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Ultimate Cruiser Showdown: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Vs Suzuki Boulevard M50

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The Suzuki Boulevard M50, on the other hand, features a dual disc brake in the front and a drum brake in the rear.
  • The Suzuki Boulevard M50, on the other hand, has a more modern cruiser style with a higher stance, a shorter wheelbase, and a squared-off fuel tank.
  • The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a classic cruiser with a powerful engine and a comfortable ride, while the Suzuki Boulevard M50 is a more modern cruiser with a smoother ride and better stopping power.

When it comes to cruiser motorcycles, two iconic names come to mind: the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and the Suzuki Boulevard M50. Both bikes offer a blend of style, comfort, and performance, making them top choices for riders looking for a classic cruising experience. However, each bike has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to compare them side by side before making a decision.

Engine and Performance

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is powered by a 903cc V-twin engine that produces 50 horsepower and 58 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Suzuki Boulevard M50 features a 805cc V-twin engine that generates 54 horsepower and 65 lb-ft of torque. While both engines provide ample power for cruising, the Suzuki Boulevard M50 has a slight edge in terms of torque, which is essential for pulling heavy loads or riding uphill.

Suspension and Handling

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom comes with a telescopic fork and a swingarm with twin shocks. The Suzuki Boulevard M50, on the other hand, has a telescopic fork and a swingarm with a single shock. Both bikes offer a comfortable ride, but the Suzuki Boulevard M50’s single shock provides a smoother ride over rough terrain.

Braking

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a single disc brake in the front and a drum brake in the rear. The Suzuki Boulevard M50, on the other hand, features a dual disc brake in the front and a drum brake in the rear. The dual disc brake on the Suzuki Boulevard M50 provides better stopping power, especially in emergency situations.

Styling

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a classic cruiser look with a low stance, a long wheelbase, and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. The Suzuki Boulevard M50, on the other hand, has a more modern cruiser style with a higher stance, a shorter wheelbase, and a squared-off fuel tank. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes comes down to personal preference.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Both the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and the Suzuki Boulevard M50 offer a comfortable riding position with a low seat height and wide handlebars. However, the Suzuki Boulevard M50 has a slightly more upright riding position, which may be more comfortable for long rides.

Fuel Economy

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a fuel tank capacity of 4.1 gallons and an average fuel economy of 45 mpg. The Suzuki Boulevard M50, on the other hand, has a fuel tank capacity of 4.2 gallons and an average fuel economy of 42 mpg. While both bikes have a similar fuel range, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a slight advantage in terms of fuel economy.

In a nutshell: The Ultimate Cruiser Showdown

Both the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and the Suzuki Boulevard M50 are excellent cruiser motorcycles that offer a unique blend of style, comfort, and performance. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a classic cruiser with a powerful engine and a comfortable ride, while the Suzuki Boulevard M50 is a more modern cruiser with a smoother ride and better stopping power. Ultimately, the best choice between these two bikes depends on your personal preferences and riding style.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which bike has a more powerful engine?

The Suzuki Boulevard M50 has a more powerful engine than the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom.

2. Which bike has a smoother ride?

The Suzuki Boulevard M50 has a smoother ride than the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom.

3. Which bike has a better fuel economy?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a better fuel economy than the Suzuki Boulevard M50.

4. Which bike has a more classic cruiser look?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a more classic cruiser look than the Suzuki Boulevard M50.

5. Which bike is better for long rides?

The Suzuki Boulevard M50 is better for long rides due to its more upright riding position.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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