Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BIG BEAST OF THE TARMAC JUNGLE
On summer mornings, I can set my clock by the distinctive rumble of a big V-twin not far from my kitchen window. Richard Across The Road, you see, is the proud owner of a Suzuki Intruder – and a stickler for punctuality.
He uses the bike for his 20-minute commute to work on an almost daily basis and even brings it out on winter mornings, providing the weather’s not too inclement.
Having ridden bikes when he was younger, Richard, like many a chap before him, decided he fancied trying two wheels once again.
On a whim and with no thought of easing himself back in gently, he splashed out on a Honda Gold Wing.
Wobbling up the road on his first outing, he wondered whether he had made a “huge mistake”. But Richard persevered and soon started to enjoy two wheels once more.
Later, he decided he liked having a big cruiser but fancied something with a bit more “attitude” – and gravitated towards Suzuki’s M1800R Intruder – and he’s never looked back.
You certainly can’t get a much bigger cruiser. The Intruder is a beast – it’s long, low, blacked-out, weighs 347kg (765lb) with a huge 240mm rear tyre and has something of the look of a 1950s American muscle car, proudly showing off that whopping 1783cc motor.
Jump on board and it immediately feels comfortable and relaxed – your proximity to the tarmac engendering confidence that the bulk is manageable.
Hit the start button and the deep rumble from the big V-twin is glorious.
This bike is never going to be in its element at low speeds, especially around town, but the low centre of gravity means it is more agile then you might imagine.
Through the bends at a decent pace it steers well and is surprisingly smooth and reliable.
The gallons of torque mean this bike is a real blast to open up and it takes off like a rocket.
Don’t expect too much in terms of rider aids, this is more of a back-to-basics affair, although the build quality is excellent.
Instrumentation is simple and clean, with a digital tacho and gear indicator set into the headlight cowl and a speedo on the tank.
The brakes, with front calipers derived from the GSX-R, do an excellent job of hauling up this monster.
I liked the Intruder. It’s a big, bold statement of a bike, with stand-out looks, is well built, a blast to ride and great value for its class. Suzuki M1800R Intruder
Engine: 1783cc fourstroke V-twin
Power: 125bhp @ 6,200rpm
Torque: 118lb ft @ 3,200rpm
Colours: Blue/black
Price: £12,499