Listen! That's the sound of power. It's coming from the Boulevard S83's liquid-cooled, 45-degree V-twin engine. And if you think it sounds strong, wait until your first ride. The S83 pumps out an incredible amount of torque for acceleration that you dream about.

2008 Suzuki Boulevard S83

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 Suzuki Boulevard S83
  • Engine/Motor: four-stroke, air/oil cooled, 45 degree V-twin, SOHC, 6-valves
  • Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with shaft final drive

2009 Suzuki Boulevard S50

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Suzuki Boulevard S50
  • Engine/Motor: four-stroke, air/oil cooled, 45 degree V-twin, SOHC, 6-valves
  • Horsepower: 50 hp @ 6500
  • Torque: 65 Nm @ 5000 rpm
  • Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with shaft final drive
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


Suzuki’s Boulevard line of cruisers wouldn’t have been complete without the powerful and sporty motorcycles reunited under the letter “S”. Suzuki made no effort and created the Boulevard S40 and S50 but the top of the table was gained by the mighty Boulevard S83. With its natural riding position and smooth suspension, the Boulevard S83 is engineered for an exceptionally comfortable ride around town or on the highway. As exciting as it is to ride the S83, its styling is just as impressive. Its lean profile and exquisite craftsmanship are enough to get your pulse racing just looking at it. The best is that the Boulevard S83 is now ready to roll.

History


Suzuki didn’t start to build cruisers with the introduction of the Boulevards. In fact, the manufacturer has a pretty decent history concerning motorcycles and, of course, cruisers which were strongly build before 2005 but they were known as Marauders (muscle cruisers) and Intruders (top of the gang). This is also the case with the Boulevard S83, a motorcycle previously known under the name of Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder.

The history pages for the bike began being written with the first Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder introduced in 1987. The motorcycle featured an air-cooled 1360cc V-twin, SOHC, 6-valves developing 71hp (51 KW)@4.800rpm and 112Nm @3.200rpm. Add aggressive styling, comfort and a lot of chrome and the success will be guaranteed. This is what Suzuki had planed for this model and production kept going for long time.

1991 brought increases in length, overall height and implicit seat height even though the engine remained the same. The new apparel given by the adding of a few millimeters here and there also received a red color scheme.

Strangely, after 1991, the engine’s power began to be reduced so 1995, apart from a blue paintjob, brings 64 hp (47 KW)@4.600rpm and 113Nm @2.600rpm.

By the time the VS 1400 Intruder entered its 11th year of production, power was reduced to 60hp (44 KW)@5.000rpm and 105Nm @2.800rpm. After 1998 the air-cooled engine stopped its power decrease but it began looking better and better thanks to the new color schemes that it received through the years. The last year of production, 2004 brought a superb combination of gray which made the bike even more desirable but new projects were being rolled and the VS 1400 Intruder was included.

The year 2005 brings the awesome Boulevard S83, a slightly redesigned cruiser but which still featured the 83 cubic inch, four-stroke, air/oil cooled, 45 degree V-twin, SOHC, 6-valves engine equipped with a front Mikuni BDS36 and rear Mikuni DS36 fuel system. The dimensions were still the same and the five speed transmission with shaft final drive was still part of Suzuki’s Boulevard S83 characteristics. Both front and rear brakes featured single hydraulic disc. Colors available were black and gray.

2006 brought the replacement of gray with the more appropriate red, only to be removed a year later in the favor of blue.

2008 features, as all the previous models, the black color option but Suzuki also announced the introduction of gold paintjob.

Competition


Trying to find the appropriate competitor for the Suzuki that got my gauging, I headed towards Honda’s were I was able to find that VTX1300C is quite the bike to be put next to the Suzuki. With its classic styling and clean lines, this bike is serious about its VTX heritage. 2008 introduces for the Honda new slash-cut dual pipes to its 1312cc V-twin and sleek shaft final drive. Threatening VTX that is!

A more appropriate opponent for the bike and the one that actually seems to beat the Suzuki come from the United States and it is known under the name of Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide, a motorcycle featuring more cylinder capacity but which leads the class. This year is being honored for being one of the favorites with exclusive 105th Anniversary styling.

Exterior


Apart from the engine’s capabilities, the Boulevard S83 is all about sleek look and aggressive style without any exaggerations.

The front of the bike attracts through its flat-style handlebar which provides a clean appearance and sporty look. Also, the compact chrome-plated headlight and polished aluminum instrumentation individualize the S83 and make it look even sharper. We shouldn’t forget the custom rear view mirrors which also make a statement on the motorcycle’s appearance. The cruiser lines are continued with the attractive tear drop-shaped fuel tank which smoothly flows introducing us to the comfortable seat and cool rear fender which features a rear reflector integrated with the taillight for a clean, finished appearance to the rear section of the bike.

The engine air filter became a characteristic of the Boulevard models and the S83 had to have it although it actually is a tool kit holder.

Another thing that stands for aggression and exposed power abilities is the 6-spoke wheels with chrome-plated aluminum rims shaped to look and provide a classic cruiser look. The gorgeous wheels wouldn’t have been so cool looking without the large diameter disc brakes provided for strong, reliable braking performance.

Paint is what really draws attention and this bike has to stand out on the Boulevard so it received for 2008 a gold paintjob apart from the already famous black.

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Test Drive


I fist took the Boulevard S83 for a ride on the territory that he appreciates the most and that is the city. Around town, the 1360cc engine is very civil and easy to be controlled while the rest of the bike is comfortable just as you would like it to be. Being first that launches when the red light turns green involves a generous twist of the throttle and if you want to keep that rhythm, the second gear will help you see the cars smaller and smaller in the custom rear view mirrors.

Out on the highway, however, the bike’s styling demands its price as the bars relegate you to doing pull-ups in the wind and the comfortable seat offers little room for changing positions.

Aside from the bike’s style involving discomfort on the open roads, I was charmed of how well the rest of the bike worked. The big V-twin, though not a powerhouse, is both smooth and quiet and enjoys being rolled on in the lower RPM range. In fact, the best time I had on the bike was when I was widely opening the throttle and letting the bike pull and believe me, it is build to pull. On top of the RPM range, the rhythm is partially lost so you would like to take advantage of the bottom and mid-range power surge in order to keep the smile on your face.

What I most like about the S83’s engine is that although it gives you quite a rush and it doesn’t feature a counterbalancer, the power delivery is smooth and no disturbing vibrations were detected by my hands.

Another thing that makes rides enjoyable is sound and I have to say that many cruisers provide a rider’s year with too much or too low exhaust sound but the ride on the Boulevard S83 is like having a mobile home cinema system. It is that great!

I mostly talk about the engine because this cruiser or should I say chopper is build around its motor and that is what makes it so good. But the rest of the equipment is important too so I would have to mention that the front and rear suspension complete the task of keeping the bike on the road when strongly leaning it. This allows for fast cornering, danger excluded.

Shifting through all the five speeds of the gearbox is very smooth and doesn’t require a heavy foot although the monster begs for a decent opening of the throttle before playing with its enjoyable shifter.

The brakes are also important and they also do the job spotless. Cruisers are usually pretty heavy and need a powerful braking system but with a dry weight of 535 lbs, the S83 isn’t quite the machine to scare you when a fast stopping is needed.

The middle weight also allows for great handling and permissive actions in most kind of situations so you will be also trouble free when riding this Boulevard. 

Price


Suzuki’s impressive Boulevard S83 is all that you could desire from a cruiser with chopper features and more. Apart from its great road characteristics and stylish appearance, the bike also has the important quality of being cheap. For a MSRP of $8,499, the Boulevard will shine even more and another biker will have a big smile on its face.

The bike is build to be ridden so it comes with a 12 months unlimited mileage warranty which also adds a plus to its list of benefits.

Conclusion


My conclusion is that if you want it than you should have it. I see no disadvantage when buying this motorcycle, all contrary. It has more than enough power to meet every rider’s request and comfort is present too. Its cool chopper look turns a lot of heads and although the riding position makes highway traveling a bit windy, the overall package is just great. I mean, isn’t all about the sun glasses and the wind in your hair? I think it is.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Displacement: 83 cubic inch
Type: Four-stroke, air/oil cooled, 45 degree V-twin, SOHC, 6-valves
Bore x Stroke: 94.0 x 98.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Fuel System: Front: Mikuni BDS36 Rear: Mikuni BS36
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: Shaft Drive

Chassis and Dimensions


Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Twin shock, oil damped, 5-way adjustable spring preload
Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
Tires Front: 110/90-19 62H
Tires Rear: 170/80-15 M/C 77H
Overall Length: 2335mm (91.9 in.)
Overall Width: 765mm (30.1 in.)
Overall Height: 1145mm (45.1 in.)
Seat Height: 740mm (29.1 in.)
Ground Clearance: 150mm (5.9 in.)
Wheelbase: 1620mm (63.5 in.)
Dry Weight: 243kg (535 lbs.); 244kg (537 lbs.) CA model
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 liter (3.4 gal.)

Other


Color: Black, Gold

Technical Features

 

Engine Features

-Classic 45 degree, 83 cubic inch V-twin, 6-valve, air/oil cooled engine produces strong low-to-mid-range rpm power and torque
-Smooth shifting 5-speed transmission with hydraulic clutch
-45 degree phase, dual-pin crankshaft provides smooth operation without a counterbalancer and allows a more compact engine design
-Twin 36mm constant-velocity carburetors provide crisp throttle response and quick acceleration
-Hydraulic valve lash adjusters eliminate valve adjustment maintenance and ensure quiet engine operation
-Silent operation cam chains with automatic tensioners reduce engine noise and maintenance
-Low-maintenance shaft drive is clean-running with low torque reaction
-Headlight switches off during startup to reduce load on the battery
-Custom-looking chrome exhaust and muffler system provides good looks and throaty exhaust sound

Chassis Features

-Narrow double cradle frame provides a classic slim chopper look
-Flat-style handlebar provide a clean, sport appearance
-Sleek, one-piece saddle adds to the S83’s already streamlined appearance
-Front fork guards protect the inner tubes from road debris and help reduce dust seal and oil seal wear
-Compact chrome-plated headlight and clean polished aluminum instrumentation
-Custom rear view mirrors, painted steel fenders and frame covers
-Push-to-cancel turn signal switch for easier turn signal operation
-Standard 4-way emergency flasher and high beam passing switch
-Bright multi-reflector turn signals designed for high visibility and attractive appearance
-Rear reflector integrated with taillight for a clean, finished appearance to the rear section of the bike
-Tool kit holder mounted to the engine simulates an engine air filter – unified custom style with other Boulevard models
-Large diameter disc brakes for strong, reliable braking performance
-60-spoke wheels with chrome-plated aluminum rims are sharp looking and provide a classic cruiser look
-Wide 170/80-15 inch rear tire
-Attractive tear drop-shaped fuel tank with 3.4 gallon capacity

Optional Accessories

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