AUTO WORLD BIKERS

Suzuki has announced exciting plans to introduce the brand new, fully-faired GSX650F sports motorcycle later this year. A modern incarnation of the classic middleweight motorcycle, the GSX650F strikes the ideal balance of sportsbike excitement and all-around versatile performance.

The all-new GSX650F features a compact, 656cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine built for strong, easily accessible power and torque, fewer emissions and better fuel economy. Utilising a bore and stroke of 65.5 x 48.7mm, the GSX650F powerplant features Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) cylinder plating for better heat transfer and ring seal while reducing mechanical losses.

In addition, a hard, smooth chrome-nitride Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating on the upper compression and oil control piston rings reduces friction and wear and improves sealing. Equipped with the renowned Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) digital fuel injection system, the GSX650F enjoys outstanding power delivery and smooth acceleration. Using engine-computer-operated secondary valves to maintain optimum intake-air velocity, plus compact, four-hole injectors in each throttle body to improve fuel atomisation, the SDTV system delivers maximum combustion efficiency.An advanced, comprehensive ignition-timing control system incorporates separate maps for each cylinder using feedback from multiple sensors.

The new GSX650F incorporates a number of systems to meet strict Euro 3 and Tier 2 emissions requirements, including the Pulsed-secondary AIR-injection (PAIR) system and the Automatic Idle Speed Control (ISC) system, which also improves cold starting. In addition, the Suzuki exhaust system utilises a high capacity catalyser and an oxygen sensor to further reduce emissions and provide more efficient, cleaner running, while still providing strong performance throughout the rpm range. Suzuki’s new six speed transmission works smoothly with the hydraulic clutch which incorporates carefully selected clutch cylinder piston ratios for easier clutch-lever pull and crisp shifting.

The chassis of the GSX650F is a double-cradle, tubular steel frame designed with optimum torsional rigidity well-matched to the engine’s power and torque output.The 41mm-stanchion-tube KYB front forks with adjustable spring preload offer 130mm of wheel travel, while the KYB single-shock rear suspension features adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Engineered for a finely balanced mix of sportiness and all-round comfort, the GSX650F geometry comprises a 1,470mm wheelbase, 26 degrees of rake and 108mm of trail, with a relatively low 770mm seat height for maximum rider comfort.

Integrated with the fairing and tail section to enhance the distinct sporty look, the compact, 19-litre fuel tank is designed with a narrow mid-section for an easy reach to the handlebar. Three-spoke, cast aluminium-alloy wheels shod with 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) and 160/60ZR17 M/C (69W) radial tyres transfer the power to the road, while the dual 310mm, floating-disc front brakes with four-piston calipers and 240mm disc rear brake provide the GSX650F ample stopping power.A GSX-R-style full fairing and vertically stacked, multi-reflector headlights display Suzuki’s sportsbike DNA, while the GSX650F’s one-piece integrated seat is designed for comfort with or without a passenger. The GSX650F features an analogue tachometer, LCD speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, clock, dual trip meters, reserve trip meter and gear position indicator, plus a GSX-R racing-inspired programmable shift light to remind riders to up-shift.

Make Model	Suzuki Boulevard C109R
Year	2008
Engine	Liquid cooled four stroke, 54° V-Twin
Capacity	1786
Bore x Stroke	112 X 90,5mm
Compression Ratio	10.5;1
Induction	EFI, 2X 56mm throttle bodies
Ignition / Starting	Digital transistorized / electric
Max Power
Max Torque
Transmission / Drive	5 Speed / shaft
Front Suspension	Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension	Link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload
Front Brakes	2x 310mm discs 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 274mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	150/80R16
Rear Tyre	240/55R16
Seat Height	710 mm
Dry-Weight
Fuel Capacity	19 Litres 5.0 gal

Suzuki presents the Boulevard C109R as the motorcycle that takes cruising to a new level which brings power in the palm of our hands and comfort for our backs and feet. You can easily understand where comfort comes from by looking at the pictures, but check out the technical features, especially the part where the GSX-R fuel injection system is being mentioned, and form your own opinion on this classic cruiser.

Suzuki launched the Boulevard C109R as the classic tourer which will complete the Boulevard line of cruisers.

Being brand new and introduced as a 2008 model, it is obvious that history isn’t its strong point but you should never doubt the quality of a Suzuki motorcycle. It doesn’t have any history but who says it doesn’t benefit of Suzuki’s championship winning GSX-R fuel injection systems which make it unique in the disputed market of cruisers, especially in the U.S.

Conclusions can be easily drawn but the most reflecting is that history is being written at Suzuki’s with their new model always ready to head on the freeway.

Suzuki did present the C109R as THE machine to ride in your future years of cruising and their affirmations were indeed based on the reliable package that they had to offer.

But did they take into consideration the models offered by the competition? By mentioning the competition of this model, I am referring to the Honda VTX1800R, a motorcycle with some time on the market. Retro is indeed the look for this timeless V-twin featuring classic, deeply valanced fenders, cast aluminum wheels and staggered dual exhaust. I believe that the Honda was strongly taken into consideration as Suzuki’s classic cruiser ended up featuring the same characteristics but fairly improved.

Kawasaki also has a classic cruiser to send in the battle and it is known as the Vulcan 2000 Classic, a machine that combines traditional cruiser style with modern muscle and awesome physical presence.

With strong competition coming from Honda and Kawasaki, the Suzuki reserves some surprises out on the open road and I am eager to see them.

What I most like about this cruiser it the fact that in ended up being as massive as it could get. I mean, would you like to see it looking and saying something else? I certainly don’t! I love to see a strong and dour fork sustaining a gigantic front wheel featuring dual disc brakes. I enjoy a wide seat sustained by a rigid but yet strongly-developed chassis on which is positioned the beautifully curved fuel tank.

The C109R establishes its own identity with its styling. It has pullback handlebars, floorboards that let you kick your feet out, a spacious, relaxed riding position and its own slash-cut mufflers.

But you couldn’t do that on a smaller, sleeker cruiser, wouldn’t you? That is why this motorcycle followed the recipe used when creating its engine: “bigger is better”. The result is the incredibly imposing machine implementing smooth, classic lines all the way from the fuel tank, through the seat and rear fender.

The aspect that attracted me the most on the new Boulevard and the key to C109R’s performance is its 109 cubic inch engine with Suzuki fuel injection which is the same basic powerplant used by the awesome M109R, which traces its technological heritage to Suzuki’s championship winning GSX-R supersport bikes. One ride on the C109R and you’ll notice that it boasts its own power characteristics, with more torque down low for extraordinary acceleration. I have to say that it is more than you would expect from an imposing cruiser even for its 1783cc engine.

But being imposing involves weight and you might expect to encounter this problem on the 2008 C109R. I am not saying that the machine is light as a FZ6 and I have to admit that despite featuring Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material, it remains rather heavy and hard to maneuver at low speed. But hey, it wouldn’t be a cruiser if it was ready to receive in its saddle an 18 years old rebel.

The good news is that pounds seem to fly off as the throttle is being widely opened and the sound of the exhaust becomes a screaming monster. This is where the fun begins. Out on the freeway is where the Boulevard C109R proves its best and its owner or rider benefits of the best treatment ever. I believe that if this cruiser would be a medicine in the pharmacy, it would have been found on the distress shelf. It is that awesome!

An important factor that gives this bike a special something is the way it handles on sinuous lonely roads. The maneuverability is quite amazing and the rush given is one of a kind. I really had to experience on my own skin before I made a statement and I admit, it is wonderful to have this amount of torque available together with the comfortable riding position.

Another element very important when cruising is the suspension system which has a “must” positioned before the “providing comfort” words. At least this is what I noticed during my 200 miles ride with a cruiser that delivered me as fresh as a new born, smile on the face included. The seat had probably very much to do with the actual result but the idea is that you will never get tired or bored riding the C109R.