Suzuki Boulevard C50, M50 and Volusia Key Replacement

Quick answerSuzuki's 800-class cruisers use a plain cut key with no chip. The VL800 owner's manual, which covers the Volusia and the Boulevard C50, says two keys come with the bike and that an identifying number is stamped on a plate for making a replacement. One key runs the ignition and steering lock, the fuel cap and a separate helmet holder lock.

Suzuki Boulevard C50, M50 and Volusia key quick facts

The VL800 owner's manual says two keys come with the motorcycle and tells you to write the key number in the box provided.
The ignition switch has four positions. In LOCK the steering is locked with the bars turned all the way to the left.
The helmet holder is on the left side below the rear seat and has its own lock, opened with the ignition key turned clockwise.
With the key in ON the headlight, front turn signal lights and taillight come on automatically, so Suzuki says to start the engine promptly.
There is no immobilizer on these models, so a new key needs cutting only.

Suzuki Boulevard C50, M50 and Volusia key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2001-2004	Volusia 800 (VL800)	mechanical cut key with a key number plate	no	Renamed Boulevard C50 for 2005. Same VL800 model code.
2005 onward	Boulevard C50, C50T and related VL800 versions	mechanical cut key with a key number plate	no	Ignition with LOCK position for the steering, keyed fuel cap and keyed helmet holder.
1997-2004	Marauder 800 (VZ800)	mechanical cut key	no	Plain cruiser key. Send a photo of the bike when you call so we know its lock layout.
2005 onward	Boulevard M50 (VZ800)	mechanical cut key	no	Plain cruiser key. The M50 was based on the C50, but check each lock with us by photo before the visit.

Volusia, C50 and M50: who is who

The names changed more than the motorcycles. The Volusia 800 arrived as the VL800 and became the Boulevard C50 when Suzuki renamed its cruiser range for 2005. The Marauder 800 used the VZ800 code first, and from 2005 that code went to the Boulevard M50, a different motorcycle based on the C50. All of them are 805cc V-twins with plain mechanical keys.

When you call about a key, the name on the tank is less useful than the VIN and a photo, because a 2004 Volusia and a 2006 C50 share the VL800 layout while a Marauder is an older design that we like to see first.

Need a key for your Boulevard C50?

Call or text with the year and where the bike is parked.

Call (805) 429-8452 Text your year, make and model

Or read first: all services · common questions · about us · contact details

What the VL800 manual says about the key

The key section is four sentences. Two keys come with the motorcycle. Keep the spare in a safe place. An identifying number is stamped on the plate, and you use this number when making a replacement key. Then a box for the number. Nothing about coded keys, dealers or control units, because the bike has no immobilizer.

The ignition switch has four positions. OFF cuts every circuit and releases the key. ON completes the ignition circuit and holds the key. LOCK is reached by turning the steering all the way to the left, pushing the key down and turning it; the circuits are off, the key comes out and the bars are locked.

The helmet holder is its own lock

Sport bikes hide their helmet hooks under a seat. The C50 does it the cruiser way, with an external holder on the left side below the rear seat. You put the ignition key in the holder's lock, turn it clockwise to open the latch, hook the helmet's fastener ring on and turn the key back.

That makes three places where the key has to work: the ignition, the fuel tank cap and the helmet holder. The fuel cap opens with the ignition key turned clockwise, and you lift the cap with the key still in it. If your key works the ignition but not the holder, tell us when you call so we come ready to look at that lock as well.

Ignition switch with steering lock position
Fuel tank cap, ignition key turned clockwise
Helmet holder on the left side below the rear seat
Locking saddlebags or a trunk, if your bike has them: send a photo of the lock

Lost every key to a C50 or M50

With no immobilizer, a lost key on these bikes is a cutting job with nothing to program. Have your photo ID and the registration or title ready. We cut a key to the locks on the motorcycle, check that it turns the ignition through every position including LOCK, then try it in the fuel cap and the helmet holder.

If the bike came to you with a replaced ignition and the old key still fits the cap or the holder, tell us. Where the parts allow, the locks can be matched again so you carry one key.

Where to find the key code

The VL800 manual says an identifying number is stamped on the plate supplied with the keys and that this number is used when making a replacement key. It prints a box for the number on the key page, so check your manual first, then the spare key ring and the sales paperwork.

What to have ready

Have this ready when you call or text

Year, make and model of the bike
Where the bike is parked
Whether you have any working key, a broken key or a key code
Photo ID and registration or title (we verify ownership before making a key)

Suzuki Boulevard C50, M50 and Volusia key FAQ

Does a Boulevard C50 have a chip key?

No. It uses a plain cut key. The VL800 owner's manual describes two keys and a key number plate, with no immobilizer.

Is a Volusia key the same as a Boulevard C50 key?

It is the same kind of key for the same VL800 lock layout. Each bike is still cut to its own code, so one owner's key will not fit another bike.

Where is the helmet lock on a C50?

On the left side below the rear seat. The ignition key turns clockwise to open the latch and back again to lock it.

Will the bike key open my C50T saddlebags?

It depends on the bags fitted. If yours lock, send a photo of the bag lock and any key you have for it, and we can cut a spare or deal with a lost one at the same visit.

More Suzuki models

Services for this bike

Cruiser and Touring Motorcycle Keys: Bags, Forks, FobsYes, keys for cruisers and touring bikes can be replaced, and on most of them it is a mechanical job because the key is a plain cut or barrel key.
Motorcycle Helmet Lock Keys: Factory Holders and Add-OnsMost factory helmet holders use the ignition key, either directly in a small lock on the side of the bike or indirectly, because the helmet hangs on a hook that the locked seat or trunk traps.
How to Find Your Motorcycle Key CodeA motorcycle key code is a short number or letter-number code that tells a locksmith or dealer how to cut a key for your locks.
Dirt Bike and Dual Sport Keys: Which Bikes Have ThemMany dirt bikes have no key at all, so the first step is knowing which kind you ride.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.