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For these of the metric cruiser persuasion, bang for the buck has all the time trumped trademarked exhaust notes and branded attire. Along with Suzuki’s positive GSX-S1000GT and GSX-S1000GT+, Suzuki retains issues acquainted and easy with the just about unchanged Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. and Boulevard C50T.
Initially referred to as the Volusia in 2001 (renamed Boulevard in 2005), the idea bike has delivered basic styling and/or aggro cruiser swagger to the worth aware ever since. Though these 2023 fashions share the identify, they couldn’t be extra completely different. Principally, one is supposed for folk with outsized forearm tattoos whereas the opposite isn’t. We’ll clarify.
First up, the Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S., often known as the Blacked Out Particular Suzuki since 2014. It continues Suzuki’s 16-year custom of daring styling and aggro curb presence. That includes a ridiculously massive DOHC 1,783cc liquid-cooled four-valve mill, it options 128 hp and 118 lb.-ft. of torque. The B.O.S.S. version options blacked-out exhaust and trim to precisely mirror your administration aspirations.
Formally, the bore and stroke measure 112 x 90.5mm. Unofficially, simply think about espresso cans within the circumstances. Serving to to tame all this horsepower is the 764-pound curb weight, first in its class relying on the classmates. None of this issues to the specified demographic—it’s huge, unsubtle, and meant to trigger a scene even on the kickstand.
The $15,599 MSRP will get you within the occasion. Numbers-wise, this makes the $15,249 MSRP Harley-Davidson Avenue Bob 114 its direct nemesis. The Avenue Bob offers up 28 hp or so, however matches the all-important torque determine with 119 lb.-ft. The B.O.S.S. outweighs the Fats Bob 114 by 109 kilos and neither gives ABS or rider aids of any type. So carry that weight with care.
Nothing has modified since 2022, together with the oft-mentioned “nacelle.” A fast Google search reveals this time period refers back to the “streamlined housing or tank for one thing on the skin of an plane or motorcar.” In different phrases, the headlight bucket and plastics are the identical. Cool phrase although. The polarizing design nonetheless does its job nicely. You both find it irresistible otherwise you don’t.
The Boulevard C50 and C50T signify an altogether completely different proposition. First off, their MSRP is available in at $8,909 and $10,359, respectively. They usually haven’t modified one iota since final 12 months. Or most likely a number of years earlier than that. The 805cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled 45-degree V-twin is available in at lower than half the displacement of its B.O.S.S. brethren. In line with the metric cruiser ethos of being rider pleasant, the beneficiant body and low 27.6-inch journey top is safely mated to 53 hp (or so) and 52 lb.-ft. of torque.
As befitting its basic idea, valanced fenders are matched to beneficiant chrome, footboards, and an elevated passenger seat atop the rear fender. The link-type rear suspension creates the phantasm of a hardtail and comes with seven preload settings. Shaft drive retains issues easy and comparatively maintenance-free.
Solely 5 wide-ratio gears transfer issues alongside, although fifth gear is excessive sufficient for relaxed freeway using. The C50 is your in-town cruiser whereas the C50T will get you an adjustable windshield and lockable smooth saddlebags. A 4.1-gallon tank bests the bottom Harley-Davidson 883 by practically a gallon.
Talking of The Motor Firm, we may evaluate specs all day and alter zero hearts and minds. The C50 and C50T are a worth proposition, pure and easy. In 20 years, they’ve constructed a loyal base of riders who love what they journey, heritage be damned. If the Bar & Protect aren’t your factor, you’ll save hundreds and see the very same mountains and twisties as H-D riders.
And to be honest, you’d see the identical roads aboard the 745cc V-twins of the Honda Shadow Aero ($7,799) or Shadow Phantom ($7,999 MSRP). Plus there’s the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Traditional ($8,999 MSRP) or the Vulcan 900 Traditional LT ($9,999 MSRP), should you like windshields and correct touring. No matter your taste, going metric actually provides up.
Girls and gents, your 2023 Boulevard lineup.
