Suzuki M109R Boulevard (2022) Review

Cruising for a bruising

The Suzuki Boulevard is not a new machine, in fact, it has been one of the most polarising of Suzuki's products to date. With its brutish looks and individual design aesthetic, it throws convention out the window with its design, you either like it or you dont. Many of Suzuki's other bikes follow a design language across their model range such as the GSX or DL machines, the Boulevard stands alone defying what a cruiser is supposedly supposed to look like.

Related: Suzuki DL1050 XT (2022) Review

We spent a week with this bruiser and found it growing on us the more we turned the throttle. Swooping lines and dipped in chrome, the Suzuki Boulevard keeps on deliverying long after the haters have been left far behind.

 

Styling

The Boulevard is not just big, its an imposing machine with a wet weight of 347kg. It's 2.4m long from wheel to wheel and 1.8m from ground to tip of mirror and with a ground clearance of just 130mm and its low-slung seat at 705mm, it means that even shorties can swing a leg over. The classic Jet Black paintwork perfectly offsets the mountain of chrome adorning every available surface giving the Boulevard that well-known American cruiser look while simultaneously its offbeat design makes it look like nothing else out on the road today.

The Boulevard does something that other cruisers just don't, it commands attention no matter where you go, even die-hard Milwaukee fans stop and look with a hint of jealousy when you roll into the parking lot.

 

Tech

Let's not beat around the bush here, the Boulevard lacks many of the modern features that are found on newer bikes, there's no drive modes, traction control or rider assistance systems. The Boulevard simply doesn't need them. There are a few bits such as a digital tachometer, gear position indicator, and LED indicator lights integrated into the top of the headlight cowl as well as the analog speedo mounted into the top of the fuel tank but thats about where it ends.

You as the rider are the tech and this leads to a very connected ride that demands your fuel attention when out riding.

 

Engine and Drivetrain

Bringing the heat to this beast is the 1800 V-Twin engine which Suzuki claims is the largest of any production motorcycle in the world. The engine and its output are perfectly controlled by Suzuki’s advanced digital fuel injection system called Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV), this fuel injection system produces smooth throttle response even at low engine rpm. Suspension comes in the form of front inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped shocks with a link type, coil spring, oil damped in the rear. Bringing the bulk to a stop is a twin front disc setup with  Tokico calipers while a single disc in the rear controls the 18"/240 rear tyre.

The 95kw and 160Nm produced by the huge engine reaches the road through a 5-speed constant mesh transmission via a shaft drive to keep the torque forces constrained. 

Let's Ride

Climbing onboard one can't help but be a little intimidated by the sheer size and weight of this machine. The seating position is actually very comfortable with the 19.5l fuel tank nestled neatly between the legs and the forward controls at a comfy distance and height for even those with a large frame, the handlebars bars may be flat but fall easily to hand without having the stretch to reach them.

The engine roars to life with a satisfying rumble and the giant twin exhaust barks aggressively when prompted by the accelerator. Any fears that you may have had about handling this monster evaporate as soon as you get moving. It's as light as a feather in motion although it may not corner like a sports bike due to footpeg clearance, it still handles aggressive cornering rather well.

Despite a lack of wind protection and the forward control seating arrangement the Boulevard is true to its name and cruises like a containership through the Panama Canal on the freeway and splits traffic like no one's business.

Pro's and Con's

• Classic styling
• Comfortable riding position
• 1800cc engine
• Torque for days

 

• Weight
• No wind protection

 

Model and Pricing

Model	Price
Suzuki M109R Boulevard	R226 950

* Price correct time of publication and subject to change without notice

 

Verdict

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Boulevard and although I can fully understand the many folks who do not like nor support cruisers made by Japanese factories because they "arent authentic", the Boulevard has its place as there is just nothing quite like it.

Now I hear the sound of keyboards clicking furiously saying " What about the Harleys?" and I say yes, they are the OG cruisers but the closest they ever came to anything like the Boulevard was the now discontinued V-Rod. Fans of Euro cruisers are also going to throw the R18 in there too which I say absolutely! The BMW has its place, but that is really in the garage of a well-heeled biker that is comfortable with a half-million rand bike in their garage.

The Boulevard occupies a space all its own and that is partly why it has the love-hate relationship that it does. I for one would have one any day of the week for no other reason than scaring kids and giving grannies heart failure!

If you are interested in getting a Boulevard of your own you can Search AutoTrader here.