2008 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - A Long Time Comin'

I'm not a fan of the M109's steering, either. It turns reluctantly, especially under braking. So I was pleased to discover that the C version steers much more willingly, even on the brakes, making it more assured and enjoyable on winding roads. I'm not sure if that is because of the 2-inch-wider handlebar or differences in steering geometry or tires. (The rear-tire profile looks the same on both 109s.) Despite its floorboards, the C even seems to offer a few degrees more lean angle. It wallows mildly if you hit a bump in a fast corner but is otherwise stable and confidence-inspiring. Though heavier than the M109R, the C109R feels lighter and easier to handle. Full-lock turns at low speeds require less muscle than most other megacruisers.

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.

Except for turn signals that don't self-cancel I didn't find any details to irk me. Details and finish are what they should be for a bike of this stature and the $13,799 price. The exhaust note is strong and solid.

Suzuki sold more bikes larger than 1300cc last year than any other Japanese brand. However, I rank the C109R as the brand's best big cruiser ever, competitive with Yamaha's excellent Star 'liners, my reigning favorites among megatwins. It was a long time coming, but the C109R was worth the wait.

'08 Suzuki Boulevard C109R
msrp: $13,799
Standard colors: Black, maroon
Standard warranty: 12 months

Engine & Drivetrain
Type: Liquid-cooled, 54-deg. V-twinDisplacement, bore x stroke: 1783cc, 112.0 x 90.5mm
Valvetrain: DOHC; 2 intake, 2 exhaust valves per cylinder
Compression: 10.5:1
Fuel System: EFI, 52mm throttle bodies
Lubrication: Semidry sump
Recommended fuel grade: 90 octane
Transmission: Wet clutch, 5 speeds
Final drive: Shaft

Chassis
Claimed dry weight: 787 lb.
GVWR: 1310 lb.
Seat height: 28.0 in.
Wheelbase: 69.1 in.
Overall length: 101.8 in.
Handlebar: 35.5 in. wide, 1.0-in. diameter
Rake/trail: 31.8 deg./5.2 in.
Wheels: Cast, 16 x 3.5 front, 16 x 8.0 rear
FRONT tire: 150/80R-16 tubeless radial
Rear tire: 240/55R-16 tubeless radial
Front brake: Two 3-piston calipers, 11.4-in. discs
Rear brake: 2-piston caliper, 10.8-in. disc
Front suspension: 49mm fork tubes, 5.1 in. travel
Rear suspension: Single damper, 4.6 in. travel, preload adjustable
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.

Electrical & Instrumentation
Battery: 12V
lighting: 7.1-in. 60/55-watt multireflector headlight, position lights, LED taillight
Instruments: Analog speedometer; LCD odometer, dual tripmeters, clock, fuel gauge, oil pressure; warning lights for neutral, high beam, left/right turn signals, low fuel, FI failure, temperature

Performance
Fuel mileage: 29-36 mpg, 32.1 mpg avg.
Average range: 161 miles