Suzuki Boulevard M50

**Old Steve** · 6th January 2012, 21:13

Happened to be in Hawkes Bay mid-week. From my constant scouring of TradeMe I was aware there was a 2010 Suzuki Boulevard M50 in Candy Orange Max for sale at Hastings Honda. So I bowled up and took it for a ride.

Loved the colour, if cage drivers are going to see any bike they'll be seeing this one. I've also got used to the nose fairing over the headlight now, and I think Suzuki have got the M50 absolutely right with the latest model's rear mudguard and tail-lights and two piece riders seat and pillion seat. Noticed that the side stand was nice and long, the bike wasn't leaned over too much but the side stand made it very stable when parked.

I felt immediately at home once out on the road. The seat is low and I found it's easy to handle the bike even though its 100 kg heavier than my Hyosung GV250. I also noticed the solid feel of the gear change, and how easy it was to find neutral with the engine running. Out of the built up area, WOW, what a difference to what I've been used to! Passing cars travelling at 100 km/hr was so easy, just think about it and you were past. The handle bars aren't too wide, the tall bar supports bring the bars back for a comfortable riding position. The seat on the new model is wider and very comfortable, I did quite a long ride (see below) and had no bum numbness or muscle tightness in my legs at all.

I thought that bike had everything I wanted. Alloy wheels, foot pegs, shaft drive, low seat, cruiser style, vee-twin, presence!

So I bought it, and rode it home to Tauranga.

Something funny happened half way up the Napier-Taupo Road. I came around a left hander, came close to the edge of the road with a nice little lean on, and there was a wild pig rooting around in the weeds just on the side of the road. I could've put my left hand out and smacked it's rump as I went past. It didn't even flinch, best of all it didn't run out onto the road.

My wife immediately gave the new bike a name. I was going to call her "GLORIA too", but her numberplate ends in three letters which make the sound "eek". So my wife says her full name is "Angelique", ANGIE for short (in keeping with naming my bikes after the women in rock'n'roll songs). I'm just thankful she didn't name her after Peta Mathias, the red headed cook.

Anyone want a 250 learner cruiser? GLORIA will be up for sale soon.

Below, Angie and her new owner.

**Edbear** · 6th January 2012, 21:37

Originally Posted by Old Steve

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Happened to be in Hawkes Bay mid-week. From my constant scouring of TradeMe I was aware there was a 2010 Suzuki Boulevard M50 in Candy Orange Max for sale at Hastings Honda. So I bowled up and took it for a ride.

Loved the colour, if cage drivers are going to see any bike they'll be seeing this one. I've also got used to the nose fairing over the headlight now, and I think Suzuki have got the M50 absolutely right with the latest model's rear mudguard and tail-lights and two piece riders seat and pillion seat. Noticed that the side stand was nice and long, the bike wasn't leaned over too much but the side stand made it very stable when parked.

I felt immediately at home once out on the road. The seat is low and I found it's easy to handle the bike even though its 100 kg heavier than my Hyosung GV250. I also noticed the solid feel of the gear change, and how easy it was to find neutral with the engine running. Out of the built up area, WOW, what a difference to what I've been used to! Passing cars travelling at 100 km/hr was so easy, just think about it and you were past. The handle bars aren't too wide, the tall bar supports bring the bars back for a comfortable riding position. The seat on the new model is wider and very comfortable, I did quite a long ride (see below) and had no bum numbness or muscle tightness in my legs at all.

I thought that bike had everything I wanted. Alloy wheels, foot pegs, shaft drive, low seat, cruiser style, vee-twin, presence!

So I bought it, and rode it home to Tauranga.

Something funny happened half way up the Napier-Taupo Road. I came around a left hander, came close to the edge of the road with a nice little lean on, and there was a wild pig rooting around in the weeds just on the side of the road. I could've put my left hand out and smacked it's rump as I went past. It didn't even flinch, best of all it didn't run out onto the road.

My wife immediately gave the new bike a name. I was going to call her "GLORIA too", but her numberplate ends in three letters which make the sound "eek". So my wife says her full name is "Angelique", ANGIE for short (in keeping with naming my bikes after the women in rock'n'roll songs). I'm just thankful she didn't name her after Peta Mathias, the red headed cook.

Anyone want a 250 learner cruiser? GLORIA will be up for sale soon.

A fine choice you have made there my dear chap! From an unbiased motorcyclist's view,

the C50/M50 range is absolutely the best in the land!

**The Lone Rider** · 7th January 2012, 11:20

Originally Posted by Old Steve

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Anyone want a 250 learner cruiser? GLORIA will be up for sale soon.

Possibly. Will be looking for another project bike "soon".

Soon as I finish the one I already got.

**Festo** · 7th January 2012, 11:23

Welcome to the world of Boulevard owners and riders. Excellent choice of ride and having previously owned an 06 model M50 I know that grin on your face will be there for an eternity! These are an excellent and capable machine which handles open road and around town riding with absolute ease. Still enjoying my current C50 and now have run up well over 31000 ks now and ran up 15000ks on the M50 when I had it. When it comes to the time for replacement I will trade in for the same model. These are so well designed and comfortable rides even when fully loaded. Check out cruisercustomizing website for any extras as they are so well priced and qiuck delivery from the States. Enjoy your ride. Paul.

**skinman** · 7th January 2012, 20:42

good choice
Cruiser customizing are good.
I believe there is also a guy who builds custom exhausts (someone will know who) that may be worth checking out for different mufflers that may be cheaper than putting on a whole new system. You may think it sounds ok now but im betting that soonish you will want more rumble.
I put V&H straights on and its F....N loud. Maybe a bit too loud. IMO the factory mufflers are ugly & straight looks better.

Anyhow,

Enjoy the ride

**The Lone Rider** · 7th January 2012, 22:13

If you're on the taller side, you might look into forward controls

There is a review of Johns forward controls in the Jan 2012 issue of Thirteen, done by Munster.

He's put on a few other parts to.

**Pogo2** · 8th January 2012, 10:53

Good choice as others have said.

Can anyone sort out this f^&*king weather. How are we supposed to ride when its pissing down everyday.

Its the only time I've been pleased to be a work.

Roll on summer!

**FJRider** · 8th January 2012, 12:32

Originally Posted by Pogo2

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Good choice as others have said.

Can anyone sort out this f^&*king weather. How are we supposed to ride when its pissing down everyday.

Its the only time I've been pleased to be a work.

Roll on summer!

Shit weather here too ... only 26 C here today ... with a bit of blue sky. A bit of wind (3-4 knots)

A few minutes of rain last night ... dam ... have to put the sprinklers on again ...

**Smifffy** · 8th January 2012, 12:49

Pics dammit!!

Nice one, congrats!

**Pogo2** · 8th January 2012, 21:01

Originally Posted by FJRider

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Shit weather here too ... only 26 C here today ... with a bit of blue sky. A bit of wind (3-4 knots)

A few minutes of rain last night ... dam ... have to put the sprinklers on again ...

Shit stirrer there Mr FJRider!!

**skinman** · 8th January 2012, 21:37

Hey
Old Steve
post some pics so we can drool

cheers

**Rhubarb** · 8th January 2012, 22:13

Originally Posted by Old Steve

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Something funny happened .................... there was a wild pig rooting around in the weeds just on the side of the road.

Is there a Harley joke in there somewhere?

Excellent choice of bike Old Steve.

If it's the one I saw on Trade Me, the colour is superb.

**Old Steve** · 11th January 2012, 13:38

Originally Posted by Rhubarb

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Is there a Harley joke in there somewhere?

Didn't have time to determine if it was a HOG, a sow or a boar. My wife was following me home in the car, and when we stopped for a break at Taupo she asked if I'd seen the pig. I told her, "See the pig, I was almost romantically involved with the damn thing!"

PICTURE INCLUDED ON ORIGINAL POST