Anyone ever ridden a Suzuki Boulevard M109R? How would you compare it to Rocket 2.5L?

[A1A Rider]

 

[1olbull]

More comfy for a cross country ride - less fast and kewl.

 

[Koki_999]

Hi there,
I owned an M109R for 9 years and put around 50,000 km on it without a single technical issue—extremely reliable. Sold it last year. For my height (192 cm), it was incredibly comfortable. The riding position was just perfect, and the bike itself felt massive, a real heavyweight cruiser.

Now, after about a month on the Rocket 3 R Storm, my biggest takeaway is how much more compact it feels in comparison. Riding the M109R was like being on an XXL-sized cruiser, whereas the Rocket feels more like an XL or even L in terms of size and ergonomics. The riding position on the Rocket isn’t as comfortable, also due to the seat—it’s significantly firmer and smaller than the one on the M109R. Suspension much firmer on Rocket also.

Performance-wise, though, the difference is absolutely massive. Comparing a 1.8L engine to a 2.5L, with 125 hp vs. 182 hp and 160 Nm vs. 224 Nm of torque, the Rocket is on a completely different level. The extra gear (6-speed vs. M109R’s 5-speed) also helps, and the Rocket comes with modern safety tech like ABS and traction control, which the M109R lacks.

In terms of sound, the M109R had that deep, throaty rumble—pure joy. The Rocket sounds sportier, and while it’s still powerful, the Euro 5 regulations definitely mute its character.

Other notable differences:

• Fuel tank: M109R – 19L, Rocket – 18L
• Service intervals: M109R – 6,000 km, Rocket – 16,000 km
• Weight: M109R – ~347 kg wet, Rocket – ~320 kg wet
• Fuel consumption: M109R did around 5L/100 km, while the Rocket is noticeably thirstier.

Overall, both are incredible bikes, but they offer very different riding experiences. The M109R is a classic muscle cruiser—big, comfortable, and with that unmistakable V-twin character. The Rocket, on the other hand, feels more compact, much more powerful, and sportier in its handling.

Cheers

 

[stingray]

My brother had a M109R before his Street Glide. The times I rode it, wasn't impressed. It takes a lot of effort in the turns and is not very comfortable. The wind buffeting was horrible, making my ears pop.

 

[wildchild]

Much like the Rocket, I think I've seen one or two 9's in the wild, ever. I'm surprised with such a long production run Suzuki hasn't given it a
major re-design.

 

[Koki_999]

Absolutely. M109R has the same specs for more than the last 10 years +.

 

[Gimlet]

Jap cruisers don't sell in big numbers. In the current commercial climate no manufacturer can afford to keep a low selling pot boiler on the go.
It wasn't a bad bike. Nice engine in it's day, though eclipsed by the Harley 117 M8 and blown away by the Rocket 3. The build quality was good, but the handling always let it down.

 

[mexican]

In my neck of the woods there are plentiful. I remember when the 9ers wanted to play against the Rockets, they thought they could blow the Rocket out of the water, they found out it was not that easy.

 

[W8INLINE]

I owned a 2015 M109R boss since new and just bought a 2025 Rocket R. I love both bikes. They are very different which means it's not fair to compare them. The suzuki is more of a true cruiser where the rocket is a hybrid IMO. The lack of updates for the 109 with it's analog everything makes me think it is a more reliable, old school type of bike but the rocket does put more smiles on my face when I ride it (mind you I just got it). At 5ft 9inches I am more comfortable on the rocket, where to make the 109 the right fit for me I needed handlebar risers, corbin seat etc. I don't have many miles under my belt with the rocket but known 109 issues myself and many other s have had are clutch cable issues, clunky transmission...hell you really feel every shift.... and subpar brakes.

Would I keep both if I could? yes I would

 

[Kiwicol]

This is an interesting thread, I was thinking about getting a 109 before the GT. So pleased with my choice. It appears the 109's were good in there day, but that was a few years ago & the GT is a much more modern bike with awesome power & brilliant brakes. (yeah, the rear was fixed)