2005 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Sport Bike reviews

I just purchased a 2007 Boulevard M50 Limited. I have had my eye on the M50 since it was first introduced back in 2005. This would be my first bike and I wanted to make sure that I picked the right one (after all it took me 3 yrs to talk my wife into it). There were 3 bikes I was comparing: a Vulcan 900, A Sportster 883 and of course the M50. I decided not to go with the Sportster because the base model was not just that; base. didn't like the pipes, the fuel tank was so small that it made the bike look way too narrow and my 6'3" frame didn't fit on it. I would have had to get the custom, which was like 2 grand more. The Vulcan 900 is a lot like the M50 in terms of size, weight and power. But the M50 had a few ups on the Vulcan like the low maintenance shaft drive, the inverted forks and a cheaper price tag. I LOVE THIS BIKE! I can't stay off of it! I've put 800 miles on this bike in less than 3 weeks. I have not had any problems what so ever with it. I've been reading all these reviews from people who don't like it; they must not be treating the bike right. I was very careful during that break in period and the bike has been great to me so far. I do agree with a few of those negative comments though; like the seat tends to be uncomfortable on long rides, the rear break is way too soft even after having it adjusted. The pipes are not loud enough, but I'm going to wait until they are fully broken in before I make any modifications to them. Show less

Man, I went from a 1985 Honda Shadow 700 to this and it's a world of difference. The bike sits great and drives even better. Very comfortable to ride on. I love the sporty look of the bike and with a set of cobra pipes, it sounds awesome. I'm trying to talk my dad into a C50 to replace his Triumph. I've never owned a Suzuki before, but now I recommend them to everyone! Show less

After graduating from the MSF, I felt confident enough to purchase a bike with a little more weight and quite a bit more power. I wanted one with a sporty attitude yet I wanted something comfortable to ride on longer trips. I looked for easy maintenance and I didn't want to sacrifice safety. After researching, the only bike for me was the Suzuki Boulevard M50 with cast wheels, tubeless tires, forward controls, shaft drive, water-cooled, inverted fork, and electronic fuel injection. Great financing didn't hurt either. Now that I have owned it for one year and have put 8,000 miles on it I have gathered enough information to tell a little about my choice. Let me first say, I believe it is the best choice I could have made. When I first got it I was a little unsure about the size of it because it was more than double the size if the 250cc in the MSF, in power and weight. Power wasn't as much of an issue because of the break-in period (first 600 miles) I needed to take it easy any way. It seemed to feel a little loose in the corners but looking back I blame that on the new tires and lack of experience. As I became more familiar with it and began to build my skill level, I became more adventurous by riding on three lane highways and attacking curves on back roads. I have never required more power than what it can give and at the time of writing this review, I can say there is still power to spare with the skill level that I am at. My wife and I have a combined weight of 360lbs. plus saddlebags loaded the bike gives me confidence for highway riding (70mph) and still have plenty of power for passing. On the plus side, it gets better than expected gas mileage. I get an average of 54mpg. The highest mileage I get on a regular basis is 58mpg! I have ridden with friends and a few have filled their tanks twice by the time I made my first stop. As I mentioned before the power is great, for what it is. I have test rode the Yamaha Roadliner (1800cc) and I didn't feel mine was lacking anything on the top end although the low-end torque and how smooth the ride of the big Yamaha was did surprise me. Also my bike looks great! Mine is the pearl red and very often I get compliments on how it looks. It has a fat rear tire 170/80-15, the handling is good for a cruiser, and it is light enough to attack the corners unlike the before mentioned Yamaha. I find it fun to try to make the pegs drag, testing the bike and my skills at the same time. As far as speed goes let's just say it goes fast enough that my motto is, just because I could doesn't mean I should. There have been some things I wish were different about the bike. First of all there is very little after market support for it, partly because it is a new model and partly because it is a Suzuki. It is way easier to find parts for the other three Japanese manufactures. Secondly, my wife has complained about the passenger seat and rightfully so. Right now the only after market seat is by Corbin and it cost $700! Saddleman has plans for making a seat for it but it is not out yet. It will cost $350 and has saddle gel for rider and passenger. I was disappointed to hear Mustang will not make a seat for it. Another item is the brakes, they are sufficient but the M in M50 stands for Muscle - that being said I would like to see triple disks instead it has a single disk up front and a drum brake in back. I think it's a great bike and triple disks would make it even better! I keep my eye on new cruisers coming out and every once in a while I wonder if I should have bought something setup a little more for longer trips such as the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 but then I go back to mine because it is fun being sporty too and I would not give that up, especially since my wife will only let me have one bike. Show less

I've been riden this bike for almost 4000 miles now and I love it! At first I was concerned with the brakes being drum in the rear but I haven't had a single problem with stopping. I've gone on road trips for as long as 3 hours between breaks and the seat feels good. I have noticed that after the first service the bike acted more aggressive and now that I'm nearing 4k it's changing again to a deeper more responsive sound. As for speed, I've smoked a few 1800's from dead stop and freeway speeds! This bike was built to ride. Show less

This is my second motorcycle, first right out of the factory. My first bike was a '92 Suzuki GS500. I'm much like the gentleman in the military; it took me 4 months to finally make a decision on a new bike. I was set on a sport bike, but I couldn't keep thinking about this bike. The decision was made in early September and off I went. The bike is really easy to ride. I'm a novice rider (2,500 miles under my belt) and this bike handled well, smooth shifting, and I felt comfortable in the saddle. Hundred mile rides, no sweat. I'm ready for the 300-400 mile trips! Great bike, looking forward to next year. Show less

Over all this bike is great. I bought the M50 in September 05 and in one month put on 900 miles. I love to ride and love riding this one. I have had three bikes before; two were 600cc crotch rockets and let me tell you those bikes were no match for this up to about 70mph. This bike has great low end power but topped out around 115mph which is alright. Fuel pump is a little loud, and could really use duel front disc brakes one is really not enough. I really like the fuel injection, shaft drive, and the over all look of the bike Metallic blue. Looks sporty which I like and maintains a lot of the cruiser comfort. Could come standard with the gel seat. I could in a heart beat recommend this bike. Also feels like a lot more power than 805cc engine. Funny thing I know this bike is a 805cc engine but my insurance comes back as being a 820cc. love this bike. One more thing - the exhaust is not super loud but has really nice sound for stock. Show less

I've had my bike now for 3 weeks and I'm still convinced I bought the perfect bike for me. The power has gotten better after the motor has broken in and I also drilled the pipes. The seat has gotten more comfortable as well with use. Would like to and plan on adding some accessories but have to talk my wife into it. She also says the more she rides the better the pillion seat gets. Keep the shiny side up! Show less

This is my first new bike and first cruiser I just got it a month ago. I was looking for a commuter with some style. This bike is it. I commute 15 miles or so each way to work and was looking for something to improve my gas expenses. I have yet to take it on a trip but just in town I've been getting 47 to 55.7 mpg. This bike is smooth for a twin and has plenty of power... you don't need to drop a gear to pass. It felt a little heavy at first but after to first 500 or so miles it is fine. The brakes work fine... it doesn't really need a back brake the compression braking hauls it down quick. Show less

This is my third motorcycle, and I think it might be my last. Everything about it is phenomenal. Suzuki really nailed with the M50. The bike looks big, but doesn't feel it. The handling is excellent, light and quick. This machine has more power than you need to ride 2 up at highway speed. Just as much power than any 1100 out there, and it has great fuel mileage. I can get 300km (200mi) on a tank of gas. It is one of the coolest looking bikes out there. I have had people ask me if it was a Harley. Another thought it was a Victory. Dollar for dollar, you just can't get a better deal on a bike than the M50. Way to go Suzuki! Show less

Just bought the M50 a week ago and love it. It's a smaller bike for me as my last one was a Honda V65 Magna 1100. The M50 has the slickest look of any cruiser out there! I'd never go near a HD after owning one of these. It handles well, not too loud and so far I get 55 mpg. My SUV stays in the driveway! I ride as much as I can between the raindrops. Show less