2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50 review from South Africa

Creeping corrosion on the handlebar risers and clamps, but that's all.

I have owned: Honda 550, Yamaha 850, Suzuki GS1000S, Moto Guzzi 1000, Honda XR600, Honda XR250 AND Laverda 1200.

After my last accident I swore to stay off bikes, but my blood is red so I bought the M50 thinking it would be an underpowered, calm and collected cruiser. Hmmm, for a bike that weighs 247kgs, it is no slouch.

OK, stock it can be a little boring. Since I eyed those skinny headers with suspicion, I threw the whole exhaust away and replaced with bigger bore straight thru pipes, much like the Vance and Hines Straight Shots.

Result was an increase in top speed from 174km/h to 200km/h, snappier acceleration and a free revving engine. I also opened up the airbox and now have a small power band, which is fun.

As a commuter it is great fun, as a tourer it is very capable. Need to replace the rear foot pegs as my wife complains of numb feet after a while. But other than that, a surprisingly comfortable ride, especially on my back which often ached when riding my other bikes.

A little too plasticky, but, hey, it goes very well, is reliable, reasonable on fuel and easy to maintain. Oh yes, handles very well, considering it's a cruiser. Overall, I would never get rid of this machine. I want another bike for the sheer fun of it, but this one stays as well.