Suzuki softly launched the smaller Intruder M800 in the country last month, in a bid to capture the burgeoning entry-level CBU segment. The M800 looks nearly identical to the M1800, baring a few changes which will be visible only to those with a keen eye. The presence of this smaller Intruder is the same though, and the M800 is sure to turn heads, just like the M1800.
With its low-slung styling, an overall length of nearly 2.5 metres and loads of chrome, the M800 is all about making its presence felt, and will appeal to those looking for a true-blue cruiser. But start the engine and you know the Intruder is not from Yankee land. The M800 is powered by an 805cc, liquid-cooled, 45 degree V-twin engine that produces 53PS at 6000rpm and 68.38Nm at 4000rpm, and sounds rather muted. While power output feels just about adequate, power delivery is good enough to propel this 269kg beast to 100kmph in 8 seconds flat.
Suspension set-up is taut, which is a bother on bad roads, but the same helps the M800 cruise seamlessly on an open road. Arrow straight roads are the Intruder’s forte, and as we discovered, mile munching is this Suzuki’s favourite activity. IRC rubber at both ends could have offered some more grip, and wheels tend to lock up a bit sooner than expected under hard braking.
The M800 will have to fight the likes of the Harley-Davidson SuperLow and Iron 883 in the Indian market, both of which proudly sport the Harley badge, apart from the Hyosung ST7, all of which are considerably cheaper than the Intruder which retails at Rs 8.8 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai.
