There are big bikes. And then there are really big bikes. Like the 1800cc Intruder that Suzuki Motorcycle India has just rolled out. With dimensions similar to a small hatchback – this monster motorcycle will surely need a large parking lot. AutoCar (March ’09) takes a closer look.

The Intruder comes with a flat, wide, pulled-back chrome handlebar and handsome retro-style tinted mirrors. The headlight in the front is powerful, low-set and chrome-encased to add to its looks. The bike has an easy to read digital bar-type rev counter but what is surprising is that other basic instruments including the speedometer sit far below, astride the bike’s fat teardrop tank, which means the rider’s eyes have to leave the road to take a look at them.

Getting familiar with the alloy-look switchgear is easy. There are thick, soft gripes as well as comfortable, buffed alloy clutch and brake levers. The low-slung cruiser style saddle is wide and has a slightly taller, still comfortable pillion seat just behind. And the tail with its embedded bright red brake warning lamp looks sleek.

The Intruder feels most at home on long, straight highways and can cruise here smoothly at speeds close to 130kph all day long. The big overhead camshaft-driven four-valve per cylinder engine’s bay is completely filled up by its massive V-twin and liquid cooling system. Each of the two big bores measure 112mm. While a peak power figure of 125bhp at 6200rpm may not sound all that mega – this Suzuki shines in respect to delivering all 16.3kgm of torque as low in the power band as 3200rpm.

What that really means is the massive V delivers tyre-smoking acceleration and is capable of hurling its monstrous 347kg payload plus rider and pillion to dizzying speeds anytime the taps are opened over idle engine speeds. It’s the highlight of this motorcycle and the throaty roar of the Intruder’s exhaust rips through the air with such glorious effect that you won’t ever need to sound your horn says AutoCar (March ’09).

The Intruder’s riding stance takes times to get used to. Its foot pegs and handlebars need the rider to stretch out and the seat feels like it is set a little too far behind for comfort. The Intruder stops with good poise and comes with powerful brakes, a pair of 310mm discs in front and a single 275mm disc unit at rear, which haul its bulk to a stop with a reassuring feel. Its cable-fed clutch works well with a nice progressive feel coming through the lever. But it takes a lot to master this Suzuki’s five-speed gearbox which often turned clunky and notchy during rides. Moreover the Shaft drive imparts a direct, mechanical feel that needs getting used to for riders who are acclimatized to chain drive motorcycles.

To sum up – Suzuki’s massive cruiser, the Intruder is a standout bike in India. But does that make it a sensible bike for our market? Do we have the ideal roads for this mile-eater? Says AutoCar (March ’09) ‘the Intruder must be Suzuki’s way of reminding Indians that biking isn’t always all that sensible.”