The new 2009 Suzuki M90 motorcycle: Cruiser styling with sport bike torque

July 8, 12:13 PMSF Motorcycle Travel ExaminerCarla King

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the SF Motorcycle Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Suzuki Boulevard M90 is a sportbike disguised as a cruiser, rumbling up like a Harley-Davidson and zipping away like a Ninja. With accessories it could function nicely as a light touring motorcycle, too. And with a price tag of $10,599, you might find it almost irresistible.

Dual exhaust pipes are a standout feature in both design and sound for that "muscle bike" feel. They've been specially tuned to combine high and low notes that give the bike a super-duper rumble that doesn't jar or irritate. The fat back tire also leaves big impression on those you've left behind in the dust.

I maneuver the bike through Monterey and hit the coast highway, then turn up into Carmel Valley to carve some canyons. It's here that I begin to realize the attraction of a hybrid sport-cruiser. With a shaft drive, a five-speed transmission, and the liquid cooled 1462cc engine, the bike is tuned to respond to the throttle earlier rather than later, a feature that can literally blow you away. Honestly, I'm hanging on for dear life when accelerating at speed, and by lunchtime it's the wind rather than the saddle that's tired me out.

Because I'm what you might call a long-distance touring fanatic, I'd add windshield, gel seats, and saddlebags. If you're wanting to ride two-up, your passenger will notice that the M90's standard pillion seat is tiny and lies under a plastic cover on the hard-tail-like back of the bike, so you'd better take a look at the accessories list and get a more comfy passenger back seat, unless you want to end up solo half-an-hour into your ride.

I'd poo-pooed the idea of the sport-cruiser category until I rode the M90, considering it unlikely that a satisfactory all-in-one experience could be had in a single machine. But I'm starting to change my mind about that. Mostly, it's really cool that a big rumbly V-Twin can so satisfyingly provide a cruiser's secret desire for that thrilling sportbike buzz.

Photos by Brian J. Nelson.
Get more information on Suzuki's website.
For a detailed review with specs see Women Riders Now.