Dealer Comments
It seems like we have been waiting for this bike a big part of forever. When Suzuki introduced its first mega-cruiser, the M109R, back in 2005, it was obviously an image leader, but still not the Boulevard line's headline attraction. Sure, Americans get excited about musclebikes like the M109R, but they buy classic cruisers in much larger numbers. Suzuki showed the prototype of the classically styled companion to the M109R back in 2006 and confirmed that the C109R would be an '08 model last summer. We finally got to throw a leg over one in March at Suzuki's press ride.^^The C model inherits most of the technology and considerable power of the M109 engine. It even retains the R suffix, presumably so it can brag about the potent GSX-R sportbike technology incorporated in the 1783cc, DOHC V-twin. However, the C109R's mill is tempered with milder intake timing than the M, smaller 52mm throttle bodies (versus 56mm in the M) and 20 percent more crankshaft inertia. There is always a battle between airbox capacity (needed for power) and fuel capacity. To get both, Suzuki created an intake tract with three plenums-one atop the engine and two triangular airboxes on the sides-for 11 liters of airbox capacity. In the process it gave up a quart of the M109R's fuel capacity for 5.0 gallons. It also lost a little peak horsepower to the M, ending with 114 at 5800 rpm. The trade results in pumped-up power at the lower end of the rpm scale.^^A 1.8-inch-longer wheelbase, a triangular hardtail-style swingarm with different shock geometry, fuller classic-style metal (rather than the M's plastic) fenders, more traditional bodywork, covered 49mm fork tubes, a traditional multireflector headlight, its own LED taillight, long mufflers, rider floorboards, a roomy stepped saddle, a higher and wider (35.5 inches) handlebar, a fresh tank-top instrument panel, cast wheels with 10 thin spokes and its own tires transform the musclebike to a traditional American-style cruiser. The rear tire is still a 240-width like the M109R, but the C's tire has a slightly taller profile on 16- instead of 18-inch wheels. The changes add about 80 pounds.^^The C delivers its power a bit more genteelly than the M, with stronger throttle response down low and slightly less rush above 4500 rpm. However, Suzuki claims it still has more horsepower than any other classic-style twin, and I can believe it. With greater top-end rpm than other monster twins and strong response down low, the C109R has an exceptionally wide powerband, largely because it continues to rev well beyond the rpm where most big V-twins go blah. Throttle response is smooth yet crisp throughout.Several factors conspire to make the C109R significantly more comfortable than the M. Topping the list is a more humane riding position with considerable flexibility offered by the spacious saddle and 12-inch-long floorboards. This gives room to squirm and shift your weight on long rides. Softer initial travel in the 46mm preload-adjustable rear shock makes small, sharp bumps less jarring than on the M, though larger lumps still come through forcefully. Although both saddles are about 15 inches wide, the C's is slightly crowned, leaving my butt less comfortable than in the flatter M saddle after five hours or so. Passengers enjoy more space and padding on the C model, too, with passenger floorboards and backrest among Suzuki's accessories already available for the bike. Three-point rubber mounts effectively subdue any vibration escaping the engine.^^Unlike the M109R, the C features combined braking. The front-brake lever operates two of the three pistons in each of the dual front-brake calipers, with the brake pedal activating the third as well as the rear-brake caliper. However, the pedal-operated system requires considerable effort to get real effect. Fortunately the front brake delivers good power with moderate effort, and the handlebar lever includes cam-style adjusters.FIVE REASONS WHY A TEAMMOTO APPROVED USED BIKE IS ABETTER BIKE!***** Up to 3 Year Warranty ***** 2 Day Free Exchange ***** 49 Point Mechanical Inspection ***** Competitive Finance and Insurance packages available ***** Australia Wide Freight?.
