Suzuki Boulevard C109RT

This unique motorcycle uses good looks and great riding experience to change your opinion about cruisers. The new Suzuki Boulevard C109RT combines classic cruiser styling with renowned Suzuki V-twin power in such a striking way that is establishes a new standard for the class and completes the Suzuki Boulevard line of cruisers.

Suzuki launched the Boulevard C109RT as a touring cruiser slightly improved from C109R but none of these motorcycles were previously produced as they were introduced this year as 2008 models. You shouldn’t doubt the quality and comfort of the two models because they benefit of the latest technology applied at the GSX-R and there is plenty of history and development there.

C109RT appeared after Suzuki’s decision to increase the number of models going out the Boulevard line of production. Did they succeed? There’s only one way to find out!

When cruisers enter the scene everybody become surprised of their V-Twins motors and start wondering how big will the engine’s get as everybody know that the law of cruisers is “the bigger, the better”. Suzuki decided to enter the scene and steal everybody’s crown with this massive 1783cc engine mounted on a tourer which competes with Honda VTX1800, Yamaha Road Star Silverado and Midnight Silverado but (I kept the best at last) Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT is the class leader an he’s here to stay. Laws are made to be broken but in this case they should probably stick with them.

Each motorcycle established its own identity with its styling and the C109RT makes no exception as it has pullback handlebars, floorboards that let you kick your feet out, a spacious, relaxed riding position and its own slash-cut mufflers.

New classic design combines the clean, sweeping good looks of a classic cruiser with high performance achieved with Suzuki technology.

The C109RT is a touring version so the bike features a standard windshield, an attractive studded seat, beautiful leather saddlebags, and a comfortable passenger backrest for maximum open-road comfort but being a cruiser it also features a lot of chromed elements like the exhaust and intake cover, front fork and mirrors.

The 2008 model is available in two paint schemes which help the bike individualize: blue and white or black and gray.
Suzuki built the Boulevard C109RT as a reliable touring machine ready to invite you on its seat at any given time and I have to tell you that the temptation is big, almost as big as that V-Twin which despite its size doesn’t produce any perceptible vibration.

Out on the never ending interstate, the subject of my test drive felt in its domain as it carried me, my passenger and our luggage without any inconvenience whatsoever although I had to think for a second time before wide opening the throttle because the GSX-R technology doesn’t do miracles when it comes to this kind of machines. Ok, I won’t criticize a bike that I know that will carry you around in the near future and I have to recognize that the Suzuki performs as any other monster out there.

Don’t get me wrong! It performs the same when it comes to horses and torque but it exceeds any expectation when it comes to handling. The aluminum frame is very rigid but once on the move the bike is quite easy to be played with and it leans in corners surprisingly well for its class and especially for its size.

A weak point that attracted my attention is that, although it is a cruiser and I expected it to be heavy, it feels a bit heavier that I expected but it starts to lose weight once on the move and I believe that future models will be a bit lighter.

I really enjoyed the combined braking system which utilizes three pistons per caliper for the dual disc front braking system but they are all used when both front and rear brakes are applied. Pretty clever!

Overall, the bike offers a true riding experience but you really have to put the miles into it and then you’ll have some stories to tell your grandkids.

Conclusion

Suzuki created the C109RT as the king among classic cruisers and it did the job spotless as we are used to. The final product is a unique motorcycle with true touring abilities and good engine performance.