Motorcycle Message Board - Motorcycle USA

Motorcycle USA Forums : Join the Revolution

Motorcycle Message Board - Motorcycle USA > MotorcycleUSA.com! > Bike Reviews > 2006 Suzuki M109R

Forum Quick Jump

79 posts in this thread.
Viewing Page : 1 2 3 4

[ << Previous Thread | Next Thread >> | Show Newest Post First ]

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 3/10/2006 5:29 PM (GMT -8)

The latest big-dog from Suzuki has an all-new style to go with that power-cruiser title. Check out what Neale Bayly thought after a lovely stroll through the Texas countryside.

Post Edited (Hilde44) : 3/13/2006 4:28:01 PM GMT

Tros
Global Moderator

Date Joined Apr 2004
Total Posts : 7309

Posted 3/10/2006 7:05 PM (GMT -8)

Alright. Now that you fixed the link we are all set. Good write-up. I do have to ask though. Compared to other power cruisers reviewed before, does this motorcycle win in any category? Brakes? Stability? Power? Comfort? Ect.. I am getting a feeling that it's simply a "good" motorcycle and it falls somewhere mid pack. Maybe even towards the back of the pack (Kind of like the C90).

What say you?

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

Post Edited (Kansas) : 3/13/2006 9:20:51 PM GMT

Tros
Global Moderator

Date Joined Apr 2004
Total Posts : 7309

Posted 3/13/2006 1:22 PM (GMT -8)

To the top --- since the link works now

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

Xlntchoice
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2005
Total Posts : 185

Posted 3/13/2006 3:42 PM (GMT -8)

Nice bike. I'd rather they had used a belt drive instead of a shaft but that's not too big of a deal. I do however have a big problem with the unsightly tank flange. I can't think of another manufacturer's headline big bore cruiser that still has one. nono

If you don't wear a helmet then you probably don't need one. I do.

Suzuki DR-Z400SM

Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 3/13/2006 4:59 PM (GMT -8)

Kansas said...
I do have to ask though. Compared to other power cruisers reviewed before, does this motorcycle win in any category? Brakes? Stability? Power? Comfort? Ect.. I am getting a feeling that it's simply a "good" motorcycle and it falls somewhere mid pack.

Like most new bikes, the M109R does offer something the others don't. It'll have more power than its competitors' air-cooled stuff, and it's got that big rear tire. It seems to me the 109R is designed more for ageing sportbike jockeys than those wanting to revisit memory lane. It's like Victory's Hammer but faster. Is it cooler? That's up to you guys.

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

Jaime
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2003
Total Posts : 33

Posted 3/13/2006 8:16 PM (GMT -8)

Hey Neale;

Are you nuts! What are you trying to do! Here I am like the guy in the mortgage ad - nice house in a nice neightborhood, great family, new car, and IN DEBT TO MY EYEBALLS!

Then you drop the bombshell, a deliciously tempting writeup for the lastest power cruiser -that to these eyes - looks like the bike I would like to own RIGHT NOW...but can't.

Shame on you for inflicting so much pain, I hope your next assigment is to test a Vespa scooter in Iraq.

Be safe,

Jaime

bkorfhage
Punk Kid

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 410

Posted 3/13/2006 9:35 PM (GMT -8)

U-G-L-Y.

go ahead, ask me anything...

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 3/13/2006 9:58 PM (GMT -8)

Cruisers are all about the look, then the power. So while it's cool that the Suzuki has motor, it is a shame that the huge seam under the gas tank, and the way the plastic pieces connect to it from the front and behind make it all look so cheap. Is that plastic chrome on the headlight shroud too? Bummer.

Børk! Børk! Børk!

jon
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4569

Posted 3/13/2006 10:10 PM (GMT -8)

i don't race for a living so i choose all my bikes regardless of class by looks, comfort then power and handling. that's probably why i keep all my bikes bonestock too because performance mods are wasteful when the bike already has more than enough for the public settings.

jimmihaffa
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2004
Total Posts : 217

Posted 3/13/2006 10:42 PM (GMT -8)

I like the general shape and layout of this bike and think that it has the potential to be a real show stopper. IMHO it fails in it's execution because of busy details and ostentatious styling cues. I had seen this bike at a show and it gave the general impression of being a little lacking in quality of finish, perhaps not unexpected as it was surely a preproduction tour circuit bike. Changes that I'd consider to improve the appearance of this bike include the aformentioned tank flange seam and scrapping that tacky semi paint and plastic chrome bikini fairing in favor of a brushed aluminum deflector shield. I'd get rid of the radiator shroud entirely. This is a liquid cooled bike theres no disguising it. I'd rather have seen some stylized parts and hoses a la Vmax than a body colored plastic trim piece. The back end and wheels look fantastic as does the 240 rear tire. I think a belt drive with either chromed or brushed aluminum pulley would have set the back end off nicely from the left side. All said depending on how this thing goes and the readiness of Suzuki dealers to trim the MSRP, this surely isn't a totally unjustifiable alternative purchase to a Vrod for a fraction of the price. rolleyes

MechTech
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2005
Total Posts : 451

Posted 3/14/2006 6:21 AM (GMT -8)

I still think the headlight/tach on the forks looks funny/wrong, combine that with the tank mount speedo and it all looks like an afterthought mismash. Not to sure what I would have done with the front end other than maybe use some cats eyes lights and molded turn signals backed by the entire instrument cluster. If you're going to have that ugly crome tach sticking up why not throw on a sport windshield to tie it all together?

Bottom line for me is that it doesn't look right and as it is I got no interest in buying it.

"If it ain't broke, you're not trying hard enough"

Currently own
'82 Honda V45 Magna
'05 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

Jay Mack
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2003
Total Posts : 491

Posted 3/14/2006 11:21 AM (GMT -8)

MechTech said...
... headlight/tach ... looks funny/wrong...

Are you kidding? Tumescent penis headlamps are all the rage these days.

See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download
the highest resolution version available.

TravelerKLK
2005 Boulevard C90

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 553

Posted 3/14/2006 12:43 PM (GMT -8)

11 posts and not a word about the performance - just tank flanges, plastic parts, Nose fairings, etc.

Has everyone forgoten why we buy and ride these things?

Or have I?

--Trav

"Man's mind, stretched by a new idea, never goes back to its original dimensions."

O.W.H., JR.

jimmihaffa
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2004
Total Posts : 217

Posted 3/14/2006 2:14 PM (GMT -8)

TravelerKLK said...
11 posts and not a word about the performance - just tank flanges, plastic parts, Nose fairings, etc.

Has everyone forgoten why we buy and ride these things?

Or have I?

Hard to comment on the performance when the only numbers quoted are crank HP and torque figures. That shaft's going to rob a bundle of HP to the rear wheel. I think we're all keen on hearing more on how this thing performs but let's face it, bikes like these are designed with the bling show factor in mind too...cut us some slack. smhair

Xlntchoice
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2005
Total Posts : 185

Posted 3/14/2006 3:21 PM (GMT -8)

TravelerKLK said...
11 posts and not a word about the performance - just tank flanges, plastic parts, Nose fairings, etc.

Has everyone forgoten why we buy and ride these things?

Or have I?

There's alot more to it than just performance. For myself I like to stare at it and admire it awhile after I come back from a ride. Until we know more about it's performance, the way it looks is all we have for now.

If you don't wear a helmet then you probably don't need one. I do.

Suzuki DR-Z400SM

Kenny
MCUSA - Editorial Director

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 460

Posted 3/14/2006 4:39 PM (GMT -8)

I think this bike looks bad-ass myself. Korf, he's obviouly been hitting the beer bongs a bit too much in college these days. The front end is gnarly, the big rear tire is cool and if Nealeio is telling the truth... it should go pretty well. That adds up to one sweet power cruiser to me. So sign me up Suzui - I wanna ride one ASAP.

Damn it, where'd Duke go now?

Post Edited (Kenny) : 3/15/2006 12:44:29 AM GMT

OhioSteve
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2004
Total Posts : 861

Posted 3/14/2006 4:48 PM (GMT -8)

Only a moron would pay $12,000 for that thing! It looks like a giant aardvark, weighs damn near as much as a Goldwing, and has a rear tire that belongs on a Ford Ranger. A UPS truck has more charisma and a shorter turning radius.

Seriously, check out this image:

http://www.squeep.com/~fek/misc/sepia-backgrounds/aardvark-2.jpg

I see a strong family resemblance.

I am the foremost expert on my opinion.

jimmihaffa
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2004
Total Posts : 217

Posted 3/14/2006 5:39 PM (GMT -8)

OhioSteve said...
Only a moron would pay $12,000 for that thing! It looks like a giant aardvark, weighs damn near as much as a Goldwing, and has a rear tire that belongs on a Ford Ranger. A UPS truck has more charisma and a shorter turning radius.

Seriously, check out this image:

http://www.squeep.com/~fek/misc/sepia-backgrounds/aardvark-2.jpg

I see a strong family resemblance.

ah but unlike the aardvark, the zuk can pass wind and still meet Euro-III emissions regulations

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 3/14/2006 9:39 PM (GMT -8)

TravelerKLK said...
11 posts and not a word about the performance ...

Has everyone forgoten why we buy and ride these things?

Nope, people buy them to pose. You aint gonna get any kind of handling performance with a 240 rear tire, football field long wheelbase and all that weight. You aint gonna get any kind of suspension performance with that massive unsprung weight and short travel suspension. Straight line performance? Well, she'll be easy to launch but that still is an awful lot of lard to keep moving. Power is one thing, power to weight ratio is more relevant.
BUT, if by performance you're comparing to other cruisers (ignoring the VmAX), well...

Børk! Børk! Børk!

CaddmannQ
Random Moto-geek

Date Joined Jul 2003
Total Posts : 17145

Posted 3/15/2006 7:39 AM (GMT -8)

A wonderful review and great pics as always, though I found one passage a bit confusing where Neale writes:

"...[it] uses a unique twin cam-chain system. Driving a smaller intermediate gear just above the crankshaft, a second cam chain runs up to the cams... The two-stage system eliminates the need to run the camshaft sprockets at half engine speed so the gears can be much smaller..."

It's obviously a SOHC system (unless Suzuki has slipped in some extra parts behind my back while I wasn't paying attention) but Neale's description leaves me scratching my head.

Are there actually three chains in this "twin" chain system? (A "Y" type configuration) or are there four? (Two chains for each cylinder.) In my mind, the expression "the more the merrier" does NOT apply to cam chains.

Are there step-down gears involved too, or just sprockets? Twice, gears are mentioned.

And, certainly, those cam sprockets (the sprocket physically bolted to the cam) MUST run at half crank speed (regardless of their actual diameters) if this is a conventional 4-stroke engine.

Cadd
2004 Nomad 1500 "Baggins"
VROC #11619 Rolling Blunder #128

Green9R
PWTPT

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 577

Posted 3/15/2006 9:07 AM (GMT -8)

The Suzuki site list it as a DOHC configuration... I think the only other bike in this class that has DOHC is the V-Rod??

I'd like to flog the sh*t out of it for a day. Cool ride (for a cruiser)..

- 1995: Russell falls early, still hands a smack-talkin' Foggy his ass.

CaddmannQ
Random Moto-geek

Date Joined Jul 2003
Total Posts : 17145

Posted 3/15/2006 10:56 AM (GMT -8)

Reeeeeeally! shocked

In those tiny heads?

I'll have to go check it out.

Cadd
2004 Nomad 1500 "Baggins"
VROC #11619 Rolling Blunder #128

Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 3/15/2006 1:20 PM (GMT -8)

Sharp eyes, Cadd. I asked Sir Neale to better explain what he was writing about, and this is what he says:

"Ooops. Of course the cam shaft sprockets are still going to rotate at half engine speed. The Intermediate gear, or reduction gear runs at half crankshaft speed which allows the camshafts sprockets to be smaller than on a conventional drive direct from the crankshaft. Another benefit, as found in Suzuki's TL1000 engines, is shorter chains for less stretch and flex, giving better control of the cam timing."

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

CaddmannQ
Random Moto-geek

Date Joined Jul 2003
Total Posts : 17145

Posted 3/15/2006 3:31 PM (GMT -8)

Ahhh, so there is a reduction gear right off the crank? Or is it a third chain and sprockets to do the 1/2 reduction?

Or is there still a third chain PLUS reduction gears?

I can't seem to find a diagram anywhere on the web yet.

Shorter chains are nice and will improve timing, but smaller sprockets are actually bad, and will reduce timing accuracy IMO. The smaller the sprocket, the more tension is on the chain.

Frankly, I'm surprised that everyone hasn't gone to belts yet.

Cadd
2004 Nomad 1500 "Baggins"
VROC #11619 Rolling Blunder #128

Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 3/15/2006 5:47 PM (GMT -8)

Cadd, I edited Neale's article with a clearer explanation of the valvetrain. From how he described it, a chain drives the intermediate gear from the crankshaft. Then that intermediate gear drives another chain that rotates the cams. Until Neale locates his press kit, that's the best I can do for now.

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

79 posts in this thread.
Viewing Page : 1 2 3 4

Forum Information

Currently it is Sunday, November 22, 2009 12:17 AM (GMT -8)
There are a total of 447,405 posts in 35,241 threads.
In the last 3 days there were 13 new threads and 230 reply posts. View Active Threads