SUZUKI M1800R INTRUDER (2006 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
| Power: | 123 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (27.8 in / 705 mm) |
| Weight: | High (765 lbs / 347 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIn modern youthful speak the word bad actually means good. In any language big is big and the Suzuki M1800R Intruder is really big – and bad at the same time.
This is based on the fact the Intruder weighs in at 347kg leaving the petrol station; has the biggest cylinder bore size (112mm) of any current production bike; and produces a claimed 118ftlb of torque, which it needs to shift its weight. Although shunned as a Harley clone, it is, in every respect apart from lacking character and soul, a better machine; a flawless performer.
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Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineFor such a lump the Intruder is remarkably easy to ride. The 705mm seat height makes standing at the lights a pain-free affair, and the feet forward ride position isn’t such as stretch as you’d think, although if less than a 29in inside leg measurement you will struggle. The weight isn’t an issue on the move because the bike’s fairly well balanced. But it takes a good squeeze and stamp of the brake levers to bring the Intruder to a swift stop, otherwise plan braking way in advance.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityFor a 1783cc 54° V-twin, the Intruder engine is remarkably smooth. Not even the clutch – a seriously heavy duty piece of kit – is noticeable at the clutch lever; two fingered use of the lever isn’t a problem and the actuation isn’t grabby. And with typical Suzuki fault-free fuel injection and ignition, even the most nervous of hands can pilot the Suzuki without any stutters, jumps and clatters in any traffic conditions. It is a well engineered engine but fails to get the respect it deserves because; in the eyes of the cruiser purist it’s just another Japanese water-cooled engine.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueAlthough Suzuki is arguably more famous for its GSX-R sport machines, it’s cruisers are just as popular in Germany and America – yeah, the home of Harley. The only criticism would be the finish quality. Nuts and bolts, and crankcase finish, especially in the firing line of front wheel spray, soon looks jaded.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentA Harley of similar capacity would have to come from its CVO special order range of bikes and cost in the region of double the Suzuki. And as there isn’t another Japanese version of the Intruder, it is different enough to have a heftier price tag…
Equipment
Chrome. More chrome. And even more chrome on plastic but separated by paint and more paint. It has four-piston radially-mounted front brake calipers, too. And an engine that could spin a powerstation’s turbine. The base model M1800R is £200 cheaper and doesn’t feature the M1800RZ’s limited black with orange stripe, or white with blue stripe paint scheme.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1783cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | lc DOHC, 8v four-stroke 54° V-twin. Shaft drive |
| Frame type | Tubular steel frame |
| Fuel capacity | 19.5 litres |
| Seat height | 705mm |
| Bike weight | 347kg |
| Front suspension | Non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable for preload only |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm discs with 4-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 275mm disc with two-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 130/70 x 18 |
| Rear tyre size | 240/40 x 18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 40 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £320 |
| New price | £10,799 |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 123 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 118 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 120 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 173 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2006 – M1800 Intruder launched
2010 – M1800R introduced
Other versions
C1800RT – fully dressed custom cruiser
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI M1800R INTRUDER (2006 - on)
12 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI M1800R INTRUDER (2006 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SUZUKI M1800R INTRUDER (2006 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
Year: 2007
It’s just an awesome unique beast and will always draw a crowd and puts a smile on your face . So comfy and built for long cruises. Easy to manoeuvre / push when in the saddle because of the low seat height ! Pulls way past 135 mph in 4th up hill
Front Brakes are immense rear brake it like a ground anchor !!
65,000 never missed a beat and no signs of wear 👍👍
Buying experience: Main dealer refused to replace the rear disc floating O Rings under warranty so never went back !
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £400
Best Features - looks Worst features - Can't really think of any. Only Niggle - The the exhaust servo (SET valve) can be a weak point. I have replaced two in the 10 years I've had the bike and it needs to be replaced again. They tend to fail pretty regularly and having spoken to other owners, they report the same issue. The F1 error code (exhaust servo) is a common issue.
Brakes are good, Front brakes can lock up if you overdo it. Bike is comfortable enough for long-distance riding. Wide saddle.
Power delivery is nice and predictable.
Quality is good. Chrome is easy to maintain. Very little rust on mine and it is used in wet & dry conditions. Front calipers did require a repaint a few years ago as the paint started to deteriorate. Other than that, a good solid bike that I would have no reservations about.
The bike is easy to service. Checking the oil level is a bit of a pain with the bike having a dry sump, but once you get used to the technique, it's ok. I now do all of my own servicing. It's too easy to be paying someone else to do it.
Version: Euro
Year: 2008
Annual servicing cost: £250
Bang for bucks. You get a lot of bike for a very reasonable sum of money. It can turn heads and grow hair on your chest.
Brakes are good but dont cheap out on brake pads. You will need all the bite you can get to slow this beast down. Keep an eye on the rear brake, as you will have to use it a lot more than on any other bikes. Ride its confy for me (1.78m). There is no wind protection. I had mine fitted with a small screen and its night and day difference in ride quality. Passenger seat is good though the footpegs are a bit high and can get a bit tiring on long journeys
Engine is strong. The engine mounts cant cope with the torque for long so keep an eye for excessive engine movement under acceleration as they wear out.
Some issues in the first models like the shift fork holow shaft that tended to bend, and the clutch pressure washer warping with heat, are minor issues some owners encountered. Overall engine is super reliable. It eats through engine mounts though. Also its a shame that the clutch operation is by cable, witch doesnt last long. Keep a spare cable on you or go hydraulic with a conversion kit. There is a lot of chrome plastic for sure, but it has held up well so far, and does the job which is to look good. Mine is 11yrs old and all the trim is perfect.
This thing though it has 1800cc displacement im able to get 6.5L/100 easily driving fast. With passenger and cargo at 160kmh on the highway you will struggle to burn more than 7L/100. I consider it very economical. Regular service is cheap also. Oil change is easy at home and with filter and quality oil its about 50eur if you do it yourself. Rear tire can be bought at a decent price if you scour through the internet, but expect 175eur minimum. Michelin power commander 2 are my choice for the price.
There is little to no equipment... thats it. Also there is no storing space. Its a big bike but all the spaces are filled with engine or drivetrain.
Buying experience: Bought it used in 2015. Prices vary from country depending on the offer. Here in portugal i payed 8.5k eur in 2015 for a used one with 16k km on the clock. New ones at the time were 15k, i believe i got a good deal and it has been the bike i held up for longer only considering a trade for the new rocket 3, so overall i've been very happy with this bike, and most important, not bored.
Year: 2014
not so good in traffic as clutch is heavy, could do with hydraulic clutch
Version: o
Year: 2009
cobra tyres
I was scuttled by an OAP some11 years ago and it left me physically disabled. Since then I have tried Bandits, FJR's, Tuono's and regrettably a Buell. Then this monster came along. It is a monster in size, weight and of corse the engine but I have found it to be very, very easy going. By that I mean, at low speed it is easy to turn and maintains a good balance on u turns, if the road is wide enough. Seat - getting on for me has been a breeze, the large comfy seat is a dream on the titanium plates holding the pelvis. The leg position is fantastic and I don't need to stop until the tank needs filling. I don't find the reach to the bars uncomfortable at all. Ride - absolutely brilliant. Fast, effortless and a dream, yes it has a problem with scratching on the bends. I love it when my sports bike rider brother in law eventually catches up and then I crank it again. Instruments - I do like the speedo in front and I do feel that I am looking down to check, other than that it is great. I do like the gear indicator, it's about time this was standard on all bikes. Overall - I love it and if you or any friend etc has had serious pelvis injury/surgery I would highly recommend it. Fantastic and the best bike for me.
I take exception to this evaluation. This M109r is the most innovative and imaginative piece of engineering (and styling) for what is the first of it's kind: Power Cruiser with Sporty attributes. Read that as a stunning 1/4 mile time with attitude! The "Soul and Character" often referred to on Ducatis and Triumphs and Nortons, can be summaraized as being highly overated. The M109r is EXCITING. It has road presence like none other and Tsunami Torque (118 ft/lb was it?). If that is not character and Soul captivating enough, something is missing in YOUR character. The countless number of customizations done by the tens of thousands, also go to show that it's Cult Status is assured. You can drag this bike,or cruise and tour around any continent that has roads and gas stations. The oil check routine can be better and the rear suspension could be more refined. Otherwise 5 stars in every category without any doubt.
Owned my M1800R for four years, had to wait 18 months to get it after seeing it at MCN Skeggy. Whilst waiting checked out the Nightrod Special. Boy am I glad I didn't buy it. The Intruder is better in every way. 106 mph ?? Ha! I've ridden mine at 135 chasing a 'blade and a 'ninja 9r, when we stopped the guys on the sports bikes wet themselves, all in good humour. Ground clearance is an issue but if you lift your foot the peg flips up !! Great fun, stonking engine.
23000 miles in 3 years of ownership, toured most of east and west europe all without as much as a hiccup proves the reliability and quality of this bike. Awesome power and torque Capable of shredding the huge back tyre in less than 2000 miles. Top speed is far in excess of the figures MCN have stated. German autobahns have seen me two up fully loaded with luggage comfortably sitting at just under 140 mph strange when top speed is supposed to be 106 mph. Ground clearance is the only problem but this only became a problem on alpine switchbacks. Always pulls a crowd. Off the shelf far better than any V-Rod at half the price
I own an M1800Rz and absolutely love it ! It's one of those bikes you either love or hate, there doesn't seem to be any middle ground. As for the handling, it did take a bit of getting used to (it's very long) but I can happily throw it around on the twisty stuff now. It isn't going to be as nimble as a full on sports bike but it handles well enough. The top speed is definitely more than the quoted 106 mph !! ;-)
bought mine with the heart instead of the head. i personally think it's the best looking of all the factory cruisers, including anything harley have thrown together. but the cruiser life was not for me. i traded mine in after only 240 mls. it was just too heavy and cumbersome. it is exactly as the name says, a cruiser, it is too much like hard work when you up the pace a little. which is'nt really the bikes fault. in many ways it is as focused as the likes of an R1 or gsxr. i've always found those kind of bikes hard work in town or at slow speeds (as you would expect). this where the 1800r belongs, going slow enough to be noticed and you will be noticed. never had so many people turn there heads to look at it. lovely bike to look at (especially in black like mine) but not for me.
I have the C1800RT - M1800R with a screen, better bars and Village People style saddlebags (Saddlebags off before collection). I've had the heel part of the 'heel & toe' gear shift removed so that I could get my left foot further back on the foot board giving a more natural (for me) riding position for my legs. Have to say it shifts (in a straight line); hates corners (zilch ground clearence)and could really have done with better sounding pipes as standard. However having tried a couple of Harleys (too expensive)and the Triumph Thunderbird (not quite right somehow) I bought this. No regrets yet but I wouldn't have one as my only bike - I have a 1250 Bandit as well so I don't get bored.
