Suzuki Boulevard C50T vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 LT

My next door neighbor bought the C50T, It vibrated to beat the band. He took it back to the local dealer, they said it was normal.. Horse Hockey, He sold it at a loss instead of pursuing the corrective course of action. I rode it a bit, it handled nice, shorter wheel base in town was great, but I couldn't get past that vibration. I bought the VN900B Classic for the larger engine, two up riding, belt drive ease of starting, low seat height. I have 1000 miles on it, riding back and forth to work every day, and subsequently added a windshield, saddle bags, supports, Mustang seat, Sissy bar and luggage rack, and riding lights. Pros abound, the cons are: the valve train noise with the windshield is intensified at speed (70) and at 80 mph there is a bit of vibration that seems to be diminishing with mileage. I am grinding the drag pads on some sweeping corners, its a heavy bike and the long wheel base makes for some interesting backing manuevers for parking in my car port. I have dropped it while parking and done minimal damage to the windscreen, once it starts to go I cannot stop it. I can pick it back up, but its a strain.

Its a kick to ride, fast enough for the freeway in Oregon,and lots of omph for the mountain roads. I don't have to wrench on it to go some where fun. I do not worry about getting back under my own power.  

Just addiing to the input on these two fine machines.
As I too was deciding between these bikes.

After 2 plus years of looking at the Suzuki, I did a last minute flip, and went with the Kawi.  Purchasing a Vulcan Classic 900 in June 08, for a number of reasons.  Formost was that the riding position fit me better.  Also, right up there was my expereience with Kawasaki thru Jet Ski's.  Seeing how they have stood behind, and taken better care of their owners, than other manufacturers.

I've got in over 2,000 miles this summer.  90% on back roads and secondary highways of the Mass, NH, and Maine seacoast area.  Only about 10% on divided highways.

I have added a sissy bar/luggage rack and a light bar, both from Cobra.  A Rigg Bag is fixed to the bike, as I have used it to take my gear to the rink.  So, to the $7,000 purchase price, I've added about $600.  (should have got the LT)

I'm getting 50 miles to a gallon.  Power and pull is no problem for my 5'10" 235lb frame.  However, like others have mentioned, I do find myself looking for another gear.  You don't need it, even up to 80mph.  But, .....

I am very happy with the bike. It has met my expectations, and have one issue, and one complaint.

I have the same feelings about the seat previously mentioned by other posters.  I'm up to an hour and a half, but, a replacement will be my next purchase.  However, I rate this as an issue, believing that all stock seats are below par.

My only complaint is that I feel it runs hotter than I expected.  During the hot days, when I'm in shorts and sneakers, it's annoying.  Might just be that I'm used to hockey rinks.  But, once it gets hot, it does not cool down during an extended cruise very quickly, if at all.  

Looking forward to others comments.  Especially about my complaint.  Moreover, from people in warmer regions.  

I recently bought a 900Lt. and  chose it over the C50 for a variety of reasons. Larger engine and the belt drive allows it to put more on the road than going through a shaft. I have read and was told by the dealer (he sold both) 12-15% more. The Kaw offered more color choices and I wanted something more than basic black. I also appreciate the adjustment to the brake for hand size and felt the custom setting allows me to cover the brake with more comfort--important in twisties.  I also appreciate the pipes and their sound--I am one that feels a bit of extra rumble is a safety enhancement--especially if riding on divided highways and interstates. Unlike most posts I have not had major problems with seat comfort. I ride in the mountains of East Tennessee and Western N.C. usually for 100 plus miles with friends. While the seat could be more comfortable (they all could) we usually choose to stop every 45 to 60 minutes anyway to enjoy a mountain vista, a snack or drink so its been no major problem. The factory dress on the LT is well worth the extra bucks and fits the look of the bike well. Word of warning, in sharp mountain turns there can be peg scrape--startling at first but-no a real problem. The plates are spring loaded and have a sacrificial pad on the bottom. I have had the bike 6 weeks had owned others before and am very happy with my choice.  

Great Forum for cruisers.  I recently purchased a Suzuki C50 and just love it.  I also did a lot of research prior to the buy and found the C50 had everything I was looking for ex: price, 800cc's, fuel mileage 50+, accessories available, shaft drive, EFI, running boards, heel/toe shifter, etc.  Love the performance with passenger as well. I commute daily and am very comfortable at 70mph.  I'm a small guy at 5ft. 8in and lightweight too so a bigger bike was not an option.  I ride in the texas hill country and could not be happier.  Ride on and Ride safe...  

I have a 900 clasic LT that I bought new in May of '06. The only complaint that I've had with mine is the seat was unsuitable for extended trips. After the first long ride , (3500 miles in 9 days) I replaced the stock saddle with a Mustang saddle and have been very satisfied with it. I have just over 25,000 miles on the bike and haven't had to do anything other than routine oil/filter changes and replace worn out tires. great bike ! A friend of mine has a C50 and is very happy with his also. When we go on a long trip he wishes he had a 900 - when we're cruising the back roads and pushin' it through the twisties , I would rather have the C50. If you do a lot of interstate riding like I do - go with the 900 . Can't go wrong either way .  

Good Info on this thread. Would like to upgrade from a
Shadow VLX 600 and looking at the C50T/Vulcan900LT/
and soon to be available Yamaha 950LT as options. Any
thoughts guys/gals ? Thanks in advance.  

I have 17,500 miles on my C50SE and it has been the perfect bike for me. My wife has the same bike and we have made several long trips. I have wondered about buying a bigger bike but after reading this article, my thoughts are confirmed. I don't really need a bigger bike at all.

We consistently get 50 miles per gallon and this gives us all the range we want. The seat is comfortable, the bike's ergos are good, shifting and braking etc. You buy a bike because it takes you places and the fun is in the ride, the corners, the scenary. In these respects, the C50 is just great. Steady, smooth, comfortable, fun, and reliable.

I don't need a 850 lb bike to make me feel manly. My neighbors Road King is the "image bike" but he has put thousands of dollars into his bike every year. I just change oil, fluids, tires, and run the thing like it won't stop. The C50 has bigger tires than the Road King, longer wheel base, better fuel economy, better handling and it is one third the price. Duh, I guess it is a no-brainer.  

I purchased my 2006 Vulcan 900 new in March of 2007 and now have 4,500 miles on it after 2 summers.  I can't tell you how much I love this bike.  I use it to commute to work once a week and have used it for some trips in the 200 mile range.  As stated many times in this string the seat is terrible.  I replaced it with the Corbin including driver's backrest.  I have read many postings regarding aftermarket seats and am shocked to find that I seem to be the only person in the world that seems to dislike the Corbin seat.  The materials are great, the styling is great, but the fit is a problem.  On the plus side I can ride much longer without getting numb-butt, say 1 1/2 hours as opposed to just a half hour with the stock seat, but I find that the slope of the seat is wrong causing me to pitch forward a few inches anytime I hit a bump in the road, especially if I am trying to use the backrest.  Corbin says they'll work with me and have allowed me to send the seat back for adjustment.  We're in that process now.  If they can correct it the seat will be awesome.  I know this string is focussed on comparing the C50 to the 900.  My vote is solid on the 900, but having a poor seat whether it is the stock seat or an aftermarket seat is quite a distraction when trying to evaluate the overall ride.  I'll update the post when I get the adjusted seat back.  

I would like to see some posts from novice women bikers who own either of these bikes.  I took my safety training course last August and am now looking for a bike.  (My first ride as a passenger on my husband's new Star1300cc convinced me that being my own rider is a much better, fun option!)

I am looking for something that a novice woman rider can handle but won't outgrow.  We live in the country so all our driving is on highway and we plan to do lots of roads trips. There doesn't seem to be much selection in the 650 range for imports (eg. Honda Shadow, Yamaha Silverado) so I'm also considering these two bikes. I loved these two bikes when I saw them at the dealership, but found the C50T a little tall - couldn't put my feet 100% flat on the ground.  I am 54, 5'5" and weigh 160lbs. As a novice rider I'd like to know what other women think about ease of handling these two bikes and if they are too much power and weight for someone of my stature and experience.  

I'm a novice rider and this is my first "legal" motorcycle.  I wanted something big enough to escape and not intimidating enough to leave it in the garage.  I've ridden it four times and have put over 300 miles on it.  I can't wait to ride it on a daily basis.  The issues I've seen throughout the forums are standard, whether you are a novice or not:
Heavy bike
Seat isn't comfortable for long durations
Floorboards scrape when leaning into a corner
Large windscreen requires lowers to help with wind buffeting

It is an absolutely beautiful bike that a novice will not grow out of for a long time.  I'd highly recommend it.  The Suzuki felt intimidating compared to the Kawasaki...go figure...a larger engine in the Kawi????  Besides, resale value is outstanding.  

By the way, I'm 52, 5'9" and 135 pounds.  You will love it.  

I like Honda CBR very much. In this bike style is also and power is too good.  
Honda CBR 2006 High Power LEDS

Nightrage:
I'm leaning toward the C50T myself but after talking to two of my co-workers they keep telling me to get something bigger.  This will be my first bike so I'm worried about getting something too big; however, I don't want something that is too small.  I'm 6'1" so is this bike too small???  I'm talking about engine size and just the size of the bike in general...is there enough leg room for my size?

Looking to hear from those that are my size or larger.  Thanks.

Rage

Hi!
I have a 2009 C50T. I'm 6'-2" tall and weigh 240 lbs. I am not a small guy. The bike has plenty of power (not an issue at all)! Also, the bike fits me very well.  

I have a 2007 Vulcan 900 Classic with almost 24k on it in a year and a half I can say its a good fit for my 6'0' frame.  As everyone else says the stock seat will have to go and I'm finally getting ready to change it out.  I bought this bike the day I picked up my M1 license and its done everything I've asked it to...

Also someone asked about pipes on these bikes.  Most of the input I've seen is that you can get away with changing just the pipes and the FI computer will handle it.  I have HardKrome 2.5 strippers on mine and it runs fine.  Once you start changing the intake side you'll need a processor.

Ken H.
Modesto, CA  

Here is something to check out for the new Suzuki C50s.. it's pretty neat:

http://www.speedtv.com/feature/suzuki-summer-cruise