Why these two?
These power packed super- cruisers spawned a generation of highway warriors
2006 Suzuki Boulevard M109R
This big-bore musclebike was given its name owing to the 109 cubic inches of displacement. Like so many of Suzuki’s performance-oriented models, the M109R Boulevard (aka the Intruder) was gifted with technology handed down from the marque’s supersport flagship, the GSX-R. Some of the shared technology include shot- peened chrome-moly conrods, and forged aluminium slipper pistons with chrome-nitride- coated oil scraper rings. The hotrod look is completed with a headlight nacelle that is sleek, fast and in tune with the bike’s rep as Suzuki’s most powerful cruiser ever.
What it’s got?
The Suzuki Boulevard Intruder M109R is powered by a liquid-cooled, 1786cc, 54° V-twin, fuel- injected four-stroke engine with four valves per cylinder. Power runs through a five-speed constant-mesh gearbox. The front suspension is a 46mm USD fork with 130mm of travel. The rear swingarm has a monoshock with 120mm of travel and is adjustable for preload. Braking is handled by two 310mm discs on the front wheel, clamped by four-piston calipers. The 274mm disc at the rear is clamped by a two-piston caliper. The fuel tank holds 19 litres.
Geometry
Frame: Tubular steel. Rake: 31.5°
Trail: 124mm. Wheelbase: 1710mm
Seat height: 705mm. Weight: 314kg (dry) Wheels: six-spoke cast (18-inch front and rear)
Performance
Power: 92kW @ 6200rpm Torque: 160Nm @ 3200rpm Compression ratio: 10.5:1 Bore and stroke: 112mm x 90.5mm Top speed: 205km/h Standing 1⁄4 mile: 11.62sec
Price
$18,990 (+ ORC)
2006 Kawasaki VN2000 Vulcan
The Vulcan has a rich heritage dating back to the 750cc model released in 1985. The model continues to be produced today, and has been delivered in various engine capacities ranging from the current LAMS legal 649cc model to the biggest of them all – the VN 2000 Vulcan. This large capacity road liner was produced from 2004-2007, and could be customised with a wide range of factory accessories including the usual cruise apparel like leather tassels, saddlebags and a host of chrome trinkets. The Vulcan’s ultra long stroke motor made it a monster of torque.
What it’s got?
Geometry
Frame: Steel tube. Rake: 32°
Trail: 182mm. Wheelbase: 1735mm
Seat height: 690mm. Weight: 332kg (dry) Wheels: six-spoke cast (16-inch front and rear)
Performance
Power: 76kW @ 4800rpm Torque: 177Nm @ 3200rpm Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Bore and stroke: 103mm x 123.2mm Top speed: 200km/h Standing 1⁄4 mile: 13.4sec
Price
$23,990 (+ ORC)
Getting the engine note on the M109R Intruder just right was so important to Suzuki that it conducted market research at Seiki University in Tokyo with 250 participants!
Got something you’d like us to compare?
Let us know by emailing paul.mccann@amcn.com.au and we’ll do the rest!
