Suzuki is introducing the 2008 C109R, a machine based on the M109R but with classic cruiser styling.
We've already broke cover on the 2008 RM-Z
motocross bikes and the ultra-powerful
Hayabusa and
B-King - none of which exactly lend themselves to new riders or those who value leisure.
Suzuki has two other new models to cover the bases in these two important categories, an entry-level sportbike and classic cruiser.
C109R(T)
On the heels of last year's all-new
M109R power cruiser, Suzuki thought it would be nice to bolster the Boulevard line and offer the same type of exhilarating cruiser in a more traditional styling package. What the designers came up with is the C109R and a touring version called the C109RT. The only difference between the two is that the T model gets a windscreen, studded seat, passenger backrest, leather saddlebags and two-tone paint.
The meat and potatoes of these machines is a 1783cc, 4-valve DOHC V-Twin. Essentially the same motor as used in the M109R, the mill uses 112mm x 90.5mm bore/stroke cylinders mounted at 54 degrees. The Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve EFI uses 52mm throttle bodies, 4mm smaller than the M version. Suzuki claims that crank inertia is increased by 20% and that the C109R offers more torque at low speeds. Power is dished out via a 5-speed transmission and shaft drive.
The chassis offers 32 degrees of rake and 5.1 inches of trail while resting on a150/80R16 and 240/55R16 front/rear tire combo. The wheels are a more classic 10-spoke design and the fenders are much deeper than the M109R. Though the C models don't have claimed dry weights at this time, they are certainly going to be heavier than the M109R which is said to be 703 pounds.
These bikes are a ways off and you can expect them in February, 2008. The C109R model will retail for $13,799, and the tour version's MSRP will sit at $14,999.
Suzuki gave the Katana 600 and 750 the axe this year and replaced it with this, the GSX650F. Suzuki intends for this bike to be a stepping stone to the race-ready GSX-R line.
Since we've been talking about the M109R so much we should probably mention that it has some updates as well. The 2008 M109R2 (MSRP $12,999) gets a sloped headlight housed in chrome. The M109R Limited Edition has a slightly different headlight assembly adorned with a racing stripe that stretches to the rear fender where a clear taillight lens has red LED lights.
GSX650F
The entry-level sportbikes currently offered by Suzuki are the SV650 models, the Katana 600 and 750 and the GS500F. Of those four machines, half of them will be cut from the lineup for the 2008 model year. Both Katanas are going the way of the dodo, which leaves only twin cylinder machines, but filling the Inline-Four gap is an all-new 656cc machine. The GSX650R is a 16-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled motor utilizing a 65.5mm x 48.7mm bore and stroke. The 6-speed, chain-driven bike is based off the Bandit 650, a naked European version.
Nestled behind the double cradle steel frame's 26 degrees of rake and 4.25 inches of trail, and in between the 57.9-inch wheelbase, the motor uses cam profiles that target low- to mid-range power to offer as much user-friendliness as possible. A quartet of 36mm throttle bodies is digitally controlled by the SDTV technology.
It's all wrapped in a full fairing design and five-gallon fuel tank that takes styling cues from the GSX-R line. The one-piece seat clearly sets it apart from the race machines, but bouncing up and down on it for a minute revealed comfortable padding and an easy 30.3-inch height. Rubber-mounted handlebars hold all the tools necessary to command this machine. The clutch lever modulates a hydraulic system while the brake lever controls a pair of 4-piston calipers squeezing 310mm floating discs.
The GSX650F gives Suzuki a modern Inline-Four to go with its popular V-Twin machine - the SV650.
A 41mm Kayaba fork with preload adjustment doesn't give the new machine a whole lot of fine-tuning capability up front, but the rear end features rebound adjustability in conjunction with the preload settings.
Available December of 2007 with a MSRP of $6999, the GSX650F isn't really going to contend with its V-Twin Suzuki sibling or Kawasaki's parallel-Twin Ninja 650R. As a four-cylinder for seven grand, the 650F is in the same category as the
Yamaha YZF-R6S and Kawasaki's ZZR600 for attracting new or lesser-skilled riders to the world of modern sportbikes - the difference, of course, is that the Yamaha and Kawi machines are leftover high-tech wonders of yesteryear, while the GSX650F is purpose built as an entry-level machine.
Let us know what you think about the new Suzukis in the MCUSA Forum.
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