2008 Mean Streak vs Boulevard M109R

[Solidgun]

I got quoted for these two bikes at a local dealership and I am trying to make my final decisions. But I don't see any substantial information on the 2008 Mean Streak. I don't see them on the road, nor do I see detailed reviews. Posts here couldn't be found on this bike in detail.

Is the 2008 Mean Streak not a desirable bike? It looks really nice (not the red one, but the black&red special one)....but no enthusiasm for this bike could be found among popular forums.

Please let me know if you have additional information on this bike.

Thank you in advance.

[Spok]

uh,

you will find many enthusiasts of the Meanie here, thats for sure

the meanstreak will not match the 109 for power and acceleration but i will bet that it will eat that 109's lunch in the twisties.

[ClarkeyBalboa]

The Meanstreak is quite a popular bike on these forums, though I have heard many people say that the 2007 special edition was the best looking meanie, and that the 08 is alot uglier. Just do a search and you will come across plenty of threads of peoples feelings on the meanie (ps i dont think anything other than colors have changed between 07 and 0

[Solidgun]

I guess I was not aware of the popularity of 07 model as I specifically searched for 08 model information only.
Has the design changed quite a bit from 07 to 08 as you mentioned ppl think it is a lot "uglier"?

I don't care about the power or speed....I am riding to enjoy the ride for myself....I really prefer the Mean Streak as I felt more comfortable on this bike while manuevering the vehicle in the showroom.

[Spok]

I honestly love the aggressive look of the meanie, its a great cruiser. I'm not fully sold on the 109, i've ridden one, didn't seem to me that it would do very well on long rides nor handle the twisties very well. thats what i came away with on a very short test ride.

[lovetabike]

I have a 2006 Meanie and wouldn't give it up. The Meanie has good power but does not knock your socks off. The biggest issue I have is that there is not a very big selection of custom parts for the Mean Streak.

It handles like a dream.

[anamosity]

+1 on all the comments so far.
The meanie is a sold good looking bike thats lacking top end.
I am still a bit confused why they entered the sort cruiser market with so little ummmmmp. But it does handle better than the other sport cruisers in its same category.

[alstensby]

I have an '06 Meanie. Stock, it's best in the twisties in the Power Cruiser category. However, it's also the slowest for accelleration. But, mine's never left me wanting for more. Plenty of power IMO. Looks wise, it looks like a true power cruiser. I think the M109R and Warrior both look like kids toys...kind of like a worked up Civic or something. For websites, check out:

riderforums.com
meanriders.com

[anamosity]

Originally Posted by lovetabike

I have a 2006 Meanie and wouldn't give it up. The Meanie has good power but does not knock your socks off. The biggest issue I have is that there is not a very big selection of custom parts for the Mean Streak.

It handles like a dream.

I disagree, there are plenty of parts for the Meanie. You just have to know where to get them and be willing to pay the huge prices associated with them.

[chad1043]

Try the search function... Type in - Mean AND Streak... There are a ton of posts about this bike.. I should know, I just bought a used one. The people around here are a big help.

Have you sat on the 109? That thing is a bull... I was amazed at how huge it felt compared to the Meanie...

Chad

[Surftechuser]

Originally Posted by anamosity

+1 on all the comments so far.
The meanie is a solid good looking bike thats lacking top end.
I am still a bit confused why they entered the sort cruiser market with so little ummmmmp. But it does handle better than the other sport cruisers in its same category.

+1

[jaseman]

The Meanie is a great bike. Is it better than the M109? No, but it's not worse either. Just different. It all come down to what your needs are.

The 109 is a straight line, tire shredder, plain and simple. Gobs of power, and goes like he11 when you twist the throttle. But don't try to keep up with a Meanie or Warrior once you hit the twisty bits. The Meanie turns and stops better than anything else in it's class. It almost rides more like a standard than a cruiser.

Looks wise, the Meanie has classic cruiser lines, while still being aggressive looking. Though I would also consider it a bit 'safe' looking. The 109 is one of those "love it" or "hate it" designs. It's definately a bit of a departure, styling wise. I personally don't like the look, but some love it. I do, however, give Suzuki a lot of credit for trying something different.

I love my '03, and couldn't imagine owning any other cruiser. It suits my 'sporting' riding style very well. Even with pipes, intake, and a TFi, it still won't smoke the other power-cruisers in a straight line (but it is more comperable now), but once I hit twisty roads, their all in my mirrors anyway.

[Solidgun]

Originally Posted by jaseman

The Meanie is a great bike. Is it better than the M109? No, but it's not worse either. Just different. It all come down to what your needs are.

The 109 is a straight line, tire shredder, plain and simple. Gobs of power, and goes like he11 when you twist the throttle. But don't try to keep up with a Meanie or Warrior once you hit the twisty bits. The Meanie turns and stops better than anything else in it's class. It almost rides more like a standard than a cruiser.

Looks wise, the Meanie has classic cruiser lines, while still being aggressive looking. Though I would also consider it a bit 'safe' looking. The 109 is one of those "love it" or "hate it" designs. It's definately a bit of a departure, styling wise. I personally don't like the look, but some love it. I do, however, give Suzuki a lot of credit for trying something different.

I love my '03, and couldn't imagine owning any other cruiser. It suits my 'sporting' riding style very well. Even with pipes, intake, and a TFi, it still won't smoke the other power-cruisers in a straight line (but it is more comperable now), but once I hit twisty roads, their all in my mirrors anyway.

All the information has given me some idea as to how I should make my decision. I am not into power or high speed, so that isn't really the deciding factor for me. I just felt so much more in control sitting on the Meanie than M109R....and this would give me better control of the bike.

Thank you so far and please keep them coming!

[wakan49]

The 109 is a nice looking bike but I think the meanstreak is the better choice.

Donna

[jaseman]

Originally Posted by Solidgun

All the information has given me some idea as to how I should make my decision. I am not into power or high speed, so that isn't really the deciding factor for me. I just felt so much more in control sitting on the Meanie than M109R....and this would give me better control of the bike.

Thank you so far and please keep them coming!

What kind of riding experience do you have?

[Solidgun]

I have fairly weak riding experience. I bought ZX-6R 3 years ago and logged only ~600 miles on it. I bought it to learn how to ride a motorcycle and it did the job great. I was very comfortable on it. But since then, I really have not been on another bike.

[sisooktom]

The 109R is a much newer bike which probably explains why there seems to be more buzz around it it than the MS. The MS has been around a while without any significant changes to speak of. Motorcycle Cruiser revisited it not long ago though and still says it sets the bar for cruiser handling.

[TheCat]

I did a lot of research before buying my 08 MS. Of the several reviews I found, there was only praise for the MS. I fact most ranked at first or second as the best cruiser. The power is more than enough and smooth. It is not going to throw you off the back when you crack throttle, but it does not have any problem with my wife and my 450 pounds. So far I like it ... it is just diffrent than my previous bikes - Vulcan 900 Custom, Vulcan 750, Yamaha Seca 750, KZ650 etc.

[Dougsboy]

The M109 was built to sway the crotch rocket boys to come over to the cruiser side. It's obviously working as far as I can tell by the younger guys I see riding them.

[jaseman]

Originally Posted by Solidgun

I have fairly weak riding experience. I bought ZX-6R 3 years ago and logged only ~600 miles on it. I bought it to learn how to ride a motorcycle and it did the job great. I was very comfortable on it. But since then, I really have not been on another bike.

I would say the Meanie is definately the better choice then. Maybe not the perfect choice, but much better then the 109. It's gonna be more user friendly to the less-experienced rider.

I'll probably catch some flack for this, but I might also recommend looking at something like the 900 Custom. Similar look to the Meanie, but less power and weight, making it more managable. Just my personal opinion though. Your gonna get what you want, and at least you already have a basic knowledge of how to ride.