"As the most prominent portion of the US bike market continues to groan and creak, like a house settling on its foundation, new gaps that need filling seem to surface each year as the market changes. The flashy, trendy, techy sportbike category gets all the ooohs and ahhhs; however, cruisers are still where it’s at it in terms of sales volume.
Whatever may be causing shifts in the bike market-at-large (more female riders, economic woes, etc.), makers are taking notice, and appear to be adapting at least part of their product lines. The V-Star 950 and its sub-eight grand entry price is one example. Harley got a head start on things last year with the stylish and short inseam friendly Nightster, a bike that doesn’t sacrifice looks or displacement (1,200cc) despite costing less than10 big ones.
Before we even turn the calendar to ’09, Suzuki steps to the plate to take a crack at filling the gap that Mel Harris, Vice President of American Suzuki Motor Corporation, says existed not only in the market, but also in Suzuki’s own product line.
The 2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90, the company hopes, provides the look and feel of the burly M109R power-cruiser without the possible intimidation that may come from a 101 ft-lbs and 106 hp (as tested in our Godzilla Cruisers Shootout) 1,800cc V-Twin like the 109."
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