2008 Suzuki Boulevard S50
User Reviews
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Best Bike I Ever Had
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 05, 2009I have owned several bikes over the years ranging from a Honda 175 to a BMW 1200RT.
I finally got smart and bought a bike I can enjoy riding every day on the interstate or in town.
I now have 4,000 miles on it. I'm fairly short so the low seat makes it a non-event when ... I stop - which is frequently in town. I am averaging 50 mpg around town and 60 on trips.
I did get a windshield which is helpful on trips.
This bike is a lot of fun to drive - anytime. It is great looking as well.
If I had to make one improvement it is the size of the gas tank. I have to think about refueling every 110 miles. Other than that, I finally found a bike I like to use pretty much any time and anywhere.
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My first Motorcycle
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 10, 2009I decided when we moved out west to NM that commuting by bicycle, like I had done for 16 years back east, was too hard(12miles each way, 1000 feet elevation difference). I was never on a motorcycle before taking the MSF course at the end of May. I trained on a 250cc Honda Nighthawk and it was a nice ... bike, but at 6', 210 lbs I was told that I would outgrow a 250cc quickly.
Well, I found a used S50-2008 and bought it from a dealer. It is a great bike to start out on. In one month I have put over 900 miles on it. The bike only had 76 miles on it when I bought it and I am still breaking in the engine.
Once I get more riding experience and the engine is broken in this bike will take me cruising through the backroads of New Mexico. In the city of Albuquerque I have been getting 50mpg on roads that have speed limits of 35-50mph; of course I am riding it easy to break-in the engine.
The bike lets me feel the road, i.e. it is a bumpy ride, but I feel safer as a beginner when I can feel the bumps. The hydraulic clutch is really nice to have as a beginner also.
The bike lacks a few things like a gas gauge, a tachometer, and could probably use a larger gas tank since I have to go to reserve at 120 miles. Maybe they figure that most people will not get 50mpg in town?---but most cities do not have the high speed limits like Albuquerque.
At the used price of $5200 this bike was well worth it for a first motorcycle and commuter bike. I could have gone with a 650cc engine like on the S40, but the S40 didn't even have a trip odometer.
I'm happy so far though.
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Great Ride and Looks
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 22, 2009My first Suzuki Intruder 750 was back in 1986. Bought the 2008 version in September 2008. This bike is truly becoming a Classic. Must sit down and just take a long look at the simple, clear and no nonsense design. I like the maintenance free shaft drive, the handy oil level sight glass. The Boulevard ... S50 is a fun riding, torquey machine that never let me down. The refined seat is very comfortable, soft suspension, great for short rides. The 2008 model came in silver color that enhances the already extensive factory chrome on the bike! Get lot of positive comments. This bike weighs 443lbs. It is heavy enough that gives a well planted feel and easy handling bike at the same time. The Suzuki sissy bar truly enhances the bike's style. This is a mechanically reliable bike and the 1986 model was as well.
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Great Value
By (I am an Owner) on Nov 05, 2008This bike is a smile machine. Not the bike if your planning a trip across country, but for day trips, commuting to work or a rides for an attitude adjustment, it is outstanding. Due to its light weight, the 800cc is plenty big to push it hard. Curvy roads are a treat. Bike has plenty of torque ... for pulling out of turns and up the steepest hills. Yet city MPG is 40-45 and highway is 50+MPGs.
The style is classic. Never fails to get positive comments.
Three negatives. 1. Gearing is set so that when cruising at high speeds, the engine runs at rather high RPMs. Bike is perfectly happy but one wishes for another gear to lower the RPMs. 2. Six footers may find the leg position rather cramped. One wishes the foot pegs were a little further forward. 3. The OEM seat is not good for long rides. Serious fanny fatigue after 90 minutes.
Overall a great value at $6,500.
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