This bike is modelled on its larger siblings, the Intruder M1800 and M800, and Suzuki promises it’s going to be sporty to ride – it does, after all, share a lot of its mechanicals with the Gixxer naked. It’s got a lot of the styling elements of the M1800 – it’s signature headlamp and long fuel tank are immediately what catch your eye. The informative digital instrument display comes from the Gixxer and sits neatly in between the handlebars. The front of the fuel tank has large extensions that swoop down and look like a large imitation air duct with the big Intruder logo in the middle. The seat is wide and accommodating and split for the pillion. The rounded grab handle at the back and the sleek LED lamp even have hints of the Hayabusa.
The Intruder looks big in the flesh, you would almost mistake it for a 400cc bike. The skinny tyres are a bit of a mismatch on a bike like this, but these are the same 100 section front and 140 section rear from the Gixxer, and Suzuki cannot make them wider without sacrificing on both performance and efficiency. Quality is decent, but a few plastics could use better finishing.
The Gixxer’s 154.9cc air-cooled engine powers this bike and the motor is largely the same. It continues to produce 14.8hp and 14Nm but some parts have been tweaked to improve overall refinement. The bike now offers a stronger mid-range punch but the top end feels weaker than the Gixxer. This is probably because the Intruder weighs 13kg more than the naked Gixxer. While it rides fine in the city, it tends to feel a bit out of breath post 90kph. Overall, the engine is smooth and eager, and the gearbox is slick.
The Intruder offers a relaxed, feet-front riding position that is accommodating for tall riders. The tyres and brakes are also shared with the Gixxer. Braking performance is safe and confident, and ABS (single-channel) is a standard offering. The bike, at low speeds, feels surprisingly light and agile.
Should I Buy One?
The Intruder has been priced on par with the range-topping Gixxer SF SP. The Intruder is a well-engineered and engaging motorcycle to ride, and you’re definitely going to notice it.
