Unfortunately, the brakes haven’t evolved since the Marauder, with an adequate-at-best single front disc and an unsatisfactory rear drum. Suzuki clearly made a wrong move here by putting cost effectiveness above performance and safety in this instance, as in my opinion, braking power is not what it needs to be for proper safety, especially two-up or at higher speeds.

Simple is beautiful. The easy-to-read speedometer looks just right – never mind that it leaves little room for other useful information on the small display. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Heavyweight-class ergos
The 2010 M50 offers a surprisingly comfortable riding position for a sporty middleweight cruiser. The low (700 mm) and well padded main saddle make for comfortably stretched out arms and legs, and a little forward lean of the upper body. The near-natural position is ideal for hours of relaxed cruising, and the slight rise at back of the rider’s seat provides extra support for the lower back. It gets even better as the imposing M109R-style headlight and streamlined instrument cluster serve as an effective windscreen to reduce pressure on the rider’s chest.

The passenger also can enjoy ample room and well padded high seat, without having to fold longs legs unduly to set them on the foot pegs, perched as they are above the exhaust system.

The instrument cluster includes a big, classic-style speedometer with a small electronic display for the fuel gauge, clock and trip meter. An additional Harley-Davidson – like chrome dash atop the tank features turn signals, headlight, neutral and ignition indicator lights.

Lively like a small standard
Much to the delight of this rider, the Suzuki M50 is so agile and nimble on tight, winding roads that it almost feels like a roadster. The bike shifts angles and directions almost by instinct, and the V-twin delivers surprising bursts of torque and power for an 800cc cruiser. Torque comes in early, goes through a bit of a flat spot mid range before coming back to life at higher rpm. Riding the M50 on twisty roads is so much fun that you can quickly start grinding pieces off when leaning a little further in the corners, so beware!

Whether you’re cruising along or hitting numerous stops on your way, the smooth, rider-friendly transmission makes beautiful use of the available torque as you ride to the sweet mechanical music coming from the engine. Even on a scorching hot day, the heat generated by the machine never cooled my enthusiasm, and I was never bothered by the howling electric fan as radiator went about its job silently.

The low (700 mm) and well padded main saddle make for comfortable ride for both passengers. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)