By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB (MY2008) vs Suzuki Boulevard M109R (MY2006)
Idling at a red light, the Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB's wrinkle-black covers and bobbed fender look like they've come straight from a custom shop. On the Suzuki Boulevard M109R, that same light means a clutch lever that's stiff under your fingers. In crawling traffic, that pull won't let up.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Night Train FXSTB has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Inches ahead: Softail Night Train FXSTB
Parked side by side, the Softail Night Train FXSTB draws the eye a little more. Credit a purer look and more chopper style. Only a little, and taste can flip it.
What makes each one tick
Softail Night Train FXSTB
The Night Train's rigid-mounted twin thumps out its grunt low in the revs, with peak torque arriving at 3,200 rpm. Forward pegs and a narrow drag bar stretch you into a crouch that won't stay comfortable over a long day. Over a bump, the hidden rear shock and stiff frame don't give much, and the rear end stays firm, sometimes harsh. Sixth gear settles into a lope.
Boulevard M109R
The M109R's liquid-cooled twin piles on torque early, peaking at just 3,250 rpm for roll-ons that shove the bike forward. At corner entry the M109R's bulk shows, and tight bends don't turn in without real effort. Pushed hard, it's soon scraping its hard parts. Back upright, the exhaust thunders out of the bend.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Night Train FXSTB has the lower seat: 26.0 in (660 mm) vs 27.8 in (705 mm).
- The Softail Night Train FXSTB has the lower wet weight: 681 lb (309 kg) vs 765 lb (347 kg).
- The Boulevard M109R makes more peak power: 125 hp (92 kW) vs 70 hp (52 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
No verdict: Boulevard M109R
Commuting is off the table for the Boulevard M109R, so it sits this one out.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Both fall short
Attacking a bending road isn't their job. That's not why you'd own either one.
Don't look for a gap on running costs: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Night Train FXSTB
What owners say
Strengths
- Aggressive factory-custom styling
Boulevard M109R
What owners say
Trade-offs
- Heavy clutch pull
- Heavy weight and limited cornering clearance
Known problems to check before you buy
Softail Night Train FXSTB
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Boulevard M109R
- Second gear pops out to neutral A known transmission defect causes the bike to jump out of second gear under acceleration. The problem is widespread on 2006–2009 models and can be hazardous if it occurs mid-corner or when passing. Many owners have reported repairs under warranty or out of pocket; no factory recall, but a revised clutch/gear mechanism was introduced in later years.
- Clutch shudder/grabby engagement Some owners experience shudder or grabby clutch engagement, especially after the bike is warm. This is often linked to worn clutch plates or improper adjustment, but can occur at moderate mileage.
- Sensitive oil level — overfill causes air filter contamination The M109R’s dry-sump engine requires precise oil level checks. Overfilling (common when only one drain plug is removed) pushes oil into the airbox, leading to filter saturation and potential running issues.
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Boulevard M109R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 27.8 in (705 mm) |
| Wet weight | 681 lb (309 kg) | 765 lb (347 kg) |
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Boulevard M109R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1584 cc | 1783 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | 54° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 70 hp (52 kW) | 125 hp (92 kW) |
| Torque | 86 lb-ft (117 Nm) | 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,200 rpm | 3,250 rpm |
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Boulevard M109R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) | 5.2 US gal (19.5 L) |
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Boulevard M109R | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Final drive | Belt | Shaft |
| Fork | Telescopic | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | MH90-21 | 130/70-18 |
| Rear tire | 200/55-17 | 240/40-18 |
| Wheelbase | 66.5 in (1689 mm) | 67.5 in (1715 mm) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
