This is essentially the 800cc V-twin big brother of the Suzuki S40/Savage.  Styling is very similar.  It's lightweight (only about 440 lbs) similar to it's 380 lb little brother....same strategy of smaller bike with bigger engine.  I can't see a problem with that.  

Don't get me wrong...I really like my S40.  Just thinking ahead to maybe next spring getting something a little bigger and a little more comfortable for highway cruising.

I haven't spotted any forums specifically devoted to the S50/Intruder...I guess it doesn't have the kind of following the S40/Savage does.  (If one's out there and I missed it, somebody whack me in the head with a URL.   )

Cheers,
Dave

intruder alert?

I like the idea but from what I hear the execution is horrible.
The guys on he Volusia forum don't even like them.


--Steve

Hey guys...thanks for the comments.  Interesting...I haven't actually ridden one yet...don't see too many locally (maybe there's a reason for that, eh?).

So, backing up the question...what are some good similar bikes that might be a good step up, if/when I decide to look.  I'd rather keep it on the lighter-side but still comfortable/capable for two...something like a Honda Goldwing would be waaaay too big and heavy for my tastes.

Cheers!
Dave

Dave Sisk wrote on 10/02/12 at 13:18:33:

With all the time I spent looking before purchasing my Savage, I found very, very few bikes that had the classic look, light weight, and not have a tank as wide as my car. I didn't choose the S50/Intruder because I really wanted air cooled. I sat on a bunch of bikes at a show this past weekend. The S50 was the most comfortable. I would swap out the bars. I don't like the straight bars. They hold my wrists at an awkward angle.

Serowbot wrote on 10/02/12 at 14:39:10:

Yes, those Triumphs were on my short list, as was an 883 Sportster

SALB wrote on 10/02/12 at 14:50:41:

I've had occasional thoughts about them,... but then, I remember...
If I have power, I tend to use it...  tickets, crashes, pain will result... ...

I've never ridden one...

THE definitive place for the S50 and S83 is IntruderAlert.com, but it can be difficult to join up. And stay out of the Back Room over there.

The VS800 is a great engine, that's why it is still made. The anything 50 series of Boulevards are all based on it, with the C and M bikes much easier to work on.

At 6'2" and over 200 lbs, I despise the "caricture" models, the 80s designed VS800/S50 and VS1400/S83. Not the slightest bit comfortable, if you want to stretch out you'll be riding it from the pillion. Stone gutless, they have decent top speeds but launch like pregnant elephants. You can't do ANY motor work w/o fighting the design. The buckhorn models had non-adjustable handlebars. The seat vinyl is NOT UV-safe. Or cold safe.

Best thing about 800 Intruders? The petcock (mechanical) fits the stock Savage tank, and the shocks are just the right length to actually make a Savage soak up bumps instead of bottoming out or launching you into orbit. My wife's 800 shocks are on my Savage, my Savage's shocks are on her 800 to close the hideous fender gap they ship with.

She loves her bike... I'd love to use it for target practice.