Suzuki Boulevard M109R – when a cruiser has the character of a sportbike

Cruiser class motorcycles, as a rule, have a specific design. These are specific models in the American style, they are also “biker”. Ideally, they copy two legends of the US motorcycle industry - Harley-Davidson and Indian.


But Japanese companies, which have long surpassed the legendary manufacturers in sales even in their specific classes, are constantly trying to find a new niche. Once they made a cruiser with a sportbike engine, they unexpectedly hit the center of the target.

The US market was delighted with power-cruiser motorcycles. The first, by the way, was the Honda Magna. For the US market, where cruisers are popular, chopper construction flourished. They made “charged” cars from classic Harleys and Indians. And so the Japanese decided to give the market what it was waiting for.


As for the Suzuki Boulevard M109R, it is one of the most stylish power cruiser motorcycles. The model is also known in Russia. Our bike costs from 640 thousand to 2,75 million rubles. Now let’s figure out what’s good about a motorcycle.

First impression

One look at the Suzuki Boulevard M109R is enough to make you fall in love with it. Despite its Japanese ancestry, the model was created for the US market. This automatically means that it is designed for large Americans, and not for slender Asians.

Suzuki Boulevard M109R has a number of features:

✅ Stylish
✅ Huge even compared to classic cruisers
✅ Low center of gravity
✅ Cardan drive to the wheel
✅ Semi-sporty, streamlined silhouette

The engine of the motorcycle is V-twin. It drives dynamically, especially up to the first hundred. This partly explains the interest in the model in Russia.


Although, usually love arises suddenly. Many see the sparkling handsome man for the first time and begin to become interested in him. And after the trip, that’s all - the client is “sick” and frantically looking for the required amount from himself, relatives and friends.

When choosing a motorcycle based on appearance, first of all you need to look at the integrity of the frame geometry. It is better not to take a bike with signs of serious falls. And lastly, nothing should leak out of nowhere. This applies to both the engine and any other components.

Motor and transmission

The engine is something that the Suzuki Boulevard M109R can be proud of. Two cylinders of a huge V-twin produce a volume of 1,8 liters. This is more than the Lada Vesta, and the power is 125 hp. With. also exceeds the parameters of a domestic car.


Now imagine how this power unit accelerates a motorcycle weighing 350 kg. The curb weight of Lada Vesta is more than 1 kg. Accordingly, the bike should go five times faster and more dynamically.


The motorcycle is fuel-injected, fuel consumption is not as high as that of carburetor models. Although, if you “spend all your money”, then 10 liters of gasoline per “hundred” will be consumed. In normal mode you can fit in 7-8 liters. in the city.

When purchasing an engine, it is advisable to check for:

✅ Smooth operation
✅ Thrust throughout the entire rev range
✅ No vibrations at speeds over 100 km/h

Regarding the last point, the problem may be related to worn motor mounting pads. It's okay - everything changes. It is better to order all hard “mounts” - they last longer.


If vibrations start when you unscrew the throttle at speed, then it is most likely the engine mounts.

Трансмиссия

The gearbox is five-speed, naturally mechanical. It is not particularly reliable, since it was not developed specifically for the model, but was taken from the “junior” Suzuki Boulevard M90. If the previous owner liked to “rip” everyone from the traffic light, then the gearbox does not last long. Although, everything is learned by comparison.

The same goes for the clutch. It is also not the most reliable, but it is enough for 40-50 thousand kilometers. Again, it all depends on the manner of operation by the previous owner.


The drive to the rear wheel is cardan - this eliminates the hassle of servicing the chain. There is no need to check whether it has stretched or not, tighten it, or clean it. You can change the lubricant in the gearbox every two seasons. And some people don’t look there at all for years.

Other technical features

The Suzuki Boulevard M109R has a steel frame. On the one hand, this somehow does not correspond to the spirit of the times. On the other hand, with a motorcycle weighing 350 kg, this was the only correct decision.


Braking system with two discs at the front and four-piston calipers. Everything is worse at the rear, but this is a traditional solution for motorcycle manufacturers. There is only one brake disc - there is still no room for a second one, and the caliper is two-piston.


You need to get used to the system - it’s not so easy to stop a heavy bike rushing at speeds of 120 km/h and above. It’s better to practice before your first serious ride - to get used to it, to understand how the bike stops at different speeds.

Of particular note is the ground clearance of 130 mm. This hints that the motorcycle is more suitable for roads with high-quality asphalt surfaces. In the countryside it’s difficult with the Suzuki Boulevard M109R. Its “bottom” will catch on uneven surfaces, and if you drop it, it won’t be easy to lift 350 kg.

And one more thing – the motorcycle’s riding position is more sporty than cruiser. Therefore, it is difficult to travel 200 kilometers without stopping.

Impressions

Suzuki Boulevard M109R is capable of surprising even experienced bikers. For example, the dynamics are impressive. It’s not just that they buy motorcycles with a volume of 1,8 liters per 125 liters. s., isn’t it?


Of course, even in its class, the Boulevard power cruiser is far from the fastest. For example, the Harley-Davidson V-Rod accelerates to the first hundred in 3,5 seconds, despite the fact that its engine has a volume of “only” 1,25 liters.

But no one is stopping you from chipping the Suzuki Boulevard engine. Although, for most owners, the dynamics of the factory M109R are quite enough.

In first gear you need to accelerate smoothly, otherwise the wide rear wheel will “grind” on the asphalt. But if the speed reaches 20 km/h, you can safely unscrew the throttle.


Speed ​​Suzuki Boulevard M109R – 230 km/h. But after the 160 mark it is difficult to drive - the small fairing no longer cuts off the wind flow. And the motorcycle turns poorly at a speed of 150 km/h. It runs like a train on rails, and you have to let off the gas when turning.


At low speeds, the Suzuki Boulevard M109R handles perfectly. Despite its dimensions, the motorcycle is suitable for “flashing” car traffic jams. Of course, this requires skill.

The gearbox is frankly noisy, they shift hard. These are design features - you have to come to terms with them. Or you can install a tuning link.

To summarize, it should be noted that the Suzuki Boulevard M109R is far from a universal motorcycle. He loves asphalt; he has nothing to do in the countryside. But the bike will definitely attract the attention of others.