The Suzuki M109R engine is a 1783cc, 4-valve DOHC, 54 degree,
liquid-cooled, fuel injected V-twin unit which Suzuki has optimised
for throttle response and acceleration.
A unique two-stage cam drive system creates a compact cylinder
head and overall engine height allowing for a a lower center
of gravity.
The 2-into1-into2 stainless steel chrome plated exhaust system
features Suzuki's own digitally controlled exhaust tuning system
for optimum engine performance and v-twin sound.
The Suzuki M109R features an LED taillight and rev counter,
radial brake calipers and an analogue speedo integrated into
the fuel tank.
All this is attached to a high-tensile double cradle steel frame.
The M109R is a good looking modern cruiser, without too many
of the gimmicky looks or features often found on contemporary
machines.
Reviews of the Suzuki M109R below:
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review by Otto
HULLO, (again!), some 7000+km later! This bike is (to the eyes
of this beholder) QUITE BEAUTIFUL, in that it satisfies all
the expectations one might have in riding it, as well as giving
you more than a fair measure of "Road Presence" which
others seem to enjoy looking at very much. I'd say all other
riders, apart from HD owners, appreciate what this M109 has
to offer!
OK, clunky 1st to 2nd? Not necessarily so Professor!
Here's a FREE LESSON! Adjust cable properly.
When cold, pull in the clutch +1sec before engaging 1st. (SNICK!)
Use moderate revs to move into 2nd. Smooth as, EVERYTIME! The
rest is TECHNIQUE and experience. There is NEVER a false or
difficult to find neutral. You have to sense when to change
(with min load on the BG, and this means TIMING & TOUCH!)
"Jerky throttle?"....HAVE the cable ADJUSTED! It's
actually VERY PRECISE and SENSITIVE, to the extent that with
very small throttle openings, say going up a steep incline,
on a wet/slipery road, it maintains the MOST sensitive and stable
metering which enables you to keep maximum contact with your
rear contact patch.
This is NOT a cafe-racer, but an arm wrenching MUSCLE CRUISER
with sporting DNA. So don't try to ride it like an R1....!
Oil check? Somewhat clumsy and best left to the SERVICE unless
you REALLY redline your machine in every gear every day. Then,
you ought to do yourself a favour and buy/ride something else
like the Hayabusa/B-King/GSX1400!
If you are into powerful performance with GRACE, the M109 has
few equals. It is a superb machine.
Otto
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review by Otto
2000+km from day ONE and ALL is WELL! In fact, BRILLIANT! After
the 1st service the bike is even smoother and more responsive
and READY to PLAY! If you have to ask "Why did you buy this
bike?" then this is not for you. If you have seen this bike
and your jaw dropped, read on! The M109R 2009 LE Edition is
formidable, benign and very exciting to ride. Even power riders
from other bikes succumb to it's unique and endearing qualities
(and say they love it!). These are: EASE of USE both in traffic
and on any road bar an unsealed goat's track. Great comfort
for whole-day-rides, beautiful and attractive styling, great
SOUND even with OEM standard pipes, TORQUE and POWER delivery
which few can match (let alone exceed), nimble and smooth under
all riding conditions. Gearbox requires TECHNIQUE especially
from cold and especially when NEW. great brakes and unbeatable
all-round package. Have I left anything out? Yes, under strong
sunlight, the Tach and Speedo is hard to read. The fuel (bar)
indicators can be more accurate and easier to read when on the
move. Also, checking the oil level might take a few minutes.
That's IT! EVERYONE loves this bike except those with an agenda
against "cruisers" of any kind. People of ALL ages come up and
start chatting... grandmothers, grandads, mums, dads, kids...
this bike literally stops people in their tracks. A very commendable
achievement by Suzuki. This is one genuinely AWESOME machine
that you never want to stop riding. Otto
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review sent in by Ed F.
In summer of 2006 I started shopping for a new motorcycle after
not riding for over 25 years. I looked at sport bikes, cruisers
and everything in-between. I didn't want to get a crotch rocket
because of the riding position, although I love the handling
and speed they produce. I then came across a picture of a M109
and it grabbed my attention quickly.
Here was a bike with an unusual design with what I describe
as somewhere between a sport bike and a cruiser. Its looks were
unique and eye catching, nothing like anything I've seen before.
Then when I started reading about the power and torque, the
shaft drive and the racing technology Suzuki built into the
engine, I had to have one! There were no dealers around in my
town or close by that had one I could ride (demo), and a dealer
that did have one far south of me wasn't allowing demo rides
on the only one they had in stock. It was silver and that happen
to be the color I decided I wanted to buy, so I had a friend
drive me 4 hours south to Tucson AZ to purchase it, even though
I never drove one. You can imagine what it felt like to drive
this incredibly powerful cruiser after not being on any motorcycle
for over 25 years, incredibly awesome!
The dealer had it all prepped for me and when I drove out of
the dealership I was a little apprehensive of driving such a
big bike, but within 15 minutes it was like I had never stopped
riding over all those years. The 109 was easy to handle, was
well balanced and not too heavy at stop lights, I could feel
the low center of gravity the reviews talked about. While driving
4 hours to get home I kept the throttle pretty moderate with
just a few quick acceleration moments, wow did this thing have
power and speed on demand! To say the obvious, I fell in love
with this bike and any negatives some reviewers have mentioned
all fade away when you get used of operating this fine machine.
I kept the bike for two years and got the itch to trade it in
on something new, you could say that's something I've always
done with most of my vehicles over the years. After reading
a number of reviews and getting excited about the new 2008 Kawasaki
ZX-14 (rocket), I decided to go against my better judgment and
traded my M109 in for one. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely
love this two wheel machine with space shuttle solid rockets
boosters attached to it, but of course it isn't anywhere near
as comfortable as the 109. Comfort aside, when I hit the throttle
on the ZX-14 my adrenaline flows like nothing I've ever driven,
it is breath taking!
Well, it only took a month without my 109 to realized I loved
its all around capability and comfort and I was eager to get
another. I had an old friend who also bought a 2007 M109 (black)
shortly after I bought mine and because of a health problem
(vertigo) he couldn't ride it anymore. It only had 1000 miles
on it and had been sitting for well over a year covered in his
garage. He started it up every few weeks to charge the battery
and keep the engine lubricated. I called him up and began negotiating,
we came to an agreement and I was back in the saddle with an
almost brand new M109! I still have the ZX-14 also and switch
back and forth depending on the distance I'll be riding. For
around town and small trips I love the ZX, but for all day rides
the 109 is the best cycle on the road if you desire comfort,
power and speed all in one bike!
The style and look is modern and sleek, the power is awesome
and the ride is comfortable, what more can you ask for in one
motorcycle? It is not a kid's bike!
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review sent in by Peter Rebbechi
I have owned many bikes in the last 30 yrs. I can't ride sports
bikes anymore due to a few leg injuries that mean I cant bend
my legs like I used to. I also use my bike to commute every
day in traffic, as well as some R and R. I was concerned that
the M109R would be too wide to filter or lane split. 1800 cc
is probably not the normal commuters bike! After 6 weeks, and
3000 klms, I can tell you the 109 will serve well as the only
bike you own. My morning commute is a breeze, and the low center
of gravity makes it easy to ride between the cars at 10 kmh,
20 kmh, or 200 kmh. Fuel consumption is ok, and you can get
over 250 kms from a tank if you take it easy. In traffic, I
get 230kms from a tank in commuting mode. On a weekend blast,
160kms from a tank is std if you give it heaps. 260kms if you
take it easy on a longer ride.
I Have managed to do a few 600km days so far, and the seat is
ok for me. No probs with power, or handling, but a warning for
new owners. You will come to the attention of the police, as
the acceleration and speed is addictive. Very addictive. My
commute takes me 45 mins in the car, 15-18 minutes on the M109R,
and once, under 10 minutes when I threw caution completely to
the wind and went nuts. Had to give myself a stern talking to
after that, as it was perhaps a little irresponsible. Handling
is fine, but the rear tyre take some getting used to before
you trust it when grinding the pegs. Almost every M109R rider
I have met has no sliders left, and the pegs are starting to
grind as well. But do this, and you can outcorner pretender
sportsbike riders around any corner. The low speed throttle
can be fixed with a JSD unit, and time in the saddle. What you
don't get used to is the attention from the public. A group
of 7 of us was waved and cheered off from a diner on our last
ride. You wont get that with the most exotic Ducati! It is a
well designed bike, with purpose in mind. Even that big bucket
headlight acts as a fairing at high speed. Buffeting doesnt
occur until stupid speeds are reached. Try it - ride it and
buy it!
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review sent in by Budo
It's a sunny day at a Suzuki Boulevard promotion and the opportunity
to ride the new M109R. By the time my name comes up, I've been
seeing the silly grins of the previous riders as they come back
and am starting to feel a little apprehensive. The dealer, a
friend, directs me to a back road and suggests: "give it death!"...As
if would!..Moi?.
It's not as beefy to get off the side stand as I expect, and
easy enough to get rolling, but I'm finding the throttle touchy
and difficult to keep between 'power on' and 'engine braking'
as I roll through town. My '04 Kawasaki Mean Streak is a bit
stuttery in this zone at low speeds, but the M109R is worse
(maybe because of the bigger torque and engine braking capacity).
First two gears are thumpers (bit grabby..I put this down to
me not having a feel for the bike) 3rd (nothing in front of
me?)...I give the throttle a healthy twist... HOLY S**T.. my
'Meany' never felt like this! The extra 243cc's make their presence
felt ...WooHoo something is pulling the edges of my mouth towards
my ears and and I am feeling for the back of the seat for support
with my bum...I'm now looking for the longest circuit home.
After a couple of careful corners I lean to about where 'Meany'
would be scraping. No problems, very smooth. I could get used
to this! Now starting to think 'trade' or 'two bikes'? I pull
over to have a good look without the distraction of the crowd
at the dealership.
Seat comfort is (just) OK, drag style bars are similar to the
'Meany' (don't know if I like them..a bit more of a reach than
I find comfortable). The exhaust and mufflers are growing on
me and are much better looking (and sounding) than Honda's VTX
1800! Brakes (maybe not as good as 'Meany's) but still plenty!
Clean 18 inch rims are nice, and very easy to get at to clean.
From the front headlight shroud to the LED tail light, this
bikes lines are STUNNING! By now I am feeling that I need a
cooling off period and decide to find an even longer route home
to think about it.
What are the negatives? The retro style speedo on the tank is
hard to see in sunlight and low enough to be partially obscured
by my helmet; it seems a tacky miss-match with the modern LCD
tacho that is well placed for viewing. Rear brake lever is apparently
adjustable, but on this bike is too low, too wide and too far
back for me. It's hard to find a position on the peg without
feeling my foot was about to slip off. A lot of noises I am
not used to (I'll put them down to amplification in my new helmet!).
When I've just about talked my self out of it, I grab another
handful of throttle...Wooo!... who cares about the faults. I
WANT THIS BIKE! Almost to town I decide to turn around and retrace
my route. Where are those two long cop free straights?
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review sent in by Chuck Davis
I can't believe that a manufacturer as renowned as Suzuki would
attempt to deliver a new bike such as the 2006 M109R with a
problem identified in multiple reviews with the operation in
1st and 2nd gears. Can you imagine driving in stop and go freeway
traffic on a bike that doesn't operate well in 1st and 2nd gears.
It would be a nightmare! I, for one, will not consider purchasing
one until the problem is fixed!
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review sent in by Perry Pridgen
The Suzuki M109R has 127 hp at 6200 rpm and 117.6 ft lbs of
torque at 3200 rpm. It's a bit jerky when in first and second
due to the low gear ratio for takeoffs, but is great the rest
of the way. Great bike.
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review sent in by Cat
I couldn't agree more with budo (review 1), the M109R is a great
looking bike with lots of power, but some definite disappointments
regarding how smooth it was and a lot of vibration under acceleration.
If the handle bars were three inches further back I could have
forgiven some of it's other faults, but the seating position
leaned a little to much toward cafe style rather than cruiser.
Not what I was looking for I guess.
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review sent in by Del
The M109R is one AWESOME machine! It can barely be labeled a
cruiser. So much power, so much torque, so wide a tire. Visit
M109riders.com
(external link) for full details from people that OWN this
AWESOME machine. I LOVE mine, you'll love yours too!
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review sent in by Budo
Since my first writing I have bought a 109 and done a couple
of thousand Km on my present bike and the 109 demonstrator I
was lent by the dealer till mine arrived.
My feelings have changed on a couple of issues... Gearing is
fine (merely a 'getting used to' issue). I will be doing the
JSD-3 timing mod to remove the retard in gears 1-3. Power is
superb and the vibration under hard acceleration is just 'character'
and lets you know you are on a twin not a multi-cylinder...
I actually like it! H/Bar position is pretty good (I have rolled
mine up a tad).
Speedo visibility is still just so-so, but okay, and I will
do the mod putting the tacho inside the light shroud (see 109
owners site). I have moved the brake lever down a couple
of splines for comfort.. (I still think it's too wide and/or
sticks out too far). Seat is great, better than my first impression.
And I've adjusted to the weight of the bike and am now throwing
it around more confidently and am impressed with the handling.
Other intended mods, waiting for a Muzzy style 2-into-1 exhaust
to be released and will do something to free up the air intake
plus Power Commander... (soon adjusted to the grunt and would
like more!). I will generally take my FJR out if I have a long
trip or the weather looks sus. But for a ride to town or just
to get the cobwebs cleared I grab the 109 every time. The 109
might not be the most practical of bikes, but I wont be trading
it for anything less than the 200hp V Max prototype. If it ever eventuates.
In a nutshell... Superb bike... If you like the look of it,
get one. You wont be disappointed!
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review sent in by Norm, Fallbrook, Ca.
I was going to have my 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa serviced when I saw the 2006
Suzuki M109R on the floor. The Hayabusa was traded in. And I
drove off on the 109.
After 1,000 miles of riding the bike all I can say is that the
rear brake lever is to far out for you to get your foot on the
peg in a comfortable way, and the handlebars are a tad forward.
But twist the throttle and you forget all about the little things.
Had the bike just a few weeks now and I can say it handles very
very well. A little jerking in 1st and 2nd, but that's just
a case of getting used the throttle. What I did was put a little
play in the throttle cable by using the adjustment for the cable.
I miss the 'busa for the topend. But the 109 will keep you planted
in the seat in all gears. And while the bike weighs 700lbs -
and me being all most 280lbs - it can still break that rear
(240/40R) tire loose.
The only thing that sucks about the M109R is checking the oil.
You have to let the bike run for 20 minutes, stop it, then let
it sit for 3 minutes just to check the oil.
The day I bought it I put on about 80 miles. The next day I
came out to go for a ride. Oil all down the left side of the
bike, oil all over my drive way. I was bummed... Bought her
back to the dealer here in Oceanside, Ca. and come to find out
they over filled it by a quart or more??? Although I'd say more
from the looks of it, and that's the dealer. So be very careful
on checking the oil.
But if like the 109's looks, buy it. You will soon fall in love
all over again.. Thank You. Norm.
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review by Country
I was one of the first to test the M109R and can say that it's
not a bike for all riders. I have been riding for twenty plus
years and have own all kinds of bikes. Harleys, Kawis ,Yamahas
and many others. The M109R is a little low in first and second,
and it's also made for a big rider - me being 6'4" and 250 lbs
plus I found the bike to be smooth in the turns and in traffic
it does very well. This is not a bike you take for a test drive
and make your opinion. It takes time to get to know. I myself
only had three days and 600 miles to test the bike, and I came
to the conclusion that for me and anyone who has the time and
the know how this bike is all you will ever want fast, great
in the corner's and made for the big rider. I liked this ride
so much that I'm now in the process of getting one for myself.
So judge not unless you take the time to ride, then you'll come
to the judgement that this bike has left nothing out and will
only get better with time. Road time that is.
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review by James
Concerning the M109R, It seems that some people have problems
in first and second gear. You are either accelerating, or engine
braking. Its just a touch you have to acquire. That is very
typical of BIG v twins. The Honda has it, the Harleys have it,
and the Vulcan 2000. If you are used to an inline motor, or
a much smaller V-twin you will more than likely have those troubles
until you devleop the touch for the bike. I own a 2006 M109R,
I ride it daily, and I dont have those problems with first and
second gear. The bike was not released with any problems, as
it was also not released for beginners. The bike handles like
it is on rails, has a lot more ground clearance than other cruisers,
and the sport bike influence on this model is beautiful. I used
to ride sportbikes, and never thought I would give them up,
well, foot in mouth now, I have an M109R....
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review by Steve Ramsey
I have to say I am extremely impressed with the M109R. I have
owned many bikes over the years and just traded my 2000 GSXR
750 in for the M109R. I am not sorry one bit. The gearing takes
a little to get used to in 1st and 2nd but once you do, no issues.
The shudder a few talk about is all part of the program. It
is part of it's soul and character. I love it. Power is awsome
in all gears, the handling is fantastic and the looks are like
no other. It screams at you standing still. I too would like
to free up the intake when parts are available. I was going
to change the exhaust and test rode one with a Cobra set up.
But to be honest, the stock exhaust has a great tone and it
is a two into one into two for good performance. I just may
keep the original. I look forward to my daily ride to work and
wish I could ride right past work each day. Awsome!!!!
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review by Robert Hill
I just bought a 2006 Suzuki M109R last weekend. I chose to go
with a silver '06 over the white '07 the dealer also had available.
The '06 was also almost $2,000.00 cheaper than the '07, out
the door at $10,899.00.
I have owned many bikes in the 28 years I have been riding,
the latest 2 being a 1981 Honda CBX and a 1972 Suzuki GT750,
2 classics for sure. I have never owned a big bore V-twin type
bike prior to this one. About 2 months earlier I had bought
a '06 M50 for my wife, and after riding this decided to get
the 109 for myself.
Having been a member of the M109Riders.com
for some time, I was prepared for the jerky throttle response
in 1st and 2nd gear, and how easy it is to break that big tire
loose. So I had no problems at all in this area. My dealer was
aware of the oil over-fill problem, so this did not occur.
I now have 400 miles on it after one week and can only say I
love it! Have not had a bike I enjoy so much in all my riding
years. It is smooth, with just the perfect amount of vibration.
It handles well and sounds excellent. Usually I change exhaust
systems really quick after purchasing a bike. I do not plan
to do that any time soon with this one. I may change out the
air cleaners and add a computer re-programmer in the near future,
but that is it for mods.
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review by Patrick
Two days ago I bought a 2007 Suzuki M109R. I have nothing but
praise for this bike. My first bike was a 750 Honda Magna. It
is a great bike and I thought I would never find anything that
was a dependable and fun to ride as the Magna. The M109 will
flat out fly!!! It handles well and the look is an instant conversation
piece. I am mindful of the overfill on the oil. I have had no
problem with 1st and 2nd that I can't attribute to getting to
know the bike. Enjoy and keep it between the ditches!
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review by Daniel
I have owned my Suzuki M109R for a couple of months now. While
I agree that there are some flaws like first and second gear
operation and the gearbox is a bit clunky, I have to say that
I just had the 800 mile service and wow what a difference! The
gear box has smothed out dramatically and operation in general
is much much smoother.
I have tried to behave myself during break in but every once
in a while I have grabbed a little more throtle than expected
and... well I thought cruisers were supposed to be tame? I think
the only way you are going to get a feeling like that is on
a crotch rocket.
The only real complaint I have agains the M109R is the clutch
has a monster pull. In traffic this can be slow torture. But
suck it up, buy a handgrip excerciser and buy this bike. You
won\'t be sorry!
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review by Col
I've had my 2007 Suzuki M109R for two months and done 2300kms
in that time. I'm 5'8" and the reach was just a bit far so I
fitted 2 inch Kewl risers and it made it much better. The selection
of first gear is a bit clunky and first into second thumps if
you are powering on but with practise it is getting better.
It's a top bike with plenty of power and performance. Definitely
a keeper. After thirty years of riding I have never had a bike
that gets so much attention and I spend much time talking about
the bike when parked. I have debadged it and cut down the rear
plate holder and relocated the signals. There are lots of possibilities
to personalise this UNBELIEVABLE bike.
Col,
Australia
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review by Mark Sahba
SUZUKI M109R VZR18002K6 - I went down to my local dealer looking
for something to compliment my Suzuki Hayabusa. I ran into Norm
from Fallbrook (see his review above) in the dealership's parking
lot, he was admiring my chromed out 'Busa and I could not take
my eyes off his M109R. I have never seen a bike that has such
eye appeal-it made an immediate impression on me. The test ride
clinched the deal. A redline much higher than any other cruiser
I found plus an ability to handle the twisties. After checking
out a couple of other cruisers, the Suzuki was hands down a
winner, including value and pricing. Yes, the shift from first
to second took a few days to master and that twitchy throttle
adjusted out with a simple cable adjustment. My biggest concern
is if anything is on your key ring, it slaps up against the
plastic leaving marks. And I am still waiting for the aftermarket
to make a performace exhaust that looks as great as the stock
one! Rides to Julian to meet up with other bikers always leads
to tons of compliments and questions about the fat-tired custom
I am riding. Also, be prepared for lots of thumbs up at stop
lights along the way. If you enjoy having fun, getting attention,
and cruising with some performance, then this ride is for you.
I am 6'2" and am very comfortable with the seating, pedal and
handlebar locations. I have done some additional chroming and
added some dealer options-leather saddle bags (a must as there
is no storage space at all) along with a passenger backrest
and crash bars. 8 months later and I still smile everytime I
walk up to it!
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review by Ctatyk X. Frost
After owning my 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M109R for 6 months, I'd
have to say that I've never been happier with a bike! I've been
on bikes of one sort or another since I my 4th b'day. That was
32 years ago. I have yet to have any problems with the bike
other than adjusting the rear brake a couple of splines forward,
which was painless. For those who complain about the "clunkiness"
of the 1st to 2nd shift, try doing power launches with any other
bike and tell me that it's more fun than the "9"! If you have
more fun doing that on another bike, you should get one of those.
That's what it's all about. Who cares what bike you have? Just
make sure that it's a bike that you can be proud of and have
fun while riding!
I've never come across a bike that can do everything so well
as the M109R. I even like the way that it handles at low speeds.
It's so well balanced that it handles better than my '75 Honda
750 did.
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review by Jeff
Iown a 2007 M109R and it's like the song Steve Tyler sang "sweet
emotion". If you like attention you need one of your own, the
bike has plenty of power, and handles great, I really don't
know what other people feel when they ride their bike but I
get pure excitement on this blue horse.
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review by Dan
Just purchased an '07 Suzuki M109! Oh, what a bargain, purchased
for $8,900 with only 346 miles on it. I guess I have to get
the break in period over. Last bike I had was a Yamaha 750 and
this thing is down right a Cadillac of Cadillacs. The shifting
from 1st and 2nd take a bit to get used to but I'm mastering
daily. The comfort is beautiful..This bike has power like no
other! Only thing I didn't get was a owners manual so if anybody
has one (pdf) I would greatly appreciate it. By the way, the
owner only sold because he was moving to Texas and had to let
it go. Believe you me he hated to see it go..
Sincerely,
Steve (San Diego)
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review by "J"
I own a beautiful red 2007 M109r. It is a fantastic bike and
a blast to ride as well as being pretty comfortable too. I have
owned and ridden sport bikes for the last 25 years but have
not really enjoyed riding a bike like this since my '84 V65
Magna (now long gone). The M109 has great power, smooth handling
and good brakes. Yes, there is a shudder in 1st and 2nd and
at first you may experience some drive shaft lash until you
learn how to shift down correctly but that goes away once you
learn the bike. I do want to find an exhaust that retains the
good looks but gives a bit more power and more noise. My only
complaint is I have an annoying clunk noise coming from under
the bike on rough roads, it sounds as if something is loose
and banging away but I cannot seem to locate the source. Taking
her in for her first service in a week or so then saving my
money for the exhaust, PC3 and open her breathing up. Mods are
a TRE, K&N air filters, luggage rack with sissy bar. Really
love this machine!!!
"J" (Twentynine Palms, CA)
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review by Ed R.
I am not sure why this bike is not getting more accolades from
the press. In my long-time motoring opinion, a cruiser shouldn't
be a lugging pig. Back in 1984 Honda had it right with the V65
Magna, and even with a few problems, it dominated for sheer
power and even drivability. Then, Suzuki made the Madura. It
held its own and even challenged the V65 and VMax. But, It was
made for ONE YEAR? Why don't riders get the concept of the Power-cruiser?
This M109R will lope along for 1000's of miles (yes, we do 600
+ miles a day...) but will blast up the canyons we have here
in Utah. Fully loaded with a passenger, there is nothing that
will keep up, especially no "cruisers". Sport Bike? None of
them are on our little 1000 mile jaunts... I guess I don't understand.
Every idiosyncrasy can be easily dealt with. The twitchy throttle?
Mod the cable or start in 2nd. Engine braking? I am in third
or fourth around town once I get going. The Suzi loves it. I
have bags and a huge windshield (yeah bugs, rocks, and birds
at 75mph have taken down more than one of my buddies...) it
still handles great and very smooth. One person said something
about vibration... For a V-Twin, this bike is glass smooth.
Ed R.
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review Deano in SD.
I intentionally bought a very clean 1985 V65 Magna 5 years ago.
I put on the Corbin seat, and Seeger forward controls. What
an incredible bike. I absolutely love it. But finding parts
is getting difficult, so I started looking for a replacement.
What I'd give for a 4 cylinder in a cruiser frame, but I understand
that's what got the Magna in trouble in the 80's. I finally
found the replacement bike in the M109R. My only complaints
on the M109 is that it has a very short 1st gear (versus the
Magna's very tall 1st gear), and it definitely will not corner
in the Black Hills like the Magna.
HOWEVER... That raw torque is incredible!!! It is the only bike
that made me scream like a little girl in amazement when I accelerated.
Folks....that Magna is fast. A buddy red lined the Magna in
every gear..... It could not pull away from the M109. That's
a two cylinder keeping up with a four cylinder.... completely
unheard of. And I was not red lining on the M109. 100 mph came
in an instant.
I was nervous about the riding position, but I found it incredibly
comfortable. Lastly, the bike is like a "weeble"(weebles wobble
but they don't fall down). It has a very low centroid and it
seems that wind is totally irrelevance to the bike. It is rock
solid.
If your looking for a bike that is a mixture of crotch rocket
and cruiser, this is it. Good handling, amazing power, good
comfort. And might I add that it doesn't look like a Harley,
and this thing turns heads. I'm thinking of a personalized license
plate; ICANDY, or SKIKR. My buddy thought HDEATR, but I thought
that would get the bike keyed!! BUY THE BIKE.. you won't regret
it.
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review Barbara.
Awesome----buy one. Put gixer thou in for 109 will not go back.
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review by Anonymous
The mighty M109R is by far the best bike I have ever ridden or owned. I have ridden comparable Harleys and came away underwhelmed. To the guy that commented on the 1st to 2nd shifts I have two comments. 1) Have you even ridden one? 2) who buys a big displacement cruiser to sit in traffic? This is a weekend cruiser and if you want to get a commuter, how about a Honda Rebel 450? Excellent upshifts in traffic and 70 MPG. If you've ridden for more than a few years you'll shift through 2nd with ease. BUY IT IF YOU CAN!
