For 2010, the smallest member of the successful Suzuki M cruiser family gets a facelift clearly inspired by its larger mean brothers, the M90 and M109R, while preserving some of its original uniqueness. Sleek and striking, the new M50 hides its smaller drive train nicely under a combination of burnt orange metallic paint and chrome bits, to the point that it takes a keen eye to differentiate this 800cc cruiser from the 1800 and 1500cc ass kickers.

The M50 sure looks the part of a big, bad cruiser, and is in fact pretty quick for such a small machine. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

The low-rise handlebars mounted on brushed aluminum pull-back risers, 41-mm inverted front fork, wide front (130 mm) and rear (170 mm) tires, and an imposing saddle also establish a strong connection between the 2010 Suzuki Boulevard M50 and its larger siblings.

Notwithstanding a few flimsy-looking trim pieces, the M50 looks right, with excellent fit and finish and a flowing style, the result of well integrated and distinctive looking major components, such as the headlight, fuel tank, saddle and fenders. And for the added pleasure of true cruiser lovers, the thin black radiator almost goes unnoticed.

Strong engine and drivetrain
The best attribute of the M50 in my book is clearly the fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 805-cc, 8-valve, 45-degree V-twin. To enhance performance, it features Suzuki’s Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV), adding an electronically controlled second butterfly to optimize air velocity in the intake system for low rev torque and high rev power, as the case may be.

The familiar 5-speed tranny always feels solid and precise, with smart ratio spacing to keep the engine revving inside its sweet spot, while the clean and low-maintenance shaft drive does its job silently.

Solid chassis and effective suspension
The stiff frame keeps everything under control, even two-up on bumpy roads, with the VZ1600-derived inverted fork neutralizing those nasty hops and jolts that often plague entry-level cruisers. The single rear shock, despite the preload adjustment being hard to reach, provides decent comfort for both the rider and passenger.

The simple design reminds you of the elegant Victory engines, certainly more sot than some older and more complex designs from other cruiser manufacturers. And it goes like heck on top of that! (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

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)

Little Big Cruiser
The rejuvenated and racy-looking 2010 Suzuki Boulevard M50 will surely win over younger riders, with a pushy engine, excellent comfort level and roadster-like agility. Buyers who care less about displacement and raw performance, and more about reduced weight, nice fat tires and pure riding pleasure will love this nicely-packaged Japanese cruiser as it suits our roads and pro-small engine regulations to a tee.

There is no denying that the M50 is a direct descendant of the menacing looking M109R. It even features the same rounded tail that started life on the iconic Hayabusa. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Plus
Well-executed design
Bigger-than-800cc performance
Agile handling
Well calibrated suspension

Less
Obsolete rear drum brake