2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90 Review

Test Ride

2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90

But who says that a smaller overall package doesn’t bring its advantages in the world of performance cruisers too? For instance, the redesigned chassis now only has to deal with 1,462 ccs instead of 1,783 ccs which means that the engine, although not as torquey, is less demanding on the chassis which results in lighter handling feel and more fun while riding.

Also, the bike is more versatile, it leans more into corners so you’ll be scraping the pegs as soon as you get down the twisties. You’ll feel more in control and soon start wondering why. The reason for that is the redesigned handlebars-seat-footpegs triangle. The first are 8 inches closer to where the rider’s bottom will be and from there they’ve also reduced the distance to the pegs with 1.1 inches.

Even more comfortable accommodated than on the M109R and benefiting of a liquid-cooled V-Twin engine worthy of powering any dragster bike (preferably with a supercharger added to it), the Boulevard M90 stands as a more docile interpretation of its bigger sibling. And the serious diet to which it was subdue not only compensates for the reduced cylinder capacity, but also makes a difference at slow speed maneuvering and when lifting the thing up from its sidestand.

2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90

The engine’s peak torque point is just above 2500 rpm which justifies the machine’s strong acceleration and awesome exhaust note. Yet that requires a little bit of playing with the clutch and the five-speed gearbox, especially during twisted road segments, but doesn’t that apply to all bikes ridden on those kinds of roads? The clutch actions smooth and the constant mesh gearbox precise and not demanding at all.

That 200mm rear tire at the bike is the adequate choice as it lets the rider feel more confident in its ride’s performances and, less important, it smokes beautifully when doing donuts.

The brakes, although not linked, work beautifully together and manage to provide confidence-inspiring stopping power in all riding situations. And don’t be surprised if ABS will come standard on the 2010 model year.

Price

Suzuki’s suggested retail price of $9,999 indicates that affordability is a thing of great concern for this manufacturer, but also a decisive detail when positioning the bike right next to the competition.

Conclusion

We could simply say that Suzuki has definitely filled the gap that worried them so much and we won’t be wrong, but in these cases the smallest model can be easily shadowed by the one from which it was derived in the first place and the work would have been in vain. Still, despite the small price difference (3,100) the public has reacted positively to the introduction of the all-new 2009 Boulevard M90 so Suzuki can worry no more. 

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