Junior Member
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools |
Need some opinions
I'm looking at upgrading from my C50 to a larger bike. Came across a 2008 C109R with a little over 17,xxx on the clock. Good shape. Definitely bigger than mine and even bigger feeling than a C90. How were these bikes in reliability and handling? Any common problems with them? I know the 805cc's tended to have issues with the timing chain guides. Same for the larger bikes?
Sponsored Links | |||
Advertisement
|
|
Super Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Posts: 22,749
Thanks: 1,582
Thanked 1,737 Times in 1,322 Posts
Not sure about reliability, but the 109 is a torque monster. I've never actually seen a C model in real life though, just the M.
Music, Motorcycles, and Family... Nothing else really matters in life!
2005 Boulevard M50 (DOA)
2006 Boulevard C50 (retired)
2000 BMW R1100RT
2017 KTM Duke 390

Senior VR Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: PA - FL
Posts: 27,178
Thanks: 370
Thanked 591 Times in 455 Posts
They didn't sell really well and were only around for a few years. Take it for a good test ride and make it's a bike you actually want to ride. The M109 is fairly popular and is known to be a beast.

Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: The Slate Belt
Posts: 55,520
Thanks: 2,193
Thanked 4,366 Times in 3,359 Posts
Hard to shift into 2nd gear.

Senior VR Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Barnegat Light NJ
Posts: 779
Thanks: 3
Thanked 95 Times in 77 Posts
As Beezer said they grind going into 2nd. They fixed the problem in 2010. I got a 2008 new and it had the problem the day I picked it up. The dealer said it had to break in. (BS) I finally got it rebuilt under warranty at 7000 miles. Suzuki got away without having a recall. They are extremely fast but very heavy.
Senior VR Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Salisbury, NC
Posts: 484
Thanks: 154
Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts
Unfortunately I don't have any experience with the C109. Wish I did. My local Harley Dealer will not put any used bikes on the sales floor from other manufacturers, but they made an exception for the C109. It's the only one I've seen in person and it's freaking huge!
After doing some research on the C109 I've backed away from it. I'm currently looking at a brand new, never sold, 2017 C90. Either that or an Indian Scout. My first preference is the C90 though. Should know something today. *fingers crossed*
Senior VR Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: PA - FL
Posts: 27,178
Thanks: 370
Thanked 591 Times in 455 Posts
The C90 is a mixed bag. It definitely accomplishes your goal of getting on a larger more powerful bike but different years have different issues. Some guys love them and some hate them. The Indian Scout IMO is a better bike all the way around, but it's also an around town bike. I don't know how big you are but at 6'1" I couldn't see touring on it. I'm sure smaller framed guys would not have an issue. It's Indian's (AKA Polaris Industries) response to the Harley Davidson Sportster. It's generally considered to be a better bike than the Sportster.

Senior VR Member

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Second Star to the right, then straight on till morning.
Posts: 19,253
Thanks: 984
Thanked 2,398 Times in 1,655 Posts
You are thinking big bike on a budget. If you are cost sensitive, might I suggest you take a look at the Star 1300? It ticks all the right boxes for size, power, weight and price. Suzuki bikes are good for what they are, but when you move up in class, there are much better.
Current Bikes -->
-1969 Indian MX125 -10-2009 to Present
-2014 Honda CTX1300 - 05-2015 to Present
Past Bikes ----->
-1973 Yamaha RD350
-1991 Harley Sportster 883 XL
-2000 Yamaha XV125
-2003 Piaggio Fly
-2004 Suzuki LS650 - 04-2005 to 07-2008
-2005 Boulevard C50 - 07-2008 to 5-2012
-2012 Vulcan 900 - 05-2012 to 05-2015
-2008 Yamaha FZ6 - 11-2008 to 04-2017
-2006 Star Virago - 05-2011 to 06-2017

Super Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Posts: 22,749
Thanks: 1,582
Thanked 1,737 Times in 1,322 Posts
I agree with Skrap. It sounds like you're trying to stay with Suzuki. The C50 is a great starter bike, but the 90 and 109 are a bit lackluster. Yamaha and Kawasaki have better mid to large size cruisers if you're on a budget. Just my opinion of course, but since you asked.
Music, Motorcycles, and Family... Nothing else really matters in life!
2005 Boulevard M50 (DOA)
2006 Boulevard C50 (retired)
2000 BMW R1100RT
2017 KTM Duke 390

Sponsored Links | |
Advertisement
|
|
|
Thread Tools | |
Show Printable Version Show Printable Version
Email this Page Email this Page
|
|
Posting Rules | |