Suzuki VZR 1800 Boulevarde M109R 2012 Review

Cruising just doesn't seem to be the right word for this bike. With its drag bars and 1783cc V-twin engine featuring massive 112mm forged aluminium-alloy pistons, the Suzuki VZR 1800 Boulevarde M109RZ is more like a cruise missile than a cruiser. This is a serious muscle bike.

VALUE

There is currently $1000 cash back on the standard M109R ($18,990) but even at $19,490, the M109RZ has plenty of bang for your buck.

In the metric (Japanese) arena, the blinged-up Yamaha Roadliner has a bigger engine, but costs $24,099, while Honda's VT1300 custom cruiser/chopper costs more at $19,990 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 starts at $19,999, but has ABS.

TECHNOLOGY

The Boulevard M109 is the most powerful cruiser Suzuki has produced. Its liquid-cooled fuel-injected 1783cc engine is strong and smooth and had the largest engine pistons of any production car or bike in the world until the Roadliner came along with its 1854cc V-twin.

It features a compact dry-sump lubrication system that drops the engine down in the bike for a lower center of gravity and more stability. Drive comes via a clean, no-maintenance shaft which is smooth, but lacks the classic looks of a belt.

Suspension is more like a sportsbike with upside-down forks, while the brakes are straight off Suzuki's sportsbikes featuring radial-mounted four-piston front brake calipers and dual-piston rear brake caliper.

The instruments are split into two pods: a tank-mounted analog speedo with two LCD screens for odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge and clock; and a forward-mounted LCD screen on the steering head that shows gear position and a digital representation of revs.

In these days of "road safety" camera proliferation, the instruments should be the other way around so you can more easily see the speedo.

DESIGN

The Z designation costs an extra $500 and adds bling such as polished chrome, an embossed seat and a special colour scheme of black with an orange centre stripe that makes it look like a redback spider.

Rather than a classic cruiser look, this has futuristic appeal from its headlight pod to its rocket-style mufflers. Out back is the widest massive 240mm rear tyre yet used on a Suzuki motorcycle. The rear seat can be quickly switched for a cover to give it more spartan solo look.

SAFETY

With its gutsy engine, it almost needs seatbelts. Realistically, it could do with ABS like the Kwaka.

RIDING

It looks smooth and modern and its engine is a perfect match. Mind you, at low speed, it surges a little, but the big V-twin has no wild vibrations at any speed. Wind on the throttle with due care because it accelerates with a slingshot effect.

It is aided ably by an ultra-smooth five-speed gearbox that proves that large-capacity V-twins don't need to have agricultural gearboxes to cope with the enormous amounts of torque. It has tall ratios so there is no need for a sixth cog.

With its inverted front forks with race-derived cartridge internals and massive 46mm stanchions, it handles nimbly for a long-wheelbased cruiser. Clearance is still an issue, but you can push the front into corners harder than most other cruisers.

The single rear shock absorber has adjustable spring preload so you can set it for rider and passenger weight. Brakes are solid and incredibly strong yet have plenty of feel to prevent lock-up, which is handy since it doesn't have ABS. Riding position is more aggressive than most cruisers, with the rider leaning forward to reach the drag bars.

VERDICT

Its striking looks, sporty handling, powerful engine and great value make this a top option for power cruisers.

Suzuki VZR 1800 Boulevarde M109R
Price: $18,990
Warranty: 2yr/ unlimited km
Service: 1000/6000km
Engine: 1783cc V-twin
Transmission: 5-speed, shaft drive
Suspension: upside-down forks, link rear
Brakes: twin discs (front)
Dimensions: 2480mm (L), 875mm (W), 1185 (H), 1710mm (WB), 705mm (Seat)
Kerb weight: 347kg
Fuel: 19.5L tank