Our group of M109Rs turned heads wherever we went. (Photo: Neale Bayly) » More Photos

Attaching to a custom looking cast aluminum-alloy wheel, that rolls in between a set of 46mm inverted forks, the front end of the M109R looks like it means serious business. The front tire is an aggressive sport sized, 130/17-18 and accompanied by the wide handlebars blesses the big Suzuki with super light steering. With a 67.3-inch wheelbase, a rake and trail set at 31.25 degrees and 124mm, I wouldn't have expected such quick steering. Also, extremely solid at speed, I was on the north side of 120mph at one point when I needed to quickly lose 30 mph for a high-speed left. Rolling off and scrubbing a little speed with the brakes, the M109R simply railed through the turn with the lightest inputs at the bars, not one hint of wobble or weave.

At lower speeds, the 240 section tires does make itself felt, with decidedly more effort needed for maneuvering, but using the old "turn for the photographer" test, certainly showed the bike is also extremely manageable if needed. Able to be slowed to a crawl, and then turned on full lock, this situation repeatedly simulates parking lot manners, and the M109R gets a good grade on this scorecard.

Stopping and starting soon makes it known the exhaust pipes poke out far enough to hit your right leg. Thankfully the heat shields do an excellent job and no heat is transferred to your leg. The chrome shields also look first class, and if there is an un-chromed pipe hiding in there, unlike some other bikes tested, it is certainly not showing. Looking closer, the attention to detail paid on the big Suzuki is excellent. No unsightly wires or hoses visible and neat flush mount allen bolts on a lot of the bodywork. The large 5.2-gallon gas tank has top quality paint, as do the fenders and side panels, and the chrome engine cases look the business.

There are a good number of plastic parts, but you have to start tapping things to find them, and from a pace or two away you would never notice. Hiding the two spark plugs that live in each cylinder, the covers are actually chromed plastic. Adding to the tidy overall look, they compliment the cylinder fins, air cleaner cover and cases.

Looking suitably mean and futuristic, and being able to back up its looks with a monster motor and a decent handling package, the Suzuki M109R is a formidable new competitor in the cruiser arena. Setting its intentions as a "power cruiser" it is still all-day comfortable, and able to cover plenty of distance between fuel stops. The bike comes in three-color choices, and by the time you read this will be available in limited quantities at your local dealer for $12,399.



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