This article will offer a comparison review of the 2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R. The Honda VTX 1800 is the first motorcycle in the Honda VTX series, which debuted in 2001. At its release, the Honda VTX 1800 had any firm’s most significant production engine. The Honda VTX 1800 comes in several models, including the 1800C, 1800R, and 1800S. The VTX 1800C was the original model, while the others were retro.
The performance and design of the Honda VTX 1800C contributed to its growing popularity. The VTX 1800C was finally replaced in 2003 by its successor, the VTX 1300C. The VTX 1800 has evolved a lot since then. The Suzuki M109R was introduced as a power cruiser in 2006 and has been in production ever since.
The 2023 M109R is very similar to its predecessor. The M109R has had new color schemes, designs, and performance enhancements. The Suzuki M109R retains its modest yet elegant looks.
2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R – Features Comparison
Design
The Honda VTX 1800C is one of Honda‘s most classic cruisers. It has a handlebar, chrome suspension, an engine, and an exhaust. The VTX 1800C, unlike its predecessors, has a two-into-one exhaust system. Only the fuel tank, front and rear kit fenders, and side panels are colored.
Also Read:Â 2023 Sportster 1200 Custom vs 2023 Street 750
The VTX 1800C features front dual 296 mm disc brakes with front tire size 160/70 R18 and a rear single 316 mm disc brake with tire size 180/70 R16. It also includes an analog speedometer with a small digital display mounted on the petrol tank. The front telescopic fork measures 45 mm in diameter and has a wheel travel of 130 mm, while the rear dual preload-adjustable shocks have a wheel travel of 100 mm.
The Suzuki M109R is a modern cruiser inspired by its forefathers. It has straight and trailing handlebars and a small fairing around the spherical headlight. The 2023 M109R is available in two colors. The only colored pieces are the fairing, kit fenders, side panels, and radiator frame, while the rest of the motorcycle is matte black, including the engine, exhaust, handlebars, and suspension. The Suzuki M109R has a twin-twin exhaust system but no passenger seat.
On the other hand, a passenger seat can be added later. The Suzuki M109R features a 46mm inverted front telescopic fork with 130mm of wheel travel and a single adjustable rear shock with 120mm of wheel travel. It has dual 310 mm disc brakes with 130/70 R18 tires at the front and single 274 mm disc brakes with 240/40 R18 tires at the rear.
Engine & Performance
The Honda VTX 1800C has a 108.5 cu in (1,795 cc) V-Twin liquid-cooled engine with three valves per cylinder, a bore size of 101 mm, and a stroke size of 112 mm. It has a horsepower rating of 107 hp @ 5,000 rpm and a torque rating of 163 Nm @ 3,000 rpm. The VTX 1800C is equipped with a five-speed gearbox and shaft drivetrain. With a fuel tank capacity of 4.3 gal (16.2 L) and a programmable fuel injection system, it can achieve 38 MPG (16.15 km/l).
Also Read:Â 2023 Yamaha Star Eluder vs 2023 Harley Davidson Road Glide
A four-stroke power the Suzuki M109R, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with a displacement of 108.8 cu in (1,783 cc) and bore and stroke sizes of 112 mm and 90.5 mm, respectively. This engine produces 123 horsepower at 6,200rpm and 160Nm of torque at 3,200rpm. The Suzuki M109R is equipped with a shaft drivetrain and a five-speed gearbox. It has a 5.2 gal (19 L) gasoline tank and an electronic fuel injection system, giving it a 38-42 MPG fuel mileage.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The handlebars on the VTX 1800C are wider, curved, and somewhat recessed, and the fuel tank is more prominent with an analog speedometer. Only the fuel tank, front and rear kit fenders, and side panels are colored. Meanwhile, the rest of the components, including the shocks, handlebars, engine, and exhaust, are chrome-plated.
The VTX 1800C is a heavyweight cruiser weighing 347 kg wet. With a wheelbase of 1,717 mm, an overall length of 2,456 mm, and a low seat height of 708 mm, the VTX 1800C sports a forward-mounted footrest. The VTX 1800C has a trail size of 152mm and a rake angle 32.4 for better handling.
The Suzuki M109R sports a broad, upright handlebar with an analog speedometer, fuel tank, and digital tachometer. It has a lower seat height of 705 mm, an overall length of 2,150 mm, and a wheelbase of 1,710 mm. The Suzuki M109R sports a forward-mounted footrest, a trail size of 124.4mm, and a rake angle 31.2 to create a more comfortable riding position. The Suzuki M109R has a seat height of 705mm, ground clearance of 130mm, and a wet weight of 347 kg.
2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R – FAQ
What are the significant differences between the 2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R?
The Honda VTX 1800C has a two-to-one exhaust system, while the Suzuki M109R has a two-to-two exhaust system. The Suzuki M109R has a front fairing and a single seat. However, the VTX 1800C does not have a fairing but has a dual-core. The VTX 1800C has 107 hp and 163 Nm of torque, while the M109R has 123 hp and 160 Nm.
Which offers a better riding experience: the 2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R?
Both vehicles are comfortable for long-distance riding. On the other hand, the Suzuki M109R is heavier than the Honda VTX 1800C. The VTX 1800C has more horsepower, but the M109R has more torque.
Which is better for beginner riders: the 2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R?
Both cruisers are unsuitable for beginners because of their large engines with plenty of horsepower and torque. Both are heavyweight cruisers that are difficult for inexperienced riders to handle.
2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R – Specifications Comparison
| Specs \ Bikes | 2023 Honda VTX 1800C | 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R |
|---|
Engine and transmission
| Displacement | 1795.0 ccm (109.53 cubic inches) | 1783.0 ccm (108.80 cubic inches) |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke | V2, four-stroke |
| Power | 107.0 HP (78.1 kW) @ 5000 RPM | 125.0 HP (91.2 kW)) @ 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 163.0 Nm (16.6 kg-m or 120.2 ft. lbs) @ 3000 RPM | 160.0 Nm (16.3 kg-m or 118.0 ft. lbs) @ 3200 RPM |
| Compression | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Bore x stroke | 101.0mm x 112.0mm (4.0 inches x 4.4 inches) | 112.0 mm x 90.5 mm (4.4 inches x 3.6 inches) |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection. Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system |
| Fuel control | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Ignition | Solid-state digital, two spark plugs per cylinder | Electronic ignition |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump | Semi-dry sump |
| Cooling system | Liquid | Liquid |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Transmission type | Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) | Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) |
Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels
| Frame type | Steel, double-cradle | Double cradle, steel |
| Front Suspension | 45 mm inverted fork | Blacked-out, inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Front-wheel travel | 130 mm (5.1 inches) | 130 mm (5.1 inches) |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability | Link style, solo shock, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear wheel travel | 100 mm (3.9 inches) | 118 mm (4.6 inches) |
| Front tire | 130/70-18 | 130/70-R18 |
| Rear tire | 180/70-16 | 240/40-R18 |
| Front brakes | Double disc | Double disc. Dual piston |
| Diameter | 296 mm (11.7 inches) | 310 mm (12.2 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. Single piston |
| Diameter | 316 mm (12.4 inches) | 275 mm (10.8 inches) |
Physical measures and capacities
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 341.0 kg (751.8 pounds) | 347.0 kg (765.0 pounds) |
| Seat height | 693 mm (27.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. | 705 mm (27.8 inches). If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Overall height | 1150 mm (45.3 inches) | 1130 mm (44.5 inches) |
| Overall length | 2455 mm (96.7 inches) | 2450 mm (96.5 inches) |
| Overall width | 990 mm (39.0 inches) | 875 mm (34.4 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm (5.1 inches) | 130 mm (5.1 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 1715 mm (67.5 inches) | 1710 mm (67.3 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons) | 19.50 litres (5.15 US gallons) |
2023 Honda VTX 1800C vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R – Takeaway
Because of their larger engines and heavier gross weight, the Honda VTX 1800C and Suzuki M109R are better suited for long rides. Both models are cruisers without saddlebags, crash bars, sissy bars, or other luggage bags pre-installed. They also lack devices like ABS, traction control, cruise control, etc. Despite comparable engine capabilities, bore and stroke sizes differ, resulting in variable horsepower and torque outputs.
