2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109R/RT Review

Introduction

In their attempt to create 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 1783cc, 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.

But stopping an 838 lbs or 900 lbs (touring model) curb weight 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 and 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 2010 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 rest of Japanese crowd were already profiting of the benefits.

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

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 and Road Star S 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 and Road Star Silverado S.

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 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). The 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.

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 and VTX1800T, which are the competing models for the C109R, respectively C109RT.

Exterior

2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

Although the engine is taken from a muscle bike, the Boulevard C109R and C109RT are entirely different looking bikes which stand out thanks to the smooth flowing lines as well as the multitude of chromed units. Yet, the cast alloy wheels offer a touch of modernity in slight contradiction with the classic style. On the touring model, the white wall tires and the studded seats compensate for that.

The front end is dominated by a headlight worthy of being mounted on a lighthouse, but the 150mm front tire and the chrome fork covers look massive too. The also chromed wide handlebars follow the gas tank’s lines. This brings us to the unit of great importance on the C109 models, the 5-gallon tank. Suzuki surely took its space with this piece of great visual importance and that also provided room for the instruments. It hugs the frame and it is very low positioned, but you’ll still be able to spot the source of that two-into-two exhaust, the 108.8-cubic-inch V-Twin.

2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109RT

It would seem that the classic cruiser look is completed (despite the radiator, which seems a little off the scene), but there’s plenty more of it. The seat is positioned at only 27.8 inches from the ground and with a stylish rear fender and taillight on top of that 240mm rear tire, you’re ready to hit the streets in big boy style. Colors available for the simple model are Black and Blue.

But if the interstates are most likely the places where you’ll be riding, the Suzuki Boulevard C109RT is a much more appropriate choice for the implicit riding demands. As mentioned before, this distinguishes through the retro white wall tires, studded seat, windshield, backrest and leather saddlebags as well as thanks to the Black/Grey color scheme.

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Test Ride

2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

The thing that needs to be said about the Suzuki Boulevard C109 before mentioning anything else about it is the fact that it can’t “mask” its weight at standstill, not even with a low center of gravity and its wide handlebars. So lifting the 838 lbs (wet) weighing cruiser off its sidestand is demanding and it reminds me of the challenging task of lifting my dad’s half-liter engined Virago when I was only twelve years old. That’s never enjoyable.

Starting the 1,783cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 54-degree V-Twin engine is easy despite the fact that the crankshaft moves the largest pistons ever to be mounted on a gasoline engine. But there is no enthusiastic exhaust note like the one of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle (that’s incomparable, anyway) as the GSX-R inspirations ensure quietness at idle and low engine speeds. You will have to rev this uniquely tuned V-Twin and be introduced to what seems to be a change of character at first and just a fussily V-Twin exhaust sound afterwards.

As much as Suzuki retuned the engine, it still remained a high-revving unit. Unlike other cruiser engines which don’t manage to keep the rush going above 5,000 rpm, the V-Twin on the C109 makes use of its entire stud (114 horsepower) close to 6,000 rpm before tempering out.

That’s great for a cruiser, but also uncharacteristic. It also allows for proper exploiting of the wide-ratio five-speed gearbox which’s lever you’ll rarely have to actuate when needing to pass up. Third speed is perfect for low and medium speed cornering. Rare were the occasions when I found myself using fourth gear even in high-speed corners as fifth’s docile character is chased away by some serious throttle action when a straight patch of road displays.

2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

After serious fights with gravitational force when getting it in vertical position and excessively wearing out the boots when maneuvering it backwards in the parking lot, the C109 seems to shake the fat away when you open up the throttle. With 150mm front and 240mm rear wide tires, this cruiser feels stable and reassuring around the corners. This feels rather strange at first considering that a 40 mph curve is not much of a challenge for it when you’re expecting it to be.

The suspensions also receive their fair share of credit for that while still managing to soak up the bumps any eventual bumps great ease.

Still wondering how the linked brakes deal with the serious mass? Very well, I would say. Actuating the front brake lever will result in a strong braking feel, despite the brakes not being used at full capacity (three pistons applied on each of the 290mm discs), but all the fun begins when hitting the rear brakes (two pistons actuating on the single 275mm disc). This will determine the braking of the front end as well, so that alone can mean the solution to your questions about stopping.

Price

In these past few years, Suzuki Boulevard models stood out among the most appreciated cruisers made by a Japanese manufacturer and the good quality-price ratio always helped. For example, the MSRP for the Boulevard C109R starts at $14,799 and the one for the C109RT at $15,999.

Conclusion

Being a great overall product itself – in its both forms, the R and RT – the 2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109 is here to enjoy the notoriety of a class-leader (if we exclude the Harleys) in the days when big engines are fading like flowers. Great! This means that bad boys can turn back on them and your accountant will return on 250cc bikes.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

Engine and Transmission

• Displacement: 1783 cc (108.8 cu. in)
• Type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 54? V-twin
• Bore Stroke: 112.0 mm (4.409 in) x 90.5 mm (3.563 in)
• Compression Ratio: 10.5 : 1
• Fuel System: Fuel injection
• Lubrication: Semi-Dry sump
• Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
• Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
• Final Drive: Shaft Drive

Chassis and Dimensions

• Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
• Suspension Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
• Brakes Front: Disc brake, twin
• Brakes Rear: Disc brake
• Tires Front: 150/80R16M/C 71V, tubeless
• Tires Rear: 240/55R16M/C 86V, tubeless
• Overall Length: 2580 mm (101.6 in)
• Overall Width: 985 mm (38.8 in)
• Overall Height: 1150 mm (45.3 in); 1473 mm (58 in) of the Special Touring model
• Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in)
• Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in)
• Wheelbase: 1755 mm (69.1 in)
• Curb Weight: 380 kg (838 lbs); 408 kg (900 lbs) of the Special Touring model
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.0 L (5.0/4.2 US/Imp gal)

Features & Benefits

2010 Suzuki Boulevard C109RT

Key Features

• Innovative and classic design combines the clean, sweeping good looks of a classic cruiser with high performance provided by Suzuki advanced technology
• New for 2010, white wall tires and passenger floorboards
• Special Touring model featuring a custom designed windshield, an attractive studded seat, beautiful leather saddlebags, comfortable passenger backrest, Light bar and engine guards.
• 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 alloy 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
• High-tensile double cradle steel frame is built to comfortably 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 tyre wearing a huge 240mm radial tyre
• 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
• New spacious floorboards for increased rider comfort and control
• New classic design brings combines the clean, sweeping good looks of a classic cruiser with high
• performance provided by Suzuki advanced technology
• 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

Engine Features

• 112mm bore and 90.5mm stroke utilizing forged aluminum alloy pistons with short skirts, and cut away sides riding on chrome moly steel connecting rods
• 1783cc, 8-valve DOHC, 54-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel injected V-twin engine designed for strong throttle response and massive torque output
• A compact dry sump lubrication system SASS (Suzuki Advanced Sump System) provides reduced engine height, a lower crankshaft position and lower center of gravity
• The Idle Speed Control (ISC) system improves cold starting and stabilizes engine idle speed in various conditions
• Crank inertia for the C109R is designed for increased torque delivery at low speed and for reduced vibration across the rpm range
• Dual spark plug per cylinder ignition system is controlled by the powerful 32 bit ECM for improved combustion efficiency and reduced exhaust emissions
• 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
• 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
• Five speed transmission features carefully selected gear ratios for comfortable cruising in a variety of riding situations
• The 2-into-1-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
• Three piece airbox uses dual intakes working through a pleated fabric air cleaner element
• 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

Chassis Features

• 49mm front forks feature thick chrome covers for a stylish new look and feature 130mm of wheel travel
• Cast alloy wheels feature a 10 spoke radial design for a clean and classic look. The 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
• 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.
• High-tensile double cradle steel frame is built to comfortably handle all the power and torque while delivering agile handling and a plush smooth ride
• Link type aluminum swingarm creating a rigid tail look with light weight and high rigidity
• Spacious floorboards for increased rider comfort and control
• Stylish and wide fuel tank design is built highlight the classic lines of the C109R with a large 19.0 L (4.2 Imp gal) fuel capacity for maximum rider enjoyment
• Stylish pull back type handlebars feature a deep chrome plated finish and a beautiful wide design for a massive look