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Pros: Smooth ride, agile, quick, inexpensive initial cost, dependable.
Cons: Gas tank is small.
The Bottom Line: Smooth Ride! Suspension is sweet. Fast, &, quick from the line. Excellent 50 - 80mph pickup speed too. Fits my budget just fine.
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| livetoride's Full Review: 2000 Suzuki INTRUDER 800 |
This review is being written after just 300 miles on my new Suzuki Intruder 800. This review is truly an initial impression of the bike.
Before I purchased my 2001 Intruder I pored over all sources of information available, including Epinion reviews. I knew I wanted a mid-size V-Twin cruiser. Other bikes had their moment in my lustful heart, but the Intruder came out as the winner of my money, &, purchase. I bought the Intruder for some specific reasons:
* Budget; MSRP of $6400 (including freight / setup) was right for me.
* Mechanically sound. The Intruder has been around since the early 1980's, &, has a very solid reputation.
* The Intruder has a distinct look. It is the closest I could find to a classic "chopper". (In fact, SeegerCycle.com has chop kits available for this bike, &, others too.) The Intruder 800 has very clean lines. I love the chromed out engine, &, the swept exhaust lines. The exhaust goes onto both sides of the bike. HD Sporty exhaust melds onto one side; I purposely bought the non HD look.
Here are some observations on the 800 Intruder after these few miles.
I had my bike set up with some options.
I had the stock seat replaced with a gel seat. This seat is like sitting in my living room leather sofa. My wife also will appreciate the gel seat on her pillion. I would call the stock seat on the Intruder 800 "brutal". Most stock seats come this way though.
I had "highway pegs" installed onto the optional "engine guard". These pegs allow the rider to stretch out their legs. The standard footpegs fit me just fine, at my 5'9"s. Neither the standard pegs or the highway pegs have any buzz to them.
The bike is SMOOTH! The rubber mounted V-Twin motor along with the shaft drive provide the rider with a very mellow ride. The standard suspension settings are very comfortable too. I have not adjusted the suspension, &, see no reason too. I find the suspension on the "soft" side, but I like that. My last bike was a HD & I have a new fondness for smooth comfort.
The front end is raked out more than any other bike I have owned. At slow speed, especially city intersections, I am still learning how to make it through the turns. (I've ridden since 1981 too). Another aspect of the front rake is how the bike handles on the road at speed. The bike is surprisingly responsive to quick changes, such as lane changes. The light weight bike is very agile.
The 3.2 gas tank has twice now I had me switch over to reserve soon after the bike hit 100 miles on the tank. I hope my average MPG allows somewhere in the 120 range before switching over to reserve. So far I would say this is the only small negative concerning the Intruder 800.
A small windshield, and a T-Bag luggage system finish out my Intruder's options. I had wanted a saddlebag system, but the tiny 12" diminsion availabe between the taillight & rear shock did not provide enough space for a saddlebag worth a tinker's damn. The salesperson introduced me to the T-Bag system, &, I love it. I can carry all my work related papers, rain gear, and still have room. I believe the bike looks great with the black T-Bag added onto the small sissy bar too.
I have ridden the bike on freeway, & my small town. The bike is capable of interstate speed just fine. The brakes are dependable; although I cannot say if they are anything to "write home about". I doubt it.
The overall smoothness of the suspension, &, the agile feel of the bike has me smiling so far.
Cross winds on the freeway have tried to move me & the Intruder around, but the bike holds a steady line.
My bike sold for $6400 (which included setup & freight), plus taxes & options for a total of $7448.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 7448
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
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Epinions.com ID:
livetoride
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Location: Pacific NW, USA
Reviews written: 69
Trusted by: 33 members
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