Suzuki Boulevard c50 - too big/powerful?

[kennydude]

heyy
i actually just bought a c50 for myself. i havent been able to ride it yet cause theres still snow on the ground (and minus 50 with windchill last week) in calgary.
i rode a maxim 400 all last season, and decided i wanted something else. i found the fact that it was heavier than the maxim not a big deal cause my feet plant on both sides - as its lower to the ground.
the only issue with buying a bike like this in my opinion for a first bike, is how much you might cry if you happen to drop it.
a first bike should be one that youo can ride comfortably, and you feel safe on. if youve never ridden before, then maybe get on a buddy's old beater bike and try it?
anyway, im in love with the C50 so far

[Rainman]

I have a 06 C50 T and I am about 5'6" and 225 pounds. It's my first bike (actually second but the first one was a paperwork mess).

The bike is definitely good for a strong first year rider. It's heavy, has vibration issues at highway speeds, and is usually mistaken for a HD.

I love it!!! The fuel injection is nice when the temperatures are changing, the liquid cooling is great for engine durability, and the chassis is built for large people.

I chose the C50 because the Vstar 650 wasn't available in the color I wanted, and many of the reviews of the V650 described it as underpowered. Many of the V650 riders seemed to be into adding pipes, jet kits, intakes, etc to make it perform better.

On my C50, I add a air horn, extra lights, chrome accessories, and a GPS!!!

My first bike is a Ninja 250, that I purchased used and had a mess to get the title straightened out..Took 2 months to get the title straightened out, so I was bummed and bought the C50.

[niterider]

I too am 5'3" at 120 wet clothes. If you have ridden before and have the concept of ridding, with a lot of respect for the bike, you may be able to pull it off.
On utube I saw a 95 lbs 5'2" woman riding a Boss Hoss. I am sure it was not her first bike though, she managed it very well.

[jonl]

Given the low horsepower of small-to-mid size cruisers, a Suzi 800 is a pretty "small" bike. I like the Kawi Vulcan EN500 mentioned above for its great power-to-weight ratio and low saddle height, and it punches way above it's "cc" class. Aside from the Vulcan 500, the Yamaha 650 and Suzuki 800 are both suitable entry-level bikes.

A 250 or 500 Ninja might be easier to handle given their lower weights, but it you want a cruiser, the Suzuki 800 is a pretty good choice.

[Biker Medic]

Hello everyone.
I take my msf course next month and am looking at getting a suzuki boulevard c50. I have read several articles that say it is a good mid range starter, but wanted a few informed opinions. I am 5'3" and am able to both pick it up and reach the ground ALMOST flat footed. I plan to modify the seat to lower it a little. I "tried on" quite a few bikes, and it felt really comfortable, both height and arm reach wise. whaddaya think?

I'm a new rider as well (MSF earlier this month) and I was seriously looking at the Boulevard as well (I'm 6'1") but I ended up going with a Yamaha V-Star Custom (650) which fits me very well. I am amazed at the torque it can kick out when accelerating...and that's with 649cc...
It looks sexy enough...and it has manageable weight/power. Don't go crazy, ok?

[moretti756]

I bought a C 50 as a first bike last april and I wouldn't trade it for any other bike. The biggest adjustment from the MSF course was the bike's weight. It takes a little more getting used to than the little 250's they provide at MSF. I don't think that this bike is too powerful for a first timer as long as you respect the bike.

I went with this bike because I thought it was the most comfortable and best looking mid size bike I looked at. Also, I didn't want to buy a bike that I was going to grow out of in a year or so.

I think, if you take the course and still like the Boulevard C50, it will be an excellent choice.