[Texas Jay]

Good deal? I'm not sure, but I think so. It already has a backrest, which I would have to buy for a new S50, so the total savings is about $900 to $1,000 (including tax).

I just passed the MSF course and I'm 6'2", 235 pounds. This looks like the ideal bike for me. The Intruder 1400 (S83) may have too much power/torque for a new rider like me, and the Savage (S40) was nice, but it just wasn't big enough.

The Intruder 800 fit like a glove at the showroom. I really like the silver color and the handlebars that are pulled back (as opposed to the S50's straight handlebars). Any thoughts?

 

[oldgeezer]

Bought my wife a 2003 Intruder 800 last week and she loves it. As far as I can tell, it is a great bike and rides super. She much preferred the pulled back handle bars versus the drag bars on the 2005's. We did a 550 mile trek this weekend and she had no complaints whatsoever. As far as the price is concerned, if that is the final price (meaning the dealer isn't going to add on freight, dealer prep, spit shine and all the other stuff they try to soak you for) that sounds like a great deal to me. Even if he does, it still is a pretty good deal. I think MSRP on the 2005's are $6,500 or so. Have fun and ride safe.

 

[Texas Jay]

Thanks. I'm going to get it today. There's only two of the 2004 Intruder 800's left in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and I'm going to get one. It looks like a great first bike for someone my size and one that I could ride for many years and not outgrow.

I did some comparison shopping ... the Honda 750 seemed too small and the Yamaha 650 was air-cooled. The Intruder 800 seems slightly bigger & more powerful than those bikes, plus it is water-cooled with a shaft drive - something a friend of mine (a motorcycle mechanic of 18 years) recommended. I didn't look at the bikes over 1,000 cc's. That seems too big and (according to several magazine articles) the Intruder 800 is just as quick as many of the big bikes anyway.

I'm like a kid in a candy store - can't wait until I get it.

 

[oldgeezer]

You'll love the Intruder. The shaft drive is smoother and requires less maintenance than the chain drive on the Hondas and the bike has all the zip you'll ever need. If you want to find some great folks to ride with, there are a couple of CMA chapters in the metroplex. Check out the website at www.cmausa.org. Have fun and ride safe.

 

[Texas Jay]

You were reading my mind - in my next post, I was going to ask about Suzuki rider groups in the DFW area. Thanks!

I bought the bike today. I pick it up on Friday.

 

[Louis]

Good for you TexasJay. Be safe.

 

[oldgeezer]

If I were you, Friday could not come soon enough. The Intruder is a great bike and you'll have a blast on it. When you hook up with a ride group, make sure you tell them that you are a relatively new rider. The group can then coach you along and help you stay in your comfort zone until you get some miles under your belt. Unfortunately, I've seen some folks get in a major jam by trying to hang with more experienced and agressive riders. Have fun and be safe. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Texas Jay]

I'll do it! Thanks for the encouragement.