The Suzuki Boulevard C50, an 800cc motorcycle that’s proven very popular among women because of its midsize powerplant and manageable size, has morphed into several different iterations over the last few years, including a touring edition, a classic edition, and a special edition new for 2013. So what’s the difference—and what’s the better buy?
WRN contributor Donya Carlson explains those differences in her review of the 2012 C50T Classic, a stripped-down version of the C50T. But before we get to that, let’s quickly run through Suzukis 2013 models, which were introduced just two weeks ago and will soon be on showroom floors. That way, you can get the best deal for you by comparing the 2013 models with the 2012 models still left on your dealer’s showroom floor.
For reference, on the left is the 2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic that Donya reviews in this article. It is a stripped-down versionof the Suzuki Boulevard C50T touring model, shown at right.
For model year 2013, Suzuki is discontinuing the C50T Classic and replacing it with the C50, priced at $8,399. The C50, although priced $400 more than the Classic, is the exact same bike but lacks the Classics studded seat and whitewall tires, features that typically up the price of a bike. We were told at press time that there are still a few Classics left at dealers around the United States. Clearly the one-of-a-kind Classic, despite being a one-year-old model, is the better buy here.
The Boulevard C50, available in black only, is the base model for Suzuki in 2013. It’s the same as the C50T Classic but without whitewall tires or a studded seat.
Also for 2013, Suzuki is unveiling the Boulevard C50 Special Edition, which has the same chassis and powerplant (engine and transmission) as the base C50 but comes with cast aluminum (mag) wheels and two-tone paint. Priced at$8,799, theC50 Special Editionis $400 more than the C50 and $800 more than the C50T Classic.
The 2013 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Special Edition comes in two dual-tone color schemes: White/Silver and Black/Red.
With all this squared away, let’s move on to Donya’s review of the 2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic. Keep in mind that this is nearly the same motorcycle as the 2013SuzukiBoulevard C50, the only difference being that the 2013 C50 lacksseat studs and whitewall tires.
When you spend several consecutive seven-hour days in the saddle of a motorcycle, you get to know that motorcycle very well. By happy chance—or, rather, by cutting-edge technology—the 2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic turned out to be an excellent motorcycle on which to burn up 300-plus highway miles, two-lane back roads laced with scenery, and footboard-dragging twisties. My first day out on the C50T Classic was so much fun that, when my friend Debbie Macdonald joined me the next day aboard her Harley-Davidson Road Glide, we headed northeast and I spent another seven hours in the bikes deluxe, chrome-studded saddle.
The Boulevard C50T Classic has plenty of power and lots of low-end torque. It truly shines out on the open road, where you can ride in comfort for many, many miles. This is also a great bike for riding around town. The photo shows optional saddlebags from Suzuki Accessories, as the C50T Classic does not come standard with bags. Here’s what the 2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic looks like stock, without the accessory saddlebags we added.
This midsize, fuel-injected, 45-degree,805ccV-twin cruiser isn’t brand-new—in fact, it’s a “de-toured” version of the Suzuki Boulevard C50T, a touring-outfitted Boulevard that retailed for $9,499 in 2011. (Suzuki probably should have eliminated the Classic’s “T” designation so as not to confuse it with the touring model.)Suzuki removed the windshield, saddlebags, and backrest, dropped the price by $1,500, and gave it a new Candy Sonoma Red/Glass Sparkle Black paint job. What remains is a beautiful, competent cruiser for a buck under eight grand that can be outfitted with accessories if desired.
The C50T Classic is a beauty, with whitewall tires, a studded rider and passenger seat, raked-out chrome fork tubes, a large headlight nestled in chrome, and a long and low frame that hides the rear shock. Some riders have commented that this cruiser looks larger than 805cc.
Traditional and classy-looking, this latest Boulevard sports thick 41mm chrome telescopic fork tubes kicked out to 33 degrees, with 5.5 inches of suspension travel. Tube-type IRC Gran High Speed whitewall tires wrap around spoked 16-inch front and 15-inch rear wheels accented by valanced fenders in the Sparkle paint. Gorgeous! The frame design hides the single shock with 4.1 inches of suspension travel, giving the Classic the look of a hard tail (a bike with no suspension). Fortunately, the bike doesn’t ride like a hard tail, with the link-type shock soaking up and leveling out road imperfections.
The shock has a seven-way adjustable spring preload, but the downside is that to adjust it you first need to get to it, and that’s not a quick process. I left it on the stock setting (fourth position), which worked fine for 2,000 miles of solo riding with filled-to-the-brim saddlebags. If you have changing loads or are a suspension-fiddler with the patience of a gnat, this bike may not be the best choice. There’s also a helmet lock on the left side of the bike, but with saddlebags mounted the lock is partially obstructed, so I couldn’t attach my helmet by its D-ring.
When it comes to stopping this 611-pound machine, the single-disc brake with two-piston caliper could use a bit more bite. The rear drum brake is decent but grabby. We appreciate angled-out valve stems that make checking tire pressure easy.
The tool kit is housed under a plastic cover on the left side and is accessed with the ignition key. The kit includes Allen keys, open-end wrenches, pliers and a screwdriver. Curiously, a spanner wrench for the ramp-and-collar-type shock was not included in our test bike’s tool kit. As an aside, to get to the shock you’ll need to remove a different cover thats secured with Allen bolts (the right side cover is bolted on).
Yes, I mentioned saddlebags. Suzuki removed the touring accessories from the C50T for the lower-priced Classic, and I promptly put saddlebags back on! Because I was heading out on a weeklong tour, I ordered up Suzuki’s chrome-studded leather saddlebags from the company’s accessories collection. Within an hour-and-a-half, two of us had the saddlebags attached. As an added bonus, the spacers for the support brackets made excellent attachment points for bungee hooks that secured a duffel bag I placed over the passenger seat.
More bang for your buck? You decide. At $7,999 —$1,500 less than the touring-outfitted C50T)—the 2012 C50T Classic is a bargain. If you do want a Suzuki-brand windshield, back rest, saddlebags and special paint, purchasing the C50T as supplied will save you about $200 versus buying the accessories separately, and you won’t have to install them. We mounted Suzuki’s non-locking, chrome-studded leather saddlebags on our test Classic, pictured here.
Suzuki-brand studded saddlebags retail for $599.95 (or $20 less without studs), plus $149.95 for the support brackets. The saddlebags match the Classic’s studded two-piece seat perfectly.
At 5-foot-10, Donya found that the Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic offered plenty of leg room, a relaxed riding position and all-day-in-the-saddle comfort. The seat height is a moderate 27.6 inches, while the seat itself has a narrow nose, so riders shorter than Donya shouldnt have much trouble reaching the ground.
With ideal ergonomics for my 5-foot-10-inch frame, this bike set me up for all-day comfortable riding, especially on the highway. The footboards are placed forward but not overly so, allowing plenty of room for foot movement. The chrome handlebar curves up, then down and back, which placed my arms and shoulders in a relaxed position. This setup settled my weight squarely on my gluteus maximus in the Classic’s wide seat, putting no pressure on my tailbone. I rode along in equal comfort with my tuchus placed farther back with my back curved, or scooted closer to the tank and sitting upright. Scooted back on the seat with my back supported by my “passenger” (duffel bag) was ideal for long highway hauls, though I did wish for a windshield, especially on the highway. If this were my bike, I’d buy a quick-release windshield like the ones offered from Memphis Shades or National Cycle.
The Classic’s footboards are placed slightly forward and allow riders room to move their feet around. The heel-toe shifter is a welcome bonus, especially with that big heel pedal.
With its 98.4-inch overall length and 65.2-inch wheelbase, the Classic appears to be much larger than 805cc.But with a 27.6-inch seat height and down-low weight of611 pounds,the bike is easy to handle at slow speeds. Because I can plant both feet firmly on the ground on this bike, backing into parking spaces was no problem. When wearing textile riding pants at highway speeds, vibration was barely noticeable on the inside of my knees where my legs rested against the tank. However, the tingling sensation from those vibrations was more noticeable when wearing jeans while riding. Top gear, or fifth, has a higher gear ratio for highway cruising, but I still found myself hunting for that nonexistent sixth gear.
When viewed from above, it’s clear how wide and roomy the rider and passenger seats are. On the downside, the stepped-up pillion seat and high-set passenger pegs could potentially place the passenger higher than the rider and into direct windblast.
Tank-mounted instruments are housed in chrome. The digital readout allows you to toggle between an odometer, two trip meters and a clock. There’s also a gear position indicator, and the last bar on the fuel graph will flash when fuel is low.
Recommended octane for the Classic is a higher-priced 91, though WRN’s test bike got excellent fuel economy from the 4.1-gallon tank, averaging 50.13 mpg (the low was 41.68 mpg and the high was 56.62 mpg). The suspension kept the bike on course and well planted on the pavement while leaned over in turns, while the Classic’s engine is tuned for excellent low-rpm torque, pulling it strongly out of corners. However, when I got back home to Southern California and took the Classic through some tight, twisty mountain roads—some in dire need of repair—at times I felt the suspension almost bottom out.
The Classic is stable and holds a strong line through corners. Like most cruisers, however, the Classic has limited cornering clearance, so leaning the motorcycle way over will cause the footboards to scrape along the pavement.
The Classic’s grips are large in circumference and reaching the clutch with small hands is a stretch, but the feel of the lever is light and smooth.
The chrome-finished brake lever has five settings to allow the rider to adjust the lever position and degree of pull.
Suzuki’s Boulevard C50T Classic has so many possibilities. You can leave it as is—a companionable, capable cruiser—or deck it out with accessories for a versatile long-distance bike. Debbie and I spent 10 hours in the saddle during our last riding day together, which I followed with another 350 miles on my trip back home, and after all that I was still ready to ride. Suzuki has taken a well-established, reliable cruiser, dropped the weight, dropped the price and upped the fuel economy. What’s there to complain about? The only thing I can come up with is that this bike is not available as a 2013 model, so snatch up a 2012 Classic while you still can.
Suzuki’s C50T Classic proved to be a proficient, comfortable motorcycle for a 2,000 mile, weeklong journey on the road. Here’s Donya surrounded by mountains and basking in the sun at serene Lake Tahoe. (Photo by Debbie Macdonald)
Specs At A Glance: 2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic
Displacement: 805cc
Seat Height: 27.6 inches
Weight: 611 pounds
Price: $7,999
Colors: Candy Sonoma Red/Glass Sparkle Black
WRN Recommendation
We’re glad that Suzuki has kept its 800cc Boulevard line, particularly as competitors are increasingly upping the displacement on midsize models to 900cc or higher. We feel bikes like the Boulevard C50T Classic and its C50 siblings, which feature an 800cc engine housed inside a chassis that makes the motorcycle look a lot bigger, make ideal motorcycles to which newer riders can transition after they’ve spent time on a smaller 250cc or 500cc starter bike. The C50T Classic and its siblings are not only priced right, but they’re also good all-around investments because of their dual purpose as capable day-ride bikes and long-distance tourers. For many women riders, the Boulevard C50 line of motorcycles will provide the perfect first step into the world of big-league cruisers.
I have a Suzuki C50 trike. A wonderful machine. 22,000 trouble free miles.The brakes are a little weak and I’ll upgrade the front pads at the next tire change. I have done 500 mile days with no problem. I have done a couple of 10 day 3,500 mile trips. In the trike format pretty much limited to one up or an occasional ride with the grand kids. This bike gets a lot of attention, even more than my friends new Harley Street Glide!
I got this bike brand new. I am a guy 5-feet-11 215 pounds. I love everything about this bike. I have a 96 Harley Sportster 1200, and this Suzuki is twice the bike as far as comfort. I have a bad back and the Sportster kills me to ride. This bike is smooth and very powerful. I was impressed with the 805cc. It hauls my butt with no problem. Remember it’s not a crotch rocket, it’s a cruiser. Love the floor boards. I don’t know how I lived without them I recommend this bike to anyone who wants a cruiser. I will buy another one after I get all I can out of this one.
I bought a used 2006 C50T with 4,000 miles on it in June 2012. It now has 15,600 carefree miles on it. It came with a windshield, bags and sissy bar. All I have done is have the valves adjusted at 8,000 miles, three oil and filter changes and a new battery. I get excellent handling and wear from the original IRC tires, and will probably change them at 20,000. Would not use any other tire. No better bike for the weight, ride and price. I agree a 6th gear would be desirable. I did add a Throttle Lock, a backrest and a turn signal alarm buzzer from Radio Shack to remind me when my signal light is still flashing. Great bike!
I bought a brand new 2013 C50T in May of last year at a fantastic Suzuki dealership on the coast in Biloxi. I live in Picayune, Mississippi, and commute 120 miles round trip everyday to Keesler AFB where I work. I never go less than 75 mph on the interstate (80 on the speedometer). The Boulevard is smooth as silk. I thought at first about getting a little bigger bike but the C50T is as agile and quick as it gets. I weigh 180 pounds and the bike can cruise at 90mph without even a whine (that’s without a sixth gear). I am coming up on my 15,000-mile valve inspection. If it wasn’t for me going TDY with the Air Force, I would have 20,000 miles on this iron horse. With an unlimited mileage warranty, I am a believer.
I had a 2009 C50 for over a year and was quite pleased with it. However, for speeds over 60 mph I would not recommend. It desperately needs a 6th gear or a higher ratio gear box. I guess Suzuki is hoping those buyers will move into the C90 bike, but that is just too big for most women. So, I ended up getting a Yamaha V Star 950 and could not be happier. Nice power range and not that constant buzzing at speeds over 60mph.If Suzuki should ever put a 6th gear in the C50 or change the gearing I would consider getting another C50.
How refreshing to read a motorcycle review that agrees 100 percent with my own experiences.I’ve owned a Suzuki Boulevard C50 since 2006. I’m a guy, 5 feet 7 inches, and it’s the perfect size for me. I bought the first model that came with fuel injection. This was the second bike I’ve owned, and it’s been a dream. It’s so easy to own and maintain, I almost feel guilty. Change engine oil, filters, and gear oil for the drive shaft, and that’s it. This week I put the first replacement battery in it, since I’ve owned the bike.I added a windshield, sissybar/luggage rack, and saddlebags. I’m thinking about removing the windshield, though I think it really helped when passing trucks on two-lane roads out west. I’ve logged about 40,000 miles on the bike, riding it to the upper tip of Michigan, and across the Rockies to Utah from Tennessee. I agree that it’s a great bike for long hauls, and the fuel injection requires no tuning from sea level to the Continental Divide. The thing I’ve had the most trouble with, maintenance-wise, not mentioned in the review (probably because it becomes apparent only over time) is the wire spoke wheels’ tendency to become uneven and collect “lumpiness” that results in flat places worn into the tires, which, in turn further aggravates the lumpiness. As far as the ride goes, it’s really only noticeable when you’re traveling under 30 mph; one assumes that, at faster speeds, it translates into vibration and gets softened out. The cure is to just bite the bullet and have the wheels trued when you replace the tires, or oftener, depending on how and where you ride. And don’t scrimp on the tires.Great review of a great bike.
Great article. I’ve been looking to move up for about two years.Took my time reading articles and reviews. Started on a Virago 250, great learner bike, then Honda VLX 600 for seven years. Bought 2006 C50 three weeks ago. Great riding, easy to handle in turns no flopping or wallowing. Good power for highway. Bought windshield and the ride is smooth and quiet.I was surprised at how easy this bike is to handle as big as it is, even in tight parking lots. It is more balanced than my Honda shadow, and I love that bike. She’s a keeper. I don’t know if I’ll tour, but my kids live 150 miles away so that’s a nice day ride for a weekend visit. The seat for me is wide and comfortable … I’m 5 feet 7 inches with a 30-inch inseam; 150 pounds. I easily sit flat footed, and reach all controls. Oh, I almost forgot…I’m 64!
The C50 is a great mid-cruiser but like the author mentioned, it does need a 6th gear. Nice looking, well built bikes. But I did sell mine last year because of the lack of a 6th gear. If Suzuki should ever decide to add a 6th gear, I would be a repeat buyer and Suzuki would probably sell a zillion more C50s. Ride safe.
The C50 is a gorgeous bike, and it’s one that I wanted for several years as I waited to move to a larger bike. However, when I sat on it in the store I found it wasn’t for me. I am short and I have a short inseam (5 feet 2 inches with less than 30-inch legs); I found the floorboards to be too forward and the bars too wide. I also don’t like having the gauges on the tank – it’s just more milliseconds of eyes not on the road. I eventually got the M50 instead, which suited me better and is exactly the same except for bodywork.I had years with the bike. To those interested: it’s a wonderful bike for cruising. For long distance and speeds over 70 mph (interstate travel) there is a vibration that makes the ride very uncomfortable over time, especially if you tend to sit a little back on the tailbone. The tank is very wide and my knees were constantly fatigued from trying to fight the wind and reaching all the way to the pegs (full leg extension almost around the tank, not merely resting). I caution all short riders who think this bike fits them in the showroom, and encourage a long test ride if possible. There is nothing wrong with this bike. I had not a single mechanical problem with it and I think Suzuki makes wonderful machines. It is a very enjoyable ride at 55 mph speeds, has a very pleasing rumble at stock setup, and the C50 especially is popular and has many OEM and aftermarket accessories available. It is a case where fit makes everything: had I been a couple of inches taller, I probably wouldn’t have had the experiences I did. As it is, a set of bar risers and a custom seat may do a lot for it for the vertically challenged rider.The thing I miss most about this bike was that gorgeous, huge chrome headlamp. There was something very romantic and spirited about looking forward and catching the reflection of a lovely blue sky in that expanse of metal.I sold mine because the riding position ended up driving me nuts after 30 minutes, especially after experiencing other bikes that fit me better.Great bike, loved it – but make sure it’s the one for you before making the commitment.
As a very short rider at 5 feet tall and a 26-inch inseam, I can tell you that I love my C50! I purchased the 2011 C50T last year. I did have the dealer lower the back and install pullback risers. And yes, my boots are modified an inch. The C50 is a very comfortable ride. And although it is bigger and heavier than my first motorcycle, I find it easier to handle. The only wish I have with this bike, is that I can find a way to install a device that would help me when I back it up. I pray every time I back into a parking spot that my feet don’t slip.The foot controls are easy to reach. I do love floorboards. Before you buy an expensive and insanely heavy Harely-Davidson, give the Suzuki C50 a ride!
I have been riding the C50 since 2006. Traded up from the S50 and so very glad I did. I love the C50! Never a problem. I’ve done some customizing to it (single gel seat, tank cover and fender cover) studded saddlebags, chrome fender covers. People stop me all the time and say “nice Hawg!” I guess they really don’t know their motorcycles. I would recommend this bike to any woman.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your miles on the C50. Riders have been looking for that elusive 6th gear since the first version of this bike, the Volusia, came out in 2000. I’ve owned a 2004 Volusia and now ride a 2007 C50. Love, love, love my bike!
Thanks for the review of the Suzuki C50T. I’m thinking that next summer will be when I get my “big girl” bike. I’ve spent this season building my skills and confidence on my Honda Rebel 250, but have missed out on some rides with friends because I don’t have much power. I will definitely put the Suzuki C50 in my list of bikes to test ride! I would love to see more reviews over the next few months of other bikes that would be good to step up to.
Great article. I had been looking at a Suzuki Boulevard with the tramp trike kit. The bike fits a person with shorter legs and the reach is also very comfortable for a person of shorter stature. I am 5 feet 3 inches and plus size. This line of bike is what I am leaning toward!
I have a Suzuki C50 trike. A wonderful machine. 22,000 trouble free miles.The brakes are a little weak and I’ll upgrade the front pads at the next tire change. I have done 500 mile days with no problem. I have done a couple of 10 day 3,500 mile trips. In the trike format pretty much limited to one up or an occasional ride with the grand kids. This bike gets a lot of attention, even more than my friends new Harley Street Glide!
I got this bike brand new. I am a guy 5-feet-11 215 pounds. I love everything about this bike. I have a 96 Harley Sportster 1200, and this Suzuki is twice the bike as far as comfort. I have a bad back and the Sportster kills me to ride. This bike is smooth and very powerful. I was impressed with the 805cc. It hauls my butt with no problem. Remember it’s not a crotch rocket, it’s a cruiser. Love the floor boards. I don’t know how I lived without them I recommend this bike to anyone who wants a cruiser. I will buy another one after I get all I can out of this one.
I bought a used 2006 C50T with 4,000 miles on it in June 2012. It now has 15,600 carefree miles on it. It came with a windshield, bags and sissy bar. All I have done is have the valves adjusted at 8,000 miles, three oil and filter changes and a new battery. I get excellent handling and wear from the original IRC tires, and will probably change them at 20,000. Would not use any other tire. No better bike for the weight, ride and price. I agree a 6th gear would be desirable. I did add a Throttle Lock, a backrest and a turn signal alarm buzzer from Radio Shack to remind me when my signal light is still flashing. Great bike!
I bought a brand new 2013 C50T in May of last year at a fantastic Suzuki dealership on the coast in Biloxi. I live in Picayune, Mississippi, and commute 120 miles round trip everyday to Keesler AFB where I work. I never go less than 75 mph on the interstate (80 on the speedometer). The Boulevard is smooth as silk. I thought at first about getting a little bigger bike but the C50T is as agile and quick as it gets. I weigh 180 pounds and the bike can cruise at 90mph without even a whine (that’s without a sixth gear). I am coming up on my 15,000-mile valve inspection. If it wasn’t for me going TDY with the Air Force, I would have 20,000 miles on this iron horse. With an unlimited mileage warranty, I am a believer.
I had a 2009 C50 for over a year and was quite pleased with it. However, for speeds over 60 mph I would not recommend. It desperately needs a 6th gear or a higher ratio gear box. I guess Suzuki is hoping those buyers will move into the C90 bike, but that is just too big for most women. So, I ended up getting a Yamaha V Star 950 and could not be happier. Nice power range and not that constant buzzing at speeds over 60mph.If Suzuki should ever put a 6th gear in the C50 or change the gearing I would consider getting another C50.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. For those interested, we have reviews on those motorcycles you mention:C90T B.O.S.S and the Yamaha V Star 950.
How refreshing to read a motorcycle review that agrees 100 percent with my own experiences.I’ve owned a Suzuki Boulevard C50 since 2006. I’m a guy, 5 feet 7 inches, and it’s the perfect size for me. I bought the first model that came with fuel injection. This was the second bike I’ve owned, and it’s been a dream. It’s so easy to own and maintain, I almost feel guilty. Change engine oil, filters, and gear oil for the drive shaft, and that’s it. This week I put the first replacement battery in it, since I’ve owned the bike.I added a windshield, sissybar/luggage rack, and saddlebags. I’m thinking about removing the windshield, though I think it really helped when passing trucks on two-lane roads out west. I’ve logged about 40,000 miles on the bike, riding it to the upper tip of Michigan, and across the Rockies to Utah from Tennessee. I agree that it’s a great bike for long hauls, and the fuel injection requires no tuning from sea level to the Continental Divide. The thing I’ve had the most trouble with, maintenance-wise, not mentioned in the review (probably because it becomes apparent only over time) is the wire spoke wheels’ tendency to become uneven and collect “lumpiness” that results in flat places worn into the tires, which, in turn further aggravates the lumpiness. As far as the ride goes, it’s really only noticeable when you’re traveling under 30 mph; one assumes that, at faster speeds, it translates into vibration and gets softened out. The cure is to just bite the bullet and have the wheels trued when you replace the tires, or oftener, depending on how and where you ride. And don’t scrimp on the tires.Great review of a great bike.
Thanks for adding your owned-for-a-long-time assessment. Very valuable addition our review.
Great article. I’ve been looking to move up for about two years.Took my time reading articles and reviews. Started on a Virago 250, great learner bike, then Honda VLX 600 for seven years. Bought 2006 C50 three weeks ago. Great riding, easy to handle in turns no flopping or wallowing. Good power for highway. Bought windshield and the ride is smooth and quiet.I was surprised at how easy this bike is to handle as big as it is, even in tight parking lots. It is more balanced than my Honda shadow, and I love that bike. She’s a keeper. I don’t know if I’ll tour, but my kids live 150 miles away so that’s a nice day ride for a weekend visit. The seat for me is wide and comfortable … I’m 5 feet 7 inches with a 30-inch inseam; 150 pounds. I easily sit flat footed, and reach all controls. Oh, I almost forgot…I’m 64!
The C50 is a great mid-cruiser but like the author mentioned, it does need a 6th gear. Nice looking, well built bikes. But I did sell mine last year because of the lack of a 6th gear. If Suzuki should ever decide to add a 6th gear, I would be a repeat buyer and Suzuki would probably sell a zillion more C50s. Ride safe.
The C50 is a gorgeous bike, and it’s one that I wanted for several years as I waited to move to a larger bike. However, when I sat on it in the store I found it wasn’t for me. I am short and I have a short inseam (5 feet 2 inches with less than 30-inch legs); I found the floorboards to be too forward and the bars too wide. I also don’t like having the gauges on the tank – it’s just more milliseconds of eyes not on the road. I eventually got the M50 instead, which suited me better and is exactly the same except for bodywork.I had years with the bike. To those interested: it’s a wonderful bike for cruising. For long distance and speeds over 70 mph (interstate travel) there is a vibration that makes the ride very uncomfortable over time, especially if you tend to sit a little back on the tailbone. The tank is very wide and my knees were constantly fatigued from trying to fight the wind and reaching all the way to the pegs (full leg extension almost around the tank, not merely resting). I caution all short riders who think this bike fits them in the showroom, and encourage a long test ride if possible. There is nothing wrong with this bike. I had not a single mechanical problem with it and I think Suzuki makes wonderful machines. It is a very enjoyable ride at 55 mph speeds, has a very pleasing rumble at stock setup, and the C50 especially is popular and has many OEM and aftermarket accessories available. It is a case where fit makes everything: had I been a couple of inches taller, I probably wouldn’t have had the experiences I did. As it is, a set of bar risers and a custom seat may do a lot for it for the vertically challenged rider.The thing I miss most about this bike was that gorgeous, huge chrome headlamp. There was something very romantic and spirited about looking forward and catching the reflection of a lovely blue sky in that expanse of metal.I sold mine because the riding position ended up driving me nuts after 30 minutes, especially after experiencing other bikes that fit me better.Great bike, loved it – but make sure it’s the one for you before making the commitment.
As a very short rider at 5 feet tall and a 26-inch inseam, I can tell you that I love my C50! I purchased the 2011 C50T last year. I did have the dealer lower the back and install pullback risers. And yes, my boots are modified an inch. The C50 is a very comfortable ride. And although it is bigger and heavier than my first motorcycle, I find it easier to handle. The only wish I have with this bike, is that I can find a way to install a device that would help me when I back it up. I pray every time I back into a parking spot that my feet don’t slip.The foot controls are easy to reach. I do love floorboards. Before you buy an expensive and insanely heavy Harely-Davidson, give the Suzuki C50 a ride!
I have been riding the C50 since 2006. Traded up from the S50 and so very glad I did. I love the C50! Never a problem. I’ve done some customizing to it (single gel seat, tank cover and fender cover) studded saddlebags, chrome fender covers. People stop me all the time and say “nice Hawg!” I guess they really don’t know their motorcycles. I would recommend this bike to any woman.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your miles on the C50. Riders have been looking for that elusive 6th gear since the first version of this bike, the Volusia, came out in 2000. I’ve owned a 2004 Volusia and now ride a 2007 C50. Love, love, love my bike!
Thanks for the review of the Suzuki C50T. I’m thinking that next summer will be when I get my “big girl” bike. I’ve spent this season building my skills and confidence on my Honda Rebel 250, but have missed out on some rides with friends because I don’t have much power. I will definitely put the Suzuki C50 in my list of bikes to test ride! I would love to see more reviews over the next few months of other bikes that would be good to step up to.
Browse through our motorcycle reviews as there are several mid-size cruisers we’ve reviewed that you can use for comparison to the C50.
Great article. I had been looking at a Suzuki Boulevard with the tramp trike kit. The bike fits a person with shorter legs and the reach is also very comfortable for a person of shorter stature. I am 5 feet 3 inches and plus size. This line of bike is what I am leaning toward!