Strange Bedfellows - Star Bolt C-Spec vs. Suzuki Boulevard M50

What does this new performance bobber have to do with the likes of a power cruiser such as Suzuki’s Boulevard M50? That’s exactly what Evans Brasfield and I are contemplating over coffee the day we finally get these two together for a photo shoot. Besides being only $100 apart in MSRPs and a 137cc difference in displacement, the two otherwise share few things in common. It's this disparity on which we’re focusing.
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[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I bought the suzuki c50 new in 2007. It has been flawless with only oil changes, tires, and one battery that lasted exactly 9 years! Very pleased.

[@BeachJedi101]

Got to love Japanese reliability.

[@shark11175]

Larry Norsworthy same here bro

[@battletoads22]

I was sure my first bike was going to be a Vulcan S, but the M50 is so pretty!

[@WaitAMinute1989]

Mine too, Im glad I went with the 2016 M50.

[@palancethaprince]

I was looking at the same two bikes and might make the same decision.

[@Demogorgon000]

Don't let anyone fool you. The M50 has enough power to get a big guy beyond 100mph and will accelerate much faster than average cars. It handles very easily slow and fast, dips over well, with good ground clearance while maintaining stability on the highway. It stops adequately despite the brake setup. I wouldn't pick this bike to ride for several hours at 75 mph but it could handle it with ease. It's not meant to be a touring machine but with a 6th overdrive it would be one. The M50 is a great commuter, fun in the curves, smooth on the highway, a solid cruiser.

[@kdmcc7]

I agree on the overdrive. I ride one occasionally ,and over 75 it shakes pretty good. Pull in the clutch and let the revs drop- smooth as glass at 75.

[@vpraczynski9013]

Hey Tom, the ball of your foot should be on the peg when not shifting gears or applying the brake. Your toes just about scrapped the pavement on a few occasions.

[@Jaxen90841]

Useful video for me. Have had my C50 Boulevard for 10 years. Mostly oil changes and the occasional valve clearance check. Recently had the rear axle give me a damn difficult time coming out for a rear tire change. Had to buy a new axle on Ebay. Finally, after almost 54,000 miles, it seems to have burned an exhaust valve or chipped a seat. It fails the leak down test. Bought a Star C-Spec yesterday to replace her. Think I will pull the Suzuki motor and get the head fixed anyway. Thought she would last forever.

[@MrMambott]

That's a shame ,, I was looking at getting , ( still thinking ) a VZ 800 2006 model with 42,000 kms on her ( 26,000 miles ) ,, it been well kept and serviced ,, she would still be ok you think , $5.500 Australian dollars

[@Jaxen90841]

Y'know, a few years ago, I had a Ford Escort burn an exhaust valve with about 100,000 miles on it. It had about twice as many miles as my Suzuki and it had hydraulic lifters that supposedly keep clearances just perfect. A valve still went south. I decided to just pull the head and get it all fixed at an automotive machine shop. The Escort ran fine, later, and I drove it for several more years. Some components just go when it's their time. Something like more frequent oil changes wouldn't have fixed it. Maybe your Boulevard will never have a valve issue, maybe it will. I'm working lots of overtime right now and I can't get to it. I'll get to it soon. My dealer says it's about a 10 hour project at his shop.

[@JGoodard1]

Both bikes are beautiful.

[@Long-nd8bq]

For a taller rider I prefer the Suzuki. The bolt has a more cramped riding position. Also if you lean over the bolt hard in the twisties you can scrape pegs a little too easily.

[@amd5114]

I have a 2007 M50 and it's a great bike....put Vance & Hines exhaust on it,stock one was just to quite and bulky....as far as the Bolt,I'm sure it rides and is well built but if you want a bike trying to copy the sportster that much, just buy a harley.

[@scottdavis2711]

Bingo!

[@fohz0710]

I really like the bolt even if it is a dollar tree Sportster but what i dont like the issues with the seat, wobble at higher speeds and my situation rn i prefer shaft drive

[@NOTadribabe]

No mention of air cooling vs liquid cooling? Alarming.

[@renaldocathright3110]

Both are great bikes but I like the Suzuki boulevard slot better

[@rob7105]

I just cant deal with the big rear fender and tail lights on the M50. aside from that its a beautiful bike and im looking at one as my next bike getting off the restricted license soon.

[@MrMambott]

I love all the Suzuki Models of the VL 800cc From the Volusia to the Boulevard to the VZ 800 to the C 50 ,,M 50 they are nice bikes

[@just-dl]

I'm new to the world of motorcycles, but, I'm fond of the Suzuki line up. Having said that, would the S50 be a better comparison, in terms of style, to the Bolt C-Spec? I think of the M's as being dolled up a bit more, and the S series running a bit more naked. Thoughts? Would love to get two-cents worth from someone who knows better than I.

[@bryanrobles357]

idk im 22 and i like both bikes for different reason tho the Boulevard is by far my favoritve cruiser and am strongly leaning towards getting one for my next bike vs the bolt r or c spec

[@jimmiejohnsson2272]

Interesting video, these two bikes and the harley davidson sportser were the ones I was considering when I bought my first bike. I kind of like em both, the bolt R version I looked at looks better than the one in this video tho. In the end I ended up with the Suzuki, but its just matter of taste. I think both bikes are great choices. If you wanna drive longer distances I would however prefer the Suzuki, as it does have a more comfortable driving position especially if going long distances

[@j10betty]

i bought the 2015 base model bolt w/ red tank. looks the best out of all of them if u ask me because the whole bike is black which makes the tank pop out at u. added a freedom performance slip on and cobra air cleaner, new grips, taped up the exhaust pips to look better and painted the pipe accent pieces black and other shit. its a solid build bike with so many options to customize

[@CocoKickz94]

84proof you said it bro, I myself have the '15 R-Spec, I think it may very well be one of the most customizable platforms on the market right now. Next to The Harley's of course. My brother has the '15 C-Spec so far all he's done is cut the fender leaving the cafe racer looking rear end on it and man oh man does it look clean. I love these bolts! Would love to get my hands on a set of wire wheels from the '17 Models, I think they really set the bike off.

[@GrecoRoman123]

0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times, respectively: Suzuki Boulevard M50 = 5.39 sec; 13.99 sec Yamaha Bolt = 6.02 sec; 14.22 sec

[@mikekle2058]

my 2015 bolt gets to 60 mph in about 4 seconds .

[@scottmorse1798]

YA IM AN OLD FART. my big bike is a 2011 vaquero. my new 2018 bolt gave me back 20 years! at least while im riding it. :)

[@rubensahak9178]

interesting comment.I am 57 and was looking at Vaquero as my touring and only bike but bolt appeals to me because of weight and price.Why did Bolt gave you 20yrs back just curious.Thank you

[@scottmorse1798]

@@rubensahak9178 its old school quick, and not so over powered to turn you into road tar just thrilling enough. i put the v& h drag pipes and h v intake with fuel command. makes trips to walmart a joy.

[@SavioureG]

Bought the Bolt C spec, great bike!

[@Oblithian]

I'm "younger" and prefer the Look of the M50 overall. But I will probably go for the Vulcan S.

[@ShinkuGouki]

The Boulevard M50 looks like the 2018,but this video was posted 6 years ago??

[@brochango]

The Yamaha is a very good looking bike, as is the Suzuki. I own the Suzuki (2014 in red) and I really love it.

[@chrisalexander6278]

I'm a new Rider and love the Suzuki boulevard 50 CT....

[@MrMambott]

In Australia the C -Spec is about $10,800 and the Boulevard is about $12,500 ,, big difference in prices from the States to here ,, a 650 V Star ( XVS ) is about $9000 I prefer the V Star 650 Classic with it big guards ,, specially in white , but in this bike test I will have the Suzuki thanks : )

[@7316bobe]

I agree Steve. The V Star 650 Classic looks way better than these things. Did you get a look at the upside down forks on the Suzuki. Thats a fail for any cruiser motorcycle.

[@BeachJedi101]

Great review. C spec for me

[@peterlong3752]

I'm looking to upgrade from my 1998 Vulcan 800. Really nothing wrong with the bike, but I've had it for so long, wanted to get something newer. Actually, NEW. All my bikes have been second hand. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The M50 caught my eye. And being an 800CC bike, I'm not veering away from what I'm used to. I like 750s to 900s. Having been riding for 24 years, I've found that range suits me and my riding style best. And I've always been a cruiser guy. My question is, how does the stock exhaust sound? From the videos I've seen, it doesn't seem to do it justice. At least from what posters have said about it online. They say it's got a nice beefy sound to it. Basically, the sound matches the look of the bike. But the sound in the videos I've seen, it sounds more like a toned down version of crotch rockets. It doesn't have the deep rumbling on idle like other cruisers. And when taking off, it sounds more like a "hum", than a "rumble". Are after market pipes, that sound better, readily available for the M50? I've read that this model doesn't particularly have a lot of aftermarket options available for it. Second question. I'm not a highway rider (freeway in the States, highway in Canada). Every so often I'll hop on the highway and ride for a while. But never going above 120km/h (about 75mp/h). Usually, I'm riding inner city at 60-70km/h, or rural roads going 80-95km/h. I'm hearing many saying that it needs a 6th gear (my Vulcan has 6 gears). For my riding style, does it really matter? If you can give me an example: At 80km/h, what gear would you be in, without it sounding like it wants to change to a higher gear? And last question. I usually work on my bikes (other than electrical and major engine work). Is this bike easy to work on? Not that it would matter, since if I bought it brand new for 2016, it comes with a 5 year warranty. This is more out of curiosity's sake. After 5 years, I will be working on the bike myself. Thanks in advance.

[@etagrats1]

People hate the indication for the bolt since 2014 and nothing has change

[@paweniedbaa2306]

Suzuki M50 would be great if it were possible to instal the classical round headlamp instead of that square "something"😉. If C50 had the speedometer and handlebars like M50 it would be perfect 😀

[@cityfisherman89]

i like the suzuki tho bolt i dont like at all

[@ShinkuGouki]

The Boulevard has a wayyy better seating position.

[@olheghtt]

This is insane, half the time I don't even know what bikes are talking about.

[@moorshound3243]

the one in white painted black would do it for me!!!

[@CallMeOGS]

+Moors Hound I second that.

[@kdmcc7]

My wife has a silver and black one. Pretty sharp.

[@ronettejones306]

Own a 2005 M50 Black. great bike low maintenance and fun to ride. Cobra pipes with Tuner. Bad ass Loud!!!

[@kamilSackler]

I have volusia 800 (eu version of boulevard) and i can recomend it :] such a nice 2 wheels.

[@ptong226]

definitely the white one! suzuki C50 i'll remember that.

[@Desstrik]

The M50 is shown here.

[@tylerrue3108]

I love the look of the Bolt C-Spec, but I've seen reviews that say they're pretty gutless. Also, the cluster on the Bolt is just about the ugliest thing I've ever seen. They need a dual analog tach/speedo with the styling it has.

[@dennisb7317]

Great video quality audio, not so much

[@MrSlowestD16]

I really like where they're going with the c-spec. The bolt is a damn-near direct 100% copy of the sportster 883, and they look damn good cafe'd a bit. So to see them kind of do that work for you in the c-spec is quite the nice little package. Looks wise it's pretty hot. I rode one of the R spec bolts and enjoyed it, this would probably be the same albeit more pressure on wrists and back. As much as I like the c-spec however I think I would get the M50 and throw some mid-pegs on it (I have fwd pegs in a very similar location to that M50 on my 1200 sportster custom and I hate them - recently bought a new brake push-rod so I can move them to the middle, and I think I'd do the same for the M50. I'd do that if I want to do longer days like I don't do enough now: I think I'd only get the c-spec if I was looking for something to strictly bomb around a city with. Though even in the burbs I think i would go M50, only if I lived like, IN the city would I get the c-spec, I think...and even then, I think I'd get the bonnie instead.

[@DarthVader-1701]

The Bolt is not a 100% direct copy of the 883, it's a copy of an motorcycle that never existed in HD's lineup, something between the 883 and 1200. The Bolt defeats the 883 in every way except when you're talking to Harley guys. The hardcore HD guys think Harleys are superior to every other motorcycle even in the face of overwhelming evidence that proves otherwise. I personally like the Forty Eight but would still take my Bolt over anything Harley Davidson has to offer.

[@MrSlowestD16]

James N While I agree with you that the bolt is better than the Sportster 883 in every way, you're high as a kite if you think it was an original bike ("something else"). I'll repeat what I said and I'll stick to that: "The bolt is a damn-near direct 100% copy of the sportster 883" - it is VERY close. I'd say it's EASILY closer than any other 2 bikes in entire industry. It's a bit quicker because they did not have a 883 laying around, they had their 942 laying around, so that is what went into it. It's damn near a carbon copy. The acceleration is a tad better and it's a bit smoother b/c as I mentioned, they had that engine already, but the experience is the same and anybody who is looking at one can easily look at the other. I would buy the bolt r-spec over the 883, b/c I feel it's the superior bike & I'm sick of the stigma associated with HD's...but I would never try to claim the bolt is something different than the 883. They realistically couldn't get closer. I'm going to guess that you have no experience on what you're talking about based on what you're saying. You're trying to say it exists somewhere between an 883 and a 1200. This is simply not true, and nobody who has experienced it all would EVER say that. I've ridden the 883 QUITE a good number of times, I own a 1200, and ridden the r-spec a pretty good number of times. The acceleration difference between the 883 and the bolt is imperceptible unless it's a drag race, and the 1200 will shit on either. It does not exist "between them" - it IS the 883 - just with a better engine.

[@MrSlowestD16]

James N Know what the funny thing is. As soon as I read the first 6 words of your comment I knew you were a bolt owner. Bolt owners are the only ones in the world who would ever say that. I'd buy the bolt over the 883 because it's a better bike, IMO, but I'm not dumb enough to bury my head in the sand and try to say the bolt is a new idea or a different bike or anything like that. Modern bikes could NEVER get closer.

[@DarthVader-1701]

MrSlowestD16 LOL I never said the Bolt was the original, stop sniffing kitty litter. Of course the 1200 is a little bit faster than both motorcycles when they are stock, it's a considerably larger engine. You Harley guys should get new material, every time the Bolt comes into a conversation you guys always pull the 1200 out like it's some wild card in a game of UNO. You can put as much money as humanly possibly into a Harley Davidson and it will still be slow, The Bolt however can easily achieve 120 mph or better with simple bolt on parts, even the HD Twin Cam motorcycles top out at 120. Btw it's not just the Bolt that's superior to Harley Davidson, it's pretty much every other Motorcycle brand. I'm not a brand specific motorcyclist, I pretty much like them all except for the electric motorcycles and the pseudo motorcycles like the Can-Am Spyder and the Polaris Slingshot. Trikes are a different story though, those used to be two wheeled until the owner either became too old or suffered an injury.

[@DarthVader-1701]

MrSlowestD16 You knew I was a Bolt owner after you read my whole comment. Nice try.

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

Suzuki all the way but the C 50 would have been a closer match,

[@mushroomcloud1]

how is the c-spec as far as weight on the wrists with the clip-ons?

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

And then in 2018 I bought a Triumph street twin and never looked back.

[@sagarthapa3765]

I don't know if anyone noticed but I think the Suzuki has a drum brake in the rear?

[@shark11175]

Sagar Thapa correct but works great

[@dannycannon3793]

Comparing these 2 bike are like night and day. The bolt is a city commuter bike. The suzuki is a highway cruiser. I do own a bolt the regular version not this cafe racer type. Yes the speedo does suck under bright sunlight. Virtually useless to me. For the bolt it has metal fenders and can be modded to fwd controls easily. Which to me make it a better bike for what I use it for.

[@niewiem2335]

You know... You know ... You know ...(50+ tiems) xD

[@daynmitchell7543]

I own a 2014 R-spec I love it, except for the death wobble.

[@fox117-s4l]

I always hear this never had it happen to me though

[@dannycannon3793]

The death wobble is a wheel bearing issue. Mine doesn't do it. But there are plenty of videos about it.

[@bjalava]

I love Yamaha, but fuck Star Bolt

[@SilentPrayingmanTis]

bjalava lol

[@rodneyhull9764]

RIP Evans

[@mitchelltj1]

How does the Bolt compare to the Vulcan S?

[@shark11175]

mitchelltj1 it doesnt

[@bigred8438]

Nothing in common? compered to a car they are very similar. Both from Japan (although you could say bolt was a yank), both have wheels, handles bars etc. So nothing in common? Be specific otherwise ........... and both have crappy front brakes.

[@shark11175]

Big Red mine brakes on m50 are great upgrade the pads

[@GRADGRAD-jq9nk]

Why pretend cruisers have the pegs under you? These bikes will all be getting after market forward gears!

[@hellario2]

My nod goes to the Bolt

[@Samuel10463]

hellario2 Do you know how much they will charge you for optional rear foot pegs on Bolt?

[@bvansiclen]

agent 404 Is that a real question Bro?

[@DarthVader-1701]

agent 404 Around $100.

[@Samuel10463]

***** I need pegs.

[@gphilipc2031]

Lowe...the Sporty will be with us always...even unto the end of the world.

[@dalehumphrey8765]

G Philip C .. don't count on it

[@kdmcc7]

Maybe not. If you want one, might be time to get it.......

[@dbest1aVlogs]

Out of these two ... The c spec all the way .. great selfish bike.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

Suzuki for the win.

[@Ultra80s]

I'm not feeling the Suzuki's bikini fairing at all. Having said that, it looks way more comfortable and stable than the Yam. The Bolt seem as if it wants to fall into the corner & twitchier.

[@highonimmi]

for the short legged rider (cough cough) the bolt is a no go....I like the seat height of the zook....I got a kawasaki Vulcan s abs.....a grand cheaper and I can flat foot the damn thing. I really like the look of the bolt. I think the bolt would be more favorable to those wanting a cruiser style bike but, normally love riding their sport bikes.

[@just-dl]

how "short legged" do you mean? I'm 5'7" (legs included) and want a bike with a nice low seat...I like your assessment. I think the Bolt is for a younger/sportier crowd.

[@highonimmi]

Dan L I am 5'4" with a 29 inch inseam and the Vulcan s allows me to flat foot all day and twice on sunday. goes like stink, too. I have the short as hell package so I can reach everything with ease.

[@just-dl]

"short as hell package" ??? They love me! They really love me! :-) Thanks!

[@highonimmi]

Dan L you're welcome...I have the "under 5'7" package...but you can pick and chose what you want where...seat that lets your feet touch the ground but you want the foot pegs in the middle position but the handle bars are for the longer armed...yada...yada...trust me, they fit it exactly how you want it. do yourself a favor and get a windscreen for it....even if it is an aftermarket one...

[@just-dl]

highonimmi thanks for the suggestions. looking forward to getting one.

[@BARRIEMOREBARLOW]

Front braking is effortless on the Star.

[@danmeredith6354]

Forward controls are a lot more comfortable to use,,The shifter below the rider in my opinion sucks! I aqaint it to riding a moped.....The same goes to the brake positioning......you have to KNOW where your feet are. Give me a stretched out bike for more relaxed riding!!

[@DarthVader-1701]

The better choice would have been R-Spec. The C-Spec sucks.

[@DarthVader-1701]

Roy Rodriguez You forgot the foot pegs and the different seat. I sat on a Green C-Spec and I really didn't like the seating position being hunched forward like that. I was stating that the C-Spec is the wrong version of the Bolt to compared to another cruiser, the R-Spec or standard model would have made a better video.

[@DarthVader-1701]

Roy Rodriguez Sit on both Standard/R-Spec and C-Spec versions then ask me if it's a big deal because the peg position will speak for itself.

[@DarthVader-1701]

Roy Rodriguez I don't think I've ever dumped a bike like that, I don't like motorcycles over 550 pounds.

[@DarthVader-1701]

Roy Rodriguez The Bolt is 540 though, anything under 600 lbs is good. Some of the other good motorcycles weigh around 400.

[@ih8momjokes1]

James N yes. i rode the c-spec and it was the most, THE MOST, uncomfortable bike i ever rode. worse than a supersports bike or anything for that matter. really bad ergonomics. style > function sorta thing

[@gphilipc2031]

Tank seams are obnoxious...WHY?

[@dalehumphrey8765]

G Philip C sez you

[@theflyingdutchman2542]

Suzuki M109 is much better :D

[@prettyp5415]

+The flying dutchman even m90...

[@JoeGP]

i wouldn't even call the C-Spec a cruiser

[@7316bobe]

Hard to look mean with a full face helmet and white sneakers on. Thumbs down.

[@gerdz101]

I know this is an old comment but that was an obvious joke. Take it easy bud.

[@aluisious]

Why do you guys insist on wearing stupid gear when reviewing anything that's not a sportbike? Half helmets? I know you have real helmets, just wear them, stop pandering to the crowd that's more worried about what baristas half their age might think of their style than what's safe and effective for motorcycling.

[@EvansBrasfieldMotojournalist]

aluisious I have a couple open face helmets, but I just keep forgetting to wear them. Or maybe I just like full-face helmets. Either way, I wore a full-face one in this video.

[@kdmcc7]

How about we let each rider decide what to wear? None ya bidness, aluisious !

[@SilentPrayingmanTis]

I like tacos

[@-runningwithscissors-9766]

The Bolt, in any of its three versions, IS NOT A CRUISER! Period.

[@poxdaccy]

Gay is the new trend, i'll stick to straight old school

[@kana22693]

*trans is the new trend

[@ohwell2790]

I want to know what they ride? Junk.

[@AFRO_KEEN]

Cons of M50: No power, Expensive, Poor rear suspension, gas guzzler, you will get run over by every car on the highway above 50MPH.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

The Suzuki has a nice cowl... that's all I can say good about it. The rear fender looks like it came off a scooter. The C-spec is too high in front to be a proper café racer.