2009 Suzuki reviews

This is the first bike I have ever owned that was not a Yamaha. I was a Yamaha dealer in Connecticut for several years, many years ago. I still own a 2008 Yamaha XT 250. I traded a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 650 custom for the 2009 DR-Z400SM. It's 200-plus pounds lighter and all around, a great bike to ride. It's not as comfortable at 80 mph. as the V-Star, but all other factors considered, more fun to ride. There are lots of "goodies" to buy to make the bike your own. The "gel" seat from Suzuki is worth every penny. The water cooled engine a huge plus, inverted shocks much better ride, Excel wheels are a great upgrade. All in all, it's a great bike in every way. The dealership is also a super place to buy a bike. This was the third in three years. Thanks for the great customer service at both locations. Show less

The 2009 C50 SE is a great bike regardless of the rider's size. I'm tall and fit on this bike better than an HD Road King, which has me sitting on top of the tank even with seat modifications. It is only 805cc but keeps up with larger bikes. The gears could be spread out a bit more or a sixth gear would be nice, but the bike still has good power. The benefit of the smaller engine, of course, is the bike is lighter and more maneuverable. It is a great purchase for new or long time riders. My brother-in-law has one of these bikes but an earlier model. He is heavier than I am and his bike moves him just as well. Show less

After my Yamaha 650 Vstar was stolen, I was looking around and really liked the Boulevard but was concerned that it was too heavy. I bought it anyway and need not have been concerned as the extra pounds actually make the bike easier to handle. The transmission is much smoother shifting and the fuel injected engine is also much smoother and more powerful. I am sure glad my Yamaha was stolen. Show less

I read all the forums on this bike. I came from a Vulcan 750 cruiser. This bike rode smooth like an electric bike. I couldn't tell if it was running at freeway speed! It's smooth, fuel injected, nimble, and has perfect power for touring/city. It gets 50 plus miles a gallon. It's a higher than average bike but it allows me to see through traffic and be seen better. It has an excellent headlight! It is a chain drive so maintenance is pretty frequent for me since I put about 2,000 a month easy. So what, I learn how to clean and lube chains....bought the warranty plan so that all I really need to do now is ride baby ride! The representative at the dealership was really helpful and all about customer service (which is my big pet peeve). He advocates for the customer and doesn't seem like he is out to hustle you. It's an excellent bike for the money. Buy one now that the interest rate is low! Show less

I am 45 and have ridden as a pasenger for years but have never been the driver until today. I bought the bike with 445 miles on it. The previous owner rode it four times and gave it back to the bank. It is in lovely condition. I have taken a 40-mile trip today...a total beginner. I practiced starting and stopping and doing turns and shifting yesterday. I took the big trip (40 miles) this morning. This bike is so easy to handle, even for someone as short as I am. Show less

When first purchased I thought the engine was too noisy and I still do. But I like the fact the bike is well thought out and simple. The valve adjustment is a snap. I like inserting the key to remove the seat, and large well for tools, papers, and such, under same. The battery placement is easy and simple to get at, take out and replace in winter. The engine is a little underpowered compared to my old Honda Rebel, but the fuel economy is better. I love the large fuel tank. The best mileage so far is 82.2 mpg. The worst is 65.3 mpg in the fall with high winds. Would I recommend one to a friend? Yes. Have I owned many larger motorcycles? Yes. The last was a V-Star 650. Big machines are all about hype. Want a fun machine? Want to enjoy the back roads of America? Take a trial ride on a 250. You'll love it! They are not Harley Davidsons, and they are not supposed to be. Always remember: It isn't how much you spend, it's how much you save. Show less

This bike will do what ever you need it to do. The bike is fast and has a quick response time. Show less

I previously had a Suzuki GSX1100G. It was unreal fast but not very comfortable. I'm getting old and have a bad back so I sat on every bike made. The M50 was by far the most comfortable bike I ever sat on. I bought it but was worried about the small 805cc engine. After riding it I have no disappointments with engine power. It is very balanced and rides good. The only thing I recommend Suzuki to change is to add dual front disc brake and rear disc brake. Braking is just adequate for a cruiser but I am use to crotch rocket performance brakes. Show less

I own a TL1000R and have over 87,000 miles on it. I have liked how reliable it has been. So I looked at this bike for a cheaper transport and I like twins. I bought this unit new and have liked it ever since. The stock seat is bad, very hard with no foam. Suzuki did this for short riders which is nice but I bought Suzuki's taller seat and was very pleased. It is not that much taller than stock but way softer. I also installed larger handle bars (7/8 to 1-1/8) and adapters. This helped out, too. My bike has great power for its size and turns like no other bike I have ridden. It reminds me of super motards. It's a great good looking bike and I would recommend it for a starter bike and for the advanced rider it is that good. Show less

I have had dozens of bikes and am coming off of a BMW R1200GS. This Bandit is smoother and pulls harder in every gear at any speed than the Beemer. It is not as sophisticated or complicated as the Beemer and the quality of components aren't as fine. What I truly believe is that it is a better street vehicle for on-road riding of any kind then the Beemer. It is uncomplicated, easy to use and service and that's what makes it the bargain of the century, not to mention the wonderful torque curve and engine. Show less