2009 Suzuki Boulevard C109R/RT Review

Introduction

In their attempt of creating the absolute modern cruiser, Suzuki engineers have taken the power plant from the M109R and retuned the camshafts for more low-end and mid-range torque over horsepower and so deliver a classic piece of machinery, not only in style, but in attitude as well. The 1783 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 54-degree V-Twin set the Boulevards C109R and C109RT up against the best in the business so a GSX-R-derived electronic fuel injection system seems like a great solution for the two models. And so does the wide-ratio five-speed transmission.

Like the engine and gearbox, the chassis was built for the long haul. With a high-tensile double cradle steel frame and Showa suspension working on both ends (49mm forks deliver 130mm of wheel travel and a rear monoshock linked to an aluminum swingarm), these bikes are meant to offer first class accommodations.

2009 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

But stopping 838 lbs or 885 lbs (touring model) wet is never an easy task. That is why Suzuki uses a combined braking system. So when applying the front brake lever two pistons out of three will provide the stopping power, but when applying the rear brake, this last will be used at full capabilities while the front will intervene with a single piston. This may not be extracted from the world of races, but it gets the job done proudly.

The Boulevard C109RT offers a plus of comfort thanks to a tall windscreen and passenger backrest, but also decent carrying capacity thanks to a pair of leather saddlebags. The bad boy image is enhanced by the studded seat while the new for 2009 white wall tires give it a retro look as well.

History

Suzuki launched the Boulevard cruiser lineup in 2004 and consecrated the name by manufacturing middleweight classic cruisers and big, class-leading muscle-bikes such as the M109R. Eventually, this would have inspired Suzuki to create a high-end cruiser, the C109R, and a corresponsive touring version, the C109RT.

The first model years were 2008s. Colors available for the C109R were Black and Maroon while the C109RT was Blue/White, Black/Gray colored.

Competition

By the time Suzuki spotted the amazing importance of building such models, Harley-Davidson and the Japanese builders were already profiting of the benefits.

The Softail Deluxe (starting at $17,499) and Heritage Softail Classic (starting at $17,999) are both powered by Harley’s 96-cubic-inch, air-cooled, Twin Cam 96B engine which is electronically fuel injected so they satisfy the market’s requests greatly. The Heritage Softail Classic adds a tall windscreen, passenger backrest and saddlebags, improving onboard comfort and practicability.

2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Star Motorcycles is probably the most offering competitor. With four, more than decent alternatives to the two Suzuki models, Star makes it hard on a potential buyer to walk out from the dealership with nothing new to ride.

The Road Star (MSRP $12,390) and Road Star S (MSRP $13,090) are both part of the classic crowd and with a fuel-injected, 102-cubic-inch, air-cooled, 48-degree V-Twin, they make for great rides. Also, the models address to the fans of belt drive. Their touring siblings are the Road Star Silverado (MSRP $14,090) and Road Star Silverado S (MSRP $14,590)

2009 Star Road Star

Kawasaki doesn’t miss this battle as it relies on the Vulcan 1700 Classic and Vulcan 1700 Classic LT to make an impression and if that doesn’t work, there are always the Vulcan 2000 models to keep fans close to their favorite manufacturer. The 2009 Vulcan 1700 Classic is backed up by a potent 103.7-cubic-inch, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine and it doesn’t weight that much either (760.7 lbs). MSRP in this case is $12,299. The 2009 Vulcan 1700 Classic LT features that same wonderful engine, but the ride is improved by the addition of a windshield, passenger backrest and leather saddlebags. MSRP rises to $13,799.

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT

Honda sticks to carburetion so at least you know what to expect from the 1,795cc, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-Twin engine on the VTX1800N (MSRP $13,699) and VTX1800T ($14,899), which are the corresponsive models for the C109R, respectively C109RT.

2008 Honda VTX1800N

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