2009 Suzuki Boulevard C50/C50T/C50 Special Edition Review

Introduction

At the base of each model sits the same 805cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, OHC, 45-degree V-Twin engine which now is less polluting and a little bit stronger pulling thanks to the new dual spark plugs on each cylinder. The five-speed constant-mesh gearbox and shaft final drive proved very effective and reliable on previous model years so they will continue being used on this model year and most likely on future ones as well.

And so did the chassis with the same results. This, in front with the cradle-type steel frame, telescopic forks and link-type rear suspension offer comfortable accommodations and a plush ride, but as I was saying, they all look and tend to be sold like different pieces of machineries.

The Boulevard C50 is the simple model, a veritable classic cruiser with timeless looks and even standard spoked wheels. Suzuki took this model and fully accessorized it and they were out with the Boulevard C50T while the Special Edition model is simply a two-tone painted C50 with custom wheels.

History

2001 Suzuki VL 800 Volusia

The year 2001 found Suzuki enlarging their cruiser lineup with the VL 800 Volusia, a cruiser built in the classic style and powered by a water-cooled, 805cc, SOHC, 8-valves, 45-degree V-Twin engine. Fuel injection hadn’t seen its way on such bikes at that time so the Volusia motor was fed through a Mikuni BDSR34 carburetor and it developed 52 hp at 6,000 rpm and 69 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

Performance figures didn’t changed to soon and in the future years, the model played around the idea of different color schemes and the one of studded seats. This last also brought a Limited Edition model in 2003 which was carried on for the next year and also influenced the developing of the later Boulevard C50 Special Edition model.

2005 was the year of changes for Suzuki. They launched the Boulevard line of cruising motorcycles and the Volusia saw the end of one road and the beginning of another as it was now manufactured and sold as the Boulevard C50. The touring sibling was also there from the start and the big surprise on both of these models was the addition of fuel-injection. Horsepower didn’t increase that much (53 hp at 6,000 rpm) while the retuning required by the new fueling system led to 62 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Special Edition model distinguished either due to the studded seats and flowing or tribal flame paint job as the years passed by.

Competition

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

But Suzuki isn’t the only one powerful and glorious in the metric cruiser class as Kawasaki has a 2009 Vulcan 900 prepared for each one of the C50 models. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is probably the best model to be compared with the simple Suzuki Boulevard C50 as it features the same engine type (4-Stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve per cylinder, V-twin) only that 98cc bigger in order to compensate for the lack of fuel injection. There is a five-speed gearbox, but a belt final drive.

This is also the case of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT and the Suzuki Boulevard C50T while the Custom Kawi is the corresponsive competing model for the Special Edition Suzuki.

2009 V Star 650 Silverado

Star motorcycles are also in for a piece of the pie with the 2009 V Star Classic, Silverado and Custom models. The engine is a docile 649cc, air-cooled, 70-degree V-Twin; SOHC, two valves per cylinder, but the different roles played by the small (for this cruising category) powerplant is what makes a difference. The same thing can be mentioned when it comes to design as Star’s bikes feature great fit and finish.

2009 Honda Shadow Aero

We kept Honda for the end not because their cruisers are weaker or less attractive, but due to the fact that the Shadow line only features a retro and a custom model. This leaves the C90T without a fierce opponent from a very capable Japanese manufacturer, but the Shadow Aero and Shadow Spirit 750 are great alternatives for the C90 and the Special Edition as well. Honda’s engine for these two is a 745cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, three valves per cylinder 52-degree V-Twin and don’t expect to get fuel injection.

Usually riders buy with their hearts, but in this case, Suzuki’s fuel-injection system has proved very valuable so I don’t understand why the rest of the Japanese crowd doesn’t evolve in that matter.

Exterior

2009 Suzuki Boulevard C50

Suzuki may not have done much to the engine and guess what? The situation isn’t any different when it comes to design upgrades either. But, as they say, it’s the little things that make it special. For example, the fenders on all 2009 Boulevard C50 models have been redesigned. More precisely, these now feature smoother flowing lines and the front unit covers a little less of that 130mm wide front tire. At the rear, you’ll find that the 170mm tire is still mostly covered as on all cruising and touring motorcycles, but at least the new LED taillight provides it with a stylish new look.

In between, the teardrop gas tank is now spoiled with a redesigned speedometer that mounts on it and while we’re still here it is a must mentioning something about that potent V-Twin engine that shines brightly underneath the tank. This unit looks like a miniature motor compared to the one on the C109R for example, but that’s just Suzuki offering the best of it to all category of riders.

The rider seat is spacious and the chromed exhaust bolts on the right rider side. Other chromed units are the headlight housing, instruments, handlebars and mirrors while the telescopic forks feature aluminum sliders and polished stainless steel stanchion-tube covers.

Colors available for the 2009 Boulevard C50 are Black and Red.

The Touring model adds a tall windshield, spacious saddlebags and white wall tires, but we shouldn’t forget about the exciting new two-tone colors of the 2009 model year, Black/Gray, Blue/White.

Probably the best of Suzuki’s C50 series is the Special Edition model. This one distinguishes through a pair of cast aluminum wheels and also two-tone paint schemes, Gray/Silver, Green/White.

2008 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Test Drive

Price

Offering diversity is THE way to remain competitive on the motorcycle market and Suzuki surely learns this lesson well as they offer not two, but three metric cruisers. But that you know already. The news here consists in the $7,299 MSRP for the C50, $7,499 MSRP for the C50 Special Edition and $8,499 for the C50T.

Conclusion

We couldn’t say that Suzuki makes a big step further with their 800cc Boulevards, but they aren’t standing still either. They reduced emissions and made some design tweaks here and there, enough to make it sound interesting and, still, they don’t brag about this too much. I believe they should because these are some wicked bikes.

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