Harley-Davidson has ruled the big block cruiser roost for decades, offering big, burly, large-displacement hogs. In recent years, however, internal strife and off-market moves have caused many of their traditional clientele to shake their heads and leave the brand in droves, seeking out other options.
Related: Suzuki M109R Boulevard (2022) Review
Many of those clients have moved over to nontraditional brands from Japan or taken a right turn, keeping it American and going for Harley's biggest opponent, Indian. We look at the spec sheets to see how different American and Japanese brands really are.
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Specifications
| Suzuki Boulevard | Indian Scout | |
| Engine | 1 783 cm³ 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 1133 cc Liquid Cooled V-Twin |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh | 6 Speed, Gear Drive, Wet Clutch |
| Power figures | 95kW / 160Nm | 78kW / 108Nm |
| Top speed | 200km/h | 125km/h |
| Suspension Front | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil-damped | Telescopic Fork/120 mm |
| Suspension Rear | Link type, single coil spring shock, oil damped | Dual Shocks/76 mm |
| Brakes Front | 310mm twin disc four piston calliper | Single / 298 mm Rotor / 2 Piston Calliper |
| Brakes Rear | 275mm single disc two piston calliper | Single /298 mm Rotor / 1 Piston Calliper |
| Fuel Tank (litres) | 19.5l | 12.5l |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L /100km | 5.3 L /100km |
| Weight | 347kg | 256kg |
| Seat Height | 705mm | 649mm |
| Price | R 248 950 | R 259 950 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Verdict
The Indian represents the American dream of freedom and expression, while the Boulevard is pure brute power. In our eyes, it's no contest, and we're driving away a Boulevard at every opportunity. Suzuki once again offers an incredible value proposition and lays down the gauntlet to its challengers.
