Suzuki Boulevard C50 Driveshaft Failure

[@deanjohnson8799]

On Wednesday March 30, 2022, my birthday, was out riding with a friend on US Hwy 29N in North Carolina. My 2009 C50t just crossed over 19,000 miles while riding. I was 1 mile south of the Virginia State line near Danville Virginia when my bike did exactly what you shared. My son found your video and it proved to be a big help. Thanks, DHJ

[@r.tillery575]

Great 'heads up' video. I bought my 2009 C50 new in 2010(last one in the 'crate') & have over 30,000 miles on it with ZERO failures so far, aside from maint,, battery, tires, brakes & some upgrades. As many times as I've had the rear tire off, I've never serviced the shaft splines other than what meshes into the wheel hub, but it'll be done the next time. Thanks Again, R.Tillery

[@georgeteam7499]

I have a 2013 m50 which did the same thing and the driveshaft was bone dry,luckily I was only a block away from my house..unbelievable that I was able to ride for 7 yrs before it stopped...I wish I would have seen this video last year... Thanks for sharing your video...

[@codyspin6699]

I just got a 2007 suzuki boulevard that is having this issue. Got it for dirt cheap so glad to see it’s an easy fix!

[@GARamblinMan]

Great advice for those of us who own the C50T Boulevard. I have a 2005 model and it has almost 19,000 miles on it. This is something I am definitely checking right away. You would think Suzuki would put out a recall or service bulletin to the dealers to check this. I have AAA for my motorcycle with roadside service but having this happen would stink big time. Thanks for this great video. Ride safe.

[@cbonz7734]

Great idea! At best you'll be out the cost of a little labor and a new seal.

[@CountvonCount33]

Can I add my two pennyworth here and also ask a question of Cbonz? This Drive shaft fail has been discussed on a UK Suzuki Intruder forum at length and the conclusions were that there isn't much grease on these splines on leaving the factory, just a thin smear. All the ones that reported problems also reported that the splines were rusty. The theory is that what seems to be happening is that water is getting past the dust seal, probably by the use of a jet wash? My question to Cbonz is did the owner power wash his bike and how much rust was in there? One last thing, one member from Australia on there commented that Suzuki Australia had issued a service addendum for all shaft drive bikes and ATV's. Basically it tells you to apply Moly grease to the prop shaft splines every 12000 km.

[@cbonz7734]

@@CountvonCount33 There was a bunch of rust in there, we poured out a 1/4 pile of rust.

[@GARamblinMan]

Mine checked out ok. No rust but dealer added a good layer of grease in there as a preventative measure. I wash my motorcycle but just with a hose and normal water pressure. No power washing.

[@CountvonCount33]

It's reassuring to hear that you've done 19k miles with no signs of obvious wear, it would seem the power wash theory is on the right track then. My Intruder has done 17k miles at the moment and I too just use a garden hosepipe to clean it so I think I'll leave it until the end of the riding season before whipping the back wheel off to do it... cheers guys! 👍

[@cbonz7734]

Need to mention we replaced all the damaged components. Cost about $400 vs probably a couple grand the dealer quoted.

[@brianseas8903]

2001himax - shows driveshaft cleaning & greasing of shaft & front splines but not rear end: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGjcoapqibWrqsU Mark at Biker Bits explained what happened on his C50T, Harry, when he discovered driveshaft failure due to an O-ring on his 2009: 2:40 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2avmHadr62LoNk What year is the C50 in your video?

[@johnpejnovich7722]

Good that you and your friends managed to get the final drive system resolved. Which is why I'm puzzled that Suzuki even bothered to use a drive shaft system. When they could have engineered something far simpler with a belt system for that model. It would have been far easier to maintain, cheaper to replace and easier to access the rear tire/wheel assembly. Oh, and a lot less weight. Thanx for the vid. 🤙

[@macklyons6970]

Hey, you were on HWY 165, Ilive in that area. Just bought my son an 05 C50, I'll put this on the list to service. thank you

[@yvwic50]

I was lucky to see the details on this early on in my C50 ('05) ownership, thanks to the "Volusia Riders" forum. My splines were at about 5k miles when I first checked them and looked pristine, but no grease to speak of; it looked like they might have a light oil on them, but not much. I now disassemble the drive unit with each rear tire change and coat the splines with molybdenum PASTE, not grease. I now am at 71k miles and they looked just as good with my last tire change about 5k ago. I always replace the oil seal while I'm there, but see no need for a new circlip every time.

[@kilowatttheorignal]

Is there a reason you go for paste and not grease? My main thought would be that grease would attract dirt but also repels water so is a tough choice

[@yvwic50]

@@kilowatttheorignal I was strictly going on the advice from posts on the VR forum. I think the idea behind this choice was that the paste is thicker and less likely to work its way out under heat. I know that the tube that I bought back then barely has much of a dent in it!

[@motorcycleden]

Great video! My Dad has a 2009 c50t and I will be sure to pass your video on. Thanks for the info!

[@markray7189]

This is exactly what has just happened to my 2004 Intruder Volusia whilst I was 200 miles from home touring the UK. Bike has a mere 16k on clock. Just had it recovered to home and am lucky I am alive as it lost all power on the fast lane of the M5 motorway. Unbelievable this can happen!

[@chefBradb]

Yes happened to my M90, The bolt broke off inside the drive shaft and was shaking around inside.

[@tinfore]

Thanks. I just purchased a used '08 Boulevard C50 with 2000 miles on it. I'll be checking this soon.

[@garrymiller2769]

I shake my head whenever i see someone power washing their bike. Any bike. They stick that damned nozzle in everywhere. Most modern motorcycles may be able to shrug this off, but I come from an era where even just riding in the rain meant probably not getting there.

[@BoDean52]

I had a C50 for my first bike, did not have it long enough for problems though. Nice video and really like the color of your bike!

[@tommylogan2201]

Thank you for the heads up im looking at the c50t for my next bike. I had this same problem on my v star 650 it left me stranded and costed me a nice chunk to boot.

[@old_school_guy]

I'm wondering why there was never a recall or class action suit over this issue. How could you not lubricate anything that that has splines coming together?

[@brianseas8903]

Mark at Bikers Bits youtuber made a video reporting the same driveshaft failure on his, I believe, 2009. So, when I just had the old rear tire replaced, I ordered the service at the shop to grease drive shaft. They charged me for grease shaft and change gear oil. 2012 Bike only has 1400 miles on it but, since tires were original and dry rot sidewall cracks, I had them changed.

[@bvailes775]

I had the exact same issue on a 2009 C50. Bike was about a year old and had 11,000 miles when it did it. Same problem, drive shaft was bone dry. I also had at the time and still have a 2005 C50. Pulled that one apart to check and it was well lubricated.

[@wraithsrath7310]

I just purchased a 2002 Intruder with same setup , will tearing apart to inspect in the morning. Thanks for the heads up.

[@1smokeyj350]

Rear tire doesn’t need to come off there’s a drain bolt and a fill bolt

[@jimksa67]

yea but they dont service the head of the shaft at the engine

[@willumplayz]

Another one here with this same problem.. Thankyou sir for this info

[@farooqkhan3729]

My '09 M50 broke by the side of the road in the country at 26k kms. Kicked up from 4th to final gear and it failed to engage. Kicked down all gears, none would engage. Very sudden on/off type of a breakdown. Luckily I had roadside assistance and they took it to the bike shop. The diagnosis is shaft failure - differential coupler has a worn out seal. I think it's their way of saying splines are bone dry. (?) Only solution is to replace the entire shaft.

[@bennynash6655]

I think that is what happened to me today. fortunately i was only 10 miles from home when the bike stopped pulling and grinds like a bad gear. mine is going to the shop next Saturday for normal servicing so they can handle it. Since they have done all the service on it for the last two years it will be interesting to see if it has ever been lubed. I'll let you know when i get it back. thanks for the information. Good video.

[@metalmale]

Why do you hug the centerline when cars are passing? One slight move left of center from oncoming traffic, and you're screwed. I always move to the right with oncoming traffic. Stay safe.

[@cbonz7734]

When riding with a group the leader rides on the left side. Generally in the left tire track. That way the group can ride closed up and if you need to stop suddenly the rider behind you will end up beside you and not plow into you. That has happened in my group quite a few times and the #2 guy ended up going off on the shoulder instead if running into the truck I had stopped for. www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/motorcycle-group-riding-tips/

[@josephharris1869]

Mine left me stranded but by only a mile from my home - just a good huff and push back to the house- I’m I’m tearing into it today

[@GuaranteedEtern]

Based on KZbin, pretty much every motorcycle has serious manufacturing defects, improperly tuned valves, poor chain/belt tensioning, etc.

[@mrpetericeman]

Yes great information my own just failed requires a strip down and a good look at cheers

[@tltate]

I had an 2007 M-50. It happened to mine at around 39, 000 miles.

[@Bernies210]

I just had this happen to me where did you get the part at

[@DirtyDeez]

Good fix. More lubrication leading to less vibration. Got it!

[@cws-999]

Happened the same to me. That thing never had seen a drop of molybdene grease. Had to change all with 30k km and now with 100k km is still new with the same grease. The same problem on xvs 650 and virago 535. Grease must be expensive on those japanese factories...

[@brandymasters7284]

If only iwoulda found this out before I was stranded

[@RobertBrockmann]

I have a 2007 Suzuki Boulevard C50T and it happened exactly the same to me.

[@RobertSmith-bz6dl]

Rats. On the side of the road here with all those symptoms at 17,000 miles. Sounds like my issue.

[@alm4132]

What does the Suzuki manual say about spline lube intervals?

[@cbonz7734]

Nothing

[@alm4132]

@@cbonz7734 I was referring to the factory service manual, not the owners manual. If you are going to do the maintenance yourself then you need the factory manual or you will miss some required items, like spline lubrication.

[@kilowatttheorignal]

I've been looking into common issues sense I got one that was sitting in a yard for awhile and I bought it from a old man that's told me it's either got 1,400 miles on it or 14,000 but either way I hope it's alright

[@abelgonzaslez2103]

THANKS FOR TE INFO AND WILL DO .

[@invaderzim1265]

What lubrication did you use? Could leave me a link? I'm afraid mine is without lubrication too! Please and thank you, sir!

[@cbonz7734]

www.amazon.com/General-Purpose-Automotive-Cartridge-GenPurpose/dp/B08Z7LTW4K/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=lithium+grease&qid=1662227773&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&smid=A2JG218J8LNIDS

[@shiggins9]

I just got a 2005 with 5000 miles. i have to figure out how to take that apart. Thanks for the info!

[@packjoe2004]

Apparently mine (2005 C50T) must be lubricated because it has 32,000 miles with NO issues.

[@olironrider8918]

The reason I watched your video is because the thought of buying a new C50 has crossed my mind. Now...?? Well... I might have other thoughts.. and consider something else. Great info.. 👍

[@motorcyclemike1299]

Can you get the drive shaft out (off) without taking off the rear tire or final drive?

[@Drrhein]

no

[@justinm916]

Do you have a list of parts? My GF just had this exact issue on my C50...and no moto shop wants to touch it

[@cbonz7734]

Items 35,37 and 39 www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2009-suzuki-boulevard-c50-vl800-propeller-shaft-final-drive-gear-vl800ck7-ck8-ck9/o/m147516sch650278

[@SuperCyril2]

Looks like water got inside the final drive assembly and rust started to form, which would have destroyed the shaft splines.

[@syedosman6819]

I have the same problem. Can you guide me how to change drive shaft? Video might help.

[@troysloan998]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGjcoapqibWrqsU

[@tjdotson6588]

I'm dealing with this on my 05.

[@cbonz7734]

Parts breakdown, items 35, 37, and 39 www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2009-suzuki-boulevard-c50-vl800-propeller-shaft-final-drive-gear-vl800ck7-ck8-ck9/o/m147516sch650278

[@kunwarsingh3752]

Does anyone have a tutorial, or at least a list of parts they needed to replace? This just happened to me

[@garyadkins9496]

Did you end up fixing it yourself? I just had the same thing happen and the dealer wants $3300 to fix it... after first misdiagnosing it as a faulty charging system, charging $1300 to fix that, and having me come in to pick up the bike only to find it wouldn't move. That cost is more than I paid for the bike, and I'm already out the $1300.

[@motorcyclemike1299]

I thought the c50 was a moped by the name. I kept skipping these videos because of that.

[@commander848]

What year 2000 ??

[@cbonz7734]

Early 2000s

[@chevyprerunner1]

Thanks for the video. My drive shaft just gave out 20 miles from home it was driving fine then went to go at a green light and no power to the wheel and a nasty grinding noise coming from the rear. Mine lasted 32k miles bought her new in 2007. Wish I woulda knew to lube the shaft splines coulda avoided the work. Time to pop her open now on the lift. Cheers

[@chevyprerunner1]

Already got her apart and amazed at how much rust is inside and on the shaft and shaft tube wow! Was bone dry and the entire length of the shaft is lightly rusted Hoping I can just get away with ordering the shaft and coupler. Thanks again! Wish I could post a pic of mine on this comment.

[@kunwarsingh3752]

@@chevyprerunner1 what parts did you buy? I think this just happened to me

[@chevyprerunner1]

@@kunwarsingh3752 Hey man, I found a Used entire final drive with shaft attached on FleeBay for about 120 Shipped I think. cleaned and lubed it and it's been great ever since hope you get yours fixed! Have a good one!! BC

[@stevenravis5199]

I had the same thing happen to mine with 19000 miles, sounded like I was dragging a bunch of tin cans when I lost my drive. Replaced the shaft and spline that it went into, both gears were worn and bone dry.

[@dailylifetaste4091]

Great! i'm in your friend list

[@rickeygreen7019]

2010😥

[@basicdose.9872]

Don't. You. Think. Suzuki. Should. Have. Designed. This. Motorcycle. With. A. Chain. Rather. Than. A. Driveshaft. !!! After all. Chains. Are. So. Easy. To. Lubricate. And. Replace. !!!

[@jimksa67]

No.