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Suzuki M1800R/M109R (2008) Ed Smith asks, can you really fall in love with an engine? And front brakes?And handling?

Suzuki M109R - big and white - not normally a colour I'd recommend, but it looks fine on this bike When I took my Suzuki C50T Boulevard in for it's 4,000 mile service, I arranged for a loaner bike - but had no idea what it would be. I would have liked a Hayabusa for the afternoon, but figured it would be some old hack. So I was delighted when I heard the words ", "I'll get your bike out for you… you can take the 109!"

Sure enough, he walked over to the white M109R in the window and wheeled it outside parking it beside the C50T. With a slightly nervous movement I swung my leg over the seat and sat down as I pulled the bike up off the sidestand.

Two things became immediately apparent - the 109 was light to pick up, well balanced, as easy as the C50T. Second impression was the height and width of the seat. I got instant cramp in my groin as my legs were forced wider than was comfortable. As I sat down the hardness of the seat was noted, too. So mixed feelings and not all good. Next, I reached for the bars to check it was in neutral and found it was a longer stretch than my bike. I reached down for the key and fired the beast up. It started instantly and settled into a low throbbing idle.

The gearbox was a bit recalcitrant and chunky, another poor first impression, but finally after a bit of rocking back and forth it engaged and I let out the clutch easing away from the curb. This is where it started to make amends for the first impressions.

With just a whiff of throttle I was already at the speed limit having changed up to second within a few metres. I snicked, okay, clunked, the box into third and idled up the hill and away. I'd already decided the best route for this bike, so headed along the top of a range running about 15 miles with typical rural ups and downs, with lots of tight and medium-pace corners.

I hadn't gone over 2000rpm yet and the engine was like a locomotive, the merest whiff of throttle and the 109 surged forward like an unstoppable, powerful beast, hinting at the latent power and performance waiting to be unleashed.

Suzuki M109R - looks good sitting in the driveway as well The poor impressions continued though; the suspension was hard, the seat was hard and the long reach, (for me, anyway), to the bars was catching me between the shoulders. The gearbox needed a "positive action" - it wasn't as light and easy as my bike. (I didn't even notice the clutch action which means it was light, easy and engaged smoothly, a nice clutch!) The bike 'tramlined' along the road patches which took me by surprise at first, thinking I had a flat tyre.

Next test was to take the M109R onto the country lanes, narrow and poorly surfaced in places. Running about another 15 miles - a good test of low(er!) speed handling and brakes! ). I adjusted my position on the seat, which while at first seeming hard, wasn't becoming uncomfortable, and the more aggressive ride position meant I was getting more "assertive" in my approach to the corners. The bike was starting to "come together" and I found the handling and steering accurate and the front brakes absolutely outstanding! Feel and power, smooth and confidence inspiring! And that engine! Awesome torque from any revs, any gear, any speed! I was beginning to understand this beast!

Next, I took the M109R onto a well-surfaced two-lane country road with a mix of fast and slow corners, ups and downs, known for not too much traffic. Which meant I could open up a bit. . A brief squirt to 6,000rpm and "Rocket City! Look out!" "Weehahhh!" The road I'd chosen used to be popular with road testers and locals who wanted to see just what their bike could do. Sadly, too much use and not enough consideration for the locals (Editors note: OK, open up out on the open road, but always, repeat ALWAYS back it off and stick to the limits in villages. Pretty rural villages are going to be the home of the local magistrate… and he is the one that can force speed limits to be reined in, speed traps setting up and generally ruin all the fun. So play hard, but play nice, OK?) led to the council reducing the limit from 60 to 50mph - thus moving the fast bikers away. But on the plus side, it did mean it was quieter and better set up for a cruiser to have another test of it's abilities… time to test the torque.

Now the M109R was beginning to win me over. The power, the handling, the power, the brakes, the power…Did I mention the power…? At any revs, in any gear, I could just wind on the throttle and the big white "tank" would shake as the big 900cc pistons dug deep and the vibes increased briefly as the beast did its best to stretch my arms and thrust me towards the next corner like a Saturn rocket booster! At cruising speed the engine was smoother than the C50T and I didn't even mind the lack of a fairing after a while. No helmet buffeting but I would need to wear earplugs again due to wind noise, which is of course negligible behind my bike's screen.

It also looks good at standing, though it is a bit heavy to paddle around compared to my bike and I was sweating by the time I'd parked it.

Verdict Would I own one? After a lot of head scratching… Yes, dammit, I would! Would I have it in white? Yes, I would. Would I change anything on it? With the pillion seat this one has, maybe a back rest, otherwise no. Still not sure about longer trips compared to my C50T as my bike is great two up and on long trips, light and easy to ride and comfy. The M109R is a very different animal altogether, for a different purpose. It's a genuine hotrod, all about style and power, with great brakes and good handling

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