You've never seen or experienced a classic cruiser like this. Introducing the new Suzuki Boulevard C109R. It combines classic cruiser styling with renowned Suzuki V-twin power in such a striking way that it establishes a new standard for the class and it completes the Suzuki Boulevard line of cruisers.

2008 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 Suzuki Boulevard C109R
  • Engine/Motor: four-stroke, liquid cooled, V-twin, DOHC, 4-valves
  • Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with shaft final drive

2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO
  • Engine/Motor: four-stroke, liquid cooled, V-twin, DOHC, 4-valves
  • Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with shaft final drive
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


Suzuki presents the Boulevard C109R as the motorcycle that takes cruising to a new level which brings power in the palm of our hands and comfort for our backs and feet. You can easily understand where comfort comes from by looking at the pictures, but check out the technical features, especially the part where the GSX-R fuel injection system is being mentioned, and form your own opinion on this classic cruiser.

History


Suzuki launched the Boulevard C109R as the classic tourer which will complete the Boulevard line of cruisers.

Being brand new and introduced as a 2008 model, it is obvious that history isn’t its strong point but you should never doubt the quality of a Suzuki motorcycle. It doesn’t have any history but who says it doesn’t benefit of Suzuki’s championship winning GSX-R fuel injection systems which make it unique in the disputed market of cruisers, especially in the U.S.

Conclusions can be easily drawn but the most reflecting is that history is being written at Suzuki’s with their new model always ready to head on the freeway.

Competition


Suzuki did present the C109R as THE machine to ride in your future years of cruising and their affirmations were indeed based on the reliable package that they had to offer.

But did they take into consideration the models offered by the competition? By mentioning the competition of this model, I am referring to the Honda VTX1800R, a motorcycle with some time on the market. Retro is indeed the look for this timeless V-twin featuring classic, deeply valanced fenders, cast aluminum wheels and staggered dual exhaust. I believe that the Honda was strongly taken into consideration as Suzuki’s classic cruiser ended up featuring the same characteristics but fairly improved.

Kawasaki also has a classic cruiser to send in the battle and it is known as the Vulcan 2000 Classic, a machine that combines traditional cruiser style with modern muscle and awesome physical presence.

With strong competition coming from Honda and Kawasaki, the Suzuki reserves some surprises out on the open road and I am eager to see them.

Exterior

black Suzuki Boulevard C109R
Suzuki


What I most like about this cruiser it the fact that in ended up being as massive as it could get. I mean, would you like to see it looking and saying something else? I certainly don’t! I love to see a strong and dour fork sustaining a gigantic front wheel featuring dual disc brakes. I enjoy a wide seat sustained by a rigid but yet strongly-developed chassis on which is positioned the beautifully curved fuel tank.

The C109R establishes its own identity with its styling. It has pullback handlebars, floorboards that let you kick your feet out, a spacious, relaxed riding position and its own slash-cut mufflers.

But you couldn’t do that on a smaller, sleeker cruiser, wouldn’t you? That is why this motorcycle followed the recipe used when creating its engine: “bigger is better”. The result is the incredibly imposing machine implementing smooth, classic lines all the way from the fuel tank, through the seat and rear fender.

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Test Drive


The aspect that attracted me the most on the new Boulevard and the key to C109R’s performance is its 109 cubic inch engine with Suzuki fuel injection which is the same basic powerplant used by the awesome M109R, which traces its technological heritage to Suzuki’s championship winning GSX-R supersport bikes. One ride on the C109R and you’ll notice that it boasts its own power characteristics, with more torque down low for extraordinary acceleration. I have to say that it is more than you would expect from an imposing cruiser even for its 1783cc engine.

But being imposing involves weight and you might expect to encounter this problem on the 2008 C109R. I am not saying that the machine is light as a FZ6 and I have to admit that despite featuring Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material, it remains rather heavy and hard to maneuver at low speed. But hey, it wouldn’t be a cruiser if it was ready to receive in its saddle an 18 years old rebel.

The good news is that pounds seem to fly off as the throttle is being widely opened and the sound of the exhaust becomes a screaming monster. This is where the fun begins. Out on the freeway is where the Boulevard C109R proves its best and its owner or rider benefits of the best treatment ever. I believe that if this cruiser would be a medicine in the pharmacy, it would have been found on the distress shelf. It is that awesome!

An important factor that gives this bike a special something is the way it handles on sinuous lonely roads. The maneuverability is quite amazing and the rush given is one of a kind. I really had to experience on my own skin before I made a statement and I admit, it is wonderful to have this amount of torque available together with the comfortable riding position.

Another element very important when cruising is the suspension system which has a “must” positioned before the “providing comfort” words. At least this is what I noticed during my 200 miles ride with a cruiser that delivered me as fresh as a new born, smile on the face included. The seat had probably very much to do with the actual result but the idea is that you will never get tired or bored riding the C109R.

Both front and rear disc brakes made sure that my journey will come to an end but I have to say what a journey that was! Cruising has never attracted me in the way that it does it now (except the time I rode the VF750C Magna).

Price


Both the thrill of riding a Suzuki Boulevard C109R and knowing that the beast sleeps quietly in your garage can be part of your daily routine by paying the retail price of $13,799. You will also benefit of a 12 months unlimited mileage limited warranty.

Conclusion


The big class cruiser from Suzuki will set new standards and became one of the most desired motorcycles out there. The factors that made me draw this conclusion are related to power, handling, comfort, good looks and reliability. The benefits are endless and the pleasure of riding the C109R is instantaneous.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Displacement: 1783cc
Type: four-stroke, liquid-cooled, V-twin, DOHC, 4-Valves
Bore x Stroke: 112.0mm x 90.5mm
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Semi-Dry Sump
Ignition: Digital/transistorized
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: Shaft

Chassis and Dimensions


Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring pre-load
Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
Tires Front: 150/80R16 M/C 63V
Tires Rear: 240/55R16 M/C 79V
Overall Length: 2565mm (101 in.)
Overall Width: 985mm (38.7 in.)
Overall Height: 1150mm (45.3 in.)
Seat Height: 710mm (28.0 in.)
Ground Clearance: 138mm (5.4 in.)
Wheelbase: 1755mm (69.1 in.)
Dry Weight: TBD
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.0 liter (5.0 gal.)

Other


Color: Black, Maroon

Technical Features

 

New Engine

-1783cc, 4-valve DOHC, 54 degree, liquid-cooled, fuel injected V-twin engine designed for strong throttle response and massive torque output
-112mm bore and 90.5mm stroke utilizing forged aluminum pistons with short skirts, and cut away sides riding on chrome moly steel connecting rods
-Unique new two-stage cam drive system creates a compact cylinder head design and reduces overall engine height and creates a lower center of gravity
-Each bore is lined with Suzuki’s race proven SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material) for optimum heat transfer, tighter piston-to-cylinder clearances and reduced weight
-Crank inertia for the C109R is increased by 20% for increased torque delivery at low speed and for reduced vibration across the rpm range
-A compact dry sump lubrication system SASS (Suzuki Advanced Sump System) provides reduced engine height, a lower crankshaft position and lower center of gravity
-Five speed transmission features carefully selected gear ratios for comfortable cruising in a variety of riding situations
-Three piece airbox uses dual intakes working through a pleated fabric air cleaner element
-Electronic fuel injection system features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) with 52mm throttle bodies – maintains optimum air velocity for smooth low-to-mid range throttle response
-A new Idle Speed Control (ISC) system improves cold starting and stabilizes engine idle speed in various conditions
-Dual spark plug per cylinder ignition system is controlled by the powerful 32 bit ECM for improved combustion efficiency and reduced exhaust emissions

New Chassis

-High-tensile double cradle steel frame is build to comfortable handle all the power and torque while delivering agile handling and a plush smooth ride
-New cast alloy wheels feature a 10 spoke radial design for a clean and classic look. The new cast wheels measure a 3.50 x 16 inch up front and a massive 8.00 x 16 inch rear tire wearing a huge 240mm radial tire
-New combined braking system utilizes three pistons per caliper for the dual disc front braking system. When applying the front brake lever two pistons work at the front. When using the rear brake pedal both front brake and rear brake systems are combined using the rear brake and the middle piston of the front brake calipers through a delay valve.
-New pull back type handlebars feature a deep chrome plated finish and a beautiful wide design for a massive look
-49mm front forks feature thick chrome covers for a stylish new look and feature 130mm of wheel travel
-Link type aluminum swingarm creating a rigid tail look with light weight and high rigidity
-Stylish and wide fuel tank design is build to highlight the classic lines of the C109R with a large 5 gallon fuel capacity for maximum rider enjoyment
-New spacious floorboards for increased rider comfort and control

Key Features

-New classic design brings combines the clean, sweeping good looks of a classic cruiser with high performance provided by Suzuki advanced technology

Engine Features

-The 2-into1-into-2 stainless steel chromed exhaust system features Suzuki’s digitally controlled SET (Suzuki Exhaust Tuning) system for optimum engine performance and powerful V-twin sound