The Suzuki Boulevard C50, a classic cruiser known for its comfortable ride and iconic styling, has won the hearts of many riders. However, like any motorcycle, the C50 isn’t without its quirks and potential issues. Understanding these common problems can help you maintain your bike, troubleshoot issues effectively, and ultimately enjoy a smoother, more reliable riding experience. Let's dive into some of the common challenges faced by C50 owners and how to address them.

Is My Boulevard Trying to Tell Me Something? Common C50 Issues

The C50, despite its generally robust nature, can sometimes exhibit symptoms that signal underlying problems. Recognizing these early warning signs is key to preventing more serious damage and keeping your bike on the road.

Fuel Injection Foibles:

  • Hesitation and Stalling: One of the most reported issues is hesitation during acceleration and, in some cases, outright stalling, especially at lower speeds or when the engine is cold. This is often related to the fuel injection system.

    • Possible Causes: Dirty fuel injectors, a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS), a malfunctioning idle air control valve (IAC), or even a vacuum leak can all contribute to these symptoms.
    • Troubleshooting: Start with the basics. Ensure you're using fresh, high-quality fuel. Add a fuel injector cleaner to your gas tank periodically. If the problem persists, consider having a mechanic inspect and clean the fuel injectors or check the TPS and IAC. Vacuum leaks can be tricky to find, but a careful inspection of all hoses and connections is a good starting point.

  • Poor Fuel Economy: A sudden drop in fuel efficiency can also indicate fuel injection issues.

    • Possible Causes: Just like with hesitation, a dirty fuel injector spraying too much fuel, a faulty oxygen sensor, or an issue with the engine's air-fuel mixture can lead to increased fuel consumption.
    • Troubleshooting: Again, fuel injector cleaner is a good first step. Check your air filter to ensure it's clean and not restricting airflow. If the problem persists, a diagnostic scan can help identify any faulty sensors that might be causing the issue.

Clutch Conundrums:

  • Clutch Slippage: This occurs when the clutch doesn't fully engage, causing the engine to rev higher than the bike's speed indicates.

    • Possible Causes: Worn clutch plates, improper clutch cable adjustment, or using the wrong type of oil can all lead to clutch slippage.
    • Troubleshooting: Start by checking the clutch cable adjustment. There should be a small amount of free play in the lever. If the adjustment is correct, the clutch plates may be worn and need replacement. Also, ensure you're using motorcycle-specific oil, as some automotive oils contain friction modifiers that can cause clutch slippage.

  • Difficulty Shifting: Stiff or notchy shifting can also be a sign of a clutch problem.

    • Possible Causes: Similar to slippage, improper clutch cable adjustment or worn clutch plates can make shifting difficult. Low transmission oil or the wrong type of oil can also contribute.
    • Troubleshooting: Check the clutch cable adjustment and transmission oil level. If the oil is old or contaminated, change it with the recommended motorcycle-specific oil. If the problem persists, the clutch plates may need inspection and possible replacement.

Electrical Enigmas:

  • Battery Issues: Weak or dead batteries are a common complaint with many motorcycles, including the C50.

    • Possible Causes: A failing battery, a faulty charging system (alternator/regulator rectifier), or parasitic drain (something drawing power when the bike is off) can all lead to battery problems.
    • Troubleshooting: Have the battery tested to determine its condition. Check the charging system voltage with a multimeter to ensure it's charging properly. If the battery and charging system are fine, look for a parasitic drain by disconnecting the negative battery cable and using a multimeter to measure the current draw.

  • Lighting Problems: Intermittent or non-functioning lights can be frustrating and dangerous.

    • Possible Causes: Blown bulbs, corroded connections, faulty switches, or damaged wiring can all cause lighting problems.
    • Troubleshooting: Start by checking the bulbs and fuses. Then, inspect all wiring connections for corrosion or damage. Clean any corroded connections with a wire brush and apply dielectric grease. If the problem persists, a multimeter can be used to trace the circuit and identify the faulty component.

Brake Blues:

  • Spongy Brakes: A soft or spongy brake feel indicates air in the brake lines.

    • Possible Causes: Air entering the brake system during a brake fluid change or due to a leak in the system.
    • Troubleshooting: Bleed the brake lines to remove the air. If the problem persists, inspect the brake lines and master cylinder for leaks.

  • Squealing Brakes: Noisy brakes can be annoying and sometimes indicate a problem.

    • Possible Causes: Worn brake pads, dirty brake rotors, or glazed brake pads can cause squealing.
    • Troubleshooting: Inspect the brake pads for wear. If they're worn, replace them. Clean the brake rotors with brake cleaner. If the pads are glazed, they may need to be replaced as well.

Other Annoyances:

  • Valve Adjustment: The C50's engine requires periodic valve adjustments to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage.

    • Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noises from the engine, especially when cold, can indicate that the valves need adjustment.
    • Solution: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for valve adjustments. This is a critical maintenance item that should not be neglected.

  • Rust: Cruisers, especially those exposed to the elements, are prone to rust.

    • Preventative Measures: Regularly wash and wax your bike. Apply rust inhibitors to exposed metal surfaces. Store your bike indoors whenever possible.

Deep Dive: Common Problems Explained Further

Let's explore some of these issues in more detail, providing more in-depth explanations and potential solutions.

The Fuel Injection System: A Complex Beast

The C50's fuel injection system is a marvel of engineering, but its complexity can also be a source of problems. The system relies on a network of sensors and actuators to deliver the correct amount of fuel to the engine at all times.

  • Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): The TPS tells the ECU (Engine Control Unit) how far the throttle is open. A faulty TPS can cause hesitation, stalling, and poor throttle response. Testing the TPS requires a multimeter and the service manual, which provides the correct voltage readings for different throttle positions.
  • Idle Air Control Valve (IAC): The IAC controls the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate at idle. A malfunctioning IAC can cause stalling at idle or difficulty starting. Cleaning the IAC valve with carburetor cleaner can sometimes resolve the issue.
  • Fuel Injectors: Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged with deposits, restricting fuel flow and causing performance problems. Professional fuel injector cleaning services use specialized equipment to thoroughly clean the injectors.
  • Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and provides feedback to the ECU, which adjusts the air-fuel mixture accordingly. A faulty oxygen sensor can lead to poor fuel economy and emissions problems. Replacing the oxygen sensor is usually the best solution for a faulty sensor.

Clutch Wear and Tear: Keeping You Connected

The clutch is a critical component that transfers power from the engine to the transmission. Over time, the clutch plates will wear down, leading to slippage and difficulty shifting.

  • Clutch Cable Adjustment: Proper clutch cable adjustment is essential for smooth clutch operation. The cable should have a small amount of free play (typically around 1/8 inch) at the lever. Too much free play can prevent the clutch from fully disengaging, while too little free play can cause the clutch to slip.
  • Clutch Plate Replacement: Replacing the clutch plates is a more involved repair that requires removing the clutch cover and disassembling the clutch assembly. It's crucial to use the correct type of clutch plates and to soak them in oil before installation.
  • Oil Selection: Using the wrong type of oil can also damage the clutch. Motorcycle-specific oil is designed to provide the correct amount of friction for the clutch plates. Avoid using automotive oil that contains friction modifiers.

Electrical Gremlins: Chasing Down the Short Circuit

Electrical problems can be among the most frustrating to diagnose, as they can be intermittent and difficult to trace.

  • Wiring Harness Inspection: Carefully inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires, cracked insulation, or corroded connections. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and voltage at various points in the circuit.
  • Fuse Box Inspection: Check the fuse box for blown fuses. Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage rating.
  • Charging System Testing: Use a multimeter to test the charging system voltage. The voltage should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts at idle. If the voltage is too low or too high, the alternator or regulator rectifier may be faulty.

Proactive Maintenance: Prevention is Better Than Cure

The best way to avoid C50 problems is to perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. This includes:

  • Oil Changes: Change the oil and filter regularly, using the recommended motorcycle-specific oil.
  • Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement: Clean or replace the air filter as needed.
  • Spark Plug Replacement: Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule.
  • Valve Adjustments: Perform valve adjustments as recommended.
  • Brake Fluid Flush: Flush the brake fluid every two years to remove moisture and contaminants.
  • Tire Inspection: Regularly inspect the tires for wear and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why does my C50 stall when it's cold? A cold-start stalling issue can be caused by a lean fuel mixture. Check the IAC valve and ensure it's functioning correctly.
  • My C50's clutch is slipping. What should I do? Start by adjusting the clutch cable free play. If that doesn't resolve the issue, the clutch plates may be worn and need replacement.
  • How often should I change the oil on my C50? Consult your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval, typically every 3,500 to 7,500 miles, depending on riding conditions.
  • My C50's battery keeps dying. What could be the problem? A dying battery could be due to a faulty charging system or a parasitic drain. Have the battery and charging system tested.
  • How do I prevent rust on my C50? Regularly wash and wax your bike, apply rust inhibitors, and store it indoors whenever possible.

Final Thoughts

The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is a reliable and enjoyable motorcycle, but understanding its potential issues is crucial for keeping it in top condition. By being proactive with maintenance and addressing problems promptly, you can ensure many years of happy riding. Remember, a well-maintained C50 is a happy C50!