2009 Suzuki Boulevard M109R2 Review

Introduction

Yet the Suzuki Boulevard M109R2 is considered being a bike of its own here at Top Speed just how the Japanese manufacturer likes to build and sell it, thankfully, to the U.S. too.

Even though a relatively new addition to the large Boulevard line of cruisers and powered by M109R’s 1783cc, 8-valve DOHC, 54 degree, liquid-cooled, fuel injected V-twin engine, the M109R2 manages to individualize itself thanks to its sleeker front end design and that’s pretty much everything. Instead of displaying that bucket-like headlight, the new bike is more aerodynamic and visually attractive when the simple one remains just this: a veritable bad boy machine.

Like on all modern power cruisers, the engine on this baby is great for accelerating rounds and highly durable as well so it needed to be mounted on a resistant frame which will properly deal with the forces exerting on it. The answer came in the form of a high-tensile double cradle steel unit that also makes for great handling. The rest of the chassis simply had to comply so the suspension equipment was done by inverted cartridge forks with 5.12 inches of wheel travel and a preload adjustable single rear shock with 4.66 inches of wheel travel. With wide, custom wheels, the M109R2 features sports-like braking equipment composed from two 310mm front brake rotors and a 275mm rear one.

History

2006 Suzuki Boulevard M109R

The first ever Boulevard M109R came out in 2006 and it started the mean machine revolution in Suzuki’s continuously growing lineup. The engine was the same as the one found on today’s M109R models and the colors available were Black, Silver or Violet Blue.

In 2007, they’ve chromed the cylinder head cover, secondary cover and drive unit cover and the new colors for the original model were Black, White and red.

Also, 2007 is the year when Suzuki, inspired by the hot rod frenzy, added a Limited Edition model to their lineup and that caught on to the public pretty well. The distinctive features were: a racing stripe going all over the bike’s length, checkerboard background gauge package, clear taillight lens with red LED’s and a stylish textured seat. Color combination was Blue/White.

The year 2008 finally brought the Suzuki Boulevard M109R2, a motorcycle easy to distinguish thanks to the striking styling and one that was produced in parallel with the first two models. Initially, the bike was sold as a “new special edition M109R” and featured the goodies of the Limited Edition model except the racing stripe, but as we can see, it carried on being produced and everything is still special about it. The colors of 2008 were Black and Gray.

Competition

2008 Honda VTX1800F

Although Honda keeps its VTX1800F unchanged for 2009, the bike is decently powered by a carbureted 1,795cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine and while apparently it seems suitable for this performance cruiser battle, it remains a custom and that says pretty much all about it including the fact that it isn’t the most appropriate competitor for the Suzuki Boulevard M109R2, but simply a well worth mentioning alternative from a notorious builder.

2009 Star Warrior

Star Motorcycles, however, offer two muscle bikes that are among R2’s most feared competitors. The 2009 Warrior and Midnight Warrior stand as rule breaking motorcycles proving that arm-ripping acceleration can also be provided by a 1,670cc air-cooled 48° V-Twin engine fed through a twin-bore electronic fuel injection system. With a five-speed, close-ratio gearbox (and belt final drive, like on most Star models), comfortable accommodations and extravagant looks, the two Warriors are breathtaking pieces of machineries. The simple Warrior price starts at $13,190 while the Midnight Warrior adds $200 to that.

2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak

There is also the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak offered in two different variants, the chromed and the matte black covered one. We’re interested in this last as it is closer to the category virtually created by the Suzuki and in which the Kawi barely manages to squeeze in as it features a 1,552cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, 50-degree V-twin engine. But, with a $11,299 MSRP, it manages being the cheapest solution of them all.

Exterior

2009 Suzuki Boulevard M109R2

Getting back to the Suzuki Boulevard M109R2, we cannot abstain mentioning how great it looks, not only because that is pretty much the reason of it being created in the first place, but also the main reason of the sales charts numbers. The bike is compact and aggressive despite the massive size, making the rider look almost like being out of place as he sits in an upright riding position.

The headlight seems like hand molded as well as the instruments housing, radiator and front fender and if it wasn’t for the smooth flowing lines, you’d even expect to find a fairing on it. But, as we’re dealing with a cruiser, the flatten-out gas tank introduces us to the 27.8 inches high seat. Remove the number plate, taillight and the rear signal lights and that rear fender covering a 240mm wide rear tire looks exactly to what you would find on a dragster bike so at least you know what you’re dealing with if the double exhaust doesn’t impress you.

Underneath the stylish gas tank, the 1,783cc V-Twin motor looks shiny and powerful and despite being liquid-cooled it features classy cooling fins in an attempt to blend the old with the new.

Colors available for 2009 are Black and Red while the chromed pieces are still abundant (headlight and instruments housing, handlebar, exhaust, cylinder head cover, etc). Add a pair of cast aluminum alloy wheels and you’re ready to hit the roads in style.

2008 Suzuki Boulevard M109R2 Test Ride

Price

For a class leader, the $13,099 MSRP of the 2009 Suzuki Boulevard M109R2 is $100 cheaper than the simple Warrior, which justifies the enormous fan club built behind the M109R series. 

Conclusion

The fact that a product, in general, doesn’t need any improvements can only mean that it was properly manufactured from the very beginning and in the case of the 2008 model year, in particular, we weren’t wrong when writing up the unique features.

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