Suzuki Boulevard C50 - Problems, Features, and Ways to Ride Longer

The Boulevard C50 is the lone entry of Suzuki in the cruiser segment of the market for motorcycles. It's been in production for around 20 years and has been one of the most iconic products of the Japanese brand ever since due to its signature bold and street styling elements.

The touring motorcycle has almost remained unchanged over the years, which could either mean a good thing or a bad thing for consumers. One possibility is that it could be performing well that's why Suzuki didn't see any reason to tweak it. After all, why fix something that won't break?

On the other hand, this could also mean that its maker couldn't be bothered enough to improve it at all because it wants to save on development costs, it's contented with its product, or its engineers are lazy enough to introduce any changes. Regardless of how you look at it, you should be prepared for any problem that will crop up from your big bike.

If you already own a Suzuki Boulevard C50 or are looking to buy one, you will find the following information quite handy, which include:

• Common Problems Linked to the Suzuki Boulevard C50
• Key Features of the Suzuki Boulevard C50
• Suzuki Boulevard C50 Maintenance Tips

Common Problems Linked to the Suzuki Boulevard C50

Looking at the numerous reviews posted about the model, the most common and most serious complaints about it so far have to do with engine backfires as well as some electrical issues related to the ignition and battery connections.

1. Engine Backfire

Engine backfire is the most common problem associated with the Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser. This has a high tendency to crop up after years of use and can be aggravated by poor maintenance or driving habits.

The most common symptom of this is a loud bang or pop when the engine is running. This can be caused by a number of different things, but the most likely root is a dirty or faulty spark plug. Other potential causes include a dirty or worn air filter, an ignition coil that is not firing properly, or a fuel injector that is not working correctly.

To fix this, you will need to clean or replace the dirty or faulty part. Start by checking the spark plugs. Carefully clean their connectors with a soft cloth if they are dirty and replace them if they are already damaged. If this does not solve the problem, check the air filter and replace it if it is dirty. Finally, check the ignition coil and fuel injector and change them with new ones if they are not working correctly.

2. Rough Starts

If your Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser is having trouble starting, it may be due to one of several common issues. In most cases, a rough start can be resolved by simply cleaning or replacing the relevant parts.

One of the most common causes of a rough start is a dirty or clogged fuel injector or filter. When the fuel injector or filter becomes clogged, this hinders the proper delivery of an adequate amount of fuel to the engine, resulting in a "lean" condition. Lean conditions are often responsible for hard starts, as well as sluggish performance, and poor fuel economy. They should be replaced right away if they are already worn.

Another possible part where the fault can originate is in the wiring harness based on the recall notice sent to owners back in 2006 if we're not mistaken. Fixing this can be as simple as ensuring that the wiring is in its proper order, clean, and connected properly.

Likewise, the ignition switch and spark plug can be the culprits, too. If they are damaged, the only way around your troubles is via parts replacement. But then again, if the problem is as trivial as soot in the connectors of the said parts, a simple cleaning usually does the trick.

It should be noted that the Boulevard C50 is prone to electrical problems even when new. Sometimes, it could be blamed on the mistake of the people at Suzuki's assembly plant. So, if your bike was only purchased recently, check your owner's manual or make an inquiry with Suzuki if this particular nuisance is covered by its warranty. Doing so would certainly save you a lot of cash and effort.

3. Battery Not Charging

If your Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser isn't charging properly, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure that the battery is correctly installed and connected. If the battery is loose or disconnected, it won't charge.

Second, check the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator controls the amount of power that flows to the battery. If it's faulty, it can cause the battery to not charge properly.

Lastly, check the charging system itself. The charging system includes the alternator, rectifier, and other parts. If any of these parts are damaged or not working properly, they can also prevent charging.

If you're having trouble charging your Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser's battery, it's time to clean or replace the parts that are causing the problem. Begin by cleaning all of the battery terminals and connections with a wire brush. This will remove any dirt or corrosion that could be preventing the flow of electricity. Replace the harness as well if it appears to have been shorted.

Next, check the voltage regulator. If it's damaged, you'll need to replace it.

Finally, check the charging system itself. If any of the parts are damaged or not working properly, they'll need to be replaced.

When you're finished cleaning or replacing the parts that are causing your Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser's battery to not charge properly, you should have no trouble getting it back up and running again.

Key Features of the Suzuki Boulevard C50

The Suzuki Boulevard C50 was unveiled during the Daytona Bike Week in Volusia County, Florida, in 2001. At that time, it was known as the Volusia, which references to where it was introduced. In 2005, it eventually adopted the moniker that it carries up to the present.

The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is a cruiser motorcycle with a fuel-injected, 805 cc displacement, V-twin engine. It has a five-speed transmission and shaft final drive. The Boulevard C50's chassis includes a tubular steel frame, concealed rear shocks, and a wide, comfortable seat. Its spacious riding position and smooth suspension make it a great choice for long rides. The C50 also features Suzuki's electronic ignition system, which conveniently allows riders to start the engine with a simple flick of a switch.

The Boulevard C50 offers plenty of power for highway riding. The big bike is estimated to possess an output of 53 hp and 52 lb-ft of torque. It's worth noting that its torque is tuned to peak even at a low rpm, which ensures the quick acceleration of the unit.

For a bike its size, the C50 can do an average 0-60 mph run in just around 6.22 seconds.

Suzuki Boulevard C50 Maintenance Tips

If you're the proud owner of a Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser or you're planning to purchase one, then you know that proper maintenance is key to keeping your bike running smoothly.

Here are key maintenance tips that will help you keep your Suzuki Boulevard C50 in its best form:

• Regular oil changes and top-ups are essential. Be sure to use the correct type of oil recommended by Suzuki.
• The air filter should be checked and cleaned regularly. A dirty air filter can negatively impact engine performance.
• The shaft drive should be kept clean and lubricated. This will help prevent premature wear and tear.
• The battery should be tested regularly and replaced if necessary. A strong battery is vital for starting the engine.
• The coolant should be checked regularly and flushed if necessary. This will help prevent engine overheating.
• Address problems right away to prevent them from getting worse or spreading into the other parts of your C50. One advantage of having a product that has remained virtually unchanged over the years is that it's easier to source replacement parts for it, so don't wait until the issues get out of control.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser running at its best for years to come.

Conclusion

The Boulevard C50 is a great choice for riders who want a cruiser-build motorcycle with plenty of power and comfort. It is also very reliable, but as with any other product out there, it does have its own share of problems.

Nevertheless, we are not bothered at all with its issues as they mostly have something to do with the regular wear and tear of the motorcycle. And oftentimes, they are related to the poor handling of owners. In a nutshell, they are negligible, to say the least, and can be easily repaired if addressed immediately or avoided altogether with regular maintenance. These are the reasons why the C50 is still one of the highly sought-after cruisers in the market today.