Vulcan 800 Classic vs. Boulevard C50

[buellwinkle]

I'm looking for a nice middle weight cruiser that has the classic look. I've priced out the two bikes and the OTD prices are pretty close, about $6k for the Vulcan and $6.3K for the C50. I'm going to be using it as a freeway commuter so comfort, noise, vibration control, low maintenance is key, handling & appearance is secondary.

I can't get the local Suzi dealers to let me test ride the C50, have any of you ridden both the Vulcan and C50 (or Volusia) and can tell me which is smoother, faster, better balanced, more comfortable for long rides? My biggest concern with the Vulcan is the chain drive as I don't have time to keep the chain lubed and clean. FI vs Carb doesn't matter to me, I've had pretty nice smooth fast sport bikes with carbs and they ran just fine.

Also, saw the Vulcan 900 at the show, it's gone up in price so I would expect it's a few hundred more than the C50 but it may not come out for a while. Is it worth waiting to see or is getting something the day it comes out a big mistake in terms of reliability. Aftermarket doesn't bother me as all I really want is a nice windshield and I'm sure the Kawasaki one is fine.

[2WheelFun]

Many 800 owners here "LOVE" their bikes and will say to get one in a heartbeat. I've been with riders on the 800's and I'm impressed with their power and performance. I've never ridden one myself but I do have an honest respect for them. I ride a 1500 Vulcan and the wife and I recently bought 750 Vulcans and I love how they handle and the power is very respectable. I cannot offer anything about the Boulevard but perhaps some who have ridden one will be along shortly.

Also wanted to say welcome to the forums and hope you stick around!

[cjjtulsa]

I just traded an '05 M50 (basically the same as the C50) for a leftover '04 Marauder 1600. The M50 makes respectable power and handles well. The brakes are average. I just didn't get the low end torque response I wanted out of the 800cc engine, so I traded up. Too bad you can't get a test ride to compare notes.

[bykman]

The 900's are out saw one at my dealer in IL. last month.
You might go to www.powersportsnetwork.com to match spec's on the 2 bikes to make make sure there's not a difference your missing.
I know that I did this for my 16 classic vs. the c90 and the extra fuel capacity, fuel injection, maint. free valves,etc. made the 1600 a clear value over the c90.

[Spok]

welcome, as whistleclean, i've nothing but respect for the 800...don't know squat bout the m50

[ppark]

Try this:
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...s04/index.html
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...aro/index.html

[Scruffy]

I've ridden both. The older version of the C50 was a detuned, single carb 800 Intruder motor in a heavier chassis. The current C50 isn't bad, but still has no bottom end grunt. The brakes are still lousy, but better than my Vulcan's. Suzuki has a better factory seat.

The 800A is pretty impressive as a whole. Don't even need fifth gear on the freeway. Quality control is better than any Suzuki I've checked out. The chain maintenance is an occasional minor annoyance. The brakes are still stuck in the 1970s, but, such is life. Much more adaptable gearing than a shafty. More power at the rear wheel than a comparable size shaft driven bike, as chains have less parasitic loss than shaft/cush drive. My single carb Vulcan regularly walks all over my wife's dual carbed 800 Intruder (with identical mods). If you can still find one, the A model 800 will outhandle a B series or any of the Boulevards (the skinny wheel turns easier). Better seat to peg to bar ergonomics than the C50.

In the grand scheme of things, they are both good bikes. The Vulcan 800A was for me the best choice in the middleweight cruiser field. I've had and was unhappy with Suzukis. I don't particularly like the 800B and Boulevard 16 inch on both ends wheels (funky handling versus what I'm used to). Wanted a baby Drifter, too hard to find around here, and has 16s on both ends. The hidden monoshock chassis was another big plus, I won't have another bike with exposed shocks (not fond of slant or hard saddlebags). Wouldn't have a fuel injected vehicle if it was free.
-Scruffy

[Xlr8n]

My brother has a C50 and it is a very well balanced machine with good manners and power. It would fill the role of commuter better than my MS 1600. It is the only mid-size cruiser with FI and shaft drive, making maintenance nothing more than changing fluids. The new 900 Kaw is going to be just a little bigger and a little more powerful, if that is an issue. The manufacturers keep trying to raise the bar on each other, so I would decide how much power you feel you need and go from there. It's pretty easy to get caught up in the 'need more cc's' trap, but you probably would never find yourself complaining about having too many cc's, as long as the bike if easy for you to handle, as opposed to getting a new bike and then a couple months later wishing you would have gotten one with a bit more power. (Yes, this is THE most heard complaint from first time buyers) I would definately recommend that you buy a bike that you feel you can safely handle. You can always trade up in a few years. But, back to your question, the 800 Kaw and Suzi's are both very reliable machines and both have gotten great reviews. I'm sure you'll be happy with either. I would try to ride both and buy the one that makes you smile the most!

[art708]

Scruffy you don't need 5th gear on the freeway? How slow do you ride? Man, I keep looking for 6th gear.

[yammahoppy]

Me thinks Scruffy is winding the 'ol 800 out. Mine will do 70 in 2nd but makes a hell of a racket doing it.

[rwrighter]

Originally Posted by art708

Scruffy you don't need 5th gear on the freeway? How slow do you ride? Man, I keep looking for 6th gear.

I was thinking the same thing Art.

I have changed the front sprocket from a 17 to 18 tooth, which does help lower the RPM's some. It made it better, but now I'm considering changing the rear to a 40 tooth.

I know the bike will hit 70 mph in 2nd gear (just before hitting the rev limiter), but I can't see cruising 70+ on the freeway in 4th.

[art708]

I just ordered the 18/40 sprocket combo. I can't wait for them to get here.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by buellwinkle

I'm looking for a nice middle weight cruiser that has the classic look. I've priced out the two bikes and the OTD prices are pretty close, about $6k for the Vulcan and $6.3K for the C50. I'm going to be using it as a freeway commuter so comfort, noise, vibration control, low maintenance is key, handling & appearance is secondary.

I can't get the local Suzi dealers to let me test ride the C50, have any of you ridden both the Vulcan and C50 (or Volusia) and can tell me which is smoother, faster, better balanced, more comfortable for long rides? My biggest concern with the Vulcan is the chain drive as I don't have time to keep the chain lubed and clean. FI vs Carb doesn't matter to me, I've had pretty nice smooth fast sport bikes with carbs and they ran just fine.

Also, saw the Vulcan 900 at the show, it's gone up in price so I would expect it's a few hundred more than the C50 but it may not come out for a while. Is it worth waiting to see or is getting something the day it comes out a big mistake in terms of reliability. Aftermarket doesn't bother me as all I really want is a nice windshield and I'm sure the Kawasaki one is fine.

Welcome!!! I've always heard to wait til the 3rd year of production to buy a vehicle model cause by then they have found most of the probs and fixed 'em.





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp...p=ZSYYYYYYDIUS

[luvcycles2]

Hear's the deal i have vulcan 750 and 1600 classic and a c50 .

1 the 750 is a fun around town bike and great handlingbut not for long trips.

2The 1600 in a word wow great road bike but heavy around town.

3 the c50 great all around bike but dose not have the power of the 800.my choice would be the c 50 but that's just me . Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[The Vol-can]

First, welcome to the forum! Can't find a better site to learn and laugh from, IMO.
Second, I absolutely LOVE my 800b. As told here before, bought it almost new (less than 100 miles) in March, have put over 12,000 miles on it since, largely commuting back and forth to workplace 28 miles away. Handles nicely, been great for reliability, is fun to take for a spin or for a 1,200 mile trip.
Third, have not been on a C50.
SOOO, in conclusion:
With the 800 being such a solid bike, and this forum full of helpful people, my vote would be for the Vulcan.
Hope to see you back here with good reports soon.

[CowboyBob]

Ive got an 05 800A and it is great, this forum has been a great help also. I didn't like the Suzukis as much and(please don't kick me out of the forum guys, I like it here) Never had or looked at a Kawasaki cruiser till this one. THough I did ride a friends Vulcan 750 way back and didn't like it due to the shaftdrive. I'was never a Kawasaki person before. All my favorites have been Hondas, Suzukis or HDs. I love this bike and have a lot of respect for the brand, and am quite glad I got my bike. After getting it I am really glad I didn't do the 750 Spirit, or the 883 Sportster I was also considering. I would do the Vulcan, but I am sure You'll be happy with what suits you the best. Good luck choosing!!! It can be tough when you can't afford multiple bikes!

[skip]

Had me a Vulcan 800a and it had alot of power for a bike that size. It's geared a bit low but that can be fixed easily. I personally will never own another chain drive cruiser and fuel injection is the way to go. You might want to wait for the 900.

[Chuckster]

I had a 2004 Volusia which was the carbed version of the new C50. The biggest reason I sold it was that it revved like crazy above 60-65 mph. It's just a high revving bike at highway speeds. It will run all day long at 80 mph, but it's really wound tight. I think it's a great bike for around town, but it got on my nerves on the highway. It doesn't bother some riders, but I didn't like it. I personally would wait on a good deal on the Kawi 900.

[bigox0417]

I have a 98 800B and i love it. Havent had a problem with it at all. My 800 is a pretty solid bike and will take just about anything i care to throw at it.

[buellwinkle]

What about chain maintenance? I plan on commuting about 1K miles per month (50% of my commute), will I have to replace the chain and sprockets every few months? Will I have to remove, clean, adjust the chain monthly? I know many bikers put 1k miles a year judging from the bikes that are for sale so they are not a good indicator.