I am much older than your stereotypical motorcyclist, and I like torque more than horsepower. This bike seems to have a lot of both. IMHO it is one of the best looking bikes ever. It is cheap to buy and I doubt the maintenance is not that bad. I strongly prefer to ride alone. I will never ride it over 400 miles. This will be my ninth motorcycle. Even when I am not riding a motorcycle I love going out and looking at it in the garage. Motorcycles really increase your testosterone. Everyone be safe, remember everyone in a car is a moran. And they are trying to kill you.
Upgraded from 2008 Busa to 2013 Bully, love it. Weekend, solo rider. No issues. Only owned sportbikes previously, regrets not getting this bike earlier in life. Great video. Gas consumption is my only con if i rode more regularly.
I have the 2009 model. Brought it in 2010. Your absolutely correct about the shifting and the steering. On the higher its an excellent ride imo. Swapped the rotors and brake pads for the Galfer brand. Helps a little with the braking. Excellent video. Thank you!
I own a 2023 B.O.S.S and I love it. Had a 2012 model and went to that from a 2009 Busa. Never going back. It's not for the beginner in terms of leaning but once you get to know yours, love can never feel better!!!
I’ve got one of these. And they are amazing bikes. You are totally right about the clutch and gearbox. I’ve already had to replace the clutch on mine. And the back wheel size, totally agree !
Im 5'6" on a 2017 M109r and it took me a few weeks to negotiate tight turns due to bike and rear tire size. Leaning is the key. I bought it used with 20k of miles and will keep it till it dies. So far Ive had no repairs or issues although due to age, Ill get new tires for it at year end. Im in AZ but I think the bike was from Calif which makes the tank a 4.9gal giving me only 180-190 travel distance riding at avg RPMs. Aggressive riders will get 170miles as the 1800cc is thirsty. Zero regret and all smiles!
Mine is a 2007 in the classic black & chrome, the only mods I’ve added are a V Stream screen and engine bars. It’s a gorgeous looking bike and the “clamshell” riding position (feet forward, upper body also slightly inclined forward compared with most cruisers) suits me very well. The sculpted seat is super comfortable and the removable pillion pad can be added by removing a section of rear cowling (but this bike is really designed for solo riding.) The idea that you should use the rear brake rather than the front is surely a joke? As the weight comes down on the front, as with any bike (especially downhill) the weight lifts off the back, so using the rear as the primary brake is likely to result in loss of traction and the rear sliding out (it’s happened to me.) On the other hand the CG is further back to start with on a cruiser than on a sport bike so using only the front brake also can be risky especially before the front wheel loads up and gains traction. So, I always apply BOTH brakes initially, transferring the emphasis onto the front as the bike slows down (in any case a bike this size calls for the extra stopping power of both brakes.) Its true that this bike cannot be flicked over easily on the bends, largely because of its profile and the 240 rear tyre; it needs a more deliberate input from the rider so be prepared for that going into a bend and plan ahead. Allowing for that, the bike itself is well balanced and handles surprisingly well, so the first sign that you may be “over-cooking it” is usually scraping the footpegs on the road. It’s a massive bike but the low seat height makes it surprisingly manageable and the weight just melts away on the move. Thanks to the amount of torque on tap, and the smooth fuel system from the GSX, this bike is super responsive and pulls like a train in any gear, but again because of the amount of torque, downshifting for engine braking without sufficient use of the brakes should be treated with caution, to avoid skidding. This is a fabulous bike in my opinion, and for me it has been reliable and economical to run, but maybe parts (if needed) are cheaper here in the U.K. The power and sheer presence of the bike makes it a joy to ride and on the highway, where it is most at home, it is extremely stable. The only gripes I have are lack of ABS and gear indicator, and my neutral light seems intermittent, but when you become familiar, you can tell from the sound when it’s in neutral. If you want a cruiser that turns heads, is super comfortable but also has some sports performance, you will not be disappointed, I certainly wasn’t and will keep this bike indefinitely.
I only see one CON... it looks impossible to work on. You can't get a wrench in anywhere. Which means you have to disassemble everything to get to anything. What happens when you need to replace the cylinder heads which will wear out eventually. Or get at the fuel injectors?
Owned my o7 since 2010. Having g a Lil bit of an issue getting my clutch cable adjusted correctly after replacing the cable with a braided one. Only have 19k miles on it. Clutch perch is a Lil stripped
More con than pro,,don't know the guy but obviously this bike ain't for people like him. 9 riders are at the top of appreciating pure power and beauty. Never had a problem with my 9,clutch a little sticky from time to time. As for 1st gear,I use it as "maneuvering thrusters ",she has more than enough power to take off from 2nd and 3rd. I usually take off in 3rd.
These bikes will never come close to having sharp, and precise handling like a sports bike, a naked, or even a smaller cruiser, cause they're just not designed for that. The 109's, whether an M, or a C are classified as a muscle bike. Just like muscle cars, they're big, heavy, and powerful, and are designed to comfortably eat up the miles. That said though, at over 360kg and with that big 240 rear tyre they have no right to be as fast, or handle as well as they do. I replaced my smaller, and 60kg or so lighter '99 Intruder 1500 with a 2010 C-109R about 2 months ago, and the 109 out performs the intruder in every way, including handling.
I have also the same Bike with the colour model 2018. I have now like 9000km driven and my Bike have cluthch problem. I want to replace this but i can 't find parts for the 2018 model vzr 1800. Anyone advice for me?
It's not quite the case that "it does not steer". Wider rear tires require a higher leaning angle on the same turn. its just physics. It does not need anything else, no extra effort, just allowing your brain to get used to new leaning angles without sense of unease. You usually hear that it does not turn mostly from reviewers that review many bikes but do not actually own them and don't have time to adjust. When you get on m109r from any other bike your brain would have problems processing new physics. It would feels like you are doing the same as on any other bike, and it does not turn as it should. Once you start steering it correctly the bike becomes as maneuverable as any other cruiser. I've had one for over 2 years now and twisty mountain roads and sharp U-turns are as easy for me now as on any other bike. I'm actually surprised how stable it is on turns because of a wider tire. It feels much safer to brake and accelerate within a turn than on any other cruiser I owned.
Im looking at getting a 2014-17 ish model. I dont have a ton of riding experience but my last bike was a vs800. It was too small for my 6'4 frame i didnt have highway bars on it. Im not worried about the breaking issue i always relied on the back brakes more than front. Im worried about keeping it up at lights and especially picking it up if i were to drop it 😅
I dropped mine the first week I purchased it while in a parking structure. My #1 fix is never use front break while wheel is turned < 15mph. #2 transition from front to rear breaks on the last 10-15ft come interceptions. All good now but working on my 12 ft wide u-turns. Cheers! Bonus tip: if you drop it, drop your kick stand before lifting it. I learned that lifting on the right side wondering how I was going to get to the stand. A co-working helped me out. Me a noob!
Don’t worry about dropping it at the lights, the seat height is 705mm; I’m 5’8” and can flat-foot it at the lights. Brakes… I always use both initially, then hold the rear at a certain point when the bike starts to slow, whilst transferring the emphasis onto the front as the front wheel loads up. But as the OP mentioned, for the final few yards coming to a stop, ease off the front brake and use primarily the rear to avoid an uncool “plunging” stop.
I am much older than your stereotypical motorcyclist, and I like torque more than horsepower. This bike seems to have a lot of both. IMHO it is one of the best looking bikes ever. It is cheap to buy and I doubt the maintenance is not that bad. I strongly prefer to ride alone. I will never ride it over 400 miles. This will be my ninth motorcycle. Even when I am not riding a motorcycle I love going out and looking at it in the garage. Motorcycles really increase your testosterone. Everyone be safe, remember everyone in a car is a moran. And they are trying to kill you.
I find many crotch rocket riders are morons. Always in a hurry!
Upgraded from 2008 Busa to 2013 Bully, love it. Weekend, solo rider. No issues. Only owned sportbikes previously, regrets not getting this bike earlier in life.
Great video. Gas consumption is my only con if i rode more regularly.
I have the 2009 model. Brought it in 2010. Your absolutely correct about the shifting and the steering. On the higher its an excellent ride imo. Swapped the rotors and brake pads for the Galfer brand. Helps a little with the braking. Excellent video. Thank you!
I own a 2023 B.O.S.S and I love it. Had a 2012 model and went to that from a 2009 Busa. Never going back. It's not for the beginner in terms of leaning but once you get to know yours, love can never feel better!!!
I’ve got one of these. And they are amazing bikes.
You are totally right about the clutch and gearbox. I’ve already had to replace the clutch on mine. And the back wheel size, totally agree !
Im 5'6" on a 2017 M109r and it took me a few weeks to negotiate tight turns due to bike and rear tire size. Leaning is the key. I bought it used with 20k of miles and will keep it till it dies. So far Ive had no repairs or issues although due to age, Ill get new tires for it at year end. Im in AZ but I think the bike was from Calif which makes the tank a 4.9gal giving me only 180-190 travel distance riding at avg RPMs. Aggressive riders will get 170miles as the 1800cc is thirsty. Zero regret and all smiles!
This is a total Harley killer. Gorgeous look.
Looks reminds me of my 04 Yamaha RS Warrior XV 1700 with blackT bar handle bars 👍😊 Nice video
Have you evaluated the more recent models (2022, 2023 and 2024)?
Truly love this Amazing, Powerful, Impressive, Awesome, Majestic, Imponent and Beautiful Japanese Super Cruiser 😍❤️👍!!!, Thanks for sharing 👍👊✌️!!!
I think the word you were looking for is “omnipotent!”
Cons about the clutch are all true,the oil issues?Have never had them.
Thanks for watching. Subscribe for more!
83 cubic centimetres ? WTF do you think.. the 109/1800 represents ffs
Mine is a 2007 in the classic black & chrome, the only mods I’ve added are a V Stream screen and engine bars. It’s a gorgeous looking bike and the “clamshell” riding position (feet forward, upper body also slightly inclined forward compared with most cruisers) suits me very well. The sculpted seat is super comfortable and the removable pillion pad can be added by removing a section of rear cowling (but this bike is really designed for solo riding.) The idea that you should use the rear brake rather than the front is surely a joke? As the weight comes down on the front, as with any bike (especially downhill) the weight lifts off the back, so using the rear as the primary brake is likely to result in loss of traction and the rear sliding out (it’s happened to me.) On the other hand the CG is further back to start with on a cruiser than on a sport bike so using only the front brake also can be risky especially before the front wheel loads up and gains traction. So, I always apply BOTH brakes initially, transferring the emphasis onto the front as the bike slows down (in any case a bike this size calls for the extra stopping power of both brakes.) Its true that this bike cannot be flicked over easily on the bends, largely because of its profile and the 240 rear tyre; it needs a more deliberate input from the rider so be prepared for that going into a bend and plan ahead. Allowing for that, the bike itself is well balanced and handles surprisingly well, so the first sign that you may be “over-cooking it” is usually scraping the footpegs on the road. It’s a massive bike but the low seat height makes it surprisingly manageable and the weight just melts away on the move. Thanks to the amount of torque on tap, and the smooth fuel system from the GSX, this bike is super responsive and pulls like a train in any gear, but again because of the amount of torque, downshifting for engine braking without sufficient use of the brakes should be treated with caution, to avoid skidding. This is a fabulous bike in my opinion, and for me it has been reliable and economical to run, but maybe parts (if needed) are cheaper here in the U.K. The power and sheer presence of the bike makes it a joy to ride and on the highway, where it is most at home, it is extremely stable. The only gripes I have are lack of ABS and gear indicator, and my neutral light seems intermittent, but when you become familiar, you can tell from the sound when it’s in neutral. If you want a cruiser that turns heads, is super comfortable but also has some sports performance, you will not be disappointed, I certainly wasn’t and will keep this bike indefinitely.
I only see one CON... it looks impossible to work on. You can't get a wrench in anywhere.
Which means you have to disassemble everything to get to anything.
What happens when you need to replace the cylinder heads which will wear out eventually. Or get at the fuel injectors?
Just buy another bike after 100,000 mi. Don't worry about it
What are the recalls? Is there a recall on the clutch
Owned my o7 since 2010. Having g a Lil bit of an issue getting my clutch cable adjusted correctly after replacing the cable with a braided one. Only have 19k miles on it. Clutch perch is a Lil stripped
I have a C109r and its one mean machine.
Great review
More con than pro,,don't know the guy but obviously this bike ain't for people like him. 9 riders are at the top of appreciating pure power and beauty. Never had a problem with my 9,clutch a little sticky from time to time. As for 1st gear,I use it as "maneuvering thrusters ",she has more than enough power to take off from 2nd and 3rd. I usually take off in 3rd.
What top speed are guys getting?
These bikes will never come close to having sharp, and precise handling like a sports bike, a naked, or even a smaller cruiser, cause they're just not designed for that. The 109's, whether an M, or a C are classified as a muscle bike. Just like muscle cars, they're big, heavy, and powerful, and are designed to comfortably eat up the miles. That said though, at over 360kg and with that big 240 rear tyre they have no right to be as fast, or handle as well as they do. I replaced my smaller, and 60kg or so lighter '99 Intruder 1500 with a 2010 C-109R about 2 months ago, and the 109 out performs the intruder in every way, including handling.
I have also the same Bike with the colour model 2018. I have now like 9000km driven and my Bike have cluthch problem. I want to replace this but i can 't find parts for the 2018 model vzr 1800. Anyone advice for me?
It's not quite the case that "it does not steer". Wider rear tires require a higher leaning angle on the same turn. its just physics. It does not need anything else, no extra effort, just allowing your brain to get used to new leaning angles without sense of unease.
You usually hear that it does not turn mostly from reviewers that review many bikes but do not actually own them and don't have time to adjust. When you get on m109r from any other bike your brain would have problems processing new physics. It would feels like you are doing the same as on any other bike, and it does not turn as it should.
Once you start steering it correctly the bike becomes as maneuverable as any other cruiser. I've had one for over 2 years now and twisty mountain roads and sharp U-turns are as easy for me now as on any other bike. I'm actually surprised how stable it is on turns because of a wider tire. It feels much safer to brake and accelerate within a turn than on any other cruiser I owned.
Im looking at getting a 2014-17 ish model. I dont have a ton of riding experience but my last bike was a vs800.
It was too small for my 6'4 frame i didnt have highway bars on it.
Im not worried about the breaking issue i always relied on the back brakes more than front.
Im worried about keeping it up at lights and especially picking it up if i were to drop it 😅
I dropped mine the first week I purchased it while in a parking structure. My #1 fix is never use front break while wheel is turned < 15mph. #2 transition from front to rear breaks on the last 10-15ft come interceptions. All good now but working on my 12 ft wide u-turns. Cheers!
Bonus tip: if you drop it, drop your kick stand before lifting it. I learned that lifting on the right side wondering how I was going to get to the stand. A co-working helped me out. Me a noob!
Thanks for the advice ill keep that in mind!
Don’t worry about dropping it at the lights, the seat height is 705mm; I’m 5’8” and can flat-foot it at the lights. Brakes… I always use both initially, then hold the rear at a certain point when the bike starts to slow, whilst transferring the emphasis onto the front as the front wheel loads up. But as the OP mentioned, for the final few yards coming to a stop, ease off the front brake and use primarily the rear to avoid an uncool “plunging” stop.
Very good video.
It's 1800 cubic centimeters or 109 cubic inches.
This is not a new post
180 mph
Sits right up