Here's a hot cruiser that's going to light up the city streets. The Suzuki Boulevard M50 boasts unrivaled muscle cruiser styling along with a healthy injection of Suzuki technology. Enjoy it!

 

Introduction

First introduced in 2005, Suzuki Boulevard M50 is the machine to show you the way in cruising American lifestyle. The advantages encountered on this package are simply never ending starting with its styled, muscular look combined with performance, handling and comfort, all offered by Suzuki technology and features.

History

I am happy to say that Suzuki invented 800cc cruiser V-twins in the early 1990s when it bumped its Intruder 750 to 805cc. And Suzuki has maintained a staunch commitment to this V-twin displacement category. Suzuki has consistently expanded and updated its 800cc offerings by adding the Marauder in 1997, and a few years later the Volusia joined the lineup. Let’s see how the M50 ended up on the highways.  

When the Boulevard line of motorcycles was launched, president of American Suzuki Motor Corporation Mac Kato said: “More than a line redesign, Suzuki Boulevard represents a whole new cruiser brand designed and manufactured exclusively for the U.S. cruising market. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most important launches in Suzuki’s 41 years of selling motorcycles in the U.S.” Five 2005 Suzuki Boulevard models followed in August 2004, the S40, S50, S83 and C90, with more to come in 2005, including the signature M50 muscle machine.

Suzuki kept its promise and 2005 brought the Boulevard M50, a motorcycle featuring aggressive lines and performance to match.

Through Extensive research of the U.S. cruiser market by Suzuki engineers, Suzuki Boulevard M50 accommodates American cruising enthusiast’s demand for technological innovation, riding comfort, and performance while incorporating the Suzuki DNA. To fully capture the American cruising lifestyle and complement its new cruiser brand, Suzuki also launched in the same year Suzuki Boulevard Authentic Accessories, a full line of branded accessories and apparel designed to offer maximum opportunity of customization and freedom of individual expression.

The 2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50 stands for all the things previously declared and implemented on the Boulevard line of products.

Competition

While other manufacturers have dropped in and out of the class the M50 keeps on going and going forever. In fact, it is just now starting to make its point.

This 800cc motorcycle entered the disputed class but it manages to stay right in the first lane without major difficulties. Also in the first lane, we were able to find Honda Spirit 750 and Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic. Both motorcycle benefit of a satisfying amount of power and torque and they are also comfortable and look good. So why is the M50 a class leader? Well it simply says “bad boy” through its design and it also implements GSXR technology for great performance and unique riding experience. A big step forward at Suzuki’s, another big step needed to be made by the other manufacturers.

Exterior

Cruisers have always looked good but what is so special about them, some will ask?

The first thing to strike you is its hard-tail design, which – thanks to and advanced rear suspension system – provides a comfortable and responsive ride. Of course, the muscle styling cues don’t end there. Check out its pullback bars, contoured saddle, sculpted rear fender and eye-catching slash-cut chrome mufflers.

The bodywork’s lines and features are amplified by the appropriate paintjobs available for the 2008 model: gray and yellow, black and silver, or simple black.

Are you now convinced what attracts people right from the start and never lets them go?

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Test Drive

The 800cc class motorcycles have to be kept at a certain price level so I was pleasantly surprised of the bike’s features and technology. That makes it somehow surprising that Suzuki implemented the fuel injection system used in GSX-R sportbikes, the EFI employs the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system to maintain intake velocity for crisp throttle response and a 32-bit ECM for precise control of ignition timing and fuel injection.

I was eager to continue testing this cruiser as it began impressing me and I was kind of like a kid on Christmas. Gift after gift, this is how the Suzuki helped me form the best impression on the M50. My second joy, after the responsive engine, was handling. I have to say that the inverted front fork really does its job and I can understand now why Suzuki provided this only cruiser with such a fork. Way to do Suzuki!

So now I had at my disposal this great partially discovered package but what needed to be further unveiled?

As I strongly accelerated after pulling the bike out of a series of sinuous corners, I find myself going with 100mph and I thought that testing the brakes will come in handy as another round of corners were awaiting. As I strongly pulled the front brake lever, the bike immediately began reducing the rhythm of its gallop but peace was made after the rear drum was invited to the interesting game.

At this level, the three elements helped me enjoy the view and the open road that I elected for the rest of my Test Drive but a 4th element entered the scene. I was now interested in the sound provided by the exhaust and I wasn’t disappointed by the home cinema kind of atmosphere going on in my helmet.

Overall, I have to say that this unique cruiser made sure that its rider had the ride of its life. Well, at least until the next ride with the Suzuki.

Price

I’ve noticed that my review doesn’t do anything else but to say how enjoyable can this motorcycle be and how great it can look. I don’t now why but I feel that I should give you another reason to appreciate the Suzuki Boulevard M50 and that would be its price.

This amazing package can mark the beginning of a beautiful story for an MSRP of only $6,899. Try to resist that!

Conclusion

The Suzuki Boulevard M50 has performance to match its image. Its liquid-cooled 50-cubic-inch V-twin engine features an advanced Suzuki fuel injection system that gives its terrific torque down low and an incredible wide powerband. What’s more, the M50 rewards you with crisp handling and an exceptionally comfortable ride around town or out on the open highway.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 50 cubic inch
Type: four-stroke, liquid cooled, 45 degree V-Twin, SOHC, 8-valves, TSCC
Bore x Stroke: 83.0 x 74.4mm
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: Shaft Drive

Chassis and Dimensions

Suspension Front: Inverted, telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Link-type, oil damped, 7-way adjustable spring preload
Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single drum
Tires Front: 130/90-16
Tires Rear: 170/80-15
Overall Length: 2370mm (93.3 in.)
Overall Width: 920mm (36.2 in.)
Overall Height: 1125mm (44.5 in.)
Seat Height: 700mm (27.6 in.)
Ground Clearance: 140mm (5.5 in.)
Wheelbase: 1655mm (65.2 in.)
Dry Weight: 247 kg (544 lbs.)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.5 liter (4.1 gal.)

Other

Color: Black, Gry/Yel, Blk/Sil

Technical Features

 

Key Features

-Suzuki Boulevard M50 is styled with a sleek, muscular look combined with advanced Suzuki technology and features

Engine Features

-Fuel-injected, 50 cubic inch, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, 45 degree V-twin engine tuned for exceptional low rpm power and torque
-Electronic fuel injection system features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) – maintains optimum air velocity in the intake tract for smooth low-to-mid rpm throttle response and high torque output – includes Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS)
-32-bit ECM provides precise control of ignition timing and multi-hole-type injectors ensuring quick startup and excellent drivability under all conditions
-Crankshaft designed with 45” offset crank pins to reduce engine vibration without a counterbalancer for a more comfortable ride
-Five-speed transmission features a high fifth gear ratio for relaxed highway cruising
-Low-maintenance shaft final-drive system is clean-running with low torque reaction
-Custom-styled exhaust designed for a deep rumbling sound and tuned low rpm power
-Pulsed-secondary air-injection system introduces air into the exhaust ports to ignite unburned hydrocarbons and reduce emissions – CA. spec. model is equipped with a catalyst for further emission reduction

Chassis Features

-Soft-tail style frame creates a continuous flowing line from the headlight, through the fuel tank, seat and rear fender
-Sharp-edged-styled front fender adds to clean look of the front end, while the bob-tail rear fender adds to the flowing lines at the rear
-Long, wide 4.1 gallon fuel tank flows smoothly back to the seat –attractive raised fuel filler includes indicator lights for turn signals, high beam and low fuel
-Handlebar-mounted speedometer styled for a clean appearance and positioned for good visibility
-Wide, comfortable seat with low seat height – passenger seat can be removed for a bobbed rear fender appearance
-Low-rise handlebars mounted on pull-back risers provide a comfortable reach for the rider and increased comfort around town or on the highway
-Inverted, 41mm front fork for a performance look and comfortable ride – the only model in the class with an inverted fork
-Link-type rear suspension connects to a truss-style swingarm and a single shock absorber with 7-way spring preload adjustment
-Large LED-type taillight with a clear lens provides a modern custom look
-Powerful multi-reflector headlight houses in an attractive case with stylish headlight rim – headlight switches off during startup to reduce load on battery
-Bright bullet-style turn signals designed for high visibility and attractive appearance
-Standard 4-way emergency flasher and high-beam passing switch
-Black cast aluminum rims carry a wide 130/90-16 front tire and 170/80-15 rear tire
-Single front disc brake with large 300mm rotor for strong breaking performance

Optional Accessories

-Windshield
-Light Bar
-Saddlebags
-Engine Guards
-Custom Seats
-Billet Aluminum Items