The C90 is a great bike....all the power you will need. My brother-in-law has one and it is the best upgrade from the C50 in my opinion. They are a little top heavey for me...but go ride one....I am sure you will be impressed.

 

I love my c90. I didn't upgrade from a c50, but I can vouch for the comfort and enough power to haul 2 up comfortably. Mine is a 2007 and has hydraulic valves...no adjustment for me not sure when the first year for it was.


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I assume you are looking at a first generation C90 and not the brand new second generation water-cooled 2013 C90 BOSS, which is brand new and I have not ridden one yet. I have spend many thousands of miles on both the C50 and the original C90 though.

The VL1500 Intruder 1500LC/ C90 has always had hydraulic valve adjusters, so no C90 has ever needed a valve adjustment.

The C90 is slightly longer and it is heavier, but it has about 45% more torque at 2300 RPM that the C50 has at 4000 RPM. It is a great choice for two up riding, or long distance. Very reliable, and it will last longer than the C50 also. My only complaint with the C90 was the smallish fuel tank, which is only good for about 120 miles. But if your passenger is like most, she will want to stop more often than that anyways.

 

I loved my Vol for three years but I decided that with my wife aboard for day rides or longer trips I wanted more - more power and more comfort - so I got the '08 C90. Suzuki converted from LC1500 to the Boulevard C90 branding in 2005. In fact they converted over their other bike lines to the boulevard brand that year too (Volusia to C50, Marauder to M50). I love my C90. It's got tons of power and comfort, and my wife was very impressed with how much more comfortable the C90 is than the Vol despite the things I did to the Vol to make her ride more comfortable. Yes the C90's fuel tank is only 14 litres compared to the Vol's 17 litres but riding at my normal speed/style I still get 175 miles out of each tank. There's an aux tank you can buy from Gman to add 2-3.2 US gallons and I know lots of folks have gone that route to give them a very large fuel capacity. I seriously considered doing it but with the gas mileage I get it's no big deal and despite how comfy my wife is, she stills needs to stop for a rest after 1 1/2 hrs (roughly mid-tank). Earlier models of C90s (pre 2008 ) also had problems with the stator overheating and failing (a design flaw in most people's opinion), but most folks simply throw on a R/R 602 to share the load for $200 installed and you're good to go. I also prefer the styling of the C90 to any other bike on the road. I don't foresee ever wanting or needing to change to another bike until my baby gets too old.

 

Last summer, I upgraded from an '05 C50 to an '05 C90 and am very happy with the change. On the C50, with the gearing, I avoided highway riding. I just felt I was running the motor too hard at highway speed. When riding two up, I was constantly having to down shift just to climb small hills. The C90 cures both of those issues. I like that there is no need for valve adjustments. I also like that it's oil cooled, no big ugly radiator. Another nice feature are the metal fenders vs plastic on the C50.

Yes, it heavier than it's little brother, thus a bit less sporty. I don't attack twisties on the C90 like I did on the C50. My only gripe on the C90 is the small fuel tank, but I'm not going to shell out $400 or so for the Gman aux tank. I just plan my rides around 110-120 mile gas stops.

Advice? I'd say you will be happy moving up to the C90.

 

I owned both. I had a C50 for two years and then traded it in for a C90. To tell you the truth, I liked the C50 much better. It remains one of my all-time favorites. If you're doing two up a lot the C90 may be better, but the C50 will take you anywhere you want to go. And in my case anyway, just as comfortably, one up, as the C90.

 

I've ridden both. I honestly like the C50 better.

The C90 is larger and longer. It produces a great deal more power than the C50, but I did not like the ride. The fuel economy and ride range was also unimpressive too. Then with the history of failures in the stator, regulator/rectifier, I decided it wasn't the bike for me.

 

thanks for all your replies, it's all very good food for thought. i think i'll give the C50 this riding season and delay any decisions until next spring. meantime, keep the shiny side up!

 

I bought my c50 a little over a year ago and put 8700 miles on it, about half of that two up. Now the wife and I are not on the smallish side by any means and I've done lots of mountain riding and can't complain about the bikes performance.

I've had her on the slab some and it rides better with both of us up than one on board. This week I was on 65N and a flatbed tractor and trailer passed me, with a tarped load. Honest to God, I was hanging on for dear life, I actually thought me and the bike might part company for a moment.

I like her most at 60 and below and I have thought about a bigger machine with more power. But the truth is, around town and on two lanes at 50 and below, the bike handles like a sport bike. It's a very easy and forgiving machine and as a day tripper (that's my style), the C50 has very much to offer.

The more I think about it, the happier I am. Still, valve adjustments kinda suck.

 

What is the difference in insurance cost between the two bikes? I was thinking of upgrading to the C90 also some day.

 

My insurance went up about 20% when I switched from an 800 to the 1500.

 

It is the 1000cc penalty. Insurance Co. won't admit it but do it.
Add like a BMW, Ducati, HD tag and it is bigger.

 

I am paying $114 a year for my Vulcan 900. Same insurance company, same insurance coverage levels for a C90 (1500cc) would run me close to $300.

 

Nomad is the way to go.

 

interesting comments here...i've been very pleased with my 05 c90 now beginning my 3rd riding season after 7 years and lots of miles riding my 04 vol...bike is only 100 lbs heavier...more comfortable as far as leg room...do not find it top heavy at all..gas being stored at bottom of bike and not in the fake gas tank up top...have found mileage to be anywhere from 43-50 mpg depending on style of riding and time of year...won't win any speed races but enough power for my needs...some have added the gman bully processor to correct that problem...got 50k as of this posting with no issues...only repairs stator ...17k...and just recently replaced rear rotor. No complaints and like the ease of performing oil changes...identical 10 minute job like the c50/vol ...about the only work I actually do. No valve adjustments needed...another nice feature and saves more money. Would give it 2 thumbs up.

 

+1, I agree completely. I love my C90. I'm going to get a 602 R/R installed some time this summer to avoid any possibility of stator problems.

 

More hp and torque.

 

Hi;

I started riding last year, and chose a 2009 Suzuki C50SEC for my first bike. I love the bike, but I found that I was quickly outgrowing it. The bike felt "small" to ride, and it was lacking in cargo-capability.

I checked out the 2013 C90 as one option. I prefer liquid cooled bikes (lots of traffic in my area) so I only looked at the 2013 model. Nice looking bike, but it was just a bigger version of the C50 in my mind. I would have the same cargo issues, with the stock exhaust getting in the way of the aftermarket bags I wanted. And for the money, I could get a much better (slightly used) bike like a 2009-2010 Kawasaki 1700 Nomad - bigger engine, more modification friendly, six gears and cruise control.

In the end I decided to stick with my C50 and modify it to suit my needs better, starting with new pipes to make room for new, bigger hardbags (to start). So far I've spent just over $1000, which is good for me when compared to the thousands more I would have to spend for a new (or even used) bike.

 

You may also consider doing the rear drive modification. It utilizes the rear drive from the C90 which when installed on the C50 gives it a touring gear set up. Much bigger bike feel, less vibration at highway speed and less rpm's. Eases up on the motor which is helpful.

 

In regards to size, there isn't really much difference between the 50 and the 90. I've never ridden a 90, but I've ridden with them, and side by side, I can barely tell the difference in the two bikes. The 90 is completely different as far as power and gearing, but if physical size is your concern it makes no difference.

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I have a friend who couldn't get over the fact his gas tank was fake on his C90...I guess it bothered him so much he ended up getting rid of it because of it. I still don't understand why he bought it if that bothered him so much...weird guy.

 

My brain always gives the "oh, really?" response when someone points out the fake tank to me - even though I've known about it for a few years now. Somehow my brain just won't accept that the big metal thing in front of the seat is not the gas tank.

Stupid brain.

 

The C90 drive upgrade made a huge difference for me. Basically when you're doing 80mph it feels like you're cruising at 60mph!!! I'm so glad I did it. I also lowered my bike 3 inches. I have after market exhaust, huge bags (but I will be changing them soon, they're getting old) got some crash bars with highway pegs. I absolutely love my C50!!!! Mods are fun. You might end up buying a different bike and still have to spend a whole bunch of cash to make it your own... In the end, it's all about what makes your riding more enjoyable... Have fun!!!

 

Funny you should say that. What I really want is to have two bikes in my garage. A two-wheeler for day-trips and commuting, and a sidecar rig for short hops, errands and just for the fun of it.

 

I cant speak for a C90, But i can say that i owned my VL800 for 5 years and after trading up to a VL1500LC i would never go back to a VL800. The 1500 looks bigger, feels bigger, has more crotch and leg room, and i cant touch 5th gear under 55. This thing feels like its barely idling at 65 mph. Also the numbness in my hands went away completely.
I took my brother-in-laws VL800 yesterday to get new tires and my hands were numb the whole way there and back. It also felt Very small riding that bike. My vote is for a LC/C90.

 

I have ridden both 2013 C50T and C90T. I really enjoy the smooth C50T, sure its and 800 vs a 1500 but at the end of the day your really only going to go max high way speeds. No need to break a neck getting there like some do.

But I really enjoy the C50T. Now if your shorter like say 5 foot 5 and below ya will probably be more comfortable on a C50T since the bike is thinner and you wont be on your tippy toes because your legs have to get around the wider tank that the C90T sports.

If your a taller man then no issue. But as for ride as I said I really enjoy my 2013 C50T it rides very well, holds to turns nicely, smooth suspension, that has 5 settings. Has those beautiful spokes and white walls. Which I found out from another thread that washing them with Mr Clean Magic Erasers works wonderful! Its an all around very nice bike. And the C50T has those nice studded seats and bags, and the back rest for your partner.

Plus the C50T is alot more easier to hold up and control if you have an issue since the bike comes in at a light weight of 295 kg (651lbs) compared to the C90T weighing in at 363 kg (800 lbs).

And its about 1k cheaper then the C90T which doesn't come with a back rest for your second person so you will need to buy that. And no fancy studded seats. As well I found the bike rode a little rougher. And there really is no "class" to the bike. When ya ride a machine ya wanna feel pride in what your on, and the C50T is eye catching as well as an awesome bike. And rides just as well with 2 people.

You roll in with the studded seats, and bags. The spoked rimes, with the white walls, and a nice amount of chrome. With your radiantly beautiful partner on the back and you just fall in love with the bike.

Where the C90T has normal seats, no back rest. The saddle bags are more closer to the plastic ones then the nice leather ones the C50T has which are solid plastic on the back, and bottom. The C90T bags are like big bulky ugly things strapped onto a machine that has Cast Rims that are dark grey and well the bike is just ugly!

And as I said part of the ride is how you feel with the bike, and on the bike. C50T has a good size engine at 805cc which goes as fast as you need it to go. The bikes lighter easier to handle. People gravitate toward you bike to have a look at it.

And when you start to add parts to it like the OEM light bar, that leather piece that fits on the tank between your seat and the console, and a set of nice engine guards, and kuryakyn speakers. You can make the already fancy bike look better then any shyt overly loud harley out there.

And!!!!! Just incase you did want to make you bike have loud pipes there are 3 sets of pipes on cruiser customizing for the C50T/M50 alone that can shake people china in there cabinets.

So yeah C50T is my choice. :shades:

 

So yeah C50T is my choice. :shades:

What I finally decided was, why pay for a new bike when I like the bike I have. Especially since I can modify my C50 to be even better for a lot less than the cost of a new bike.

 

I think you have made a wise choice. The drive swap has worked great for us. We rode from In. to Tn. for vacation and it was fine. We ran 70-75 the whole way and no problems. It had plenty of power if I needed to goose it to pass a truck quickly. If you ever decide to get a bigger bike later, just put the original drive back in anf someone here will probaly buy the modded drive.

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I am looking at purchasing a 2007 C90 yet afraid of the weight and the strator issue. I am a 45 yr old, 6'2" curvy woman 230-245lbs that has ridden off-road my whole childhood so very comfortable with riding except only my newness to heavy street bikes doing u turns/culdesacs and perhaps lack of big big curve experience.

Having a hard time selecting a bike. Problem is anything less than 1300cc's feels like a DOG off the line and for passing despite speed not being a focus for my riding. I don't want to purchase to small of a bike and need to upgrade by next season. I must have sidebags plus can't have pegs as have had multiple knee surgeries so need to be able to move positions here and there. I like a batwing vs that police style windshield yet it seems difficult to find and expensive to add/switch. I seem to sit to high for most police shields so IDN if I should bother with looking at any. No idea the difference btwn the types but I have decals I would like to add to the batwing that match my helmet...it's a female thing

I probably will not be wrenching my bike other than oil changes and very nervous about the whole strator issue. If anyone would like to contact me to discuss if this is the bike for me I would appreciate it. Nothing else in the price range has seemed as comfortable or similarly equipped for the price.