Today’s article is about the comparison review of the 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 vs 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750. The most popular motorbike among new riders is the small displacement model, which is light, easy to manage and safe to ride. Finding the ideal bike for your current riding abilities can be difficult. Cruisers are the top options for entry-level motorcycles with comfortable ergonomics and the ability to handle long-distance travel. However, entry-level cruisers are hard to find since most models have large, powerful engines.
Fortunately, Honda and Suzuki, two of the most reliable and economical motorcycle manufacturers, continue to produce factory-built custom cruisers for beginners with small displacement engines and simple designs. Suzuki Boulevard C50 and Honda Shadow Phantom are low-cost and easy to maintain. Due to their low power output, both motorcycles are suitable for beginners. They are also adaptable cruisers that can be used for both short and long-distance trips.
In 1983, the Honda Shadow series with 500cc and 750cc engines was unveiled. Honda’s Shadow model range was designed with the American cruiser market in mind. They had V-Twin engines between 125 and 1,100 cc, like most cruisers. The Honda Shadow 750 is the only remaining model in the Shadow lineup.
Suzuki is meanwhile working on the Intruder series to broaden its global appeal. Suzuki had to change the bike’s name to the “Boulevard” in 2005 to appeal to traditional American motorcycle buyers. As a result, the HONDA Intruder VL800 VOLUSIA was replaced by the still-produced SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50. This article offers a detailed comparison review of the 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 vs 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 in great detail.
2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 vs 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 – Features Comparison
Design
One of Honda’s least complicated models is the Shadow Phantom 750. Only two straight, monochromatic color schemes are offered, and the frame, engine, front fork, and separate dual mufflers are all blacked out. It is a compact cruiser with a helicopter style, low seat height, and planted design. To improve control and linear stability, the front fork has been slightly offset.
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The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is fitted with a single-piece flat seat in gunfighter style and allows two-up riding. It has bobber-style front and rear fenders with integrated tail/stop lights and bullet-shaped turn signals to reduce weight—a 3.7 gallon. A teardrop-shaped compact petrol tank is mounted on the gauge cluster, which is mounted on a small round headlight surrounded by a black nostril. To further the bobber styling, the Honda Shadow Phantom also features steel-spoked wheels with black rims and flat, semi-swept back handlebars with standard risers.
The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is slightly smaller and heavier than the Suzuki Boulevard C50. It features an antique tail/stop light, massively cut front and rear fenders, and a classic cruiser look. Most components are chrome-coated, including the front fork, large headlamp nacelle, engine, gearbox, and long, slash-cut dual mufflers—a 4.1 gallon. A peanut-shaped fuel tank is affixed to the chrome gauge cluster.
Due to the installation of a single rear shock absorber hidden behind the seat, the Suzuki Boulevard C50 sports a hardtail design with a cleaner rear view. Additionally, it includes a two-upsetting option for a highly cushioned, leather-textured seat. The Suzuki Boulevard C50 also features wide floorboards and handlebars in buckhorn style for a luxurious riding experience.
Engine and Performance
With its underpowered 745cc liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin engine capable of 64.94 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 44.6 hp at 5,500 rpm, the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is not a fast bike. Being straightforward, enjoyable, and uncomplicated to ride sets it apart from other motorcycles.
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Beginners are attracted by the 745cc engine’s good throttle responsiveness and appealing exhaust tone. Despite the low output, the engine distributes torque and power evenly across all gear ratios for a comfortable ride. Also ensuring good low-end torque is the long-stroke crankshaft design.
The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 features a gear multi-plate clutch, cleaner shaft drive, and wide-ratio five-speed transmission for smooth gear changes and ride comfort. It lacks advanced features as it is a more affordable and essential motorbike, except for programmed fuel injection, which ensures smooth throttle response and fuel mileage of 56 mpg.
A low seat height of 25.8 inches on the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 ensures a low center of gravity for better handling and cornering. It’s perfect for daily commutes, highway cruising, and riding in traffic. The raked-out front end of the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 offers superior linear performance, making it stable, elegant, and easy to handle.
The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a lightweight cruiser with 296 mm single front disc brakes and 180 mm rear drum brakes that offer reliable stopping power. Dual rear shocks with spring preload adjustment and a large, responsive 41mm front fork with neutral handling offer a comfortable ride.
An 805cc liquid-cooled, 45-degree V-Twin engine that produces 53 hp at 6,000 rpm and 69 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm powers the Suzuki Boulevard C50. At low RPMs, the 805cc engine delivers excellent torque. The long, wide dual exhaust pipes also guarantee fast power delivery and a powerful exhaust sound.
Additionally, the 45-degree V-Twin engine has offset crankpins to provide optimal firing intervals for improved V-Twin performance. To ensure better throttle response, the Suzuki Boulevard S50 also features a fuel injection system with two throttle valves for maximum air intake. To ensure trouble-free starting in cold weather, the fuel supply system is linked to AFIS (Auto Fast Idle System).
For smooth highway cruising, the Suzuki Boulevard C50 features a wide-ratio five-speed transmission connected to the rear wheels via a shaft drive. The oil-damped front telescopic fork and single-link-style rear shock with coil springs on this contemporary cruiser lack preload adjustability, so they cannot provide a smooth long-distance ride.
The rear mono-shock also has plenty of 4.1 inches of wheel travel, while the front suspension has plenty of 5.5 inches. Because the Suzuki Boulevard C50 weighs 611 lbs. Over the Honda Shadow Phantom 750, its single front disc and rear drum brakes are ineffective.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a compact cruiser, but thanks to its ample legroom and pleasant riding triangle, it is suitable for regular and tall riders. To maintain a low center of gravity and light handling, it has a more prominent front end, a longer wheelbase, and a lower seat height. With its forward-mounted foot controls, the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 offers tall riders plenty of freedom to adjust their legs comfortably.
Despite the flat and somewhat rearward handlebar, a straight back and pleasant riding position is still provided. The low seat height, lightweight, and neutral handling make the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 a flexible motorbike for daily commutes, interstate excursions, and long-distance trips. Some adjustments, like installing a windshield, saddlebags, and backrests, will improve the bike’s suitability for long-distance travel.
The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is a mid-size cruiser for intermediate and light-trained riders. The ergonomics of this vintage cruiser make it ideal for long-distance riding in comfort. This bike is powerful and spacious enough to ride two people together. For shorter riders, the Suzuki Boulevard C50’s seat height of 27.6 inches may be a bit uncomfortable. It is a bike that is friendly to all riders thanks to the comfortable riding triangle. For a more comfortable ride, it includes floors in a forward position.
The wide buckhorn-style handlebars on the Suzuki Boulevard C50 ensure a comfortable riding position ideal for sustained long-distance rides. It is less suitable for beginner riders as it is a slightly heavier motorbike with a good throttle response. The Suzuki Boulevard C50 can also be used as a touring bike if SADDLEBAGS, a windscreen, and BACKRESTS are added.
2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 vs 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 – FAQs
What is the top speed of the Honda Shadow Phantom 750?
The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 has a smaller displacement engine, which makes it an underpowered bike. However, due to its compact size, simple design, and lightweight, it can reach a top speed of 100 mph.
What is the top speed of the Suzuki Boulevard C50?
An 805cc engine that can deliver strong low-end torque, smooth acceleration, and quick throttle response powers the Suzuki Boulevard C50. But because it’s a bit heavier, the top speed is only 99.4 mph.
2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 vs 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 – Technical Specifications
| Specs \ Bikes | 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 | 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 |
|---|
Engine and transmission
| Displacement | 805.0 ccm (49.12 cubic inches) | 745.0 ccm (45.46 cubic inches) |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke | V2, four-stroke |
| Engine details | 45-degree V-twin. Aluminum-alloy cylinder plated with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM). | 52 degrees V-twin |
| Compression | 9.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Bore x stroke | 83mm x 74.4mm (3.3 inches x 2.9 inches) | 79mm x 76mm (3.1 inches x 3.0 inches) |
| Fuel system | Injection. Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System | Injection. PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, one 34mm throttle body |
| Fuel control | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition (Transistorized) | Digital with 3-D mapping, 2 spark plugs-per-cylinder |
| Cooling system | Liquid | Liquid |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Transmission type | Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) | Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) |
| Exhaust system | Chromed and staggered dual-exhaust | 2-into-2 |
Chassis, suspension, brakes, and wheels
| Rake (fork angle) | 33.0° | 34.0° |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped | 41mm fork |
| Front-wheel travel | 140 mm (5.5 inches) | 117 mm (4.6 inches) |
| Rear Suspension | Link style, solo shock, coil spring, oil damped | Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability |
| Rear wheel travel | 105 mm (4.1 inches) | 89 mm (3.5 inches) |
| Front tire | 130/90-16 | 120/90-17 |
| Rear tire | 170/80-15 | 160/80-15 |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Single disc. Two-piston calipers. |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
Physical measures and capacities
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 277.0 kg (610.7 pounds) | 249.0 kg (549.0 pounds) |
| Seat height | 700 mm (27.6 inches). If adjustable, lowest setting. | 655 mm (25.8 inches). If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Wheelbase | 1655 mm (65.2 inches) | 1641 mm (64.6 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 15.52 liters (4.10 US gallons) | 14.00 liters (3.70 US gallons) |
Conclusion
Todays article is about the comparison review of 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 vs 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and found that both are extremely reliable entry-level motorcycles capable of delivering low-end torque.
However, the 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a simple, lightweight and comfortable bike including a stripped-down cruiser feel. The motorcycle is one of the ideal entry-level motorcycles in the Honda lineup.
The Honda Shadow Phantom 750’s bobber styling and blacked-out, matte finish makes it a lovely bike. At the same time, the Suzuki Boulevard C50 offers classic styling, heavy fenders, chrome finishing and a somewhat bulkier appearance. But, when it comes to a complete cruiser with better visual appeal and high cruising and touring performance, the 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 is an ideal choice.
