Get on your bike and enjoy the beautiful outdoors today. (Photo: Neale Bayly) » More Photos

Suzuki wanted to build the most powerful cruiser, and the message was very clear on who the bike would be aimed at. With models in their extensive range already that cater to the dedicated touring guys, they wanted a machine that would tickle the taste buds of experienced riders, and not just riders from the cruiser world. As a company that is so heavily linked to racing and high performance, Suzuki decided to use some of their own championship winning road racing technology to also attract the experienced sport bike rider looking for a different experience: Mature riders who aren't willing to sacrifice performance, or compromise too heavily in the handling and braking department.

Watching a video of the bike in action during the briefing, I found it interesting to note it was edited to soft rock and roll, and featured a mature rider bend swinging at a responsible speed out in the countryside. There was no flashing and banging, or ADD induced video cuts, just a relaxed mini-movie showing the M109R in what Suzuki must consider its natural habitat.

Next day, rolling along the near deserted roads outside of Luckenbach at a swift, but not outrageous pace, the video made perfect sense. The M109R is a big bike, and doesn't like to be hustled. Weighing close to 700 pounds dry, it is not a city commuter. But, with 3200 rpm up on the digital tachometer, 70mph registering on the analogue speedometer, and an endless horizon to be reeled in with the super light throttle, I was out making my own movie. With the sound track being provided by the largest pair of pistons every made for a production engine firing through a deep, mellow sounding two-into-two exhaust system, it was the perfect score. Set on a stage of barren, rolling hills, peppered with Ashe Juniper bushes and tightly packed Texas Red Oaks, the wild scene was capped by a perfect, cloudless blue sky.


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