... bitten once again

They're all great rides. It's just a matter of personal preference as They're all slanted toward slightly different tastes and styles.
I'd enjoy any of them but the VTX and the Honda fit me better. I just switched from an X to the 109 to get some of the Suzuki features but the X got great respect and ran great too.
Jerbear

If you are gonna do 2 up riding for more than a few miles, cross the m109 off your list. Any passanger stuffed on the back for more than a run to the store is gonna be mighty uncomfortable after a while...

backinthesaddle said:

Hey Guys,

Sold my last bike in 1990 after getting married and haven't been on one since. During the past 15 years I really hadn't missed it much either. That was until I had the chance to ride a custom chopper for a bit in Panama City, Fla and since then I've become infatuated and fixated on riding hitting the asphalt again. The wife has reluctantly agreed to this, but I've told her I'll wait till early 2007 to purchase a new one.

I've narrowed it down to:

Suzuki M109R
Honda VTX 1800F
Yamaha Warrior
possibly Victory Vegas

What do you guys think of these, good & bad?

Thanks,
Bryan Miller
Huntsville, Alabama

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Have you looked at a Hammer or the new Jackpot? I was between the M109R and the Hammer and I bought the M109R. The handling is much more nimble. I test rode the Warrior and it seemed like a stereo typical "rice burner". It seemed pingy and when you hit bumps it felt like you lost contact to the road. The fit and finish I did not think were that great. Plus that first modification would have to be replacing that BAZOOKA TUBE, they call the muffler. I also rode the VTX 1800F, a very short test ride. I just thought for the money it was up there, plus you have to adjust the valves I think every 7500 miles. I try to look at the hole picture when I buy a bike, because I tend to keep them for a while. I mainly ride alone, but my wife does ride with me 5% of the time, so I had her sit on the back of the bikes I was considering. The reason why is everyones ass is different. I hope this helps, but welcome back to the asphalt.

I have not looked at those particular Victory models. I like the Victorys better than the HDs, but they are still over priced IMHO. I can get a new 2005 1800F spec 1 for 9350.00 + tax from Southern Powersports in Chattanooga, TN. I'm sure I can't get much of a discount now or early next year on a M109R, just based on demand. I can get a great deal on a Warrior now, but that would be my last choice of the bunch if I were buying today.

sjnoble2 said:

If you are gonna do 2 up riding for more than a few miles, cross the m109 off your list. Any passanger stuffed on the back for more than a run to the store is gonna be mighty uncomfortable after a while...

Click to expand...

I agree.

I'm sure someone will come up with a differrent seat and a sissy bar. So, I wouldn't base my decision on how the M109R sits 2up right now.

I have seen pics of a modified M109R at a bike show and it has factory hard saddle bags, sissy bar, rear luggage rack, modified gel seat finished in that faux carbon fiber weave, driving lights, and a windscreen. Lots of stuff coming out. What you don't like from Suzuki, the aftermarket will make. Don't wait to buy it. Once Suzuki figures out what they got, they'll be priced with the competition. Not $2500 to $3000 less like it is now.

i switched from an x... love the m109, more power, better ride, but not many accessories, depends on your taste and exactly what your looking for