The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is situated in the category of cruisers which sells best in the United States and customers can be certain making no mistake when bought such a motorcycle.
Like the rest of the 800s in the class, the C50 works its best when you row the shift lever if you’re in a hurry. It then proves it has enough power to amaze you and your passenger with its capabilities.
But in order to do so, the throttle has to encounter the necessary response which you don’t expect to surprise from a cruiser in its category. I have to say it does. By 800cc standards, it proves to be a real torquer and the smooth and light clutch makes the job of hard launching or gentle leaving a lot easier.
After a hard launch, let’s say, the fairly short first gear needs to be changed and the smooth shifting gearbox does the job properly, although the shaft drive introduces a little jacking. I didn’t felt any disturbing vibrations while I was pushing the bike really but the handlebars did provide a certain amount which reminded me I’m riding an 800cc cruiser.
I especially like the fact that the new C50 incorporates the very comfortable riding position encountered on the Volusia with floorboards creating extra wiggle room for the feet. The handlebars also feature a very natural and comfortable bending while the saddle makes journeys nice and comfortable.
The comfortable saddle could only do its job best in collaboration with the suspension featuring better spring rates than most 800 cruisers and that is a thing I love at cruisers.
The Boulevard C50 also gained a plus by being developed after the Volusia and that is handling. Yes, it is a cruiser not a sportbike and it doesn’t has the crisp handling found on that kind of motorcycles but the cornering clearance is more than acceptable by cruiser standards and it remains light, manageable and confident-inspiring all the way through the tight corners or long, leaned back journeys out on the highway.
Brakes, another important issue, have to be very efficient and provide the necessary stopping power and sometimes more on any kind of motorcycle. The single hydraulic disc brake and rear drum brake have the ability of making the C50 a safe machine to ride and I noticed that apart from working better in collaboration, the front can be strongly hit without any danger if not in a corner. But when the front and the rear are both strongly utilized the speedometer’s needle comes down like there’s no tomorrow. But hey, that’s cruising! It doesn’t stretch your arms but it does show you the fabulous views around you.
Price
The classic cruiser which will make sure that your needs will be completely satisfied has the quality of being offered for a retail price of $6,799. You will also receive a 12 months unlimited mileage limited warranty so the only dilemma you will be facing will be where you will be cruising on your next journey.
Conclusion
My experience on the 2008 Suzuki Boulevard C50 has left me with a sweet taste which I look forward on encountering for my next journeys deep into the land of nowhere. I mean, the bike is perfect to face the crowded streets but it feels more at home out where there are no stop signs. The package is more than satisfying with enough power to help you cruise on a decent speed and enjoying the comfort and relaxed riding position offered. Stopping is no problem, as expected, and vibrations on the handlebars are enough to be noticed but they simply don’t bother.
Argh. I’d prefer when they named the bike with a nice number representing the engine size in Cc. Aside of that, bikes looks good. But Harley still look better.
Posted on
09.18.2007 @ 14:33