The bike does have faults. The M90's cruiser ergonomics limit its high-speed touring utility. Wind protection from the little headlamp fairing is good up to 80 mph, but faster than that means a strain to hang on to those drag bars and keep your feet on those way-forward pegs. The seat is wide and well-padded, but after a while with all the weight resting on the ol' tailbone, it feels hard. An accessory gel seat and two different-height windscreens address those issues. It also lacks a tachometer, and the fuel gauge starts flashing it's last bar-indicating final reserve-just 7 miles before you are pushing 700 pounds of stylish cruiser along I-580 looking for a gas station. A solid final bar indicates the reserve, and it got there in about 130 miles of spirited riding. There's no low fuel indicator, but you probably wouldn't notice it anyway; with a full-face helmet, the dash lights are below the rider's field of vision.
Also, don't be in a hurry to stop. The M90's two-piston, sliding-pin front calipers are just adequate. I understand cruisers don't really utilize front brakes the same as other bikes, but these don't just lack power, they lack feel. The rear brake, though a four-pot unit, still requires a manly shove on the big brake pedal. Hey, you gotta save money somewhere: the Boulevardiers saved money with the brakes, the non-adjustable clutch lever (what about the ladies, fellas?) and that tacky flange along the bottom of the tank.
But when you can have torque, handling and style like the M90's for $9999, you can overlook stuff like that. Compared to other big power cruisers like the $14,999 Harley-Davidson V-Rod, the $13,190 Yamaha Star Warrior or even the $13,099 M109R this is a product that delivers a similar experience for a lot less money. Suddenly, a middleweight power cruiser makes a lot of sense.
