Suzuki Boulevard C109R

Suzuki presents the Boulevard C109R as the motorcycle that takes cruising to a new level which brings power in the palm of our hands and comfort for our backs and feet. You can easily understand where comfort comes from by looking at the pictures, but check out the technical features, especially the part where the GSX-R fuel injection system is being mentioned, and form your own opinion on this classic cruiser.

Suzuki launched the Boulevard C109R as the classic tourer which will complete the Boulevard line of cruisers.

Being brand new and introduced as a 2008 model, it is obvious that history isn’t its strong point but you should never doubt the quality of a Suzuki motorcycle. It doesn’t have any history but who says it doesn’t benefit of Suzuki’s championship winning GSX-R fuel injection systems which make it unique in the disputed market of cruisers, especially in the U.S.

Conclusions can be easily drawn but the most reflecting is that history is being written at Suzuki’s with their new model always ready to head on the freeway.

Suzuki did present the C109R as THE machine to ride in your future years of cruising and their affirmations were indeed based on the reliable package that they had to offer.

But did they take into consideration the models offered by the competition? By mentioning the competition of this model, I am referring to the Honda VTX1800R, a motorcycle with some time on the market. Retro is indeed the look for this timeless V-twin featuring classic, deeply valanced fenders, cast aluminum wheels and staggered dual exhaust. I believe that the Honda was strongly taken into consideration as Suzuki’s classic cruiser ended up featuring the same characteristics but fairly improved.

Kawasaki also has a classic cruiser to send in the battle and it is known as the Vulcan 2000 Classic, a machine that combines traditional cruiser style with modern muscle and awesome physical presence.

With strong competition coming from Honda and Kawasaki, the Suzuki reserves some surprises out on the open road and I am eager to see them.

What I most like about this cruiser it the fact that in ended up being as massive as it could get. I mean, would you like to see it looking and saying something else? I certainly don’t! I love to see a strong and dour fork sustaining a gigantic front wheel featuring dual disc brakes. I enjoy a wide seat sustained by a rigid but yet strongly-developed chassis on which is positioned the beautifully curved fuel tank.

The C109R establishes its own identity with its styling. It has pullback handlebars, floorboards that let you kick your feet out, a spacious, relaxed riding position and its own slash-cut mufflers.

But you couldn’t do that on a smaller, sleeker cruiser, wouldn’t you? That is why this motorcycle followed the recipe used when creating its engine: “bigger is better”. The result is the incredibly imposing machine implementing smooth, classic lines all the way from the fuel tank, through the seat and rear fender.
 

The aspect that attracted me the most on the new Boulevard and the key to C109R’s performance is its 109 cubic inch engine with Suzuki fuel injection which is the same basic powerplant used by the awesome M109R, which traces its technological heritage to Suzuki’s championship winning GSX-R supersport bikes. One ride on the C109R and you’ll notice that it boasts its own power characteristics, with more torque down low for extraordinary acceleration. I have to say that it is more than you would expect from an imposing cruiser even for its 1783cc engine.

But being imposing involves weight and you might expect to encounter this problem on the 2008 C109R. I am not saying that the machine is light as a FZ6 and I have to admit that despite featuring Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material, it remains rather heavy and hard to maneuver at low speed. But hey, it wouldn’t be a cruiser if it was ready to receive in its saddle an 18 years old rebel.

The good news is that pounds seem to fly off as the throttle is being widely opened and the sound of the exhaust becomes a screaming monster. This is where the fun begins. Out on the freeway is where the Boulevard C109R proves its best and its owner or rider benefits of the best treatment ever. I believe that if this cruiser would be a medicine in the pharmacy, it would have been found on the distress shelf. It is that awesome!

An important factor that gives this bike a special something is the way it handles on sinuous lonely roads. The maneuverability is quite amazing and the rush given is one of a kind. I really had to experience on my own skin before I made a statement and I admit, it is wonderful to have this amount of torque available together with the comfortable riding position.

Another element very important when cruising is the suspension system which has a “must” positioned before the “providing comfort” words. At least this is what I noticed during my 200 miles ride with a cruiser that delivered me as fresh as a new born, smile on the face included. The seat had probably very much to do with the actual result but the idea is that you will never get tired or bored riding the C109R.

Both front and rear disc brakes made sure that my journey will come to an end but I have to say what a journey that was! Cruising has never attracted me in the way that it does it now (except the time I rode the VF750C Magna).

Conclusion

The big class cruiser from Suzuki will set new standards and became one of the most desired motorcycles out there. The factors that made me draw this conclusion are related to power, handling, comfort, good looks and reliability. The benefits are endless and the pleasure of riding the C109R is instantaneous.