2009 Suzuki Boulevard S50 Review

Introduction

But we should never underestimate the Suzuki Boulevard S50 not only because it is a great combination of power and style, but also due to its long and successful presence on the market. Now, the Japanese bike destined for rebels is powered by a liquid-cooled, 805cc, OHC, 8-valve V-Twin engine with the cylinders positioned at a 45-degree angle. This enhances the aggressive looks, but the main role is to deliver strong and quick acceleration without the implicit harsh vibrations. The Mikuni 36mm carburetors have much to do with the engine being very responsive, but the dual-pin crankshaft design and that 45-degree angle that I was talking about cut down vibrations at low revs and seriously reduce them at higher engine speeds.

The best of that light and versatile chassis is that it offers a 27.6 inches seat height, meaning that short riders and girls are also in for a piece of the Boulevard action.

History

1985 Suzuki VS750 Intruder

The Boulevard S50 has its roots deeply implanted into Suzuki’s long pages of history which never seem to end (but nobody would want that, really). The bike’s important heritage comes from the Suzuki VS750 Intruder, a motorcycle which entered production in 1985 featuring a water-cooled 805cc SOHC 45 degree V-twin, 8 valves engine developing 63hp @ 7,000rpm and an awesome 7.0kg-m @ 6,000rpm.

The success was immediate and Suzuki had to keep the good rhythm and it did, in a strange way actually, by reducing the engine’s capacity to just 747cc, resulting in 55hp @ 7,500rpm and 60,3Nm @ 5,000rpm. The name was now more appropriate and the bike began its round of improvements.

The 1988 model year got a new, more comfortable seat. It was somewhat thicker and softer than before. The passenger seat was flatter and the back rest higher than before. The front wheels diameter was increased to 21 inches (from 19 inches) the following year.

1991 was the last model year for the VS750 Intruder which was to be replaced by the VS800, a similar chopper but with a bit more powerful engine. It was kind of a return to its roots, as the VS750 initially featured an 805cc engine, like the liquid-cooled 45 degree V-twin, 4-stroke found on the VS800 Intruder.

The bike’s original design was very important so it had to be kept but the riding position was improved and the hundreds of miles covered in a single day were now becoming part of the routine.

Suzuki followed the tradition and continued to manufacture the successor of the VS750 Intruder until it finally decided to add it to the Boulevard line in 2005 so the last year that brought the VS800 was 2004. By that time, the bike featured the same characteristics that we can encounter today so good things don’t need to be changed although there are some voices claiming that a fuel injection system would have been more appropriate when the Intruder became Boulevard.

2005 brought a beautiful silver paintjob that signified the beginning of a beautiful story and so did the 2008 model year which, like the previous mentioned, featured the same paintjob next to the already familiar black. 

Competition

2009 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2

The models competing with this bike had to have true cruising abilities combined with a slight chopper look and loads of character. One of the models which fit the description is the Honda Shadow Spirit 750, a motorcycle which due to its cylinder capacity lines up next to the S50 and with styling cues of classic cruisers and old school influences boasts a seamless blend of retro panache and modern-day performance.

Star also entered the scene with plenty of attitude in a surprisingly lean and low package always waiting to be improved with yet another of the Custom Star Accessories. The V Star Custom offers no reason to comply with it apart from its 40 cubic inch engine which indeed makes it feel and sound like a real Star, but also kind of rejects customers who feel ready to jump on Suzuki’s seat.

Trying to find a bit more character and cylinder capacity I check out Kawasaki’s offer and find the Vulcan 900 Custom offering clean styling and a slender 21” Front Wheel.

2009 V Star Custom

It’s said that the joy of motorcycling is as much in the eye of the rider as it is in the thrill of the ride. That is especially so when appealing to the cruising rider who seeks the perfect blend of comfort, big bike feel, and customized appearance so it is now your duty to choose the one that fits you like a glove.

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

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