Any M109 riders?

canadian_bacon

canadian_bacon

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I am thinking about upgrading my bike to the M109, but I keep reading about problems with these bikes. Are there any M109 riders here? Are the 2nd gear problems fixed in the newer years(2008+), the rear drum, clutch cable, hard shifting, coolant leaks issues dealt with?
The bike looks great, has the power I want and it is in my price range (used). You know its time to upgrade when you red-line and max the throttle in the first 4 gears and you have time to eat a sandwich....
 
See, to an ex-Army guy an "M109" means one of these...

hergunpetm109a.jpg
 
Get the real thing instead!! I happen to know of a terribly sexy vrod for sale!!
 
canadian_bacon said:
I am thinking about upgrading my bike to the M109, but I keep reading about problems with these bikes. Are there any M109 riders here? Are the 2nd gear problems fixed in the newer years(2008+), the rear drum, clutch cable, hard shifting, coolant leaks issues dealt with?
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There are a lot more 9s that I see around than 2 years ago, as far as the bike goes, I think it's just the same as any suzuki bike, a few problems there and there but nothing really major. Normally, only bad stuff gets attention when posted and you will always find some flaws no matter what the make is.
Having said that, lets see what you refer here to:
- 2nd gear problems: is a hard shif with a bang (1st to 2nd only) problem (gotta shift it like you mean it or put an after-market shift star)
- rear is a disk (not a drum) which may come loose on early models - mine 08 never had a problem.
- coolant leaks usually refer to OEM weak hose clamps (easily replaced or re-tightened)
- clutch cable: yes, had to replace it once, there is an ongoing discussion if OEM cable is too weak (they should of made a hydrolic one..)

Bike is a little on a heavy side but easy to get around city and pretty nimble, tire replacements can be on expensive side esp. for rear.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for this info. Helps me a lot. Actually just got my M109 couple weeks ago. And your right about the second gear. So I did more research and I found this site: http://www.factorypro.com/Install_pages/200941491919_Factory_Pro_Shift_Star_M109R_Install.pdf

Tovarish said:
There are a lot more 9s that I see around than 2 years ago, as far as the bike goes, I think it's just the same as any suzuki bike, a few problems there and there but nothing really major. Normally, only bad stuff gets attention when posted and you will always find some flaws no matter what the make is.
Having said that, lets see what you refer here to:
- 2nd gear problems: is a hard shif with a bang (1st to 2nd only) problem (gotta shift it like you mean it or put an after-market shift star)
- rear is a disk (not a drum) which may come loose on early models - mine 08 never had a problem.
- coolant leaks usually refer to OEM weak hose clamps (easily replaced or re-tightened)
- clutch cable: yes, had to replace it once, there is an ongoing discussion if OEM cable is too weak (they should of made a hydrolic one..)

Bike is a little on a heavy side but easy to get around city and pretty nimble, tire replacements can be on expensive side esp. for rear.

Hope this helps.
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Congrats!!
Factory pro - that's the shift start I have installed (slightly smaller teeth vs oem - to facilitate a quicker shift) installed since week one of owning the bike.

One more thing - you have to make sure your clutch adjustment is right as well as route the cable out from the engine frame mount in order for it to retain as much slack as possible under acceleration. Depending on your cable slack and condition of engine mounts - you may slip clutch under heavy roll on acceleration as engine moves and pulls clutch cable with it (if there's not enough slack). Head over to m109riders or send me a message if you need more info.
 
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I did a bit of research on this bike as I am still interested in obtaining one. It seems that only a few bikes and only the first production year had any issue with 2nd gear shift issues. Congrats on the new ride. Any info of any other used ones for a good price?
 
RedDogDarren said:
I did a bit of research on this bike as I am still interested in obtaining one. It seems that only a few bikes and only the first production year had any issue with 2nd gear shift issues. Congrats on the new ride. Any info of any other used ones for a good price?
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You may want to look at cross border bikes. These bikes are considerably cheaper over the border. Certainly more then enough to warrant a run over the costs of a 8-10 hr road trip to pick up. Bring it back or have it shipped up to a storage just outside Queenston-Lewiston to time bringing it over the border
 
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2nd gear issues are typically referred to a hard shift from 1st to 2nd under heavy engine load.
If shift is not done on time, with proper quickness and force (you have to shift it like you mean it) - one is risking a chance of bending a shift fork, and, over time, cause other problems. Aftermarket shift star is just smart workaround for a smoother and quicker shift, it's not a must but recommended upgrade..

I do not think shifting changed on later models at all - different riders have different riding styles and hence individual feedback may vary.
Certainly decide for yourself if you need it - I would recommend it as there was definitely noticeable difference for me.
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