Suzuki Boulevard C90 Problems – Avoiding and Fixing the Issues

The Suzuki Boulevard C90 is a cruiser-type motorcycle tracing its history back to the VL 1500 Intruder LC produced in 1994. Compared to the older bike though, the Boulevard C90 saw significant updates in design and performance ratings.

The retro and street styling plus the strong power plant of the Boulevard C90 makes it very appealing to old and young riders alike. However, it does have its share of reliability issues that every owner and potential buyer should know about. These are exactly what we will reveal in this article.

Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions to the Most Common Problems Found in the Suzuki Boulevard C90

Based on long-time owners of the Suzuki Boulevard C90 and mechanics who have vast experience working on the cruiser, here are the most common problems usually found in the bike:

1. Labored Start

The most common complaint of owners about the Suzuki Boulevard C90 has to do with difficulty starting the engine. Some of them say that this can occur even before the 1,000-mile mark.

Hard starts can be caused by a variety of factors, including low battery power, dirty spark plugs, or a clogged fuel filter. Other symptoms may include stalling, idling roughly, or reduced power and performance.

There are several likely causes of these symptoms, and each one will require a different solution. If the battery is low on power, for example, it will need to be recharged or replaced. Dirty spark plugs can be cleaned with a wire brush or replaced if they are already fouled.

Moreover, a clogged fuel filter can be cleaned using a solution but it should be replaced with a new one if it's worn. In some cases, more than one of these problems may be present, so it's important to diagnose and fix them one at a time.

There are things you can do to prevent a labored start in your Suzuki Boulevard C90. First, make sure the battery is in good condition and has enough power to start the engine. Second, keep the spark plugs clean and free of deposits. Third, make sure the fuel filter is free from too much carbon build-up and it should be replaced when necessary.

By following these simple preventive steps, you can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing this problem.

2. Battery Charging Issues

Suzuki has acknowledged electrical problems in some of its products during its recalls over the years. Although not directly specified, they can potentially affect the charging of the battery.

The primary symptom of battery charging issues is dimming headlights. This can be due to a faulty alternator or voltage regulator, loose battery connections, or a damaged battery. If you notice your headlights dimming, it's important to get the problem checked out as soon as possible.

The next symptom you should watch out for is difficulty starting the engine. This can be caused by a weak battery, dirty battery terminals, or other electrical problems. If you have difficulty starting your engine, it's important to have the issue diagnosed so that you can get it fixed.

For battery charging issues, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery.

If you're experiencing these, there are some solutions you can apply. If the problem is with the alternator or voltage regulator, you may need to have them replaced. If the problem is with the battery itself, you may need to have it replaced or recharged. If the battery connections are loose, you may need to tighten them, but you may have to replace the harness if they have been shorted. And if there are any other electrical problems, you may need to have those fixed as well.

To prevent battery charging issues, have your bike serviced regularly. This includes having the alternator and voltage regulator checked as well as the battery, connections, and other electrical components. If any of these are found to be faulty, they can be replaced before they cause further damage.

Another way to prevent charging issues is to keep the battery clean and corrosion-free. This can be done by using a battery cleaning solution to clean the terminals, posts, and connectors. You can also use a commercially available corrosion inhibitor for rust prevention.

3. Grounding Rectifier Fault

If your Suzuki Boulevard C90 is experiencing grounding rectifier faults, there are a few potential symptoms that you may notice. These can include issues with the charging system, electrical problems, and engine stalling. If you're experiencing any of these problems, it's important to have your motorcycle checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

There are some potential causes of grounding rectifier faults. One possibility is that the rectifier itself is malfunctioning. Another possibility is that there is an issue with the stator windings. In some cases, simply cleaning and tightening the connections can resolve the problem. However, in other cases, more extensive repairs or even the replacement of the rectifier may be necessary.

To avoid grounding rectifier faults on your Suzuki Boulevard C90, make sure that the connections are always clean and tight. You can also help keep your bike in good condition by following the recommended maintenance schedule.

4. Compression Loss

If you're riding a Suzuki Boulevard C90 and you suddenly notice a power reduction, it's likely due to compression loss. This can be caused by worn piston rings, leaky valves, or a damaged cylinder.

The most obvious symptom of this is a significant drop in performance. Your bike will feel sluggish and may even struggle to maintain speed. You may also feel that your engine is running hotter than normal.

Different things can cause compression loss. The most common is worn piston rings. Over time, the rings that seal the piston in the cylinder can wear down, allowing air and oil to leak past them.

Another possible cause is leaky valves. If the seals around the valves are worn or damaged, they may not close properly, allowing some air to escape from the cylinders.

Finally, damage to the cylinder itself can cause compression loss. If the cylinder walls are scratched or damaged, they may not seal properly, causing air to leak out.

If you think you might be experiencing compression loss, the first thing you should do is take your bike to a mechanic. They can run a compression test to check for leaks in the cylinders. If they find any, they'll be able to repair or replace the damaged parts.

In most cases, replacing worn piston rings or valves will fix the problem. However, if the cylinder itself is damaged, you may need to have it repaired or have the engine rebuilt. This is a more serious repair and will likely require professional help.

The best way to deal with compression loss is to prevent it from happening in the first place. You can do this by regularly maintaining your bike and replacing any worn or damaged parts as soon as possible. This will help to keep your engine in good condition and prevent any leaks from developing.

If you ride your bike hard, you may want to consider upgrading to stronger piston rings or valves. These are designed to withstand more wear and tear and will last longer than the standard parts.

5. Backfires When Downshifting

When you downshift on a motorcycle, the engine speed increases. This can cause the engine to backfire. Backfiring can damage the exhaust system and cause the cruiser to lose power. It can also be dangerous for the rider.

The possible causes of backfiring when downshifting include the spark plugs not firing correctly, too rich or too lean fuel mixture, an air leak in the intake system, a restricted exhaust system, and incorrect ignition timing. All these can be remedied by checking and replacing the spark plugs, adjusting the fuel mixture, fixing the leaks in the intake system, cleaning the exhaust system, and adjusting the ignition timing, whichever is applicable.

If you are having trouble with your motorcycle backfiring, it is best to take it to a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.

There are a few things you can do to prevent your cruiser from backfiring when downshifting. Start by making sure the spark plugs are in good condition and are firing correctly. After that, have the fuel mixture adjusted according to recommended specification. Furthermore, always check for air leaks in the intake system. Lastly, keep your exhaust system clean.

Conclusion

The Boulevard C90 is definitely rife with electrical problems that Suzuki is known for plus other mechanical issues. These are the stuff that you must consider if you are considering buying the model or you are torn between keeping or letting go of the one you have now.

If you still plan on proceeding with its ownership, however, no one is stopping you from doing so. After all, the Boulevard C90 is one charming product if you take away its signature issues. As long as you repair the said problems in their early stages and your bike undergoes regular preventive maintenance, you can mitigate your risk of ever encountering them or avoid them altogether if you're lucky.