2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic vs 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h / 115 mph
Weight
760.7 pounds
2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 54° V-Twin
Power
92 kW / 123 hp @ 6200 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
380 kg / 837.7 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2009 - 102010 - 11
ColoursBlack-
Make ModelKawasaki VN 1700 ClassicSuzuki Boulevard C109R
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Height720 mm / 28.3 mm705 mm / 27.7 in
Wheelbase1665 mm / 65.6 in1755 mm / 68.3 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Height1155 mm / 45.5 in-
Length2500 mm / 98.4 in2580 mm / 101.5 in
Width1025 mm / 40.4 in985 mm / 38.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal19 L / 5.0 US gal
Wet Weight349 kg / 769 lbs380 kg / 837.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed185 km/h / 115 mph-
Max Power55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm92 kW / 123 hp @ 6200 rpm
Max Torque135 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 99.6 lb-ft @2750 rpm160 Nm / 16.3 kgf-m / 118 lb.ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeV2-
Displacement1700 cc / 103.7 in1786 cc / 108.8 cu. in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, 54° V-Twin
Fuel SystemInjection. Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke102 x 104 mm112 X 90.5mm
Compression Ratio9.5:110.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled, plus cooling finsLiquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi-dry sump-
ExhaustTwin, stacked-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, 42 mm dia. x 2EFI, 2 x 56 mm throttle bodies
IgnitionTCDI with digital advanceElectronic ignition (Transistorised)
LubricationForced lubrication, semi-dry sumpSemi-dry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-disc, manual, electronic cruise controlWet multi-plate type
Final DriveBelt driveShaft
Final Drive Ratio2.250:1-
Gear Ratios1st 3.077 / 2nd 1.900 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.143 / 5th 0.967 / 6th 0.806:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradle, steel with box section single-tube backbone-
Suspension - Front43 mm Telescopic forkTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension - RearSwingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable shocks for rebound and dampingLink type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload
Rake30°-
Steering Angle35° / 35°-
Trail169 mm / 6.65 in-
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear80 mm / 3.2 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABSSingle 274mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front130/90 B16M/C (67H)150/80R16
Tyres - Rear170/70 B16M/C (75H)240/55R16
WheelsAlloy, 10 spokes-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R edges out the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic thanks to its more peak power, higher torque and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - Advantages

  • Lighter: 349 kg vs 380 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 92 kW vs 55 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 160 Nm vs 135 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 1786 cc vs 1700 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic vs 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic and 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic uses V2, while the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R is powered by Four stroke, 54° V-Twin.
Which is lighter, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is lighter at 349 kg compared to 380 kg for the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - a difference of 31 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R?
The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R produces more peak power at 92 kW, compared to 55 kW for the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R?
The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R has the lower seat at 705 mm, making it more accessible. The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic sits higher at 720 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the edge in lighter kerb weight, while the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.