I'm noticeably more comfortable on the Boulevard C50, however. Its seat is substantially better for me, as is the riding position. The Suzuki is also smoother, but its biggest edge is its superior suspension and ride comfort, which even puts many bigger cruisers to shame. It's $500 easier to own, too.
To tell the truth, I'd rather own and ride either of these bikes than either of these companies' entries into our recent mega-twin comparison. I know I'm supposed to pick a winner here, but it's not clear. Touring with a passenger, take the Vulcan 900 Classic. Daily commuting, give me the Suzuki. The winner is whichever one you're riding. I know I could buy either and never doubt my choice or wish for something bigger.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Suzuki Boulevard C50
Andrew Cherney
Pity the poor middleweights-the Rodney Dangerfields of the cruiser world. They get no respect, hardly any attention, and you sure as hell won't catch 'em in the next James Bond movie. Which is fine by me; these are the bikes I'll be threading through L.A. gridlock on a day-to-day basis while the 4-foot-wide, 22,000cc land barges remain landlocked in the garage, victims of their portly proportions.
The problem is, both of these bikes are a breeze to ride in almost any situation. Quick commute? They're good right out of the box. Slap a shield and bags on either and-bam!-you're set for a long, interstate weekend. Yes, the problem lies in the fact that both work so well they're almost boring. Which is why I'm throwing my lot in with the Vulcan-it actually has some style to go along with its substance (something with which the Suzuki seems wholly unconcerned). Sure, the C50 has it all over the 900 in the suspension department, but that's where the advantage ends. The Kawasaki's ergonomics, belt drive and smooth, responsive throttle appeal to my more visceral receptors, while the Suzuki's shaft and buzzy tone don't quite get me there.It's a testament to how closely matched these bikes are that I have to resort to that kind of nitpicking.