2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Top Speed
188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Weight
308 kg / 678 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2010 - 112012
Make ModelSuzuki Boulevard C109RTriumph Thunderbird 1600
Dimensions
Seat Height705 mm / 27.7 in702 mm / 27.6 in
Wheelbase1755 mm / 68.3 in1641 mm / 64.6in
Ground Clearance135 mm / 5.3 in-
Height-1216mm / 47.9 in
Length2580 mm / 101.5 in2350 mm / 92.5 in
Width985 mm / 38.7 in947 mm / 37.2 in (Handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-308 kg / 678 lbs
Fuel Capacity19 L / 5.0 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-4.2 L / 1.1 US gal . 0.92 Imp gal
Wet Weight380 kg / 837.7 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Max Power92 kW / 123 hp @ 6200 rpm63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Max Torque160 Nm / 16.3 kgf-m / 118 lb.ft @ 3200 rpm146 Nm / 14.89 kgf-m / 107.7 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.1 sec
Engine
Displacement1786 cc / 108.8 cu. in1597 cc / 97.5 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 54° V-TwinFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke112 X 90.5mm103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio10.5:19.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-7.0 L/100 km / 14.2 km/l / 33.4 US mpg / 40.1 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionEFI, 2 x 56 mm throttle bodies-
IgnitionElectronic ignition (Transistorised) Digital, inductive type via electronic engine management
LubricationSemi-dry sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plate type-
Final DriveShaftToothed belt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.9875:1 / 2nd 1.958:1 / 3rd 1.536:1 / 4th 1.219:1 / 5th 1.029:1 / 6th 0.909:1
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Suspension - FrontTelescopic, coil spring, oil dampedShowa 47 mm forks
Suspension - RearLink type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preloadShowa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload
Rake-32°
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston calipers2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 274mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front150/80R16120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear240/55R16200/50 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R edges out the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, fuel injection and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 92 kW vs 63 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 160 Nm vs 146 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1786 cc vs 1597 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 308 kg vs 380 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R and 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R uses Four stroke, 54° V-Twin, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is lighter at 308 kg compared to 380 kg for the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - a difference of 72 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R produces more peak power at 92 kW, compared to 63 kW for the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 has the larger tank at approximately 22 litres vs 19 litres for the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 366-440 km vs 316-380 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 stands out for lighter kerb weight and larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.