Boulevards

[gixxer-king]

Hey Guys,

Well looking at selling the busa and going on up to the world of boulevards.
Anyone own one/owned one (not smashed it either thanks carver) and have any comments.

Basically enjoying longer and longer cruises now and wanting to know what people think of them? mainly the comfort but of course comments on speed, maintanence handling etc all good.

Cheers in advance

[carver]

Hey Guys,

Well looking at selling the busa and going on up to the world of boulevards.
Anyone own one/owned one (not smashed it either thanks carver) and have any comments.

Basically enjoying longer and longer cruises now and wanting to know what people think of them? mainly the comfort but of course comments on speed, maintanence handling etc all good.

Cheers in advance

yes, the S40 is shit, do not get one!

[gixxer-king]

god damn your fast!

Although you obviously put great thought into that post I was kind of after WHY said bike is shit? can't do wheelstands, stoppies or O's on it sure but anything else less then great about it?

[Headbanger]

My GOD, It looks like a GN250, KILL IT,KILL IT,KILL IT.

Though I'm sure it has a very nice personality (for which it should also be killed)

[Virago]

...but anything else less then great about it?

Yes - it's cheaper than a 250 cruiser.

[AD345]

Why are you thinking of a Boulevard?

Thats not a dig - just curious is all.

[gixxer-king]

Why are you thinking of a Boulevard?

Thats not a dig - just curious is all.

Coz the new ones look nice and comfy. and being thats my number 1 at the mo, it kinda works for me

[outlawtorn]

They are good bikes, reliable and economical, the C range of cruisers are comfy as.

Cheers

[Big Dave]

I rate the 109 series bikes highly.

C109R is my favourite.
Your large, muther f of a basic motorcycle.

[Virago]

For comfort and touring, the C90T would be hard to beat.

[MidnightMike]

Oh come on you know you want one of these.

<img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/07/20/automobiles/600-suzy.jpg">

Fuck its cool.

Gixxer Brakes and everything. :rockon:

[rainman]

WHY said bike is shit?

The S40? Too small. Get a bigger one and you'll be fine.

[Tank]

I enjoyed the M50 - very much. If I was going back to a cruiser - I would probably buy the same again.

Kiwirider has a write-up this month.

And I think it looks very cool for a mid weight cruiser.

[Trollkid]

Good bikes for cruising. We had a M50. Very reliable and the only two complaints. One. The handrips have a large diameter which gave me cramps. Two the foot pegs are way to low and scrape all the time. My mates M109R has higher pegs but they still touch on most corners. That aside, great power and comfort and good value for money. Ride a couple:yes:.

[jafar]

Depending on what you want the C90T is a good touring bike, M109r is a straight line rocket. M50 would be a major step down from what your on now.

Yamaha/Star have a good range of cruisers that are well worth a look. Kawasaki & Honda have a range of good cruisers too.

Victory are now for sale in NZ & are reasonably priced too.

Harley-Davidson are a well know manufacturer of cruisers & may have something you like as well.

Don't limit yourself to just one brand, shop around :rockon:

[Gizzit]

I'm looking at cruisers too at the moment. The Boulevard C50 is at the top of my list, as I want a midrange cruiser. Have heard good things about the M50 as well, but I think I prefer the classic style of the C range.
The other one that still has my interest is the Kawi VN900. They look kind of nice, and have fuel injection as well, but have a belt drive instead of the shaft of the Boulevards. I'm not up on the pro's and con's of either drive, but I'm sure they both have to be better than chain!

There are heaps of good cruisers around to choose from. I even like the look of the old S83. They are more of a chopper style, and I've heard that the clutch is real tricky! Probably because the bike is light weight and has a 1400cc donk !! Might be hard to not lay a smokie every time you move off ..... ??!! :whistle:
Good luck with your choice!

[carver]

god damn your fast!

Although you obviously put great thought into that post I was kind of after WHY said bike is shit? can't do wheelstands, stoppies or O's on it sure but anything else less then great about it?

easy.
the 3 stud pattern is used to hold the head on, which means incurable oil leaks.
the brakes are rubbish, it should top out about 130kph, top ends wear fast, when you strip em down you see all the shortcuts the designers have made....:2guns:

[johnnyflash]

Hey Guys,

Well looking at selling the busa and going on up to the world of boulevards.
Anyone own one/owned one (not smashed it either thanks carver) and have any comments.

Basically enjoying longer and longer cruises now and wanting to know what people think of them? mainly the comfort but of course comments on speed, maintanence handling etc all good.

Cheers in advance

Just depends what you are after 'most' in a cruiser, if its speed then the M109RN, If its comfort then any of the range C50T C90T C109RT or naked version of same, only one way to decide and thats take em all out for a morning each, depending on your size, strength etc each has its strong points, remember the weight goes up substantially from a sporty.. 250kg-365kg
Needless to say I love em, ive had 2 C90T's now and its the only bike Ive owned that I can ride akl - wgtn and arrive as fresh as a daisy ;-) good power two up witrh all the luggage, handles sweet for a cruiser, rock solid at speed, but yes you will have to change the way you ride, cornering is different but just as much fun :-) good luck

[The Lone Rider]

In comments before about the 109R.. particualy the new C109r..

They are nice bikes and great seats but they are quite a lot to be throwing around for many hours. Just my opinion. I think the 90ci bullys are a good compromise between the 50 and 109

[gixxer-king]

awesome, good going guys. looks like the c90 is coming my way. Did look at a vulcan but my god did i hear some horror storiesd about those things, and second hand even they are furking expenny.

Yea not too sure now as to pegs or plates. is it a factory option? (sorry I will admit i've been a 100% sports rider till now)

[Badjelly]

40, 50, 90, 109? Bloody hell!

For those like me who wonder WTF you're all on about, here's a conversion table:

40 ci = 655 cc
50 ci = 820 cc
90 ci = 1475 cc
109 ci = 1790 cc

[AD345]

I don't know what time frame you are looking at to make your purchase, but, if you are looking at a few weeks, a few of us on Victorys will be at the BeachHop in Tauranga next month

[gixxer-king]

might have to go have a play on one. they look good in an orange but then again colour is last thing on my mind. Looking forward to the long cruises ahead. aaaaah

[outlawtorn]

I'm a fan of all cruisers, but look long and hard at the Kawasaki before considering it, especially the finishes when compared to a Suzuki.

[wainui]

Hey Guys,

Well looking at selling the busa and going on up to the world of boulevards.
Anyone own one/owned one (not smashed it either thanks carver) and have any comments.

Basically enjoying longer and longer cruises now and wanting to know what people think of them? mainly the comfort but of course comments on speed, maintanence handling etc all good.

Cheers in advance

Check out intruder alert cafe there you will find all you need to know about boulevards I got VS 750 Suzuki Intruder quick and nimble for a cruiser always starts first time very reliable :niceone:

[Griffin]

Heya Gixxer

Just my two cents worth - I ride a Boulevard C50T, its a beaut bike to ride, comfy on long trips and enough power to squirt when I need it... mind you, Ive never ridden a sportsbike so I imagine that you'd be used to something that has a little more power than my Bully.

When I was choosing I narrowed it down to the C50T and the C90T, I liked the idea of the bigger engine but what sealed me on the C50T was that it's water cooled (apparently the C90 isn't) and that it comes standard with the driving lights which to me just finish the bike perfectly. I have been told that its an impressive sight to be driving towards as with the headlight, driving lights AND running lights in the indicators... theres plenty of visual reference for other road users.

On the C90T, driving lights dont come standard... but can be added for several hundred dollars.

[Edbear]

Heya Gixxer

Just my two cents worth - I ride a Boulevard C50T, its a beaut bike to ride, comfy on long trips and enough power to squirt when I need it... mind you, Ive never ridden a sportsbike so I imagine that you'd be used to something that has a little more power than my Bully.

When I was choosing I narrowed it down to the C50T and the C90T, I liked the idea of the bigger engine but what sealed me on the C50T was that it's water cooled (apparently the C90 isn't) and that it comes standard with the driving lights which to me just finish the bike perfectly. I have been told that its an impressive sight to be driving towards as with the headlight, driving lights AND running lights in the indicators... theres plenty of visual reference for other road users.

On the C90T, driving lights dont come standard... but can be added for several hundred dollars.

I tend to agree with you... (Funny, I know... can't see why...).

I chose the C50T for the same reason, it was liquid-cooled and I've seen some very blued C90 header pipes from heat. Never heard of a C90 breaking down though, they are proven utterly reliable.

I also found the 70kg weight difference a factor as was the $5k price difference at the time.

Performance? I've had a GSX1400 rider doubt its capacity asking if it wasn't really a thou and then when assured it was "only 805cc" he asked if I'd modified it! Mine absolutely loves 98 octane and Gull's 98 blend in particular. The latest models of the 50 and 90 can run on a variety of fuels and a range of octanes.

The stock pipes become deeper and louder over a few thousand K's so unless you're a loud-pipes fan, wait until it's well run-in before looking at changing them. Mine's perfect for me as is after 14,000km and it's running so sweet and strong I just love getting on it!

Tyres are barely worn at this mileage and all I've had "go wrong" are that both spotlight bulbs blew within a couple of weeks of each other recently. But for 2years and 14,000km that's nitpicking.

Pillion seat isn't as good as the C90 but not bad and it's a physically big bike so plenty of room for longer legs and moving around on. I could ride it all day!

Accessories are good quality, with genuine Kentucky Drive bags which are bigger than the C90's or the C109's, a Givi backrest and Cycle Works adjustable screen. Only addition I've made are the excellent VA lower deflectors, stops the buffetting and worth every cent!

Bought mine from Matthew at Bikesport in Helensville. A good bloke, excellent service and got a good deal on it.

Mine's on TM at present, as we bought an MX5 recently and we agreed to downgrade the bike to a cheaper bike for getting to work. Naturally, if it doesn't sell, I'm stuck with it :msn-wink: and as the Missus isn't getting too insistent on it going, (secretly, I know she likes it too...), I'm in no hurry to sell it. I really love it and want to hang on to it so as long as I'm working and we're doing okay money-wise...

[Cookie Monster]

What a great choice of bike....:rockon:.. I got the c50 last year and I tell you it is a pleasure to ride....But shhhhhhhhhhh dont let everyone know how good they are as they will all want one...:laugh:

[Griffin]

Only addition I've made are the excellent VA lower deflectors, stops the buffetting and worth every cent!

Tell me vot are zees contraptions unt how zay verk?

[rebyl]

Just like women...try before you buy!!!.We are so spoilt here with choice and what is good for me may not be for you, often dends on your height, leg length, etc etc. The Bouls are good so if that is your pref just go ask for some test rides and find the one that suits...to many people buy what others suggest then find the bike does not fit them, for whatever reason....good luck...and remember its not the brand that is important...In the wind is in the wind

[The Lone Rider]

Tell me vot are zees contraptions unt how zay verk?

Maybe like those air scopes (chin spoilers)? The bits that attach to the front bottom of the frame and deflects the air around the bike and up to the engine for cooling.

[Edbear]

Tell me vot are zees contraptions unt how zay verk?

I'll see if I can post a pic that shows them. They are chrome flats that fit below the screen and deflect the wind past the rider's legs. Without them, the air-flow curls up under the screen and can cause helmet buffetting. You test for this by holding your arm across your chest while riding, flat of the hand down and you can feel the wind coming up.

Pics aren't very close but you can see the lowers.

Ordered them from Value Accessories in the US. They were on my doorstep in 4 days! Great people to deal with and all up including insurance and shipping they were $200NZ.

[Gizzit]

I'll see if I can post a pic that shows them. They are chrome flats that fit below the screen and deflect the wind past the rider's legs. Without them, the air-flow curls up under the screen and can cause helmet buffetting. You test for this by holding your arm across your chest while riding, flat of the hand down and you can feel the wind coming up.

Pics aren't very close but you can see the lowers.

Ordered them from Value Accessories in the US. They were on my doorstep in 4 days! Great people to deal with and all up including insurance and shipping they were $200NZ.

They look good! Who would think that a little bit of screen down at that level on the forks, would affect your helmet buffeting !!?? Great info !! I've just got to get a bike to put them on now !!! lol :laugh:

[Jerry74]

Plus the Suzuki range dont blow your wallet and budget out of the water too much...

[Griffin]

Pics aren't very close but you can see the lowers.

They look good... and sound like a great idea. I will look into some - thanks :)

[Big Dave]

Or you just remove the windscreen and improve the comfort and appearance.

I find they are much nicer to ride without the plastic.

[Gizzit]

So at legal speed on the open road, you feel ok on a cruiser without a screen over a reasonable distance ?
I felt ok around 100 - 110 on my Hornet, without the little screen, but with the small screen .... overtaking at up to 130 - 140 wasn't to hard to manage .... but that's a slightly different sitting position ....

I've not ridden any cruisers yet .... but as soon as my ribs repair .... I will be, as probably a C50 or C50C will be my next bike.

[Big Dave]

All the screens do for me is make an awful noise and add buffeting - which makes the ride more tiring than being out in the uninterrupted flow.

They obviously work for a lot of folks - all good - If there is one fitted to a test bike I ask for it to be removed if possible.

[Gizzit]

All the screens do for me is make an awful noise and add buffeting - which makes the ride more tiring than being out in the uninterrupted flow.

They obviously work for a lot of folks - all good - If there is one fitted to a test bike I ask for it to be removed if possible.

So it's just that you haven't experienced what others have enjoyed ? I.E. that some 'lucky' people have had a buffeting free zone behind the screen, and arrive at their destination fresh because of lack of wind pressure at and above 100KMH.

From what I've gleaned so far from the various reports it seems to me that it's crucial that the screen "fits" you perfectly .... or it's far worse than not having a screen. They are either great or total crap, because of the personal fit !!

I had a small screen on my DR650SE .... it took ages to get it right so that it took some pressure off my upper body, but didn't chuck my helmet around.
Man it was frustrating trying to get to that point right! I almost biffed the screen a few times! I don't think I ever got it perfect ... but it was 'ok'

[Horse]

All the screens do for me is make an awful noise and add buffeting - which makes the ride more tiring than being out in the uninterrupted flow.

Must be the wrong screen then. :) Mine doesn't do any of that.

[Big Dave]

Must be the wrong screen then. :) Mine doesn't do any of that.


Personally I would only consider a screen if it is variable height - fjr, victory etc. or small enough not to make any difference - Buell, sprotsbike.

Otherwise none work for me - and I've tried more than most - it's a tall thing.

[Big Dave]

FWIW I arrive a lot fresher after touring on my tall and relaxed, almost naked Buell than I do on a large windscreened touring bike or cruiser.

[Gizzit]

And of course ..... that is pleasing for us all to hear Dave !! lol :2thumbsup :laugh:
Joking with you mate. None of us actually care !! lol. :hug: lol.

Back to Boulevards though ..... what's your view on the C50 versus the C50C ?
Any experience with test riding either ?
I was looking at them in a couple of Suzi outlets in AK on Tuesday, and the only difference I could note were that the C50C were grey, had metal domes around the edge of the seats, and had alloy rims (tubeless tyres).
From what I understand, the C50C was the cheaper version.
Any take on either of those bikes ?

[Big Dave]

Joking with you mate. None of us actually care !! lol. :hug: lol.


Yeah all good - I started a more detailed response and realised neither did I. :-)

[Gizzit]

Yeah all good - I started a more detailed response and realised neither did I. :-)

Fuck ..... you spit the dummy easily don't you !!!?? What I said was obviously meant as humour .... hence the use of "lol" etc.

[Big Dave]

Fuck ..... you spit the dummy easily don't you !!!?? What I said was obviously meant as humour .... hence the use of "lol" etc.

Steady on! - I got it - was agreeing with you. Good humour and all.

[Gizzit]

Steady on! - I got it - was agreeing with you. Good humour and all.

Fair enough. I must have got off the couch the wrong way !! lol.

[Big Dave]

Mis-communication is easy in type.

All good.

[Gizzit]

Miss-communication is easy in type.

All good.

Yes ,.... I went out with her once .... :eek5:

[Big Dave]

I knew a Miss Quoted once - but she was always saying the wrong things.

[Gizzit]

I knew a Miss Quoted once - but she was always saying the wrong things.

Yes .... but was it just that what she said was reported wrongly ???
Like I said to this woman once ... that I could see right through her ....
and I didn't mean like this .....
http://www.incident.net/works/miseanu/nues.html
(move your mouse over them) .. but she took it the wrong way, obviously .... :Police: :spanking: :jerry:

[Gizzit]

But ..... back to Boulevards ..

Has anyone got/had a C50C ? I'm just trying to work out where the real differences are between the C50 and a C50C ...... apart from the price ?

Anyone got any viewpoints on which is better .... if at all ?

[Griffin]

Fom what I understand they are basically the same bike (same engine, same frame, same dimensions etc) the difference is that the C50 has spoked wheels and tubes, The C50C has alloy wheels and is therefore tubeless and also has studs on the seats.

There may be differences in what colour schemes you can get between the two... I think the C50 is available in black or white where the C50C is available in silver and the limited edition has a tribal design on the tank and maybe the guards.

Either bike will ride and handle the same... it just depends whether you prefer alloys or spokes, silver or black, studs or studless...

Personally the C50T is the pick of the range... same bike again but comes with all the touring gear and looks blardy awesome

[mrchips]

How about something with a bit more muscle........ street legal & completely drivable.

2 wheel Dodge Viper V10 power that is :headbang:

118373

That is the shit right there !!!!

[Gizzit]

Fom what I understand they are basically the same bike (same engine, same frame, same dimensions etc) the difference is that the C50 has spoked wheels and tubes, The C50C has alloy wheels and is therefore tubeless and also has studs on the seats.
....... snip .......
Either bike will ride and handle the same... it just depends whether you prefer alloys or spokes, silver or black, studs or studless...

Personally the C50T is the pick of the range... same bike again but comes with all the touring gear and looks blardy awesome


Yes thats what I thought. Just a few cosmetics. I agree mate the C50T is a good looking unit .... but just out of my budget at the mo. I'll get a basic bike, and add stuff to it in the future. At this stage I'm looking at the C50 .... but we'll have to wait and see what comes up deal wise!
Cheers. :niceone:

[Horse]

FWIW I arrive a lot fresher after touring on my tall and relaxed, almost naked Buell than I do on a large windscreened touring bike or cruiser.

Well, if I arrived somewhere any fresher than I do on my large windscreened touring cruiser, I'd be the bastard offspring of Will Smith and an extra-large packet of Smints.

I guess it's the curse of test-riding a lot of other people's bikes, whereas if the cruiser was your own, you'd be able to get the screen that fitted your height. I know mine is just perfect - at 100km/h, the airflow just hits the top of my helmet, and yet the top of the screen is about 2" below my sightline. When I've got some spare cash (hah!) I'll order a Clearview recurve and put the top edge down another inch for about the same airflow effect.

[nallac]

How about something with a bit more muscle........ street legal & completely drivable.

2 wheel Dodge Viper V10 power that is

That is the shit right there !!!!


what NOS, but no turbos?,

[Big Dave]

Yeah - well I'm so fresh I fart listerine. :-P

[jafar]

So at legal speed on the open road, you feel ok on a cruiser without a screen over a reasonable distance ?
I felt ok around 100 - 110 on my Hornet, without the little screen, but with the small screen .... overtaking at up to 130 - 140 wasn't to hard to manage .... but that's a slightly different sitting position ....

I've not ridden any cruisers yet .... but as soon as my ribs repair .... I will be, as probably a C50 or C50C will be my next bike.


All the screens do for me is make an awful noise and add buffeting - which makes the ride more tiring than being out in the uninterrupted flow.

They obviously work for a lot of folks - all good - If there is one fitted to a test bike I ask for it to be removed if possible.

I kinda agree with dave, the screens on cruisers are fiddly & often a pain in the arse. I had a VTX 1800 & did over 18,000 k on it with no screen & wouldn't even consider one on the next cruiser.

[Angusdog]

I have an M50 which I love. There's plenty of aftermarket parts for both the C50 and M50. They share handlebar diameter with harleys so I have some flatter 'drag' bars but they needed a spacer to clear the tank on full lock. A guy on the M50 Hideaway forum made a batch which were about NZ$50 and worked a treat.

I also de-PAIRed my bike - there's a emissions test cheating valve which is a bit ugly (It's the plastic chrome thing on the left side) and the kit (a set of blanking plates for about NZ$40) allows you to remove it and making the motor much nicer.

V&H and others make lots of pipes; I have the Cruzers but by christ they were loud. Had them modded and now they're just right.

Boulevards - lovely reliable and economical to buy and run. When my balls drop (On the lotto draw), I'm buying an M109R.

[Big Dave]

I kinda agree with dave, the screens on cruisers are fiddly & often a pain in the arse. I had a VTX 1800 & did over 18,000 k on it with no screen & wouldn't even consider one on the next cruiser.

As stated - it's a height thing. For it to be tall enough for me there are too many adverse effects, aerodynamic and aesthetic.

Apart from all that - I just prefer naked bikes. I don't understand some journos talking about 'wind blast' - it's partly why I ride.

[Gizzit]

As stated - it's a height thing. For it to be tall enough for me there are too many adverse effects, aerodynamic and aesthetic.

Apart from all that - I just prefer naked bikes. I don't understand some journos talking about 'wind blast' - it's partly why I ride.

Well I have got a shinny new black C50 coming. It's a naked bike, but the only thing I'm adding from scratch is a nice sissy bar for my wife. I just have to find one that has a bit of shape to it, so that it is supportive, and fits to the shape of her back. With the majority I have seen, the cushioned part on them are like little oblong boxes, rather than shaped at all. Anybody got any ideas on a suitable one ??
Ah.... but that is slightly off topic !! I'll just castigate myself a bit here .... !!!:argue:

[jafar]

Well I have got a shinny new black C50 coming. It's a naked bike, but the only thing I'm adding from scratch is a nice sissy bar for my wife. I just have to find one that has a bit of shape to it, so that it is supportive, and fits to the shape of her back. With the majority I have seen, the cushioned part on them are like little oblong boxes, rather than shaped at all. Anybody got any ideas on a suitable one ??
Ah.... but that is slightly off topic !! I'll just castigate myself a bit here .... !!!:argue:

Get a sissy bar with the bag rack on it, makes a big difference to luggage capacity & helps with the look of the bike too.:msn-wink:

Try www.cruisercustomizing.com or www.zpower.co.au
If all else fails google it
They wouldn't be that hard to make :devil2:

[Big Dave]

Get a sissy bar with the bag rack on it, makes a big difference to luggage capacity & helps with the look of the bike too.:msn-wink:



Just installed a Triumph one on the rocket test bike. Does change the lines of a bike quite a lot. Makes it look longer.

[Gizzit]

Get a sissy bar with the bag rack on it, makes a big difference to luggage capacity & helps with the look of the bike too.:msn-wink:

Try www.cruisercustomizing.com or www.zpower.co.au
If all else fails google it
They wouldn't be that hard to make :devil2:

Great ... but where do you start with cruisercustomizing.com !!! it's such a vast site with so much gear! Edit ..(yup .... found some great gear !)

Thanks for that.

[Jerry74]

Just bought a 2008 Boulevard M50 today... very nice !!!!

[Gizzit]

Just bought a 2008 Boulevard M50 today... very nice !!!!

NICE ... !! :cool:

[Strider]

Well I have got a shinny new black C50 coming. It's a naked bike, but the only thing I'm adding from scratch is a nice sissy bar for my wife. I just have to find one that has a bit of shape to it, so that it is supportive, and fits to the shape of her back. With the majority I have seen, the cushioned part on them are like little oblong boxes, rather than shaped at all. Anybody got any ideas on a suitable one ??
Ah.... but that is slightly off topic !! I'll just castigate myself a bit here .... !!!:argue:

:2thumbsupYou want to get the touring style back rest. Curves into the back and nice to lean back on on long trips:calm:

[Gizzit]

:2thumbsupYou want to get the touring style back rest. Curves into the back and nice to lean back on on long trips:calm:

Yes I looked at a couple of them ... on the net, but its a bit hard to visualize how big they are, and what the proportion is compared to the bike .. you know, getting a good balance of form and function .... but because I couldn't "actually" see one, I went for a smaller one .. to be on the safe side, figuring that if the cushion bit isn't that great, I'll just see if Mac from Rider seats, can make a better one.

This is what I have ordered from Motoshop in the good ol US of A. I got the small carrier bit that attaches to the back for it as well. I think it will look quite good, and it is a good height ... not too tall.

http://www.motoshop.net/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BBP82228&Store_Code=AIM&search=Boulevard+C50+%2C+1%3A4&filter_cat=&PowerSearch_Begin_Only_=&sort=&range_low=&range_high=&layout=