I bought my Suzuki Boulevard, brand new, in May 2005. When I bought this bike I had only one year experience riding motorcycles. I was a little nervous, but the bike felt great the very first time I rode it from the dealership. If you are thinking of buying the C50 Boulevard, get one. You will not be disappointed. I have over 23,000 miles on this bike, and I bet it I would get another 23,000 easily.
Here are some things that I like about this bike. It does look bigger then an 800 cc bike. I bought the two tone black and blue model and the paint still looks just as good as when I first purchased it 4 years ago. The weight of the bike is great. Like I said earlier, I only had one year experience riding, so the 550 lbs gave me more confidence in handling and control of the bike. Fuel range is excellent. I have been getting over 50 MPG. Also the fuel injection is great. For being just an 800 you get some good power. No. You are not going to be able to do 0 to 60mph in 2.3 seconds. But if you are using the interstate and need to do 80 to keep up with traffic. You can. The sound of the bike is nice. At first I thought I wanted louder pipes, but after looking how much it was going to cost, that thought went away really quickly. Liquid cool engine is a plus. Drive shaft also a plus. Floor boards are very nice. I wear an 11 size boot and have no problems shifting.
Here are a few cons of the bike. These are minor, and should not change your thinking on owning this bike. But no bike is perfect. As with most bikes the seat is not the most comfortable. I purchased an Air Hawk motorcycle seat, and that has made a world of difference on long trips. It is an air mattress for motorcycle seats. If you have a chance, check out their products. Fuel gauge would be nice. There is a fuel light, which from the manual says that you have a gallon of fuel left, but believe me, once that light is on, you have well more then a gallon left. Headlight could be a little brighter. Now this is with my bike, and I have not heard this with anyone else, but I get back fire. I had it checked out a few times, but no one can seem to figure out why. I mark it up as nature of the beast. Brakes could be better. You are not going to be able to stop on a dime.
Oh, and by the way. Don�t think that this bike is only for going around town either. If you want to take long trips with this bike you will have no problems. I took a 7 day trip through Arizona on this bike last May. I did 1700 miles within that week, and the bike was a charm. Word of advice though, if you are going to take a trip like that, purchase the Air Hawk seat.
I have been thinking of up-grading to the C90, and I am sure it is a fine bike, and after reading some of the reviews on here, people do like the bike. Couple reasons why I wouldn�t, one is the fuel tank. It only holds 3.7 gallons, which the C50 holds 4.1 gallons. So your MPG drops considerably. Also the bike is not liquid cooled. I have been looking at the new Yamaha 1300 Tourer. Seems like a solid bike. Not sure if I want to up-grade or not, but if I do it will be very hard to part with my C50. Hope my review helped you in your decision. My last advice is research. The internet is probably the best source, but check out the motorcycle magazines. They are very helpful. Good luck with your purchase, what ever you get, and be safe.
Reviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.
