Boulevards...

[Edbear]

the jump from a 250 to an 800 is not hard at all, but a spuzuki boulevard?? why would you when there are bikes such as the kawasaki vn900 classic. go out and do some test rides and you'll see what im talking about

Don't listen to him, he's biased...

Just as a point of note:

Read Edbears review of the 109 in bike review seems an excellent review and one that I suggest you read if you haven't already.

Personally: I like the look of the boulevards and they seem a great bike. as mentioned above all respectable bike manufacturers put out great bikes so it'll be hard to get a lemon. It comes down to you and what best suits you, your needs and your riding. My reasons for a HD are personal, but never be so blind you can't appreciate whatever else someone has.

I also did a review of my C50T which you might find interesting.

We love ours, and it has plenty of power even two-up to keep up with any other bikes in general. The only area the bigger bikes have over ours is in top gear up steeper hills when two-up. Of course, if needs be I can change down to 4th.

The C50T and the C90 get about the same range overall despite the C90 having a smaller tank. The fuel injection made a huge difference to the 1500.

Despite my comments above to Rockbuddy, I would recommend riding both bikes. Main difference is shaft drive over belt, but both are nice cruisers!

[Big Dave]

2. If you buy one, take steps to protect the frame and other lower-lying parts from stone chips and the like. Frames are only powdercoated and once chipped, rust like buggery. I'd recommend fitting some sort of front mudflap -- modifying one from a MotoX bike is a good idea. This will keep bugs, stones, cowshit, etc off your engine and frame and out of the radiator. Getting somebody to make a belly-pan out of a sheet of aluminium is also a really good idea. That clear-plastic adhesive sheeting is good for wrapping around painted surfaces and also for sticking to the underside of the brake pedal.

Or get some touch up paint and clean your bike.

[Tank]

Big Dave - when is your C109 review going to be in the mag?

[Horse]

I do like the Boulevards - look forward to test-riding a C50T (amongst others) when I get my full in 3 months. Any idea if Suzuki are likely to repeat the summer price promotion they had at the end of last year? I might almost be able to consider a new C50T if they're reduced again.

And therein lies the problem with the Boulevards - there aren't a lot of 2nd hand C50s and C90s around yet, and the ones that are seem to be on very low kms with almost-new prices to match.

I was in ANZA about a month ago buying a pair or draggin jeans (Yellow Stinger - love 'em!) and right outside the door they had an '06 C50T with 10K kms for $8995. I talked to one of the sales guys and it was apparently a new trade-in - still needed a proper cleanup to get that "showroom finish". When I was next in about a week later there was no sign of it - at that price I wasn't particularly surprised it had moved fast.

[KoroJ]

Prefer the S83 myself. Nice style with pipes each side, more clearance and therefore better cornering than the 90's... and better economy. If they're not thrashed they can even be more economic than the 50's. Sound nice when they get angry and plenty of get-up-&-go when required.

[Blue Thunder]

I would love to hear from anyone who owns / has owned a Boulevard and what your thoughts are on the bike, its handling, reliability and anything else you want to add.

I may be biased but having owned both the C50 and now the C90, i love the C90.
Handles well 2 up with the extra cc's. fuel range is similar in my experience depending on how hard you ride.
they both have low ground clearance but you soon get used to where the plates are and adapt to that after a few scrapes.
Try them both and see what you like!
End of the day go for the one that 1. fits the wallet 2. fit you and your riding style/needs.

[Rover]

Got a c50 as first bike back after 30 years not riding. Totally reliable, adequate power, even 2 up. but found cornering a little hard. Changed to a Triumph America and no regrets. Conclusions, 800cc to 900cc adequate for a cruise, hard to find a new bike that isn't reliable, it is looks, handling and ego that count.

[s8306]

I have the s83 {1400} and my wife has the 1400 Intruder same bike different name.Easy to ride,bullet proof engine and enough power for what you want to do.No problem 2 up even with the Ventura rally pack on board and enough chrome and good looks for that pose factor when your parked up haveing coffee or a pint.Awesome bikes.

[P38]

Test ride them all, Boulevards, Vulcans, Shadows

Then go buy yourself the C50T cos we all know its the best there is bar none

But then I may be a little biased there too

[Biggles2000]

You wont have any problems going from a 250 to a 800. In almost all cases the bigger bike is actually easier to ride, better brakes, lights, suspension etc etc, do consider advanced lessons.

I think the NZ Bike Rider Mag had a good review of the C50 some time ago. When you are ready you can then trade up to a nice new Harley Softail (some here might not agree but not me).

[Big Dave]

Big Dave - when is your C109 review going to be in the mag?

Sorry - missed that - next edition.
At the printers now.

[Griffin]

When you are ready you can then trade up to a nice new Harley Softail (some here might not agree but not me).

Yeah would love to do that but the cash difference between the Suzuki and the Harley is (at this stage) prohibitive. Besides... its always nice to have something to aspire to

[Tank]

Sorry - missed that - next edition.
At the printers now.

and here I was thinking you were ignoring me.

[Big Dave]

..........next!

[Big Dave]

Revise that estimate Tank.
I think I might have been bumped to next month.