Suzuki M109R ride impression

[James Deuce]

Harley Davidson’s done it. Yamaha’s done it. Suzuki needs to do it now too.

Big Dave has already revealed his admiration for Suzuki’s new power cruiser M109R in the current issue of Kiwi Rider, but I thought I should have a go too. I’ve only recently been able to “get” cruisers, probably because cruiser engines are now putting out HP figures that are in the respectable category. I know the difference between torque and horsepower, but the cruiser stuff I tried 15 years ago used to feel like a diesel to ride – that is the power arrived in short-lived “lumps”.

Now that I’ve ridden two variants of HD’s VRSC range and Yamaha’s MT-01, I’m perfectly willing to try all comers in the power cruiser range. I’m also quite impressed with the way these things handle now. The suspension actually goes up and down, and the steering only feels remote and floppy on the V-Rod at urban road speed limits. Open road and it works fine. The Street Rod and MT-01 are comparatively “normal” bikes in the Cruiser category, with steering that most non-Cruiser types would find familiar.

Pete at WMCC (crasherfromwayback on KB) keeps encouraging me to ride stuff that I wouldn’t normally consider, so it was relatively easy to extract the keys for the M109 from him. I’ve liked the looks of the M109 from the time I first saw pictures, even that much talked about headlight cowl, so I approached this rather large vehicle with quite a bit of positive anticipation. Rocking it up off the side stand was a piece of cake. It might weigh more than 300kg, but it carries it low. The Bar mounted instruments were just about in the perfect place while the tank mounted display needs a range of height adjustment to make it perfect for people under 6ft. The bars are bloody brilliant for a Cruiser, none of this tiller bar bullshit, but nice straight flat bars, widely spaced to give a decent amount of leverage. Big solid grips and switchgear complete the “manly” cockpit for the M109, thought the clutch lever could probably to with some range adjustment.

I always struggle to find the foot pegs on the first ride of a Cruiser, never quite reaching up and forward far enough to avoid a series of panicky bunny hops as I try to pull away from the kerb in that aggressively cool way that Cruiser riders seem to have down pat. My first gear change was straight into neutral too, the gear lever needing a firm prod to engage each ratio.

The first corner was brilliant. Contrary to expectation, the M109 responds to countersteering inputs precisely as you’d expect a “normal” bike to. I got no sense of the massive 240 section rear tyre slowing steering input down, in fact it was really stable, even when I nearly jumped out of the seat when I dragged first one heel, then the other through the first two direction changes I made.

From the Mt Victoria tunnel I went through some backroads to Kilbirnie shopping centre, determined to find any fault with the M109 in regards to what I consider acceptable handling in any motorcycle. I’m fairly certain I’ve never sat feet up and balanced and not moving for as long as I did on the M109R, waiting for a van to reverse out of a parking spot, as I have on any other motorcycle.

Hmmmm. The brakes are brilliant, the back brake in particular provided a huge amount of feel and stopping power, especially when compared to a “normal” bike with a front-end bias. It goes round corners at urban speeds like a “proper” bike. It accelerates like God himself has given you a kick in the arse. Bugger. Another Cruiser I like.

I continued on down to Lyall bay, scraping pegs and heels through the roundabouts on the beachfront road, along past the airport and into the twisties around the bays where I learned another cool trick. You can alter the ride height on the move! Accelerate, brake in a straight line, and then use the shaft effect to jack the rear up as you enter the corner. Progress got quicker and quicker from here on, the stable chassis, predictable handling, excellent brakes, and adjustable ride height, made extracting more than acceptable progress from the big giant hootie beast a very enjoyable prospect.

By the time I got to Miramar, I was almost ready to start hunting down the money to buy a second bike. Seriously. The pillion accommodation even looked like it would work.

I can see it now, cruising off into the sunset, bitch on the back, the sound of serious metric thunder helping to keep the concerns of the world at bay.

Sigh, I must be getting old or something.

However - Mr Suzuki - Where's my M109R powered Sports Cruiser, a la Yamaha's MT-01? I'm not suggesting that the engine is wasted in the M109, but by crikey, I'd like to be out thudding along on something with a bit more angle of dangle please, especially with THAT engine grabbing the horizon with its big meaty fists and dragging it closer. If HD can give us a Street Rod, surely Suzuki can give us an SV-109R.

[Blackbird]

Bloody hell Jim - you're wasted in IT with that magnificent ability to string coherent sentences together.:rockon: Seriously, that was a super write up. You haven't persuaded me to buy a cruiser but your elegant prose made me understand the attraction - well done mate, superbly written.:Punk: :Punk:

Geoff

[Macktheknife]

Damn Jim, who knew you were such a wordsmith? Great write up, makes me want to ride one.

[The_Dover]

I particularly like the "bitch on the back" part.

Maurice says he'll be your bitch any day of the week Jim2.

[scumdog]

A nicely thrown together string of words there Jim2, those bike look GOOD and your riding descriptions were first rate, sounds like a top cruiser. (but I'll stick with my H-D so the other riders have something to feel superior about).

[Hitcher]

Almost as good as literature, that was.

Makes note to self to ride M109R...

[Str8 Jacket]

Yep, great write up. The "bitch on the back" part made me laugh so hard I am still cleaning the coke out of my keyboard!
Almost makes me wish I could test ride it. Though I doubt they'd wrap it in bubble wrap for me first...

[MSTRS]

Waxing eloquent today, young James?? They are seriously choice steeds. You are on the money with the SV109 - that big donk 'might' need to go to weightwatchers tho??

[Scouse]

However - Mr Suzuki - Where's my M109R powered Sports Cruiser, a la Yamaha's MT-01? I'm not suggesting that the engine is wasted in the M109, but by crikey, I'd like to be out thudding along on something with a bit more angle of dangle please, especially with THAT engine grabbing the horizon with its big meaty fists and dragging it closer. If HD can give us a Street Rod, surely Suzuki can give us an SV-109R.Jim I believe Moto Morini have answerd your call If you get the Chance try the new Moto Morini 1200 this combines a Stonking 1200cc V Twin in like a M V Augusta Brutale Frame this is an impresive Machine

[yungatart]

Mstrs took one of them for a ride. He went on about it for days, absolutely loved it, although couldn't quite figure out the pegs thing. Maybe its an age thing?? (both the pegs AND liking these cruisers)

[Hitcher]

Apparently a number of European manufacturers are considering 1200cc V-twins. Torque. Phwoar!

[Devil]

I still think it felt cheap. The profile of the rear tyre was crap (compared to a rocket III). Too much plastic.

[rogson]

.....Where's my M109R powered Sports Cruiser.....

If I'm not mistaken the B-King concept bike was a V-twin.
Standby.......

[James Deuce]

Much mistaken. IL4 from a 'busa.

[Paul in NZ]

Apparently a number of European manufacturers are considering 1200cc V-twins. Torque. Phwoar!

Pah - The rest of you technophiles are only just catching up to those old fashioned Moto Guzzis eh? Seems those crafty artisans from Mandello del Lario may have been onto something after all. Viva Moto Guzzi....

Paul N - ahead of the trends and in front on the curves....

ps - I wonder when the trend for stylish 650cc aircooled twins will occur (again)

[sAsLEX]

ps - I wonder when the trend for stylish 650cc aircooled twins will occur (again)

Maybe not aircooled but whats the en? a 650 parrallel twin aint it?

[Edbear]

Maybe not aircooled but whats the en? a 650 parrallel twin aint it?


The W650 is quite stylish...:yes: Well, I like it...:wait:

[Edbear]

Oh, Ps. Great write up! Like the bike too!:first:

[vs04]

I still think it felt cheap. The profile of the rear tyre was crap (compared to a rocket III). Too much plastic.
To much plastic? every bike has plastic,where abouts on the M109 is the plastic.Just seeing if you really took note of it or just useing the same bullshit comment others make about cruisers being covered in chromed plastic.

[Devil]

Just seeing if you really took note of it or just useing the same bullshit comment others make about cruisers being covered in chromed plastic.
Haven't noticed anyone else mention it myself. Big Dave can tell you i've been a cracked record about this particular bike.

Where is the plastic? You'll be testing my memory here, i haven't touched one for a while:
*Headlight surround
*That whopping great fuel cap surround that also has the speedo in it (vague). Must be great fun trying to clean under that since it sits so high off the tank.
*The airboxy thing on the right hand side between the cylinders.
*Radiator surround

I cant be arsed working my memory any further. To me cruisers should be a lump of metal, leave the plastic to the sprots bieks. Triumph pulled it off well with the rocket. Nice metal finishing.
Even the M50 has more tasteful metal bits.

[RantyDave]

Triumph pulled it off well with the rocket. Nice metal finishing.
Yeeeesss, but the M109 is a mere ten grand cheaper than a rocket...

Dave

[Devil]

Yeeeesss, but the M109 is a mere ten grand cheaper than a rocket...

Dave
Fine, take the M50 then, $13k.

[vs04]

Haven't noticed anyone else mention it myself. Big Dave can tell you i've been a cracked record about this particular bike.

Where is the plastic? You'll be testing my memory here, i haven't touched one for a while:
*Headlight surround
*That whopping great fuel cap surround that also has the speedo in it (vague). Must be great fun trying to clean under that since it sits so high off the tank.
*The airboxy thing on the right hand side between the cylinders.
*Radiator surround

I cant be arsed working my memory any further. To me cruisers should be a lump of metal, leave the plastic to the sprots bieks. Triumph pulled it off well with the rocket. Nice metal finishing.
Even the M50 has more tasteful metal bits.
Most speedo housing on the tanks are plastic i believe,triumph speedmaster triumph bonneville,front gaurds on both bikes according to the article i read are plastic.It,s across the board on most bikes,i think it,s called production costs.

[jrandom]

I want one.

'M109' sounds like a grenade launcher, though.

[Devil]

Most speedo housing on the tanks are plastic i believe,triumph speedmaster triumph bonneville,front gaurds on both bikes according to the article i read are plastic.It,s across the board on most bikes,i think it,s called production costs.
Ok, sure. It doesnt feel cheap, the rear tyre profile doesn't suck and there's lots of nice plastic.

Feel better?

[vs04]

Ok, sure. It doesnt feel cheap, the rear tyre profile doesn't suck and there's lots of nice plastic.

Feel better?
Obviously from that reply your IQ is somewhat limited to take this discussion any further, which surprises me considering you ride a triumph, so we,ll just leave it at that then shall we.

[jrandom]

Obviously from that reply your IQ is somewhat limited to take this discussion any further; someone set me up the bomb. For great justice!

I like you.

Will you be my pet?

[vs04]

I like you.

Will you be my pet?
That has serious gay overtones my friend,you might have more luck asking that at a village people concert.

[limbimtimwim]

I can see it now, cruising off into the sunset, bitch on the back, the sound of serious metric thunder helping to keep the concerns of the world at bay.D'Oh!

You forgot all the cleaning!! All that ccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooo ooommmmmmmmmmmeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! BLINGY BLINGY!!!

AND it's a Suzuki. After 3 weeks of being parked outside, it'll look 3 years old.

[vs04]

D'Oh!

You forgot all the cleaning!! All that ccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooo ooommmmmmmmmmmeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! BLINGY BLINGY!!!

AND it's a Suzuki. After 3 weeks of being parked outside, it'll look 3 years old.
Why would someone spend that much money on a bike and then park it outside.:wait:

[limbimtimwim]

Why would someone spend that much money on a bike and then park it outside.:wait:Because their shed has a bike they consider more special in it.

[James Deuce]

Sigh.

My perfect Garage would have my Z750s, an Aprilia RS250, a Yamaha XT660x and an M109R in it.

THe thread was supposed to be an opportunity to see that there is no need to hang on to suppositions that are as valid as the US's reasons for invading Iraq.

You don't have to like everything, and until you ride something you're not qualified to comment. Having said that, ride as many bikes as you can and buy the ones you know you'd enjoy just looking at in the gargre.

However Devil, I think you are suffering from, "The M109R isn't anything like my Speed 4 to ride - so it's crap" syndrome.

VS04 - Don't worry man, I get it. It doesn't matter that other people don't, just enjoy what you ride and let ignorati fight amongst themselves. I think Fish liked your combative approach too. He wasn't making overtures that involve leather underwear and chaps.

[vs04]

Sigh.

My perfect Garage would have my Z750s, an Aprilia RS250, a Yamaha XT660x and an M109R in it.

THe thread was supposed to be an opportunity to see that there is no need to hang on to suppositions that are as valid as the US's reasons for invading Iraq.

You don't have to like everything, and until you ride something you're not qualified to comment. Having said that, ride as many bikes as you can and buy the ones you know you'd enjoy just looking at in the gargre.

However Devil, I think you are suffering from, "The M109R isn't anything like my Speed 4 to ride - so it's crap" syndrome.

VS04 - Don't worry man, I get it. It doesn't matter that other people don't, just enjoy what you ride and let ignorati fight amongst themselves. I think Fish liked your combative approach too. He wasn't making overtures that involve leather underwear and chaps.

Hey Jim2.Yeah the comment to fish was more tounge and cheek,i hope i have,nt offended him.Although i,m not sure i,d want to be his pet though.Cheers.

[vs04]

Because their shed has a bike they consider more special in it.
But if it was that special,would,nt it be better of in a garage.Must be a bitch getting the lawn mower and everything you keep in a shed past it.

[Scouse]

Obviously from that reply your IQ is somewhat limited to take this discussion any further, which surprises me considering you ride a triumph, so we,ll just leave it at that then shall we.Obviously from your reply your IQ isn't up there ether Because there is a capital T in the name Triumph.

[vs04]

Obviously from your reply your IQ isn't up there ether Because there is a capital T in the name Triumph.
Hey zrxer.I think you,ll find that there,s an i in the word either.Ether is a colourless, flammable liquid, used as an anaesthetic and solvent.

[jrandom]

Ether is a colourless, flammable liquid, used as an anaesthetic and solvent.

Who wouldn't want you as a pet? :love:

[vs04]

Who wouldn't want you as a pet? :love:
You,re starting to worry me Fish.

[Devil]

However Devil, I think you are suffering from, "The M109R isn't anything like my Speed 4 to ride - so it's crap" syndrome.
Dear Mr Jim,

Out of everyone who has posted in this thread I would have thought you would have noticed unbiased opinions considering previous post of mine! No comparisions were made or implied!

I didnt say the bike was crap, I stated my opinion on what I thought were the downfalls of the product. Have you not seen my other reviews or opinions on bikes? The M50? The Vstrom? The Gixxer 750?

Pay attention vs04, re-read my comments. I said I thought there was too much plastic. Not that this is the only bike with plastic and that it sucks because of it.
Maybe you didn't pick up on the word 'felt' in my comment, indicating that i've been in direct contact with this bike, and not just wanking over the pictures.
Immediately you attack my opinion, and attempt to pigeon-hole me. I'm not one of the sheep. Can you not handle someone having an alternative view to yours?
Not liking my response, you attempt a stab at my opinion by mentioning Triumphs, thinking it'll earn you some damage points. Think again.

My last comment was to discontinue a conversation with someone who obviously cant take differing opinion. What is it returned with? A childish remark of schoolyard proportions. Sorry, how old are you?

So do we bet on another response attacking me or my opinion? or will we see something relevant, your own opinion on the bike perhaps.

[Ixion]

Who wouldn't want you as a pet? :love:

Will you have to have him chipped?

[vs04]

Dear Mr Jim,

Out of everyone who has posted in this thread I would have thought you would have noticed unbiased opinions considering previous post of mine! No comparisions were made or implied!

I didnt say the bike was crap, I stated my opinion on what I thought were the downfalls of the product. Have you not seen my other reviews or opinions on bikes? The M50? The Vstrom? The Gixxer 750?

Pay attention vs04, re-read my comments. I said I thought there was too much plastic. Not that this is the only bike with plastic and that it sucks because of it.
Maybe you didn't pick up on the word 'felt' in my comment, indicating that i've been in direct contact with this bike, and not just wanking over the pictures.
Immediately you attack my opinion, and attempt to pigeon-hole me. I'm not one of the sheep. Can you not handle someone having an alternative view to yours?
Not liking my response, you attempt a stab at my opinion by mentioning Triumphs, thinking it'll earn you some damage points. Think again.

My last comment was to discontinue a conversation with someone who obviously cant take differing opinion. What is it returned with? A childish remark of schoolyard proportions. Sorry, how old are you?

So do we bet on another response attacking me or my opinion? or will we see something relevant, your own opinion on the bike perhaps.
Devil.Now that was worth reading,perhaps my comment was out of line and for that i apologise.I dont see why you felt the need to discontinue the conversation with me,i was merely pointing out plastic components on a couple of models other than jap cruisers,maybe that did,nt come across clear enough.I enjoy an alternative view to mine but when i hear the to much plastic or plastic chrome comment which is quite often i like to find out if the person who makes said comments has taken the time to check the bike in question out or is just repeating what they,ve heard somewhere else.Yeah, i,ve looked the bike over and even though i,m a cruiser fan i was somewhat dissappointed,it just looked to big and bulky to me although riding one is a different story i believe.''Damage points''not in this life time mate.Remarks of schoolyard proportions,yeah well,as you said to me, re-read my comments.How old am i,lets just say i,ve been around long before you swam the channel sunshine.Cheers.

[Virago]

....don't you just love a happy ending???????:love:

[Devil]

:niceone:
vs04, consider yourself redeemed in my opinion.

[Ixion]

So does Fish still get VS04 for a pet?

[Hitcher]

So does Fish still get VS04 for a pet?
Now that's a "ride impression" I'd like to read. Or not...

[James Deuce]

Dear Mr Jim,

Insert patronising over reaction

I still think you have missed the point of the M109. I've ridden the bikes you are talking about, and they are all exemplary in their own niches. I happen to think that that M109 is the best sub-20K Power Cruiser available. I find it aesthetically pleasing, and I felt that the rear tyre profile was less of a hinderance than the "steering" of a standard V-ROd, whihc is of course a much more expensive motor cycle, and again one with a stonking engine and great looks, but less than satisfactory chassis performance.. This is of course my opinion, and reserve the right to express it.

Where we differ is that I didn;t choose to be patronising about expressing my disdain for someone else's opinion, and I was hoping for discourse, but you've obviously made up your mind.

[Devil]

From my point of view, not much could save it. What is irritating to me, can of course not be a problem to anyone else.

I enjoyed riding it, if merely for the pose and blat factor, but I think it's missing too much for me to rate it. I rate the M50 higher for example, it feels more complete.

I think if even $2K more was spent on it (and reflected in its price), changing the rear tyre profile to be more progressive, like the rocket's, and swapping some of the plastic for a light metal then i'd re-consider. I'd pay $22k for it then.

I didnt provide an expanded opinion in this thread because I already have in previous reviews about this bike.

[vs04]

So does Fish still get VS04 for a pet?
I,m not sure,i think i might be devils bitch.

[Big Dave]

Nice job Jim.

I thought it's a nice little bike too. :blip:

[slowpoke]

Hmmmm, gettin' a bit warm in here for a while there....and here's me thinking you "coozer" types would be all "croozey"...

'Twas a nice right up me thinks, good effort Jim2.

Now about vs02 as a pet....has anybody claimed first dibs if Fish passes on the opportunity?

[James Deuce]

Nice job Jim.

I thought it's a nice little bike too. :blip:

Ferk! I don't remember it being THAT small.

[vs04]

Hmmmm, gettin' a bit warm in here for a while there....and here's me thinking you "coozer" types would be all "croozey"...

'Twas a nice right up me thinks, good effort Jim2.

Now about vs02 as a pet....has anybody claimed first dibs if Fish passes on the opportunity?
Please tell me your not interested,with a username like yours i,m more worried than i was with fish.

[scumdog]

Ferk! I don't remember it being THAT small.

Musta been a big lense on the camera eh Jim2?:wait: :nya:

[Big Dave]

Musta been a big lense on the camera eh Jim2?:wait: :nya:


It's Ozzy's fish eye - the camera lies sometimes.

Nicer shots:

[slowpoke]

Ferk! I don't remember it being THAT small.

"Does my arse look big in this....?"

[slowpoke]

Please tell me your not interested,with a username like yours i,m more worried than i was with fish.

C'mon.........someone who rides a big "Intruder" everyday shouldn't be scared of a slowpoke....

[vs04]

C'mon.........someone who rides a big "Intruder" everyday shouldn't be scared of a slowpoke....
Well put,but my wife rides the intruder now,i,ve just bought a new s83.Umm,that dose,nt sound to flash either does it,ahh i think i,ll go now:bye:

[Crasherfromwayback]

This is of course my opinion, and reserve the right to express it.

Where we differ is that I didn;t choose to be patronising about expressing my disdain for someone else's opinion, and I was hoping for discourse, but you've obviously made up your mind.
Hah!

Do what I do....express your opinion, stick with it right or wrong.
Abuse people that dare challenge your opinion.
It's much harder to do that rolling over and apologising!

On another note....anyone that wants to ride the M109R is welcome to contact me to sort out a ride....you can then (and only then) challenge the opinions of this mans write up.

I've ridden it, he describes the ride well.

[Big Dave]

Hah!

Do what I do....express your opinion, stick with it right or wrong.
Abuse people that dare challenge your opinion.
It's much harder to do that rolling over and apologising!

On another note....anyone that wants to ride the M109R is welcome to contact me to sort out a ride....you can then (and only then) challenge the opinions of this mans write up.

I've ridden it, he describes the ride well.

Not meaning the participants in this conversation particularly, but the thing is there are a disproportionate number of hump backed squids in here that think that the merits of a motorcycle are to be measured in terms of terminal velocity and rwhp only.

Fortunately these are not the yardsticks of the majority of riders in non cyberworld any more.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Right you are!

[MD]

Twas sipping a drink at the White Swan, Greytown today as a silver M109R cruised through town. Have to say it all looked like a pleasant experience laid back and relaxed. Smart looking bike on the road- despite my gibes about it's silly name in some other thread. Minute before him a flock of Harleys fluffed by. Nice and shiny with matching Jonny Reb boots, matt black helmets, black jeans. Still they were no doubt enjoying themselves, thinking they were standing out as rebels from the crowd - all in a neat row dressed by the same Mom. ha ha. Jeans pressed with straight seams. They looked so like Accountants cruising for a fight with the local Lawyers gang. Biros at 10 paces.
I have no doubt a cruiser will find its way back into my garage again one day.

[Rogue Rider]

I took my bike in for a service last week, it was an XV1600 customed out Roadstar. While it was there I saw this hulk of a bike: The M109R, I had a glanse at it, then saw the rear tyre by jingo she got me amped pretty quickly. Mean while Carl, the sales guru at Holeshots on the shore threw me the keys, what can one say..... So I took it for a blast, FATAL, I never gave the keys back, told him to keep my bike and I'll pay the balance.
This Bike is fully loaded, it wheelsatnds, does 235km p/h easy with little wind resistance, no drag or mis balance, and corners like a go cart. Its like having a race bike, only its comfortable. It makes My K3 SV that was fully loaded look like a weed eater up against the mighty chainsaw, and My Puny 1600 XV Rpadstar a turtle amoungst sharks....

Each to there own, but this bike sure got my smile dialed.

Any other M109R owners: have access to heaps of aftermarket extras for these through a mate i the buis overseas. Check out my pics for details, really hard to get the stuff here.

Kitt

[Rogue Rider]

Hi, replied yesterday, just curious how many other M109R converts are there out there. Love to know your stories and conversions...... is anyone seeking parts for them also. Just got some supplies set up but need to order in lots from Japan.:banana: :wari:

Kitt.

[slimjim]

fuck bro , nearly fell asleep reading it, why not say ,keeps up with your sport bikes, corners hard pull's out just as hard,just as good on the gas as a sport's bike riding hard !

[The Pastor]

There was a m109 at work once. It was amazing I'll add it to the list of bikes to test ride.

[Hitcher]

Must. Ride. One.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Must. Ride. One.

I'll let you know when we put another demo on!

[Toaster]

Harley Davidson’s done it. Yamaha’s done it. Suzuki needs to do it now too.

Great post man, well said and enjoyable to read.

[merv]

OK finally seen these out on the road, though it was in Aussie http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=42491

[Toaster]

Hi, replied yesterday, just curious how many other M109R converts are there out there. Love to know your stories and conversions...... is anyone seeking parts for them also. Just got some supplies set up but need to order in lots from Japan.:banana: :wari:

Kitt.

I am definitely converted. Just love the bike. Bling sent to a fellow 109 rider.

[merv]

Glad you are enjoying your ride.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Glad you are enjoying your ride.

Just got hold of a demo, so feel free to come and have a no obligation test ride Merv!

[James Deuce]

Give Hitcher a ring! Now!

[merv]

Just got hold of a demo, so feel free to come and have a no obligation test ride Merv!

Thanks, but see I'm a dirt/road biker not a cruiser and no fat arse, just going fat in the tum, so I really can't see me being a long wheelbase guy.

I took the photos in Aus (well because I always take photos anyway and don't mind sharing them) because I was rather impressed with their presence even if they aren't my cup of tea, but then I'm never one to knock anyone elses ride and would ride anything, but couldn't see myself buying one (my garage is chocker now too).

My dream bike after owning my VFR would be a VFR with 1000cc but just as compact as mine (coz I'm not a big guy) that would handle even better and weigh much less and would have gear driven cams again unlike the current model with its chains. Oh well I guess I keep the one I've got and just keep marvelling at how a 13 year old bike can be so good.

p.s. dropped into your shop between Xmas and New Year with my Bro' for a look and saw the big chopper being moved onto the floor - I presume you were on holiday then?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Give Hitcher a ring! Now!

Dropped him a PM cheers Jim!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Thanks, but see I'm a dirt/road biker not a cruiser and no fat arse, just going fat in the tum, so I really can't see me being a long wheelbase guy.

I took the photos in Aus (well because I always take photos anyway) because I was rather impressed with their presence even if they aren't my cup of tea, but then I'm never one to knock anyone elses ride and would ride anything, but couldn't see myself buying one.

No worries Merv.....wasn't trying to sell you one as I have noticed your choice in bikes.....it's just that I thought you may've been interested to see what they're like to ride.

For a BIG cruiser.....they HONK!

[merv]

Cheers I can imagine they go well and I do have a soft spot for the V Rod too though again its not quite me, maybe in another 15 - 20 years I'll change my mind.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Cheers I can imagine they go well and I do have a soft spot for the V Rod too though again its not quite me, maybe in another 15 - 20 years I'll change my mind.

Ah-ha.....then you must come and ride our 'Street-Rod'....(twice the ground clearance of a V-Rod....much better brakes, upside down forks with steeper rake).....I won't try and sell you that either!

[merv]

Nah well you see I'm one of these strange buggers that when I decide I want I bike I just buy one. Me and the Mrs have 5 bikes in the garage and the only one either one of us ever test rode was the WR because Brendan kind of made me do that because I was expressing doubts about the bottom end punch of the short stroke engine. I really wanted an XR250 with electric start then for just general dirt riding and you couldn't get them then so he convinced me to try the WR. When the XR250L became available I just went out to Motomart and bought one anyway to fill a gap in my riding range.

Even way back at the beginning of '94 I went in to Sawyers parts to buy something for one of my old Honda dirt bikes at the time and glanced at the CBR600 and the Fireblade and a secondhand VFR that was in the shop. I was almost getting to Junior Ulysses age at that time and I thought perhaps its time I got a proper road bike because I'd decided for a small guy I'd be mad to buy a larger dirt bike because I saw people just struggling with them on those wet Wairarapa Adventure rides (that on the dirt sections were like trail rides) - I think I've mentioned before I toyed with the idea of an F650 and I looked in your shop at the first Tigers - they are just too big for me.

Gary Winn then says "oh there's a new VFR due" this being the '94 model and I thought OK compared to the CBR600 it had an alloy frame and compared to the Fireblade it had a hydraulic clutch and a clock on the dash, so I says "OK get me one" all sight unseen. I haven't regretted doing it that way.

I figure a test ride is never like owning one because they take a while to get adjusted to suit you and for you to feel right on them so I go with my hunches and then adapt to fit. So at most I check all the specs, maybe sit on the bike in the shop to make sure I fit it and then if I like the look of it just do it.

So I'm a salesmans dream you don't have to sell me anything, I just roll up and say I want one of these now, but only when I want to.

[Toaster]

I want one.

'M109' sounds like a grenade launcher, though.

Yeah, either that or an army tank. Get one, it's a fun bike to blat around on.

[limbimtimwim]

I figure a test ride is never like owning one because they take a while to get adjusted to suit you and for you to feel right on them so I go with my hunches and then adapt to fit. So at most I check all the specs, maybe sit on the bike in the shop to make sure I fit it and then if I like the look of it just do it.Test rides muck with your head. When I rode the GSXR750 on a joke "Yeah, I'm in interested in a GSXR750" (NOT!!!) test ride, I just had to have it. It's a weapon, but so easy to ride. Test rides are brilliant. After I was done with my VTR250, the Hornet 919 was looking pretty attractive (I thought faired bikes were silly). Now I know I'd never be happy with a 919 hornet because of riding Skelstar's (B-OR-ING) but I reckon I'd be plenty happy with Spada's 600 Hornet ('Cos you ring the tits off it..). Test rides have shown me that if I had to have a cruiser, experience tells me the M109R isn't shit and worth consideration. But test rides have also shown me (After I got it..) that the GSXR750K6 is the best bike for me, right now.

Anyway, my point is, a test ride might open your eyes to something you thought simply wasn't interesting (Like an M109R) and make you realise what you thought was the ride for you (A hornet 919) is actually not your thing at all.

Having said that, I want to know: Where the fuck is my 2007 RVF800?!?! I'd sell my house, kidney and first born for one.

[Hitcher]

I'd sell my kidney for one.

Standard offer. $50,000 for the pair.

[Finn]

M109 here in a mini movie with chicks...

www.suzukifilms.com

[Toaster]

M109 here in a mini movie with chicks...

www.suzukifilms.com

nice one dude.

[Toaster]

All M109R riders, maybe we work in a ride sometime?