2008 Suzuki Boulevard S50 from United States of America

Summary:

This bike is the most fun to ride of any bike I have had in 40 years!

Faults:

After a year I had to replace front brake pads. This was the only repair to date and the bike was ridden hard.

General Comments:

I love this bike. It makes riding fun. It did take me awhile to get used to the extra vibration and the seat, but after the first 1000 miles I was pretty used to it.

I wouldn't recommended it for hauling a passenger or extended trips on the Interstate highways, but for the occasional trip it is fine.

The only big down side I have found is that it is a hard bike to do repairs on yourself. It seems that you have to remove the seat and the tank to do much of anything. Even replacing the plugs are a pain because of the limited clearance. I imagine this is because it is a small frame (compared to a Harley at least), and Suzuki must have used a mobile home designer to figure out how to put everything into such a compact space.

The best part about the bike is it looks like a custom cruiser, but handles like a sport bike. Poker runs and weekend bike events are the perfect environment for this bike. It handles the twisties better than any bike I have ever owned. You can just jump on it and go. Well almost, it has carburetors and not fuel injected, so you do need to choke it and let it warm up even if it's warm out.

I have had it a bit over 100 MPH, but the stability starts to go down fast at about 80 MPH so I wouldn't recommend those speeds for long periods.

After a year of riding this bike and about 6000 miles on it, the only thing I have had to do aside from oil and filter changes and lubes is to replace the plugs. I just wanted to carry an extra set with me so I bought a set of Iridium Plugs and use the old ones as spares in my tool kit. I also had to replace the front brake pads after about 5000 miles. (yes that does take that squeal away.)

The bottom line is that the bike is fun to ride, has little problems and performs great.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th June, 2009

2008 Suzuki Boulevard S50 from Canada

Summary:

Love the bike anyway

Faults:

Hard starting at 40 F.

General Comments:

The S50 looks just as great as my 1986 750 Intruder did.

Love the power, acceleration, comfort, handling.

Starting problems at low temperatures. I found at 40 F the front cylinder begins to fire but will not run on one cylinder. Then the rear cylinder kicks in. It takes a few minutes to make it run smooth.

It appears the rear cylinder is a bit leaner.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2009

2008 Suzuki Boulevard S50 from United States of America

Summary:

Great bike to own

Faults:

Front brake squeal seems to be the biggest problem with this bike. I have asked other dealers other than the one I bought the bike from, and seem to hear the same story.

Other than the brake squeal, the bike is great. I ride to work every chance I get, and at times just get the feeling to keep riding.

People really complement the chrome, the shiny silver paint and the clean look the bike has. I added the clear windshield for protection and the sissy bar for my wife and to give the bike an even better look.

Had the bike since late November, and almost have 2,000 miles on it now. I would most definitely buy another Suzuki.

General Comments:

Handles great, handle bars are just right, seat height is perfect for the average person, and the bike just looks fabulous.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2009

2008 Suzuki Boulevard S50 from United States of America

Summary:

At the present time, I have no confidence in the bike

Faults:

Front brake started making noise after about 50 miles.

On the first tank, I was getting about 50 mpg, since then I average 25 mpg.

Twice now the bike has died while riding. The electrics just vanished.

General Comments:

This bike handles very well.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th July, 2008

12th Dec 2008, 10:38

Sounds like you need to take it back to the dealer. It is still under warranty isn't it? I have an M50 and it is super reliable as I have put 45,000 miles in two years. Take it back, they need to fix your problems.

12th Apr 2009, 02:27

I've had similar problems with the brakes, which still continues. I've also had problems with motorcycle being hard to start, back firing, and always feeling like it is going to stall. I've taken it to the company that sold it to me, but I feel like it is a waste of time as the problems continue and I have to take time off from work to drop off the motorcycle and to pick it up. I've been told that the carburetors were replaced and adjusted to run richer.

I loved the look of the motorcycle, but I wouldn't buy another of this make/model. I had a Honda which I felt very confident on, but this Suzuki S50 makes me want to ride the bus. Next time only fuel injection.

5th Feb 2010, 20:48

My S50 is a fuel injected vehicle, I don't know why yours is different? That is strange.

28th Mar 2010, 20:47

I am having problems with my S50, dies and runs rough when in gear, but runs smooth as silk on the kickstand. Am suspecting a problem with the kickstand switch circuit and the kickstand relay. Shouldn't have bought this bike, never have trusted Suzuki electrics.

15th Aug 2011, 15:57

All S50 are carburated... if yours is not, that is the strange thing!

27th Nov 2023, 17:49

I had to replace the electrical connections to the battery. The circles had completely rotted due to corrosion, and the previous owner having the wrong battery. It did not fit snugly like the proper battery, and pulled and wobbled the cable connection. It was all messed up. Once I replaced the cable ends and the proper battery, she has been perfect. No issues.