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Thread: M109R - the noncruiser's cruiser

  1. #1
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    26th May 2005 - 16:53
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    M109R - the noncruiser's cruiser

    Took one for a short ride.
    I'm not normally a fan of cruisers, but this - wow!

    I know styling is subjective but I like it and judging by all the looks you get when on-board so does most of the population.

    Like most cruisers you sit in it rather than on it. There is actually a slight forward cant to reach the controls which I liked. The footpegs are well forward of your bum which would take some getting used to for me.

    The first thing you notice once underway is how unexpectedly light and agile it feels. Suzuki have made an effort to keep the centre of gravity low and this shows in the feel of the bike - not top-heavy at all. Low speed manoeuvring is no problem - although I thought the on-off throttle transition from idle could have been smoother.

    The second thing you notice is the torque. The third, fourth, fifth,...........is the torque. I can't remember riding another bike with this much urge - especially from literally anywhere in the rev range. It feels a bit harsh if you crack open the throttle at lowish revs in a high gear but soon smooths out once the revs climb a bit.

    It vibrates just enough to let you know there are a couple big jugs underneath you - perfect, and you can hear the exhaust - nice and grunty. In fact, it was a bit loud for me - but I'm sure I would be in the minority with this view.

    I was also impressed with the way it cornered. You need to consciously initiate the turn, especially at lowish to medium speed, but once underway it tracks nicely not wanting to either fall-in or run wide. I don't know how far you could lean it over before things start touching down but judging from the ample ground clearance I would say it would be a lot better than the average cruiser.

    Suspension is on the firm side of soft - perfect for the market/riding this bike is pitched at.

    Front brake is excellent - double disc with radial mounted calipers (just like the gsxrs). I thought the rear brake was a bit weak but that could have just been the unnatural foot position (for me) I found the pedal at.

    I found the gearbox a bit notchy but not annoyingly so. I suspect it would improve as the mileage climbs.

    I took it to my wifes work to show her and she sat on the back (but couldn't go for a ride as she didn't have her helmet). She loved the styling and liked the passenger seat and the seat/footpeg position - so far so good in that department. The bike doesn't come standard with a grab bar/rails for a passenger, but apparently Suzuki are working on this and other paraphernalia (such as sissy bars, carriers, etc) for it.

    All-in-all I.............loved it!

  2. #2
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    I'm just burning a disk with my KR test on it now.

    Agree with everything but passenger comfort and low speed manouvering. Co-pilot rates it 3/10.
    She's a fair bit taller than your girl too.

    Mind you - it's standard for the class - huge bikes and bad passenger comfort - rocket, v-rod - all of them the same.

    I thought you have to ride around the back tyre at under 20kph.
    Feet down it's a doddle.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Dave
    I'm just burning a disk with my KR test on it now.

    Agree with everything but passenger comfort and low speed manouvering. Co-pilot rates it 3/10.
    She's a fair bit taller than your girl too.

    Mind you - it's standard for the class - huge bikes and bad passenger comfort - rocket, v-rod - all of them the same.

    I thought you have to ride around the back tyre at under 20kph.
    Feet down it's a doddle.

    how hard are they to pick up Dave?
    Life is tough. It's tougher when you're stupid

    SARGE
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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by SARGE
    how hard are they to pick up Dave?

    Piece of piss actually.
    (But I can lift a bonneville completely off the ground too.)
    Little bloke like you might have trouble.

  5. #5
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    Hey - and don't get me wrong - you've seen the test aye sarge - I reckon it's a great bike too - just dont offer to double the Mrs to Invercargill.

    A cruise around town is fine.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Dave
    .....Agree with everything but passenger comfort and low speed manouvering. Co-pilot rates it 3/10.......
    Yeah, its possible her view will change once she has ridden (as opposed to just sat) on the back. It may have been a first impressions thing after being was blown away by the size/styling/bling..... - not much in common with the freewind there.

    I guess my expectations low-speed handling-wise weren't high - so the fact I did a U-turn feet-up was a pleasant surprise.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Dave
    Hey - and don't get me wrong - you've seen the test aye sarge - I reckon it's a great bike too - just dont offer to double the Mrs to Invercargill.

    A cruise around town is fine.

    That make it the perfect 'GUY' bike..

    ' hey honey.. lets go out for a ride ..'

    no, thanks.. its uncomfortable..'

    ' ok.. i offered .. see you in a few hours ..'



    bang.. sundays free..
    Life is tough. It's tougher when you're stupid

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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by SARGE
    That make it the perfect 'GUY' bike..

    ' hey honey.. lets go out for a ride ..'

    no, thanks.. its uncomfortable..'

    ' ok.. i offered .. see you in a few hours ..'



    bang.. sundays free..

    Yeah - I like it. I only had to take the seat cowl off once.

  9. #9
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    *foam* *grumble*
    Stupid plastic!

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Devil
    *foam* *grumble*
    Stupid plastic!
    Ha ha, was waiting for your comments!!!
    Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

  11. #11
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    That was restrained too!

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Devil
    That was restrained too!
    You can like more than one type of bike you know!

    Nothing wrong with plastic in this case - it's light, durable and quite bling.

    It's also under 20k.

    The ones with metal where you want it start at about 45k

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Dave
    You can like more than one type of bike you know!
    Nothing wrong with plastic in this case - it's light, durable and quite bling.
    It's also under 20k.
    The ones with metal where you want it start at about 45k
    The M50 felt like more of a quality product than the M109. I think I had more fun on it too!

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Devil
    The M50 felt like more of a quality product than the M109. I think I had more fun on it too!
    that would be down to the ergos? i found the M109r smaller than I would like it too.

  15. #15
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    More the general handling/behaviour. Plus it *feels* good. Brakes were a bit shite though. Thats where the 109 wins, power too of course.

    I conceed that the 109 looks the biz, it just doesn't feel it

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