Video Review: 2020 Suzuki Boulevard M109R Black Edition

The M109R Boulevard is an iconic model from Suzuki. First introduced in 2006 for $18,990 + ORC, the Boulevard was a hit. The wild side and performance pretty much blew every other cruiser off the road. Now available for $19,790 Ride Away, the M109R is still a top bike. 

Timeless styling, Japanese reliability and huge power and torque make the M109R an attractive prospect even in 2020.

I first rode one back in January 2007. Revisiting the machine 13-years later, I’m even more impressed. Not just because I’m 44 now either! The bike is still fast, fun, stylish and eye-catching. It is basic, with no ABS (I know!), no ride modes, and a really old school dash. But the price is the same on the road as it was in 2006 and the quality is outstanding. Check out the video below to watch the full review…

2020 Suzuki Boulevard M109R Video Review…

2020 Suzuki Boulevard M109R Tech Talk

Suzuki’s Boulevard M109R features a 1783cc 54-degree V-twin powerplant producing 160Nm of torque and 123hp and includes Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material cylinder bore lining or SCEM, as well as Suzuki’s Advanced Sump System (SASS) and the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) with dual 56mm throttle-bodies. A two-stage cam drive system also ensures a compact head design and lower centre of gravity, with dual spark plugs per cylinder and a 32-bit ECM.

The engine includes black out engine covers, a large 9.5L airbox with dual intakes and a wide ratio constant mesh five-speed gearbox includes an overdrive style fifth gear ratio. A shaft final drive offers minimal upkeep requirements and transfers drive to the rear wheel.

A high tensile steel double-cradle frame is mated to a cast aluminium swingarm with progressive linkage and rear monoshock with preload adjustability. Forks are USD 46mm cartridge items with 130mm of travel and are blacked out.

130-section front tyre. 18in.

Maintenance free shaft drive.

Braking is taken care of by dual 310mm front rotors with four-piston Tociko calipers and a rear 275mm rotor with dual piston caliper from the same brand. Amazingly, there is no ABS on the M109R. Flat-bend drag-style handlebars are mounted via a pull-back riser to bring them back to a more manageable location for riders, with a low 705mm seat height.

Peak power is at 6200rpm. Redline 7500rpm.

That needs swings rapidly.

The fuel tank holds 19.5L of fuel, and mounts an analogue speedometer which requires a glance down, and includes an LCD odometer, tripmeters, fuel gauge and clock. A forward mounted instrument cluster includes a digital tacho and gear position sensor, and sits behind the headlight cowl.