Introduction
53-hp fuel injected V-twin engine
At the base
of each model sits the same 805cc, four-stroke,
liquid-cooled, OHC, 45-degree V-Twin engine which is now
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 chasis 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 motorcycles.
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.
The year 2001 found Suzuki adding a
new model to their cruiser lineup, 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 change to soon and in the future
years, this 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
But Suzuki isn’t the only one
powerful and glorious in the metric cruiser class as
Kawasaki has a 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 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.
Star motorcycles are in for a piece
of the pie with the 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.
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
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 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 2010 Boulevard C50 are Black and
Blue.
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 2010 model
year, Black/Red, 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 simple touring accessories, while the
paint schemes are the same as on the standard model, Black
and Blue.
"The C50T
makes a rational cruiser, big and strong enough to deliver
what it advertises without excess. It’s a motorcycle you can
ride long and hard and still explain to your spouse."
"I have to confess this was a model that slipped by me
completely, and a little research was needed to bring me up
to speed here. I am extremely familiar with Suzuki’s
Intruder line, and sold plenty of the 700/750/800 range
while working in the retail end of the motorcycle industry.
Fast, attractive and reliable, used Intruders never sat on
the floor long."
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 already know. The news
here consists in the $7,799 MSRP for the C50, $7,999 MSRP
for the C50 Special Edition and $9,099 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.
Engine and Transmission
- Displacement: 805 cc (49.1 cu.
in)
- Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled,
OHC, 45? V-twin
- Bore Stroke: 83.0 mm (3.268 in)
x 74.4 mm (2.929 in)
- Compression Ratio: 9.4 : 1
- Fuel System: Fuel injection
- Lubrication: Wet sump
- Ignition: Electronic ignition
(Transistorized)
- Transmission: 5-speed constant
mesh
- Final Dive: Shaft Drive
Chassis and Dimensions
- Suspension Front: Telescopic,
coil spring, oil damped
- Suspension Rear: Link type, coil
spring, oil damped
- Brakes Front: Disc brake
- Brakes
Rear: Drum brake
- Tires Front: 130/90-16M/C 67H,
tube type; tubeless on the Special Edition model
- Tires Rear: 170/80-15M/C 77H,
tube type; tubeless on the Special Edition model
- Overall Length: 2500 mm (98.4
in)
- Overall Width: 955 mm (37.6 in)
- Overall Height: 1110 mm (43.7
in)
- Seat Height: 700 mm (27.6 in);
1397 mm (55.0 in) of the Touring model
- Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5
in)
- Wheelbase: 1655 mm (65.2 in)
- Curb Weight: 277 kg (611 lbs);
295 kg (651 lbs) of the Touring model
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.5 L
(4.1/3.4 US/Imp gal)
Key Features
- New dual spark plugs on each
cylinder for better combustion and lower emissions
- An attractive and unique
version of the classic C50 featuring cast aluminum
wheels and a special two-tone paint scheme
- Custom-designed, height
adjustable windshield provides classic styling and full
wind protection - includes unique chrome garnish with
Boulevard emblem (only for the Touring model)
- Attractive studded seats, plus
matching touring-style backrest with unique pivoting
backrest pad for increased passenger comfort (only for
the Touring model)
- Large capacity, textured leather
saddle bags with Boulevard emblems and convenient
twist-lock fasteners (only for the Touring model)
- Stylish white-wall tires -
130/90-16 front and 170/80-15 rear tire mounted on
traditional spoke wheels (only for the Touring model)
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 driveability 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
- Chromed and staggered dual
exhaust designed for a deep rumbling sound and strong
torque delivery
- Pulsed-secondary air-injection
system introduces air into the exhaust ports to ignite
unburned hydrocarbons and reduce emissions
Chassis Features
- Fuel tank-mounted speedometer
with LCD fuel gauge, clock and indicator lights - cables
and wiring are carefully routed for a detailed look
- Cradle-type steel frame with
color-matched side covers, fenders and fuel tank, plus
numerous chrome-plated parts
- Wide, comfortable seat with low
27.6 inch seat height - passenger seat can be removed
for a bobbed rear fender appearance
- Wide handlebars and
forward-mounted floorboards and foot controls for more
comfort around town or on the highway
- Telescopic forks with polished
aluminum sliders and polished stainless steel
stanchion-tube covers
- Long 33? rake angle and 65.2
inch wheelbase provide a smooth, comfortable ride
- Link-type rear suspension
connects to a
truss-style swingarm and a single shock absorber with
7-way spring preload adjustment
- Powerful multi-reflector
headlight housed in an attractive case with stylish
headlight rim - headlight switches off during startup to
reduce load on battery
- Bright, multi-reflector turn
signals designed for high visibility and attractive
appearance
- Standard 4-way emergency flasher
and high-beam passing switch
- Traditional spoke wheels with
chrome-plated rims carry a wide 130/90-16 front tire and
170/80-15 rear tire
- Cast aluminum wheels carry a
wide 130/90-16 front tire and 170/80-15 rear tire (on
the Special Edition model)
- Single front disc brake
with large 300mm rotor and 180mm rear drum brake for
strong braking performance
- Updated design of the front and
rear fenders as well as the comfortable rider seat.
- New lightweight and low
maintenance LED tail light
- New Speedometer Design
Optional accessories (for the simple
and touring model)
- Windshield
- Light Bar
- Saddlebags
- Engine Guards
- Custom Seats
- Billet Aluminum Items
