CRUISER COMFORT
Suzuki’s Boulevard cruisers, which have model names that identify engine displacement in cubic inches rather than cubic centimeters, range in size from the entry-level, 652cc S40 to the ground-pounding, 1,783cc M109R B.O.S.S. (Blacked Out Suzuki Special). In between are the 1,462cc C90/M90 and 803cc C50/M50 models, where C stands for Custom and M for Muscle.
Of the middleweight Boulevards offered for 2014—C50 B.O.S.S. ($8,699), C50T ($9,599) and M50 ($8,799)—only the latter two return for 2015 with new colors and prices reduced by $200; a standard C50 ($8,199) replaces the B.O.S.S. Our 2014 C50T, fitted with a windshield, saddlebags and a passenger backrest, is decked out in Glass Sparkle Black/Metallic Oort Gray, the other option being Candy Dark Cherry Red/Pearl Mirage White; for 2015, the only choice is Glass Sparkle Black/Candy Dark Cherry Red.
The Boulevard C50T’s liquid-cooled 803cc 45-degree V-twin has an offset dual-pin crankshaft and shaft drive. Like the Kawasaki Vulcan, the C50T has a vintage look, with wire-spoke wheels wearing tube-type tires and chrome studs on its seat, saddlebags and passenger backrest. The Suzuki’s whitewall tires round out its classic styling.
With the smallest engine, the Suzuki made the least horsepower (42.8 at 6,200 rpm) and torque (44.3 lb-ft at 3,300 rpm) when strapped to Jett Tuning’s dyno. It had the best fuel economy (51.2 mpg), but with the smallest gas tank (4.1 gallons), range was the lowest here at 210 miles.
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2014 Suzuki Boulevard C50T
Base Price: $9,599 ($9,399 for 2015)
Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles
Website: suzukicycles.com
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 45-degree V-twin
Displacement: 805cc
Bore x Stroke: 83.0 x 74.4mm
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Valve Train: SOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 7,500 miles
Fuel Delivery: EFI w/ 34mm throttle bodies x 2
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 3.2-qt. cap.
Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Shaft
Electrical
Ignition: Electronic transistorized
Charging Output: 375 watts max.
Battery: 12V 10AH
Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel double cradle w/ steel swingarm
Wheelbase: 65.2 in.
Rake/Trail: 33 degrees/5.5 in.
Seat Height: 27.6 in.
Suspension, Front: 41mm stanchions, non adj., 5.5-in. travel
Rear: Link-type single shock, adj. for spring preload, 4.1-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Single disc w/ 2-piston pin-slide caliper
Rear: Drum
Wheels, Front: Wire spoke, 3.00 x 16 in.
Rear: Wire spoke, 4.00 x 15 in.
Tires, Front: Tube-type, 130/90-H16
Rear: Tube-type, 170/80-H15
Wet Weight: 644 lbs.
Load Capacity: 436 lbs.
GVWR: 1,080 lbs.
Performance
Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gals., last 1.0 gal. warning light on
MPG: 87 PON min. (low/avg/high) 47.5/51.2/54.6
Estimated Range: 210 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: NA
MORE INFORMATION
This motorcycle review was part of a larger motorcycle comparison article called Touring Twins, which was published in the January 2015 issue of Rider magazine, along with individual reports on all four motorcycles. Follow the links below to read the individual reviews and see full specs on each motorcycle.
2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Mark Tuttle mentioned a book called “an owners manual for riders over 50” written by Reg Kitrelle. Where can I buy this book?
You can order it here:
http://www.motorcyclesand2nd50.com/
Great price. Cheap in some areas, like the brakes. Rear drum, come on! Rear seat, not comfortable for passenger. Looks great, but not very safe because of brakes. Large wide fuel tank is their secret of making you feel you are a bigger bike. Poor foot pegs for passenger. Lack of power. I bought one. Wish I didn’t. Re-sale value at least 50% in one year. Don’t buy a bike with cheap breaks. Bike has hardly changed in several years. Two buttons control the clock, both trips. Turn signals don’t shut off automatically. Do not let anyone talk you into this one. Comparing safety features is paramount. Please take my advice on this one. Remember I have one.. Rick
I have a m 50 I love my bike but have a vibration thats bad ,just replaced the yoke and still have the same problem . Now at 33000 miles in two years the vibration is more some one please help ?