Suzuki Boulevard C90 vs C50 vs Kawasaki Vulcan?

Question

I am planning on buying my first brand new bike and want to get a cruiser. I've previously had a 83 Suzuki GS550E and a 92 GS500E. I've been riding for a few years now and am a 5'6" female.

I really like the balance of the Boulevards but the Vulcan wasn't bad either. Anyone know of a reason to spend the extra money for a Vulcan?

Also I'm a little concerned (and the salesman really played into this) that I might outgrow a C50. Does anyone have any experience with the power difference between the 50 and the 90?

Answer 1

The Vulcan is a great bike, however so are the Boulevard series. The smaller C50 is based on the Maurader 800cc engine which is a long-standing, reliable bike with a good performance record. A lot of people prefer the styling of the Vulcan and the Nomad is a favorite for touring.

The specs are:

C50: - 27.6" seat height
- 542 pounds
- 820cc

C90: - 27.6" seat height
- 665 pounds
- 1475cc

Your hunch is correct about the salesman - you will probably not "outgrow" the C50. He just wants the extra four grand for the bigger bike and sale.

Since the seat heights are the same, and it sounds like you have a medium to smaller body size, the choice is strictly personal. A large cruiser is not necessarily better than a medium-sized one, and in fact can be a deficit if you use your bike in a lot of traffic, do a fair amount of cornering with it or use it for commuting. The bigger bike will be more comfortable and relaxed on long trips, so it depends on what you prefer and what your primary use is.

Buy what you really need and want - not what the salesman wants to sell you. Also don't forget, if you're buying a new bike, get your financing before you buy your bike. You'll get the best rates from your credit union, or if your credit is great, some dealers may offer special low interest rates on selected bikes as an incentive.

Last, Suzuki's are very reliable motorcycles. Don't let your dealer sell you an extended warranty. Dealers mark those up big time. If you really want an extended warranty, get it through your insurance broker - you'll save a lot of money.

Have fun and enjoy!

Answer 2

I used to own a 2003 Suzuki 1500LC (previous name for the Boulevard C90). It was a great bike for me. The only real drawback to it is the small gas tank capacity. The C90's tank, which is actually under the seat, does not even hold 4 gallons and only gets fair gas mileage. I had 35,000 trouble free miles on it before trading it for a new bike.

The C50 holds more gas and gets better mileage but has drum rear brakes and single front disc vs. the C90's rear disc and dual front discs. But since the C50 is 100 lbs lighter, the reduced stopping power may not be an issue for you. The 805cc motor will provide plenty of power and the bike does not feel small, so I don't imagine you would outgrow it.

The C50 uses the same motor that was in my first motorcycle, the Suzuki Intruder 800. If it weren't for the cramped riding position on that particular bike, I would probably still have it. I felt like I had more get-up-and-go on my 800 than on my 1500. I know that feeling had more to do with the weight difference than the actual power, but the smaller bike had more than enough power, regardless.

I have not ridden any of the Vulcans but my work partner rides a 2003 Vulcan Nomad and has over 90,000 miles on it without any major problems. Kawasaki makes a good product but, for me, do not match the good looks of the Suzuki enough to justify paying another thousand dollars.

Answer 3

Suzuki Vulcan

Answer 4

My partner is 5'2" and was very comfortable on a Vulcan for many years. A 240lb guy with a passenger and luggage would probably like a 90, but if you're a 120lb chick riding alone, I don't think you'd ever outgrow the 50 and you wouldn't have an extra 130lbs of iron to haul around. No saleseman is going to recommend the cheaper bike.
I like the cleaner look of the Vulcan myself, but I ain't buying it. You are.

Answer 5

The Kawasaki Vulcan line has been a top choice pick over the years from motorcycle magazines. I purchased a new 2000 Vulcan Classic 1500 (Fuel-Injected) and loved it. My Wife got a new 2004 Vulcan Classic and she enjoys riding it very much. This year I got the new Vulcan Classic 2000cc "Belt Driven". WHAT A MACHINE!

Answer 6

805cc's too small?! I don't think you will grow out of a 50 cu in bike any time soon. The C50 is good looking cruiser, sounds like its custom made for you. Enjoy.

Answer 7

C50 is a great bike for intermediate riders. Great gas milage (50mpg) good balance and runs very good. Beware tho you'll always be looking for that next gear. Operates at hi RPM. C90 is the same in that respect.

I put huge twin straight Krome 3 inch pipes on my C50 and it sounded really good, but again the high RPM made it sound like a loud bumble bee going down the road.

I'm 6ft 1 inch and 190 pounds and that 800 would haul butt. Plenty of tourque and good control at interstate speed. A little wobbly when passing that huge Walmart truck though.

I just traded in my 06 last month. After 30 years of riding and always Japanese bikes I got a Harley Road King.

Absolutely no regrets. I don't care if my note is twice as much. Don't care about any of that stuff I tried to convince myself about the negatives of Harley Davidson. Man there is something to be said about turning the key, waking that engine up and feeling it in your bones. Just buy a Harley. You knoiw you can get a Sportster for about the same as what you're gunna spend on that Jap bike. Don't waste 30 years of your biking life on Japanese bikes like I did.

Answer 8

bigger is better when it comes to cruisers. the heavier bikes absorb the bumps alot better than a lighter bike. i know a guy who rode in to ohio from ma on a vulcan 2000. he said u can crank that tank to 80 and the ride is still as smooth as glass.