| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | VZ800 |
| Parent company | Suzuki |
| Production | 2005-Present |
| Predecessor | VZ800 Marauder |
| Class | Cruiser (motorcycle) |
| Engine | V-twin engine 805 Cubic centimetre |
| Bore / Stroke | 83 x 74.4 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Top speed | 180 km/h (112 mph) |
| Power | 50 hp 36.5 KW @ 6500 |
| Torque | 65 Nm @ 5000 rpm |
| Ignition type | Electronic |
| Transmission | 5 speed |
| Frame type | Steel |
| Suspension | (Front) Inverted, telescopic, coil spring, oil damped (Rear) Link-type, oil damped |
| Brakes | (Front) Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper (Rear) Drum |
| Tires | (Front) 130/90-16M/C 67H, tubeless (Rear)170/80-15M/C 77H, tubeless |
| Wheelbase | 1655 mm (65.2 in.) |
| Dimensions | L 2395 mm (94.3 in.) W 890 mm (35.0 in.) |
| Seat height | 700 mm (27.5 in.) |
| Weight | 245 kg (540 lbs) (dry) 265 kg (584 lbs) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 15.5 L (4.0 US gallons) |
The VZ800 M50 is a V-twin engine cruiser style motorcycle based on the popular VL800 C50 manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation. The VL800 C50 was originally named the VL800 Intruder Volusia, with the name later shortened to Volusia. Its styling is from the first generation VZ800 Marauder. The marketing name for the model was changed in 2005 when Suzuki added fuel injection to the model, with C standing for 'Classic' and the 50 being the displacement of the engine in cubic inches. Outside North America the M50 is sold as the VZ800 Intruder, in reference to its 800 Cubic centimetre engine, following the naming convention for other Suzuki cruisers in these markets.
The M50 (with the M standing for "muscle") was developed using the C50 frame and rear swingarm, which is a softail type with a hidden single shock absorber, compared to the Marauder's traditional swingarm with two exposed shock absorbers. The M50 received different fenders and fuel tank from the C50, a handlebar mounted speedometer cluster, and inverted 41mm forks, to give it a more muscular appearance than the C50 semi-sister. The basic M50 engine was slightly modified, being painted black instead of the chrome found on the C50 engine. Internally, the engine received split crank bearings instead of the C50's one-piece bearings, as well as slightly modified valvetrain components, which necessitated modifications to the cylinder heads. Power output is identical to the C50 power plant, and both displace 805 cc. Both models share a 5 speed transmission inside a shared crankcase with the engine with wet clutch, water cooling, a single front disk brake, and a rod operated rear drum brake.[1]
The M50 featured distinctive styling, with a unique rear fender, LED taillight, black painted mag wheels, and aggressive stance. Several other minor differences differentiate the M50 from the C50, such as different design (but same size) front brake disks, a slightly firmer suspension on the M50, and a different tool box/ faux air cleaner. The model was well received in the motorcycle press, with Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine giving it high marks for comfort and passenger carrying capacity. However, some critics lamented that the M50 did not have the power to back up its muscular looks. The model was not a top seller, and after 5 model years Suzuki did a complete makeover of the model.
For 2010, the M50 was given a major redesign. The M50 motor was discontinued, and the current model M50 now uses the same motor as the C50, consolidating production and simplifying parts sourcing. The sheet metal was changed, eliminating the distinctive rear fender found on the 2005-09 M50 in favor of a fender similar to the one found on other cruiser models. A small cowling was added around the headlight, giving the M50 a family resemblance to the other Suzuki ‘M” cruisers, the M90 and M109r. Sales numbers for the redesigned M50 are unavailable, as Suzuki chose not to ship any 2010 models to North America due to the large supply of leftover 2009s in dealer inventory.