2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 from Canada

Summary:

Good value, good ride, good features, and looks very cool

Faults:

Storage compartment cover came off while riding, had to replace for $50.

General Comments:

Really great bike overall, very good looking and scores in key areas.

Very sweet engine and trans; overhead cam, 4 valve per cylinder twin, fuel injected, liquid cooled, with lots of good usable midrange. A bit more displacement would be nice though. (800)

Inverted forks look awesome, and no visible rear shocks, very clean look, shaft drive. Kinda looks like a cruiser that wants to be a sport bike.

No tach or fuel guage, or hydro clutch, good sacrifices, they had to cut corners somewhere to keep the cost surprisingly low.

The bike is not comfortable going much over 90 km/hr, could use a higher top gear and better suspension; had a Yamaha Seca 900 and it felt comfortable up to about 140 km/hr. Makes a superb backroad cruiser, but this bike is not for major highways.

Has kind of an odd feeling rider position, makes one want to slouch, kind of difficult to sit up straight.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th September, 2008

2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 from United States of America

Summary:

Love the bike and would recommend it - just not from my dealer

Faults:

At first service, dealer found electrical harness problem. It was replaced. Dealer blamed it on Suzuki for installing the tank on the harness and pinching a wire.

Speedometer started jumping at about 400 miles. Speedo replaced at first service.

Chrome on tank cover started to peel away at 4800 miles. Dealer replaced with a new one.

Lost both bolts that hold turn signal/license plate assembly to rear fender around 1000 miles. Dealer replaced both and then lost one of them again. I blame dealer for installing improperly. Waiting two weeks now for new bolts from dealer.

General Comments:

With the problems I've had, I love the bike. Haven't ridden a bike in 20 years and this is a great bike to get started again. Carries me at 265 lbs and a passenger with no problem.

Didn't realize the valves were noisy when I bought the bike, but after first service (400 miles and a valve adjustment), noise becomes noticeable. Four dealers tell me its normal for the fuel injector M50. Haven't gotten used to the noise but love the FI over carbs any day!!

Passenger says the rear seat is not very comfortable after a long ride. No problem for the driver.

Weight is reduced by all the plastic and chrome plated items. Looks great but a closer look - feels cheap. I guess the bike would cost more if they used real metal and chrome to make the bike. Handles well, FI gives nice throttle reaction, 70 mph seems to be sweet spot on the higway, easy do-it-yourself oil changes, love the liquid cooled option over air cooled.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th May, 2008

3rd Sep 2008, 15:06

I have also lost the two side bolts for tail light assembly. No dealers around me. Do you know the size so I can go to the hardware store and pick some up?

23rd Oct 2008, 20:18

I love my 06 M50 Boulevard. I bought it used with 59 miles from a dealer. I also lost one of the bolts to the license plate assy, asked the dealer to replace it and adjust the headlight when I took it in for service. Neither happened and I did not notice till I got home, 125 miles later (West Texas). I will be the only one working on my scoot from now on.

My last new bike was a '78 GS750E. I loved that bike, too. This is the first time I've ridden a V-twin and I'm impressed. This is a commuter bike (600 mi. week) and I'm glad I stuck with Suzuki and didn't fall into the overpriced, unreliable craze.

Love the shaft, FI, roll-on, compression, seating, cornering mags, and all the compliments that come from everyone but Harley riders.

I only wish it had an overdrive gear, as I keep reaching for another gear at 70 (time for a tach). 105 on the flats in the Davis Mtns. and it's steady.

14th Jan 2009, 14:15

I find that the M-50 is a very reliable bike, and it rides very well. Wish it had another gear though, always looking for that last gear that isn't there. 11,000 miles and still going strong. Tops out at 112, not bad for a small cruiser.

Overall rating 9/10.