Boulevard S50 feedback, good or bad?

[AllanC]

I'm thinking about getting a Boulevard S50 (think they look great!) but there seems to be a lot of noise about them not starting. Is this just bollocks from a view people or is there a problem with them? Any help appreciated, really like the bike but can't be bothered with starting trouble.

[woodyracer]

my dad had one, they are great bike, his one never gave him any problems. They are very well made and strong.

The only problem with them is they vibrate alot at 100km/h, even thoguh they'll do a good 160km/h.....

Get one, they're great!

[AllanC]

Thanks mate, i'm pretty keen (but have to wait untill I sit my full license in a couple of weeks). Was looking at M50 but don't think they look anywhere near as good plus they're about 40kgs heavier!

[woodyracer]

the M50 is better for touring, but they are whisper quiet {on a cruiser thats bad}, The new M50 looks gud, but they are about 5k more expensive than a S50,

Good luck wth the new bike.

[wainui]

Gidday mate
best to hop on one in shop see how it fits if possible go for ride.If you like chopper style awesome bike and can bling out.
M50 is a fatter bike more modern just a different ride.Love the S50 no problem with starting,very reliable and very easy to throw around.Also quick off the line for a cruiser.Downside small tank,Can be cramped if over 177cm and depending seat can be small...
A pityt they stopped making 1400s or S83

[AllanC]

Thanks Wainui, have sat on them and they fit great but can't really take 'em for a ride until I've got my full license. I'm only 5'8" (173cm) so they seem about the right size. I think Suzuki still make both the S50 and S83 don't they? Just that they're not available new here (i'm sure I've seen them still advertised new in the US)

[AllanC]

BTW, also looked at a couple of S83's which are a great bike but just felt that the jump from my little Bandit to a 1400 was showing way too much confidence in my abilities. Small steps!

[AD345]

saw my first one in the flesh a couple of weeks ago at the Puhoi pub.

First impression?

They are a MASSIVE bike for an 800cc motor.
Personally for a bike that big I'd want the donk to match

They do look purty tho

[YellowDog]

Are you sure you should be buying a bike purely based upon its appearance?

You don't date women because..........................

OK - Just go for it.

[Virago]

BTW, also looked at a couple of S83's which are a great bike but just felt that the jump from my little Bandit to a 1400 was showing way too much confidence in my abilities. Small steps!

You would be surprised. Most cruisers are mild-mannered, and you can jump onto a big cruiser without worry.

The S83 (now discontinued I believe) is more of a "chopper" style show bike. Really easy to ride, with foot controls more "mid-mount", rather than forward. They come standard with short stubby "drag bar" handlebars, which position the mirrors too close together, for perfect view of your own shoulders (and nothing behind). The extreme rake on the forks may look cool, but at slow speed the S83 tends to "flop" into corners, and the weight of the bike becomes very noticable.

[shellfish]

Ive got an S83. Born-again rider, been riding for the last 3 years and really like this bike. Its heavy at slow speed but easily handled (Im 5ft 8 as well).
If you can afford it dont go s50, the s83 is the same size bike but a bigger motor and 2nd hand deals are good.

I have had no problems started this bike at all.

Vibration is an issue at 70-90 kph, but bike runs great at any other speeds.

Its a great looking bike and a good commuter

Shellfish

[AllanC]

Thanks for all the feedback, think I just need to get on one and see how it fits!

[wainui]

S50 and S83 are pretty much the same size and as far as taking small steps.Dont wind it out beyond your skill level and you will be fineL ike you said small steps. S50 hums along at 120kmph you will enjoy.S83 is just yawning at 120 you will be grinning ear to earand be more relaxed.If you go for either may I suggest a windscreen as you will be pulled off your bike if not used to riding position.
Good luck

[retro asian]

My VL800's engine is quite a good size for one-up riding and general commuting, the bike being a bit big an heavy for a skinny little guy like me to push up a hill...but real easy to throw around when moving.
If you are to do a lot of two-up riding with saddlebags loaded up, maybe a 800cc is a bit on the small side...???
Mind you I'm having awesome fun at the moment touring around NZ with the missus on the back.

[woodyracer]

I went from an S50 to a M109R, no problem if you excercise a little restraint, same should be for going from a little bandit to an S83 or S50. Personally I would go for the S83, you will not be hankering for a few more horses after a while as I did. Ultimately if you like cruisers you will end up on a C90 or a M109, VT1800/1300 or a Vulcan 1600(excellent). bigger is definetly better when mixing it with the tin-tops on the open road. -Dad.

[AllanC]

I took an S50 for a ride on the weekend - I'm still grinning!

[woodyracer]

they sound mean when you open them up aye!

[AllanC]

That they do, and you can feel it in your bones :) And I gotta say it handled pretty well too, light and easy to move around, comfortable riding position (but can't say what it's be like on a decent trip). All in all I was pretty impressed, and still grinning!

[woodyracer]

they are better for around tow than a big trip and they arnt too good for a pillion. What dealer did you borrow the bike off?

[AllanC]

Don't think I'll be touring the country and my wife's not overly keen on jumping on the back although I did find a good US Suzuki site that seems to have some pretty good prices on gel seats and other accessories (www.contingency.suzukicycles.com), looks like i could land a genuine Boulevard sissy bar for NZ$350 + shipping. I don't have a full license yet so borrowing from a bike shop is problematic.

[woodyracer]

we had a sissy bar the s50 and it was great, you can strap things to it and its nice for a pillion,

this is my dads old bike http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-248299606.htm

Its a great bike, top conditon

[retro asian]

looks like i could land a genuine Boulevard sissy bar for NZ$350 + shipping.

Aftermarket gear is very cheap from the states. I got my Cobra sissy bar and other gear from meancycles.com (if you're interested).
The freight/duty/GST can be a killer though....keep deliveries under $400NZ worth if you can.

[AllanC]

haa, been looking at that one! If it's still around when I get my full license I'll be taking it for a ride.

[AllanC]

Any idea what the duty is on stuff like sissy bars? Why under $400?

[woodyracer]

go to colemans, they wont care if you've got your full licence, just as long as your serious at buying it,

We know the guy that owned it before us and he looked after it realy well, and so did we, its had a good life.

[AllanC]

I'll do that, it looks like it's been well loved

[AllanC]

Went in and had a look a look at your Dads old bike today - it's pretty tidy!

[retro asian]

Any idea what the duty is on stuff like sissy bars? Why under $400?

Import laws, under $400 worth you don't have to pay GST. And I think you get less duty on orders under $1000 NZ worth....something like that.
If you look at the US price without freight, convert it, then double it, that's very roughly the price you'll pay with frieght/duty/gst included.

I got a sissy bar and highway bars for around $800 all up.

[AllanC]

Thanks for that

[AllanC]

Your dad's bike got sold on the weekend. Damn!

[AllanC]

Thanks to all for the feedback and comment - i finally bought one today, K6 in really clean condition, only 9,000ks and runs really well. I'm one very happy camper:)