Honda VTX 1800C vs Suzuki Boulevard M109R

Launched in 2001, the Honda VTX 1800 is the first motorcycle in the Honda VTX series. At its launch, the Honda VTX 1800 had the largest production engine made by any company at the time. The Honda VTX 1800 has several variants, including the 1800C, the 1800R, and the 1800S. The VTX 1800C was the classic variant, while the other versions were retro models. The Honda VTX 1800C’s performance and design contributed to its growing popularity. Eventually, in 2003, the VTX 1800C was replaced by its successor, the VTX 1300C. Since then, the VTX 1800 had undergone many improvements.

In 2006, the SUZUKI M109R was first released as a power cruiser and has remained in production ever since. The 2022 M109R shares many similarities with its older models. Over the years, the M109R has gotten more color schemes, designs, and other performance enhancements. The Suzuki M109R has retained its simple yet beautiful design. 

The HONDA VTX 1800C is one of the more classic Honda cruisers ever made. It has chrome suspensions, HANDLEBAR, an engine, and an exhaust. Unlike its successors, the VTX 1800C has a two-into-one exhaust system. The only colored parts are the fuel tank, front and rear chopped fenders, and side panels. The VTX 1800C has front dual 296 mm disc brakes with a wide front tire of 160/70 R18 size, and a rear single 316 mm disc brake with a 180/70 R16 tire size. It also has a fuel-tank-mounted analog speedometer with a small digital display. The 45 mm front telescopic fork has a wheel travel of 130 mm, and rear dual pre-load adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 100 mm.

The SUZUKI M109R is a modern cruiser with a design inspired by its predecessor. It has a small FAIRING around the round headlight with upright and swept-back handlebars. The 2022 M109R comes in two colors. The only colored parts are the fairing, chopped fenders, side panels, and radiator frame,  while the rest of the motorcycle, including the engine, exhaust, HANDLEBAR, and suspension is covered in matte black. The Suzuki M109R has a two-into-two exhaust system and does not come with a passenger seat. However, an aftermarket passenger seat can be installed. The Suzuki M109R has a 46 mm inverted front telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 130 mm, and a single adjustable rear shock with a wheel travel of 120 mm. It has front dual 310 mm disc brakes with a 130/70 R18 size tire, and a single rear 274 mm disc brake with a 240/40 R18 size tire.

The Honda VTX 1800C has a V-Twin liquid-cooled engine with a size of 108.5 cu in (1,795 cc) built with three valves per cylinder, a bore size of 101 mm, and a stroke size of 112 mm. It is capable of delivering a horsepower of 107 hp @ 5,000 rpm, and a torque of 163 Nm @ 3,000 rpm. The VTX 1800C is built with a five-speed transmission system operating on a shaft drive train. With a fuel tank capacity of 4.3 gal (16.2 L) equipped with a programmable fuel injection system, it can deliver a fuel mileage of 38 MPG (16.15 km/l).

The Suzuki M109R has a four-stroke, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with a displacement of 108.8 cu in (1,783 cc) built with a bore size of 112 mm and a stroke size of 90.5 mm. This engine is capable of a horsepower of 123 hp @ 6,200 rpm and a torque of 160 Nm @ 3,200 rpm. The Suzuki M109R comes with a shaft drive train system and a five-speed transmission system. Fitted with a 5.2 gal (19 L) fuel tank equipped with an electronic fuel injection system, it has a fuel mileage of 38–42 MPG.

The VTX 1800C has wide, curved, and slightly swept-back handlebars and a wide fuel tank with an analog speedometer. The only colored parts are the fuel tank, front and rear chopped fenders, and side panels. Meanwhile, the remaining parts, like the suspensions, handlebars, engine, and exhaust, are covered in chrome. The VTX 1800C is a heavyweight cruiser with a wet weight of 347 kg. The VTX 1800C has forward-mounted footrests with a wheelbase of 1,717 mm, an overall length of 2,456 mm, and a low seat height of 708 mm. For better handling, the VTX 1800C has a trail size of 152 mm and a rake angle of 32.4o.

The Suzuki M109R has wide and upright handlebars with a digital tachometer and a fuel tank with an analog speedometer. It has a wide rider’s seat with a low seat height of 705 mm, an overall length of 2,150 mm, and a wheelbase of 1,710 mm. To provide a better riding position, the Suzuki M109R has forward-mounted footrests, a trail size of 124.4 mm, and a rake angle of31.2o. The Suzuki M109R has a low seat height of 705 mm, a ground clearance of 130 mm, and a wet weight of 347 kg.

The Honda VTX 1800C has a two-into-one exhaust system, while the Suzuki M109R has a two-into-two exhaust system. The Suzuki M109R has a front fairing and a solo seat, while the VTX 1800C does not have a fairing but comes with a dual seat. The VTX 1800C can deliver a horsepower of 107 hp and a torque of 163 Nm, while the M109R can deliver a horsepower of 123 hp and a torque of 160 Nm.

Both vehicles are comfortable when riding across long distances. However, the Suzuki M109R is heavier than the Honda VTX 1800C. The VTX 1800C delivers more horsepower, while the M109R produces more torque.

Both cruisers are not recommended for beginners due to having a large engine that delivers high horsepower and torque. Both are heavyweight cruisers that are difficult to handle for novice riders.

Both are good motorcycles for experienced female riders despite neither of them having an ABS, traction control, or cruise control. However, both offer good stability and comfort when going on longer rides.

The Honda VTX 1800C and the Suzuki M109R are suited for longer riders due to their bigger engines and heavy overall weight. Both models are cruisers with no pre-installed SADDLEBAGS, CRASH BARS, SISSY BARS, or other luggage bags. They also do not come with any extra features like ABS, traction control, cruise control, etc. Despite having similar engine sizes, they have a different bore and stroke sizes that result in different horsepower and torque outputs.