2005 Suzuki Boulevard S50 review from United States of America

Loving the look of these new "Intruders", mainly due to the new drag handlebars, and the comfortable feel.

I purchased the S50 this year, 2005. I've had the bike about 1 month and here is some feedback for those shopping.

I am a first time owner of a street bike. Again, the cruiser style and look of this bike is what drew me in. Along with the close out pricing for the 2005 models as they approached the 2006 models.

As a first time street rider, this bike is great. Highly recommended for the beginner or even a seasoned pro needing a lighter bike. It has plenty of torque to get out of the way should that Hummer cross in front of you via a red light not seen.

It is fairly comfortable as far as the riding position, though forward controls are very tempting. The seat must go! It's fine for short trips, but anything beyond 25 miles at a time and your hind parts go numb. I have found that highway travel is going to require a windshield as well. It just physically wears you down at highway speeds fighting to stay in position.

After my first month and the break in miles about done, I'm wishing I had bought a bigger bike. I'm 5 ft 11 in and about 210 lbs. It is just right on the border line. I'm fine with it, but at times it feels a little small for me. Just frame wise, seat height.

Power isn't an issue. Though at 500 miles, I did fail to fight off the urge to push some limits while a Ram Air Trans Am rode my tail. I hammered the throttle, and rapped it out while hunkering over the tank. A brief glance down a few seconds later proved 120mph with the Trans Am right on my afore mentioned hind parts. So, you won't outrun any highway muscle cars, but I never thought I would. Nice to know it can do 120 mph though. It was still climbing as I ran out of road and had to shut it down. The bike made it there pretty quick and easy, but she was leveling off in pull at that speed. So I imagine a top speed of about 125-130 if you had the room.

The only real disappointment has been a crackling of the chrome exhaust. The finish has a crackling type issue that looks bad up close. I'm hoping this will be a warranty issue, though I haven't taken her in yet.

One other thing is she is very cold natured. A full choke for the first 3 minutes, then about a 1/4 for another 7 minutes, and she's good to go. Anything less time wise, and she'll sputter a bit at take off.

Otherwise, a great bike for the money. Though of course not a long distance runner. Make sure to look for a seat replacement and a windshield once purchased, you'll be glad you did.

Live long, ride hard, and never look back.