BuckBuckNo1 thinking - Suzuki Boulevard S50 - Feedback please

[Macktheknife]

Hey BuckBuck, I have ridden the S50 and the Vstrom, my choice would be to go for the Vstrom straight out of the gate. Very comfortable to ride and excellent power for size and style. I have owned a couple of Intruders and loved them, quite comfy and really reliable. I guess it comes down to do you want a cruiser next or a touring bike?
Ride safe

[magicfairy]

A nice looking bike the S50. Locally, magicfairy has one I believe.

Yep, had it 3 weeks from new. Done 1300ks. No problems yet, apart from the infamous squeaky front brake.
Traded up from the S40 (old Savage - single 650) because I wanted something with a bit more grunt on the motorway, bit more weight for the high winds (and V Twins are cooler than singles...)

I am so short that I can only flat foot a very few bikes which is why I went for the Boulevard line, and I think the price is good and Suzukis are pretty reliable in my experience.

I find it comfy and easy to ride but hasn't got the clearance the S40 or a sports bike would have, definately a "cruiser". So you will be limited to just how fast you can whip over the Takas.
And being a shaft drive not the smoothness of a belt drive.
I haven't had enough experience with any other bikes to compare it with.

Pete at Wgtn motorcycles let me test ride the one I bought cos he knew I was very serious, but if you have problems getting a ride PM me, if you wanted to try it out and we could work something out.
But you are right about the seating position, if GN is OK for you then I am guessing S50 will be to.
Apparently the new colours will be white and black, but I got this years "silver" which is actually more blue than silver.

Also this site full of useful info http://boulevardowners.com/

Good luck

[Hitcher]

BB#1

Here's some advice, for what it's worth: Don't buy a cruiser of 750cc or less. They're gutless. You may as well stick with the GN! Smaller cruisers may be OK if you never plan to ride outside of a 50kmh area, but I get the impression you want to go touring, so I would recommend something that would eat kilometres without suffering emphysema. I reckon the best of the current "mid-size" cruisers is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 (although it does have spokes), followed by the Suzuki M90.

But if you're worried about your back, then cruisers can be a bit jarring. There is a range of bikes with what I would describe as a "natural" riding position. The BMW F650 range is possibly the best of these, as well as the Honda Transalp. But any of the bigger nakeds would probably do the job for you as well. Use a Honda Hornet as your benchmark for comparisons, remembering that there is a good selection of aftermarket bars, pegs and seats available to help customise your riding position.

You're always welcome to take the FJR for a strop!

[magicfairy]

Oh - one thing I forgot to mention. Fuel tank on S50 is the size of a thimble. approx 140k and your'e on reserve around town. 170ish if open road. Probably go around 200k with reserve but haven't had to find out yet.
And yes, cruisers can be quite jarring, suspension not great. I find it fine but I don't have a bad back.

[Terminated]

Guy,
You are more than welcome to have a ride on my intruder for a test, think my pegs may be a bit more forward than the ones in the picture but would be close, just sing out
cheerz

Thanks zuk, I am thinking around autumn next year.

[Terminated]

Ive done a test ride on the VStrom 650 and found it quite a good bike - handled well,comfortable, and easy to ride - would suit your height and riding stye. Others in a similar line are the Honda Transalp and The BMW F650 (very cumfy! - used to own one)
You are welcome to try the Tiger sometime if you like.

Sels1 you're right the VStrom is right up there, I was thinking the cruiser for my as the next bike and doing the nth island weekend overnight etc. The VStrom being in the 3rd bike after the cruiser for the longer Sth Island tours etc. I have seen Andrew Templeton's Transalp close up and was impressed too. The BMW 650 is very much in the equation as well. But there in lays the quandary to jump to the VStrom, TransAlp or Bmer as the next bike....

Thanks for your feedback.

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A nice looking bike the S50. Locally, magicfairy has one I believe.

Thanks for that Drum, actually did the search 'S50' and she popped up too.

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With the problems you have raised you would be doing yourself a disfavour not to look at the GSXR1400. It has an awesome riding position and handles as well as you could ever want.

Thanks beyond, but you mean the GSX1400K6? Just had a look at it at the Suzuki nz site. My gut reaction is that this sort of bike may be a bit too much when stepping up from a GN, but will wait until autumn and review my thoughts about this, not out of the equation but perhaps the third bike not the next bike up from the GN. Appreciate the feedback.

[Terminated]

how about a Buel or similar? Like Beyond says, the 1400 maybe a go-er or a speed triple.... one of the thumpers might not be so good if vibrations aren't your friend tho'.

'
anyhows.. happy shoppin

Gidday boomer, really haven't considered the Buel, but will bring it into the loop in autumn. Appreciate the feedback

[James Deuce]

You need to take my Z for a ride mate.

Give me a yell.

[Terminated]

If your wanting to do some distance work then maybe a C90 or S83 could suit the bill better or even a VN900 Kawasaki possibly.

Thanks T.W.R of the these the VN900 Kawasaki would be in the loop in autumn, they certainly have the appearance, then the pegs may be an issue, not too sure yet, but will definitely consider. Appreciate the feedback.

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Go on... you know you want too! This doesn't have forward controls either.

Shads, you're talking bike number 4 man, but yes hmmmn yes you know, well I could be tempted......no just put it on the autumn list. Appreciate the humour torment.

[Terminated]

Guy
Dont discount sports bikes altogether you may remember I've got back issues as well but the VTR riding position is perfect with the bars at just the right height notto crick the neck. Have try on Wednesdat at the TCWNR and see.
Cheers

Appreciate that P, like the SV650 these bikes will probably require some bar risers to give just that little extra upright for me. 'Have a try' as in 'take a seat' that is all I can will do at moment. Appreciate that.

[Terminated]

There is only one bike for you Buck........

Or maybe you should get the V-Strom second, and this will be the third.

Let's go shopping Dafe, what a blast. Appreciate the humour and torment.

[Terminated]

Hey BuckBuck, I guess it comes down to do you want a cruiser next or a touring bike?
Ride safe

Thanks MTK, my strategy was to look at the cruiser style of ride for 12-18ths and then onto the touring. I reckon I could manage some good trips here on the Nth Island initially overnighters etc with a cruiser, then move up to the tourer. If I went to the cruiser as the second bike then the VStrom 1000 as opposed to the 650 perhaps could be the third, else as a second and VStrom it would be the 650. [You know the VerSys out of Kawasaki could be a consideration too perhaps.] Appreciate the feedback.