Suzuki M109R Pictures gallery

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Swinging open the heavy wooden doors, he stepped out of the cool night and into the Driskill Hotel, in the hospitality business since 1886. The smooth tile floor of the lobby echoed to the sound of the cowboy's polished boots. Stetson worn proud, belt buckle shining, he walked with a laconic gait toward the staircase, glancing over and nodding with slow deliberation as he passed. I sat making notes in the comfortably worn couch, still dressed in my leather jacket and boots from a day in the saddle, and I acknowledged his gesture as he walked by. No words were needed; just the mutual understanding that exists between two strangers who live for the same freedom, be it on four legs or two wheels.

Choosing the vast, open Hill Country outside of Austin, Texas, to launch its new power cruiser, the M109R, Suzuki chose the perfect location for more than one reason. As a part of the county where the open roads seem to go on forever, the scenery is rugged without being distractingly stunning, as well as being home to ex-500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz. As Suzuki's chosen son, Kevin would lead a dozen journalists for a ride that would go west to the one-horse town of Luckenbach before circling around back to his place for a Texas cookout.