[RicoChet]

Hey Guys,

Wow, so the new 2014 M109R's coming out..and its just more of black and some other color paint. I've been waiting patiently for something new to come out from Suzuki... As you can tell I've been a member since 2006, and I'm not saying I'm BORED of my M109R but there are a few things lacking that I'd like to get taken care of on this bike... Probably wont get them thought... would love a 6 speed transmission, better brakes, suspension, hydraulic clutch ETC...

I noticed a lot of members swithing their bikes for Kawasaki Concours's, Goldwing F6Bs and a few other types of bikes... After you own an M109, how can you go back to some other "Boring" bike? Not boring as they can't go fast, but the M109R is a hell of a good looking and high performance bike... there really isn't another cruiser out there that is like it... But I find myself wanting something a little more adventurous, and also has the ability to carry my wife on the back easily...

What bikes make for a good upgrade over the M109R? I don't think im ready for a Concourse or Goldwing yet... I've always wanted to add a Hayabusa (2008 and above model) to my garage, their prices are dropping like mad for used ones...

The only bike I can think of that I think I would sell my M109R for is a Triumph Rocket III Roadster... HUGE power, cool looking and sounds like a beast when you gas it... What other suggestions can you recommend? My 9 is getting up there in mileage and I want to either keep it till a new type of 9 comes out (if it ever does) or just sell it to find something new and exciting again...

 

[TRod]

Looks like he's peeing in the gas tank.

 

[RicoChet]

Looks like he's peeing in the gas tank.

Or as I like to call it, "Boosting the Octane"

 

[Superboss]

The VMAX or Rocket3 is about your only options I think?

Although I've heard rumors that the M109boss might be the end of the line with something mechanically new, I.e ABS, 6 gears etc for the 2015/16 power cruiser.

I did test ride a Rocket3 and didn't like it over the 9. The 9 is a tough bike to beat and a VMAX is much more $$$$.

Id consider "upgrading" to the new boss if I were you. If they do release a totally new version in 15/16 I'd probably give it 2 years to iron out the bugs and problems and by then should be 2018 and your boss would be very tradable at 4 years old, not sure how a 2006 will hold its value at 12 years old?

 

[RicoChet]

The VMAX or Rocket3 is about your only options I think?

Although I've heard rumors that the M109boss might be the end of the line with something mechanically new, I.e ABS, 6 gears etc for the 2015/16 power cruiser.

I did test ride a Rocket3 and didn't like it over the 9. The 9 is a tough bike to beat and a VMAX is much more $$$$.

Id consider "upgrading" to the new boss if I were you. If they do release a totally new version in 15/16 I'd probably give it 2 years to iron out the bugs and problems and by then should be 2018 and your boss would be very tradable at 4 years old, not sure how a 2006 will hold its value at 12 years old?

Can I ask what you didn't like about the Rocket over the 9? Surely it couldn't be performance related... It is a huge bike though. And your right, the VMAX is gorgeous but Its actually a little too small for me... My knees are always hitting up against the chrome air-intake parts, and its way over priced....

My bike is a 2008, not a 2006.. still runs like a champ... dunno for how long though considering out terrible, terrible roads here in the GTA. Im really surprised that my forks haven't leaked, my headlight bucket fly off after going over some pot holes..

 

[Wjduke]

A good friend who's a member has switched. He hasn't posted here yet, so not getting into that, but here's what his solution is. He bought a Victory touring bike, not the super duper one, don't know the name. He's sending it in for tuning work...power commander, cams, exhaust, and the HP after the upgrade is supposed to be in the upper 120's. That's how he'll deal with the HP loss in the stock motor. The bike handles great in corners, has more lean than the 9, and has the comfort level he needs.

 

[Superboss]

It does have more performance yes. But it's more of a dull power. The bike feels heavier too. Like riding a ship. And the look doesn't do it for me, looks too I don't know, YMCA?

Look its a nice bike, a bit retro, but definitely has great power, but I still preferred the 9 in overall look/power/feel and it's not that much more expensive than a 9.

I guess it didn't capture my soul like the 9 did.

 

[Superboss]

A good friend who's a member has switched. He hasn't posted here yet, so not getting into that, but here's what his solution is. He bought a Victory touring bike, not the super duper one, don't know the name. He's sending it in for tuning work...power commander, cams, exhaust, and the HP after the upgrade is supposed to be in the upper 120's. That's how he'll deal with the HP loss in the stock motor. The bike handles great in corners, has more lean than the 9, and has the comfort level he needs.

thats not really an upgrade path. The OP means in stock form I'd imagine.
he might as well upgrade the 9 in the same fashion and get 140's etc

 

[RicoChet]

It does have more performance yes. But it's more of a dull power. The bike feels heavier too. Like riding a ship. And the look doesn't do it for me, looks too I don't know, YMCA?

Look its a nice bike, a bit retro, but definitely has great power, but I still preferred the 9 in overall look/power/feel and it's not that much more expensive than a 9.

I guess it didn't capture my soul like the 9 did.

A little dissapointing to hear but thanks for the info anyway! I always have the option of buying a second bike with a little different style to change up the rides... I rented an FJR1300 last year in Vancouver to ride the highways there and I really, really did not like it at all... maybe thats why I'm not sure if a Concours or something is the right path for me to follow... Definitely NO to any harley...

 

[grampi]

I just don't like the looks of the Rocket...no other bike has the look of the 9...yes, it has some things that could be improved, but for now, it's still my favorite cruiser...

 

[Wjduke]

thats not really an upgrade path. The OP means in stock form I'd imagine.
he might as well upgrade the 9 in the same fashion and get 140's etc

It's the comfort level too, so he feels like it's a huge upgrade with the power added. He can't do long trips any more on the 9.

 

[NJDEVIL]

thats not really an upgrade path. The OP means in stock form I'd imagine.
he might as well upgrade the 9 in the same fashion and get 140's etc

It is an upgrade if it fits all your needs. Face it your not going to get the power of a 9 but I have the same feeling as the op. I want to be able to ride a passenger comfortably, good sound system, cruise control and some storage-to me meeting those needs is an upgrade jmo. Oh yeah I missed the acceleration and super speed of my ZX14 when I switched to the 9 but I got over it.

 

[Wjduke]

It is an upgrade if it fits all your needs. Face it your not going to get the power of a 9 but I have yhe same feeling as the op. I want to be able to ride a passenger comfortably, good sound system, cruise control and some storage-to me meeting those needs is an upgrade jmo.

You just mentioned everything he wanted and got.

 

[ta-kid]

When I sold my 07 M109R back in 2010 I bought the Connie and loved it ,but when riding alone I found it boring as there is no real feed back unless you are ripping up the twisties.So I traded it in on a Raider ,did the usual big 3 mods and loved it .It is actually a little quicker at highway speeds vrs the 109 with the same mods.The 109 has it off the line and mid range for power though.But I sold it when I bought the big 2012 Vulcan Voyager for me and the wife.Then my 07 M109R came back up for sale from the guy who bought it off of me.So I bought it back.Now I have the best of both worlds.Keep your 109 as it is not worth that much anyways and get a second bike and have the best of both worlds.

 

[RicoChet]

When I sold my 07 M109R back in 2010 I bought the Connie and loved it ,but when riding alone I found it boring as there is no real feed back unless you are ripping up the twisties.So I traded it in on a Raider ,did the usual big 3 mods and loved it .It is actually a little quicker at highway speeds vrs the 109 with the same mods.The 109 has it off the line and mid range for power though.But I sold it when I bought the big 2012 Vulcan Voyager for me and the wife.Then my 07 M109R came back up for sale from the guy who bought it off of me.So I bought it back.Now I have the best of both worlds.Keep your 109 as it is not worth that much anyways and get a second bike and have the best of both worlds.

Sounds interesting. I do ride a lot of the time alone, probably 90% of the time... I actually commute with my bike to work. But I like the 9 because I've modified it a fair bit to take a passenger but my fiance is tall and she finds the back pegs a little too short for her legs. We both get really tired after a 200-300km ride. I was hoping that a Rocket 3 would be more comfortable, and handle having a passenger on the back no problem... I do realize its a beast of a bike though, but isn't a goldwing or a huge Voyager/Venture as well?

The raider is gorgeous, I love it... But I highly doubt it will make for a good 2-up ride... I think I'm just bored and I need change! Why can't suzuki just release something new already... The Hayabusa came out in 1999 and they changed it in 2008... almost 10 years before a new version.. M109 is at 7 years now so it could be a while before anything new comes out...

 

[Wildman7]

I'm in the same boat BUT, I plan on keeping the 9 I think if you can keep them both that's the best option. I have a friend who's son works for a Harley dealer and they have been bugging me for a month to come try a few Harley bikes. Right now they are running a deal if I got a 2013 and traded it back in this time next year they would give me EXACTLY what I paid including the tax towards a 2015 model. I thought that was a tempting idea This Harley dealer also carries Triumph bikes so yesterday I went with my friend and his son and test road a few bikes. First bike I road was a Road Glide I got a mile away and took it back just couldn't get over the riding position (too cramped). I then road a Street Glide much better still cramped but, not as much handled great and shifted awesome but, definitely could tell the difference in power. I know that nothing out there in the touring/bagger type bikes will have the giddy up as the 9 and I'm okay with that. I road that bike for about an hour or so it was really nice BUT, WOW was that thing hot it didn't help matters that yesterday was about 96* out. I didn't like that but, I also felt that if I spent that much time on the 9 it too would have been a little warm in yesterday's heat. I then test road a Triumph R3 tour and the power of that thing is crazy the only thing is it felt heavier than the 9 when I was at parking lot speeds. The other thing is I felt it's a great bike but, a little impractical as a touring bike I could just add a windshield and Corbin bags to the 9 and have almost the same bike. I wasn't a fan at all of that thing as a bagger but, once up to speed that bike was fun. The tank seems huge and the peg position made me feel like my knees were in my chest. I'm 5'9 not that tall but, both the Harley and the R3 seemed cramp to me. I think I'm one of the few guys who like the stretched out position and drag bars on the 9.

I'm waiting to try the Victory Cross Country I sat on one and like the position also I love the look of the Victory. The Street Glide was nice but, to get the look I want or something close to the Victory it will cost $$$ the one thing I didn't like at all is the front fender on the Street Glide it look like Harley uses the same front fender on all their "Glide" models :dontknow:. I did see the 2014 Harley's and they have a Limited that as 2 small radiators that will cool the exhaust port of the bike so they are headed in the right direction. :joke: My only issue with Harley is if I were to pay what they were asking for a Street Glide I'd get the Honda F6B hands down. Nothing against the Harley bikes at all while I was there a guy bought a 2009 Street Glide with custom paint for 15K+ tax. I thought the guy was crazy but, it's his money not mine. I will say the guys at this Harley dealer had a TON of respectful things to say about the 9. There is a member on here who traded his 9 in for a 2011 Harley I saw his bike sitting in lot next to all the other used bikes traded in .

GLWSearch :bigthumbsup:op:

 

[hunt1moore]

Sounds interesting. I do ride a lot of the time alone, probably 90% of the time... I actually commute with my bike to work. But I like the 9 because I've modified it a fair bit to take a passenger but my fiance is tall and she finds the back pegs a little too short for her legs. We both get really tired after a 200-300km ride. I was hoping that a Rocket 3 would be more comfortable, and handle having a passenger on the back no problem... I do realize its a beast of a bike though, but isn't a goldwing or a huge Voyager/Venture as well?

The raider is gorgeous, I love it... But I highly doubt it will make for a good 2-up ride... I think I'm just bored and I need change! Why can't suzuki just release something new already... The Hayabusa came out in 1999 and they changed it in 2008... almost 10 years before a new version.. M109 is at 7 years now so it could be a while before anything new comes out...

I agree with everything you are saying and experiencing.
If it has any reference or gives indication to the future of the 109R, Suzuki produced the DL1000 V-Strom for 10 years almost unchanged. Last year was the last of the old model and in 2014 there will be a re-design and up-graded motor (old TL and SV motor long in tooth and having hard time meeting new EPA regs) that will better meet future epa regs.
The old 109 motor will probably meet the same fate and Suzuki will be forced to either drop it or up-grade it. Personally, I feel that the 109 is already suffering from ECM upgrades to meet regulations, however not positive. I do know for a fact that they mucked up the V-Strom's ECM (to run leaner) and had to issue a service a bullitin to replace it with one that the bike could actually stay running on. I know because I am a 2012 V-Strom owner.

While on the subject, I really like to ride my Strom as a alternate bike to the 109. Or, I should say "we" like to ride it. It is a great bike to hit the mountains on and if the road runs out no problem. It has hard bags and a top case to carry our liquor. Handles great in the curves and is fast. The riding position is neutral like being on a trail bike. Goldwing it's not! However it is a comfortable alternative and the rain doesnt stop us. Pure motorcycling!
Unfortunately even at my age I still have enough hooligan in me to "need" the 109, so for me, my two bikes compliment each other.

 

[blacklightning]

I agree with the previous posters that say to consider keeping the nine and getting a second bike. I have a nine set up for traveling with the corbin bags and fairing, and a zzr1200 that is for the sporting side of me. It also has corbin bags, so it is great for longer rides as well. I sometimes miss the trimmed down look of the nine without the extras, but when you need storage, it is well worth it. I have thought about getting rid of the zzr and picking up another nine that I can ride for shorter trips with no luggage or fairing. I like the zzr, but a stripped down nine is nimble enough for my riding style right now.

 

[hunt1moore]

I agree with the previous posters that say to consider keeping the nine and getting a second bike. I have a nine set up for traveling with the corbin bags and fairing, and a zzr1200 that is for the sporting side of me. It also has corbin bags, so it is great for longer rides as well. I sometimes miss the trimmed down look of the nine without the extras, but when you need storage, it is well worth it. I have thought about getting rid of the zzr and picking up another nine that I can ride for shorter trips with no luggage or fairing. I like the zzr, but a stripped down nine is nimble enough for my riding style right now.

Now...that would be the best of both worlds! Except! You would still be wanting to turn around when the pavement ended! LOL!

 

[LOFLYR]

Some bikes to consider...

Triumph RIII either roadster or touring.
Ducati Diavel
Yamaha Raider
Suzuki B King (hayabusa with better position)
Victory bikes
Yamaha VMAX

Those are all the bikes aside from the 9 that interest me. I tried the raider before I bought my 9. Raider is dang smooth, but lacks the character and grunt of the 9, also doesn't look as sexy.

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