Suzuki Boulevard 1800

[Steppenwolf]

So here's what the test riders from Motorcycle Cruiser had to say about the bikes. There were 5 testers and all had differing opinions about the bikes. In summary :

 

Yamaha Star Roadliner

High points :

1. Top comfort for a wide range riders (ie body sizes)

2. Strong power with very smooth delivery

Low points :

1. Mediocre passenger saddle

2. Least popular instruments

First thing to change : Better passenger seat

 

Suzuki Boulevard M109R

Highs :

1. Power!

2. Strong brakes

Lows :

1. Abrupt throttle response compounded by drivetrain issues

2. Stiff poorly controlled suspension

First thing to change : Better suspension

 

Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic

Highs :

1. There's no substitute for cubic inches

2. Best passenger seating

Lows :

1. A big, heavy handful

2. Poor detailing

3. Speedometer was mouted off center

First thing to change : Center the speedo

 

Honda VTX1800F

Highs :

1. Best handling and suspension

2. Exceptional finish and detailing

Lows :

1. Least comfortable seat

2. Linked braking requires adaptation

First thing to change :

1. Better seats

 

Hope u guys found this interesting. Maybe the article will come online soon.

[gohjohan]

Thanks for posting them down, Steppenwolf. Save me from buying an oeverpriced Motorcycle Cruiser magazine. S$11.50!!! I'm sure it's cheaper where you got it.

[Steppenwolf]

Originally posted by gohjohan@Sep 21 2006, 12:16 PM

Thanks for posting them down, Steppenwolf. Save me from buying an oeverpriced Motorcycle Cruiser magazine. S$11.50!!! I'm sure it's cheaper where you got it.

 

My pleasure.

 

I'm sure you've already spent a bundle on buying Photoshop.

 

[William Tan]

HD motorcycles are a little overpriced too no?

 

But like all things, if you like it and can afford it, every price is the right price.

 

Anyways, if the bike really strikes an interest in someone here in Singapore, you'll soon see it on the roads...

 

Guess thats how the other big power cruisers started as well (eg, Vulcan).

If there's demand, there will be supply.

But if not many are too interested.... there's still the internet and overpriced magazines to refer to...

[gohjohan]

Originally posted by William Tan@Sep 21 2006, 01:13 PM

HD motorcycles are a little overpriced too no?

 

But like all things, if you like it and can afford it, every price is the right price.

 

Anyways, if the bike really strikes an interest in someone here in Singapore, you'll soon see it on the roads...

 

Guess thats how the other big power cruisers started as well (eg, Vulcan).

If there's demand, there will be supply.

But if not many are too interested.... there's still the internet and overpriced magazines to refer to...

I think people are interested. I'm sure you saw the crowd that turned up on their Harleys.

 

Now how do we get people to forget the drive train and suspension issues so that they can order the Suzuki Boulevard?

[v2win]

hi all.....I think... there won't b any new big toys coming around anymore on our shores....the stealers have tried importing them before.....it's a failure...... be it a VTXs....Vulcans....TRIUMPHs..or whatever.....simply the market is just too small

here to b profitable......just look around... on any given days....how many VTX's,Vulcans can we see on our roads?......M109?.....yea.. may b or may b not at

all........I like to see the real one on our road myself though.

[William Tan]

I wouldnt really think of a Harley as rare. Expensive yes, but not rare, unless its personally customised by the rider, then its a one-of-its-kind.

 

Another reason why we wont be seeing much of these big toys coming over very soon with or without drive train and suspension issues, is probably because the cruiser market is already dominated primarily by Harley Davidson Singapore, which does a very good job or marketing their product btw; makes you feels good just thinking about riding one (and it does feel good on one too. )

As Johan mentioned, look at the number of Harleys that turned out for the event.

 

So if you ever, EVER see a M109 (most likely not), Vulcan 2000, vtx1800/1300, other BIG cruisers, you can be sure that they are just one out of a few pieces.

 

One might just want to take a picture of it, you know, shave a couple dollars off the monthly expenditure. (joking hor)

[GiantValk]

Thanks for all the constructive response to the thread, real shiok feeling.

 

Was shocked when Steppenwolf replied seeing a Warrior and Bou in the flesh, later realized you are overseas, states?

 

With Kawa bikes, it's the usual maintainence and spare parts issue. And personally, I feel the vulcan logo sucks BIG TIME. can't they come up with a better design other than just using the letter V? Even the KAWASAKI wordings look better. Imagine VN2000 with a matt gold finish and standard KAWA wordings a la Z1000, will definitely be impressive.

 

Warriors, ever saw one at motorworld few years back, shiish, really boring when it's silver and parked stationary. For the same engine the MT01 performs much better. But both got no luggage options leh.

 

For me, I will continue to save until I one time whack hard get some BIG BIG cruiser, something that can last for 2 x COE. Top on the list would be a carb RK. Or a Harley Pui Kia.

 

BTW, any comments on the new HD 96 engine? Guess it's just bigger. More interesting is the new exhaust management system. I suppose it is somehwat like the Yamaha EXUP.

[Steppenwolf]

Yup, just got off the plane and now back at home. Can't quite sleep yet coz i'm still on US time

 

I was in Califonia - which by many accounts can be considered to be ideal motorcycle country. Due to the weather, bikers can rider most of the year in not too hot summers and not too cold winters (again depending where exactly in CA u are).

 

Most of the bikes there were either sportsbikes or cruisers (u'll hardly see any other category around). Of the cruisers, i was pleasant surprised to see a healthy mix between metrics and non-metrics. That is, the USofA isn't a one brand bike country. Overall about a 50-50 mix. Of the metrics, i spotted a few Warriors, the M109R, Royal stars, a VTX, a Magna, and a Valk Interstate. Of the harleys i think i saw some ultraglides/streetglides, maybe fatboys and couple of RKs (sorry, i aside from the more "distinctive" HDs like the RK,ultras, and the sporters, i can't tell them apart). The most "glaringly missing" bike was the sporter. None to be seen.

 

Pity i didn't see the 109 in motion though, it was just parked there by the curb when i saw it.

[BlackDawn]

Originally posted by Steppenwolf@Sep 16 2006, 04:15 PM

I just saw this month's copy of MotorcycleCruiser magazine. There's a comparo between the M109, the Vulcan 2000 classic, Roadliner, and the VTX 1800F.

 

Will try to buy a copy of the mag next week, and keep you guys updated.

Guys, this edition of Motorcycle Cruiser has reached Spore, I bought one in MPH yesterday

[MazzyMan]

I ride a M109R...just curious if anyone here rides one too?

[Jonborah]

Whoa, how much did you get it for bro?