Suzuki Intruder 800
The Suzuki Intruder 800 has a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated; note: governed/limited in some markets), produces 48 hp and weighs 228 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Suzuki Intruder VS800GL was introduced in 1992 as a mid-size cruiser, offering a more accessible alternative to the larger VS1400. It was powered by a V-twin engine derived from the VS700/750 lineage and was marketed under different names globally — known as the Intruder 800 in North America and the Boulevard S50 after Suzuki rebranded its cruiser lineup in 2005. It remained popular for its smooth power delivery, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable performance, making it a favorite among beginner and intermediate riders.
48 hp
Power
61 Nm
Torque
228 kg
Weight
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed/limited in some markets)
Top Speed
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L) — estimated typical real-world average
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Proven Engine Reliability
The 805cc V-twin engine is widely regarded as one of the most dependable cruiser powerplants ever built, with many bikes surpassing 100,000 miles with basic maintenance. It shares engineering DNA with Suzuki's larger Intruder family, meaning parts availability remains excellent.
Watch the Carb Diaphragms
The CV carburetors are prone to cracked or hardened diaphragms over time, causing poor throttle response and rough idle — a very common issue on bikes that sat unused. Inspect or replace them before buying; the fix is inexpensive but easy to overlook.
Strong Budget Resale Value
The VS800 holds its value well in the used market due to its reputation for reliability and low ownership costs, making it a smart buy that won't depreciate sharply. It's also a popular beginner cruiser, ensuring steady demand if you decide to resell.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original VS800GL introduced; 45-degree V-twin, shaft drive, classic cruiser styling, minimal changes throughout run.
"Honest, unfussy cruiser that rewards relaxed riding."
I put about 18,000 km on a 1999 VS800 and it never once left me stranded — that shaft drive just keeps turning without complaint, which is more than I can say for the belt-drive alternatives I've owned. The 52-degree V-twin pulls cleanly from around 2,500 rpm and that torque peak at 3,500 rpm means you spend most city riding right in the meat of the powerband without trying. It's not fast — 40 hp is honest cruiser territory and the top-end feels breathless above 130 km/h — but for two-up weekend runs and daily commuting on a 700mm seat that suits shorter riders, it's genuinely excellent. The carburetion runs slightly lean from the factory and cold starts can be grumpy until you spend five minutes warming it up properly, but that's a $30 jet kit fix.
Pros
Cons
Rebranded as Boulevard S50 in North America; updated graphics, minor refinements, retained same core engine and chassis.
"Honest, unfussy cruiser that never pretends to be more."
The 805cc V-twin pulls cleanly from around 2,500 rpm and that torque peak at 3,500 means you're rarely hunting for revs in traffic — it just chugs along with a satisfying mechanical thud that doesn't rattle your fillings loose. The 700mm seat height is genuinely low enough for shorter riders to plant both feet, and at 228kg it feels lighter than the numbers suggest once you're moving, though slow-speed U-turns on camber still demand respect. Highway cruising sits comfortably at 110–120 km/h but push toward 150 and the wind blast off that naked front end becomes a genuine argument — this bike wants a screen if you're doing serious distance. The Boulevard rebadge for North America changed essentially nothing mechanical, which tells you everything: Suzuki knew the bones were solid and didn't feel the need to fix what wasn't broken.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A sensible, dependable cruiser that rewards buyers who inspect carefully."
$2,500-$5,500 usedThe Intruder 800 is one of those bikes that quietly does everything right without demanding any attention for it. That 805cc V-twin pulls cleanly from low revs, the ergonomics suit a wide range of riders, and mechanically these things are genuinely hard to kill if they've been maintained halfway decently. Suzuki built them tough, and the simplicity of the carbureted engine means your local indie shop can sort any issue without specialist tools or dealer pricing. That said, go in with eyes open on used examples. Check the carbs carefully — neglected bikes that sat with stale fuel will need a thorough clean or rebuild, which eats into your budget fast. Corrosion on chrome bits is cosmetic but expensive to fix properly, so inspect every surface. Electrics are generally solid but inspect the harness on higher-mileage examples. These bikes rarely get thrashed, but they do get neglected by riders who lose interest.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Suzuki Intruder 800 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, hesitation, hard starting after storage
Fuel leaking under carb, wet petcock body
Engine spins without catching on electric start
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid reliable cruiser, easy cheap maintenance overall
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Suzuki Intruder 800
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Suzuki Boulevard M50
Suzuki Intruder C800
Suzuki Marauder 800
Kawasaki Vn900 Vulcan Classic
Compare Suzuki Intruder 800 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Suzuki Intruder 800 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Suzuki Intruder 800 vs Suzuki Boulevard M50
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Suzuki Intruder 800 vs Suzuki Intruder C800
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Suzuki Intruder 800 vs Suzuki Marauder 800
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Suzuki Intruder 800 vs Kawasaki Vn900 Vulcan Classic
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Suzuki Intruder 800 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Suzuki Intruder 800? +
Carburetor jets clog from ethanol fuel sitting: Rough idle, hesitation, hard starting after storage (moderate) | Petcock vacuum diaphragm cracks and leaks fuel: Fuel leaking under carb, wet petcock body (moderate) | Starter clutch slips or fails on high mileage: Engine spins without catching on electric start (serious)
Is the Suzuki Intruder 800 a good motorcycle? +
A sensible, dependable cruiser that rewards buyers who inspect carefully. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: New cruiser riders wanting reliable, low-cost ownership. Avoid if: You need modern fuel injection or sporty handling.
What is the horsepower of the Suzuki Intruder 800? +
The Suzuki Intruder 800 produces 48 hp @ 7,000 rpm, with 61 Nm @ 5,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h (estimated; note: governed/limited in some markets).
Is the Suzuki Intruder 800 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Suzuki Intruder 800 is a reasonable choice for new riders (48 hp is manageable), weighing 228 kg. New cruiser riders wanting reliable, low-cost ownership
Is the Suzuki Intruder 800 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Suzuki Intruder 800, notably: Starter clutch slips or fails on high mileage (Engine spins without catching on electric start). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Suzuki Intruder 800 good for daily use? +
New cruiser riders wanting reliable, low-cost ownership Fuel: 5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L) — estimated typical real-world average.
How fast is the Suzuki Intruder 800? +
The Suzuki Intruder 800 reaches a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated; note: governed/limited in some markets), producing 48 hp at 228 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Suzuki Intruder 800? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Suzuki Intruder 800, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/suzuki/intruder-800/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
