I've seen a lot of bike reviews, but "YOU" are the best by far! I've got a call into my Suzuki dealer. I hope to bring one home this summer when I get home from Florida. Keep up the good work!
Great looking bike love the look of the M109R , i almost purchase one two years ago but went for another muscle cruiser the Triumph Rocket 3 GT more torque more power more fun , ride safe man.
Nice, concise video. No fluff, just facts. The most surprising difference to me is the brakes. I've got a 2010 C-109R, and it has a linked braking system. It's got 3 piston fronts, and a twin piston rear caliper. The front brake lever activates 2 of the 3 front pistons, while the rear pedal does the back brake, plus the 3rd piston on the front. It's 1102lb loaded, with me on it, and it stops quite well considering our combined bulk. It also has intake, pipes, and a tune to disable the electronic nanny aids in 1st-3rd gear, and the secondary throttle valve. It's got a heavier flywheel, and different intake cam than the M to bring the torque even lower, but even with those restrictions (compared to the M) it makes 110hp at 6800rpm, and 120lb-ft at 3300rpm, and an almost table flat torque curve all the way to nearly 7000rpm, and that's at the tyre. That's more than enough to smoke that fat old 240 rear on the roll in 2nd, and you'll be smiling like the Cheshire cat every time you ride it. Try a de-restricted one if you ever get the chance and you want an even bigger smile.
I went last week through the twisties of the apachians in NC and TN with my M109R. 180 degrees tight corners and 270 degrees circles all with a paseenger. All these pristines We had a blast. Can't wait to go back. It is true this bike can handle well due to low gravity and is very stable...and you barely feel the speed indeed. It is also true 240 rear tire handles a bit funny but I love to push this bike in all situations. It is NOT scary to scrape the pegs with this bike. I usually gently ecrape my heals before the pegs due to the position. Something to get used to. Many reviewers said this bike is for speeding between traffic lights in town, sure, but I much prefer cornering twisties all day long with this bike, so much fun. Gotta tame that clutch though early on though. The clutch is NOT hard like on an FJR, it is smooth but a bit surprising at first due to the high tork of the engine. I carefully chose this bike last year over several HD models and never regreted.
@@notyrbsns9321 I ride mine around the Welsh hills, some acute twisties here & you have to be ready for them but it’s an awesome feeling piloting 765lbs and 8 feet of bike around them. I also do the heel scrape thing, with the state of some of our roads it’s good to have the extra early warning system before the pegs make contact (not that there’s much you can do about it once you’re committed!)
Get a tune, it will open up and remove the restrictions in first three gears Get steel braided brake lines, brakes are from a GSXR600, a sports bike that weights one third of the 1800
@@erwinkrau6300 When you clamp down the 109 will stop in a hurry. Do you actually have an M109R? I bought mine new in 2008, first time I had to brake hard was when a deer jumped out in front of me riding 2up. The bike stopped incredibly quick for a 750 lb bike with 400 lbs on board.
@@jimmywallace2687 I have a 2015 BOSS (Black/White with red pinstripe. It didn't brake at all when I got it (third owner as far as I know) There were other issieus with it, example, they didnt lube the axels or anithing realy
Hey man great review, your impression of the brakes surprises me, not saying you're wrong but the brakes on my 2008 model are great! One thing to keep in mind though, the rear brakes can really help out, with the rear tyre as wide as it is, it doesn't brake traction easily. So instead of a balance of perhaps 70 or 80 % front and obviously whatever you feel like applying to the rear, you can actually depend quite a bit more heavily on the rear. Find a quiet street and give it a try, relying a little more on the rear brakes, not telling you how to suck eggs mate, hope it doesn't look that way just something, not saying it's right but it works when you need it. I'm 74 yrs old been riding since 1965, had some great machines but the Bullie is the best bike I owned, Cheers brother, keep up the good work, well they say you don't work a day in your life if you do what you love
I appreciate what you’re saying. I do typically use both front and rear brakes I think perhaps the brakes were not worn in. It was a brand new bike, so the brake pad surfaces were not broken in. I do love the bike but I think it’s relative equal size with the same horsepower should have three pistons on both calipers in the front. Like the VTX 1800. And the M109 actually has more horsepower than the VTX 1800. i’m glad you’re riding at 74 years old that’s awesome brother !! There is hope for all of us.
I love the look of this bike. One of the most beautiful I've seen. I ride a Honda Rebel 1100 which is faster and has better systems, but the look of this Suzuki is absolutely fantastic.
the vtx1800 biggest short coming was the tiny gas tank, 92 average range, i never understood why! Big motor you need a big tank especially if its checking off the touring box. The VMAX decimates btw, 197HP and gobs of torque but this 109 is a harley smoker lol
I had no idea they started making these again, fantastic news. I’ve always said the only bike I’d ever trade my 2007 model in for would be a new one, and I never thought it would happen. But I suspect the new model is only available in the US, like the BOSS, & not here in Europe…? Have they finally added ABS? That’s the only thing I miss on mine.
On your next tire change for your Hammer, go with the 260 Metezler Cruisetech rear tire. It has a more rounded profile than the stock 250 or a 240 tire.
Jason I have seen numerous AI generated sites for the 2025 Honda VTX. I was hoping that Honda was bringing it back. I spoke to a salesperson at my local Honda dealer last week and he advised he had no knowledge that the VTX 1800 was going to return. I don't know why there have been so many sites that have indicated it was coming out if it wasn't. I still have some hopes it will.
I owed a 1800 C and regret selling it to this day! This bike is the one I’ve been looking at buying to fill the void for a while now. I think your review has sold me on getting it. I just hope the reliability is as good. Great review! Quick question. Are the stock pipes quiet? I need a quiet bike since I leave to work at 4am.
The pipes on the 109 were not as loud as my 1800 C with the cobra pipes of course but still loud enough to have a great soundtrack. It reminded me very much of my 1800 C. Thank you for watching.
I got a 08' vtx 1800 and started looking into this bike recently. I have not found anything similar to the VTX, which is why I haven't bought a bike for a long time. Should I give it a go?! I cant find it on any of the dealers near me!
TG I am interested in purchasing a M109. The question I have is are the chrome and black coverings on the engine all metal or are some plastic? I had a Honda VTX 1300 several years ago and some of the chrome pieces were made of plastic. Thank you for your response.
I have the C109, and I can confirm that on it, some of the shiny bits are plastic. Given the 2 bikes share a large portion of their parts, it would be a fairly safe bet to assume the M would be the same.
I am torn between a new m109r and a used 2014 Honda Valkyrie. It is my third bike mostly for short trips around town. Mostly for my performance needs. I have a fjr1300 and a Vulcan nomad 1600 for my longer rides. Which one would you recommend for that between the 109r vs Honda 2014 Valkyrie? Thanks.
@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 lol. You are funny. Seriously is the valkyrie good? The seller obviously wont let me test drive it until I buy it so hard to get a good perspective.
@@sandeepramlakshmanan3646 I would make sure it runs, see if the seller will ride it in front of you so you can watch it go and listen to the motor. But the Valkyrie is an awesome bike.
@@sandeepramlakshmanan3646 see if he will ride it in front of you and start it up so you can listen to the motor. The Valkyrie is usually a bulletproof bike.
![Setting Top Dead Center | VW T4 2.5tdi Engine Work pt.5 [DETAILED]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9JGrqe-iJGc/mqdefault.jpg)
I've seen a lot of bike reviews, but "YOU" are the best by far! I've got a call into my Suzuki dealer. I hope to bring one home this summer when I get home from Florida. Keep up the good work!
Thank you. Thanks for watching!
Great looking bike love the look of the M109R , i almost purchase one two years ago but went for another muscle cruiser the Triumph Rocket 3 GT more torque more power more fun , ride safe man.
car motor in a bike frame hmmm
Very good short and precise review TG..., I like ya style!
Thank you !
hoping to test ride one if and when I find one in Minnesota. nice machine
Nice, concise video. No fluff, just facts. The most surprising difference to me is the brakes. I've got a 2010 C-109R, and it has a linked braking system. It's got 3 piston fronts, and a twin piston rear caliper. The front brake lever activates 2 of the 3 front pistons, while the rear pedal does the back brake, plus the 3rd piston on the front. It's 1102lb loaded, with me on it, and it stops quite well considering our combined bulk.
It also has intake, pipes, and a tune to disable the electronic nanny aids in 1st-3rd gear, and the secondary throttle valve. It's got a heavier flywheel, and different intake cam than the M to bring the torque even lower, but even with those restrictions (compared to the M) it makes 110hp at 6800rpm, and 120lb-ft at 3300rpm, and an almost table flat torque curve all the way to nearly 7000rpm, and that's at the tyre. That's more than enough to smoke that fat old 240 rear on the roll in 2nd, and you'll be smiling like the Cheshire cat every time you ride it. Try a de-restricted one if you ever get the chance and you want an even bigger smile.
I have the exact same bike and I absolutely love it...
I went last week through the twisties of the apachians in NC and TN with my M109R. 180 degrees tight corners and 270 degrees circles all with a paseenger. All these pristines We had a blast. Can't wait to go back. It is true this bike can handle well due to low gravity and is very stable...and you barely feel the speed indeed. It is also true 240 rear tire handles a bit funny but I love to push this bike in all situations. It is NOT scary to scrape the pegs with this bike. I usually gently ecrape my heals before the pegs due to the position. Something to get used to. Many reviewers said this bike is for speeding between traffic lights in town, sure, but I much prefer cornering twisties all day long with this bike, so much fun. Gotta tame that clutch though early on though. The clutch is NOT hard like on an FJR, it is smooth but a bit surprising at first due to the high tork of the engine. I carefully chose this bike last year over several HD models and never regreted.
@@notyrbsns9321 I ride mine around the Welsh hills, some acute twisties here & you have to be ready for them but it’s an awesome feeling piloting 765lbs and 8 feet of bike around them. I also do the heel scrape thing, with the state of some of our roads it’s good to have the extra early warning system before the pegs make contact (not that there’s much you can do about it once you’re committed!)
Loved my VTX 1800. Had to give it up.
Just picked up a 2013 in black and chrome w a shorty 2-into-1 exhaust. The M109R is incredible all around but the noise is even better!
very nice...
Well written and edited Todd! Nice Job Young Man!
Love my 109 . First to second clunky.
Thats just how they are. Got a C109, same engine, does the same.
Bought my 2002 VTX1800 brand new. Still have it till this day.
I thought I recognized those Missouri highways lol. Sweet bike though! I was considering one as my next, but ended up with a Kawasaki Concours 14.
Get a tune, it will open up and remove the restrictions in first three gears
Get steel braided brake lines, brakes are from a GSXR600, a sports bike that weights one third of the 1800
It is true I noticed some restriction on third gear. I was waiting for the silly one year warranty to be over to do the tuning.
actually brakes are from GSXR1000 (radial mount 4 piston calipers on front) the 600 has dual pistons.
@@jimmywallace2687 Still not capable to brake a bike that ways twice it's intended weight
@@erwinkrau6300 When you clamp down the 109 will stop in a hurry. Do you actually have an M109R? I bought mine new in 2008, first time I had to brake hard was when a deer jumped out in front of me riding 2up. The bike stopped incredibly quick for a 750 lb bike with 400 lbs on board.
@@jimmywallace2687 I have a 2015 BOSS (Black/White with red pinstripe.
It didn't brake at all when I got it (third owner as far as I know)
There were other issieus with it, example, they didnt lube the axels or anithing realy
Hey man great review, your impression of the brakes surprises me, not saying you're wrong but the brakes on my 2008 model are great! One thing to keep in mind though, the rear brakes can really help out, with the rear tyre as wide as it is, it doesn't brake traction easily. So instead of a balance of perhaps 70 or 80 % front and obviously whatever you feel like applying to the rear, you can actually depend quite a bit more heavily on the rear. Find a quiet street and give it a try, relying a little more on the rear brakes, not telling you how to suck eggs mate, hope it doesn't look that way just something, not saying it's right but it works when you need it. I'm 74 yrs old been riding since 1965, had some great machines but the Bullie is the best bike I owned, Cheers brother, keep up the good work, well they say you don't work a day in your life if you do what you love
I appreciate what you’re saying. I do typically use both front and rear brakes I think perhaps the brakes were not worn in. It was a brand new bike, so the brake pad surfaces were not broken in. I do love the bike but I think it’s relative equal size with the same horsepower should have three pistons on both calipers in the front. Like the VTX 1800. And the M109 actually has more horsepower than the VTX 1800.
i’m glad you’re riding at 74 years old that’s awesome brother !! There is hope for all of us.
I love the look of this bike. One of the most beautiful I've seen. I ride a Honda Rebel 1100 which is faster and has better systems, but the look of this Suzuki is absolutely fantastic.
the vtx1800 biggest short coming was the tiny gas tank, 92 average range, i never understood why! Big motor you need a big tank especially if its checking off the touring box. The VMAX decimates btw, 197HP and gobs of torque but this 109 is a harley smoker lol
I thought the tank on my 1800 was big. Then I saw a 109 up close. Maybe it was optical illusion but the 109 tank looked HUGE.
I'd love for you to do a full ride and review of the Moto Guzzi V100S Mandello!
I had no idea they started making these again, fantastic news. I’ve always said the only bike I’d ever trade my 2007 model in for would be a new one, and I never thought it would happen. But I suspect the new model is only available in the US, like the BOSS, & not here in Europe…? Have they finally added ABS? That’s the only thing I miss on mine.
They still have not added ABS and that is why it is not available in Europe. You’re right it could definitely use it but it’s a great bike.
On your next tire change for your Hammer, go with the 260 Metezler Cruisetech rear tire. It has a more rounded profile than the stock 250 or a 240 tire.
I’ll check into that I really like Metzler tires
Have you done a Rocket ?
Give it the beans!
So how would your hammer do if they were side by side?
Outstanding video review on that absolutely awesome bike! It’s a head turner for sure, thank you! 👍
I'm buying a 2024 M109R...it smokes the Harley Breakout
You might want to wait on that Honda is bringing the VTX 1800R back in 2025
Jason I have seen numerous AI generated sites for the 2025 Honda VTX. I was hoping that Honda was bringing it back. I spoke to a salesperson at my local Honda dealer last week and he advised he had no knowledge that the VTX 1800 was going to return. I don't know why there have been so many sites that have indicated it was coming out if it wasn't. I still have some hopes it will.
Honda does not make horsepower
I owed a 1800 C and regret selling it to this day! This bike is the one I’ve been looking at buying to fill the void for a while now. I think your review has sold me on getting it. I just hope the reliability is as good. Great review!
Quick question. Are the stock pipes quiet? I need a quiet bike since I leave to work at 4am.
The pipes on the 109 were not as loud as my 1800 C with the cobra pipes of course but still loud enough to have a great soundtrack. It reminded me very much of my 1800 C. Thank you for watching.
It was not super loud. I think you would be OK at 4 AM.
@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 I greatly appreciate your feedback!
What,s a valve adj cost. I am going to say 895.00???
I have an m90. This might be next
looks good!
Wow, very Impressive bike 👍🏼!
Exaust don't get in my way. No heat is a bonus. I had a ducati diavel than was unbearably hot. M109 ❤
I got a 08' vtx 1800 and started looking into this bike recently. I have not found anything similar to the VTX, which is why I haven't bought a bike for a long time. Should I give it a go?! I cant find it on any of the dealers near me!
I thought it was a great machine.
TG I am interested in purchasing a M109. The question I have is are the chrome and black coverings on the engine all metal or are some plastic? I had a Honda VTX 1300 several years ago and some of the chrome pieces were made of plastic. Thank you for your response.
I have the C109, and I can confirm that on it, some of the shiny bits are plastic. Given the 2 bikes share a large portion of their parts, it would be a fairly safe bet to assume the M would be the same.
Thank you Whiskers!
I am torn between a new m109r and a used 2014 Honda Valkyrie. It is my third bike mostly for short trips around town. Mostly for my performance needs. I have a fjr1300 and a Vulcan nomad 1600 for my longer rides. Which one would you recommend for that between the 109r vs Honda 2014 Valkyrie? Thanks.
Holy smokes that’s a tough choice. Seriously, flip a coin. I love both of those choices. Umm yeah HEADS! Valkyrie.
@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 lol. You are funny. Seriously is the valkyrie good? The seller obviously wont let me test drive it until I buy it so hard to get a good perspective.
@@sandeepramlakshmanan3646 I would make sure it runs, see if the seller will ride it in front of you so you can watch it go and listen to the motor. But the Valkyrie is an awesome bike.
@@sandeepramlakshmanan3646 see if he will ride it in front of you and start it up so you can listen to the motor. The Valkyrie is usually a bulletproof bike.
@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 thank you. Will do. I just needed to find out your views when compared with m109r.
This was "not made to be left in the dust".. , no, it was made to "Make the dust"!
I'm thinking about trading my 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie in for that model. I'm a Honda guy, but that M109R...
If a VRod wants to race just let em' win...:))
I have a VTX1800 and a VN2000. I want a m109r but I’m not convinced its much better than the bikes I already have.
in the cycle industry, it's known as the fat pig, but it is a great bite
Great review
I’m waiting on a new model. If Suzuki updates . 10 hp and 20 lbs weight loss.
make the floog in Arabic languge, please.
only good in straight lines
The frame is trash!