2009 Suzuki Boulevard M109R/Limited Edition Review

Exterior

2009 Suzuki Boulevard M109R

Suzuki not only changed the cruiser riding experience with the introduction of the all-new Boulevard M109R, but also the image we initially had about this category of bikes. Ever since the 2006 launch, this model features aerodynamic bodywork which is very hard to obtain considering the inexistence of any form of fairing. That is the result of Suzuki perfectly designing and fitting together components such as the headlight, instruments and radiator housings. As supposed, these are not only aimed at making the bike look aggressive and compact, but also to feel like an arrow in high accelerating rounds.

The rider is well planted on the 27.8-inches high seat as the feet stretch forward to the footpegs. The gas tank is built around the narrow frame in such manner that it allows the massive V-Twin engine to shine nicely like on any other cruising two-wheeled machinery.

The massive chromed double exhaust stretches all over the right side of the rider indicating that this is no beginner bike. But if you feel like a second and even better proof then check out that 240mm rear tire.

What the Suzuki Boulevard M109R shows is that only looks can match performance and the 2009 model year indeed looks great with either Black, Red or Silver color options. Not to mention the White/Blue color scheme on the Limited Edition model.

Test Ride

Suzuki created the Boulevard M109R as an unbeatable combination of power and torque and that is exactly what strikes you as soon as you get a feel of it. Even from idle, the engine supplies our constant eager ears with a very strong exhaust note which is more of an anticipation of what’s about to follow.

Nicely accommodated in the comfy, spacious seat and pretty impressed by the ergonomics, it would seem that you’re dealing with a regular carbureted custom bike until you get comfortable with the throttle as well and start spinning it as meant to. The engine provides asphalt-ripping torque from right above idle so getting to your cruising speed only requires two or three shifts. But the rush you’ll get by doing this doesn’t compare with anything else we’ve ridden before except the V-Max.

The engine is pure muscle and with 160 Nm and 125 hp at your disposal, there isn’t pretty much anything you’ll require and that the M109R isn’t able to provide. It remains steady under hard acceleration and at high speed. That’s more of a dilemma as, normally, people tend to think that a torquey beast doesn’t manage to sustain the adrenaline rush at high speeds, but how wrong they can be in this case. The M109R manages to pant easily when doing 90 mph on the highway in top gear and that’s all horsepower there.

A small disadvantage of V-Twin engines is that they vibrate and this huge one makes no exception. Although not excessive at low revs, the “massage” you get around 5000 rpm is quite noticeable and can become bothering if riding long distances in this regime.

Returning to sweet things, handling is the very next think that manages to impress as the bike, although pretty corpulent and heavy, is turned easily form side to side and finds its way nicely even in twisty riding conditions. In enthusiastic approaches towards corners, there is nothing like scraping the pegs and realize that this is no sportbike although accelerating out of corners gets you again confused. The wide tires (130mm front and 240mm rear) grip on the road and manage to keep the bike nice and forgiving even when ridden to the limit.

There are four, respective two piston calipers acting on 310mm front brake rotors and a 275mm rear disc so there is enough braking power to stop a raging bull, not to mention the 850 lbs of the Suzuki Boulevard M109R and its rider.

Overall a thrilling experience, the model leaves us wondering in what possible way it can be revamped. Hopefully, the new V-Max is a good source of inspiration.

Price

Suzuki’s suggested retail price for the 2009 Boulevard M109R is $13,099. But the Limited Edition model introduced in 2007 is slightly more exclusive and raises the MSRP to $13,399, which is still, much better than what the competition offers for approximately the same amount.

Conclusion

Although not full of changes, the 2009 M109R manages to remain a class leader showing that the “why change it if it ain’t wrong” saying is perfectly right.

With a powerful engine, attractive looks and all day comfort, any bike would be successful, but Suzuki adds refinement and style to that, leaving competitors simply indulged.

Previous page

1  2  3

Next page