- Table of Contents
- 1. HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 4. DESIGN: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 8. PROS & CONS: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9.1 What are the major differences between the Honda VTX 1800C and Suzuki M109R?
- 9.2 Which is better: Honda VTX 1800C vs Suzuki M109R?
- 9.3 Which is better for beginner riders Suzuki M109R or Honda VTX 1800C?
- 9.4 Which motorcycle is better for female riders Honda VTX 1800C or Suzuki M109R?
- 10. Takeaway
1. HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI 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.
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2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
| Honda | Suzuki | |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC INFORMATION | ||
| Year | 2003 | 2022 |
| Model | VTX 1800C | M109R |
| Motorcycle Type | Cruiser | Cruiser |
| Base Price | $12,499 | $15,299 |
| Colors | Black, Candy Orange Flame, Titanium Flame, and Magenta Metallic | Metallic Triton Blue/ Glass Sparkle Black and Candy Daring Red/ Glass Sparkle Black |
| ENGINE & SYSTEMS | ||
| Displacement | 108.5 cu in (1,795 cc) | 108.8 cu in (1,783 cc) |
| Engine Type | V-Twin | V-Twin |
| Cooling System | Liquid-Cooled | Liquid-Cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Stroke | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 90.5 mm (3.5 in) |
| Bore | 101 mm (3.9 in) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Cylinders | Two | Two |
| Drive Train | Shaft | Shaft |
| Transmission | Five-speed | Five-speed |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Exhaust | Two-into-one | Two-into-two |
| Fuel Delivery System | PGM-FI | EFI, Dual 56 mm throttle body |
| PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY | ||
| Horsepower | 107 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 123 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 120.2 ft-lbs (163 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm | 118 ft-lbs (160 Nm) @ 3,200 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.3 gal (16.2 L) | 5.2 gal (19.5 L) |
| Mileage | 38 MPG (16.15 km/l) | n/a |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Trail | 152 mm (5.7 in) | 124.4 mm (4.9 in) |
| Rake | 32.4o | 31.2o |
| Seat Height | 708 mm (27.9 in) | 705 mm (27.87 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,717 mm (67.6 in) | 1,710 mm (67.3 in) |
| Weight | 714 lbs (319.7 kg) | 764 lbs (347 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | n/a | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Length | 2,456 mm (96.7 in) | 2450 mm (96.5 in) |
3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
| Key Similarities | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Both have standard footrests | The M109R has a fairing around the headlight, while the VTX 1800C has a cap around the headlight |
| Both have a rear single disc brake and front dual disc brakes | The VTX 1800C has a passenger seat, while the M109R does not |
| Both have a five-speed transmission system with a shaft drive train system | The VTX 1800C has a two-into-one exhaust system, while the M109R has a two-into-two exhaust system |
| Both have a liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine | The M109R is heavier than the VTX 1800C |
| Both have the same front tire size | The M109R has a digital tachometer, while the VTX 1800C does not |
| The M109R has a wider rear tire than the VTX 1800C | |
| Both have different headlights and tail lights |
4. DESIGN: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
4.1 Design: Honda VTX 1800C
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.
4.2 Design: Suzuki M109R
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.
5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
5.1 Engine & Performance: Honda VTX 1800C
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).
5.2 Engine & Performance: Suzuki M109R
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.
6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Honda VTX 1800C
Photo Credit: @motorcyclenews
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.
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6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Suzuki M109R
Photo Credit: @rideapart
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.
7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
| FEATURES | HONDA VTX 1800C | SUZUKI M109R |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | No | No |
| Gauges | Handlebar-mounted | Fuel tank-mounted |
| Clock | X | X |
| Engine Kill Switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speedometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Odometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tachometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gear Indicator | X | X |
| Fuel Gauge | X | ✔ |
| Fuel Warning Indicator | X | X |
| Cruise Control | X | X |
| Low Oil Indicator | X | X |
| Slip & Assist Clutch | X | X |
| Speakers | X | X |
| Bluetooth | X | X |
| USB Connection | X | X |
8. PROS & CONS: HONDA VTX 1800C VS SUZUKI M109R
8.1 Pros & Cons: Honda VTX 1800C
| HONDA VTX 1800C PROS | HONDA VTX 1800C CONS |
|---|---|
| Straight back riding position | Soft suspensions |
| Comfortable seat cushion | Heavyweight |
| Suited for all riders | Not beginner friendly |
| Affordable | Available used |
| Great sound | |
| Shaft drive train system | |
| Good overall performance |
8.2 Pros & Cons: Suzuki M109R
| SUZUKI M109R PROS | SUZUKI M109R CONS |
|---|---|
| Bigger engine | Heavyweight |
| Suited for experienced riders | Not suited for shorter and novice riders |
| Unique design | Not great fuel mileage |
| Suited for taller and heavyweight riders | No LUGGAGE BAGS |
| Torquey engine | No ABS or traction control |
| Great sound | |
| Good stability at higher rpm and speed |
9. FAQ
9.1 What are the major differences between the Honda VTX 1800C and the Suzuki M109R?
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.
9.2 Which offers a better riding experience: the Honda VTX 1800C or the Suzuki M109R?
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.
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9.3 Which is better for beginner riders: the Suzuki M109R or the Honda VTX 1800C?
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.
9.4 Which motorcycle is better for female riders: the Honda VTX 1800C or the Suzuki M109R?
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.
10. TAKEAWAY
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.
Photo Credit: @motorcycle , @jdpower
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