Leaning towards M50, still not sure - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

biker218 · 12-08-2005, 08:34 PM

Hey everyone, new guy to the forum here. I'm in the market for a new bike and am leaning toward the M50 black but am a little skeptical on the power. I was also looking at the Yamaha 1100 custom which I'm sure has enough power for me. I havn't ridden either yet because of the weather here. Both bikes have pros and cons, maybe you guys can help me sort throught them. I like the looks of the M50 better than the Yamaha. The Yamaha has a better braking system it seems with dual front disk and a disk in the rear where the M50 has single front disk and drum in the rear. The M50 however it FI and water cooled. I can sit flat footed a little easier on the 1100 but it isn't really a stretch on the M50 either. I'm not a big guy at 5'5" about 145lbs. My brother has a Honda Shadow 750 which seems doggy to me and if the M50 which is an 800 can't do better than the Honda then I know it's not going to have enough power for me. I'm hoping somebody reads this that has ridden alot of bikes and help compare the M50's power. I'm not really going to be on a lot of long distance rides but will take a couple hours rides once in a while with the wife on back. It needs to be able to handle 2 up at highway speeds, which I'm sure it can but I don't want it wining at me about doing it.

jkulysses · 12-08-2005, 08:40 PM

My friend has a 03' Honda Shadow 750 spirit that doesn't seem doggy to me, but I also haven't ridden the bigger bikes so I can't compare it to them. My M50 can do two up at 70 mph pretty easily and I weigh about 50 lbs. more than you do. If you are not impressed by the shadow's power though you are not going to like the M50 either and I would look at something else. I like the Kawasaki mean streak.

blackie1491 · 12-08-2005, 08:45 PM

The 805cc is a good motor, requires some revs.
The M50 is a good bike but has some seat issues.
Any 2up riding would be better on the C50.
The 1100 yam. is heavier with better brakes, but the C50 is a better buy $ wise and hp to weight ratio.
Check the M50 forum here, they will give you an honest answer.
Good luck.

biker218 · 12-08-2005, 08:52 PM

There is a seperate forum for the M50 only? Thanks.

Brackneyc · 12-08-2005, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biker218

Hey everyone, new guy to the forum here. I'm in the market for a new bike and am leaning toward the M50 black but am a little skeptical on the power. I was also looking at the Yamaha 1100 custom which I'm sure has enough power for me. I havn't ridden either yet because of the weather here. Both bikes have pros and cons, maybe you guys can help me sort throught them. I like the looks of the M50 better than the Yamaha. The Yamaha has a better braking system it seems with dual front disk and a disk in the rear where the M50 has single front disk and drum in the rear. The M50 however it FI and water cooled. I can sit flat footed a little easier on the 1100 but it isn't really a stretch on the M50 either. I'm not a big guy at 5'5" about 145lbs. My brother has a Honda Shadow 750 which seems doggy to me and if the M50 which is an 800 can't do better than the Honda then I know it's not going to have enough power for me. I'm hoping somebody reads this that has ridden alot of bikes and help compare the M50's power. I'm not really going to be on a lot of long distance rides but will take a couple hours rides once in a while with the wife on back. It needs to be able to handle 2 up at highway speeds, which I'm sure it can but I don't want it wining at me about doing it.

If you are looking for sportbike type of power, forget the M50. I have had about 30 bikes over the last 30 years, and the M50 is in a class by itself as far as it compares to any of my other bikes. Some of the bikes I have had are: Yamaha FZR600 (had three of them) YZF600 (2), Ninja 750, Ninja 600, Katana 600, GS650, Maxim 550, and a few other cruiser type bikes and several dual sport bikes. I currently have an XR650 (dual sport) and my 2005 M50.

The M50 to me does feel a bit underpowered when I compare it to almost any of the above bikes. However, I must say that as a cruiser, I think it does great. I like the smooth power delivery, and I have no issues with the seat, but some people have, and I respect that. I will tell you this, my M50 gets a ton of attention everywhere I take it. I know that isn't such a big deal, but is kind of cool. People will walk right past my friend and his wifes two Harleys to ask me about my bike.

Is it underpowered? In my opinion, maybe a little. Is it a fun bike, and at a great price, absolutely.

I don't know if this helps any, but if you are after white knuckle power, this is not the bike. No matter what you do to it, any 600 cc bike will leave you by ten lengths within the first twenty lengths. I am an experienced rider and have ridden many bikes. This is probably my second favorite so far. The 1987 Ninja 750 was by far my favorite so far. The M50 is a close second though.

dragbar · 12-08-2005, 09:56 PM

Being a lifer Tuning Fork man until this bike, I grew dismayed with Yamaha's cruiser line in several ways, though I did think hard about buying an 1100 blacked out.

I seriously wayed out several things I wanted and didn't before deciding. FI, the styling, water cooling, the blacked out look and something that was still light enough to pitch around town and not feel overwhelmed by a heavy bike in everyday situations.

The 805cc doesn't scream power, but I feel the difference in torque between the 1100 doesn't really stand out as much as I would have originally thought except at the very top ranges. Yes the 1100 will get you a bit higher on the highway, but I ride my M50 comfortably at 90mph on the highway quite often and I can still hit the throttle to go when needed.

Riding 2 up, I've had no issues and my gf doens't weigh .99 cents either. Though the drum brake is a downside, it's still more than adequate and I feel like the bike handles better leaning over than the yamaha's. Which I was more than willing to trade off a rear disc for the FI.

Aftermarket? Well it's still barely trickling for the M50 as the 1100 has been around for years now. Which is ok, as I prefer doing cheap mods and the 1100 I would have been tempted to buy too much for..haha.

Your size will be the biggest factor for ya. Your a small person and your reach will be the deal breaker. You may find the 1100 bar position more comfortable than the M50's. Sit on both for an extended time at the dealer to see if you can adjust your position to make up for it. I'm use to sports, and don't feel right leaning way back personally, even with feet forward. I tend to treat my M50 more like a standard than a cruiser which is why I think it's a bit more comfortable.

Good luck whichever you decide, both are outstanding bikes based on what you really want and need.

Scott58 · 12-09-2005, 12:43 AM

Not sure what your inseam is, but considering your size and weight (i'm 5'8, 140 lbs). Take a look at the S50. It only weighs 443 lbs and is much easier to throw around. It's also very fast and will take down most cruisers under 1000cc. I enjoy spanking my brothet-in-laws 05 harley 1200.

cjjtulsa · 12-09-2005, 01:49 AM

Good thing that you're taking a good hard look before leaping. I researched what I wanted pretty good, and came down to the M50. I really started out looking at the Honda Sabre 1100, but figured it had been too long since I had done the bike thing, and settled with the 800cc. It depends on what itch you want to scratch; I like torque, and after a few months I found the M50 didn't have as much as I wanted. It's a great bike, fun to ride, gets lots of attention, and is pretty affordable, but it didn't pull the way I wanted it to. So ended up taking a bath trading it off - don't let yourself end up doing what I did. Ride a few when you get a chance and see what you really want. Like I said, I don't really like to go fast at all, I just like the feeling of gobs of torque, so I traded up. As for speed, the M50 will go more than fast enough, and handles well. Keep doing the research and you'll find the bike you'll be happy with.

biker218 · 12-09-2005, 01:50 PM

I'm really not expecting sport bike power from it but I guess I'm hoping to be impressed when I do get to ride one. You can really get on my brothers Honda 750 pretty hard and not be too impressed with it. It does help though to hear that you (Brackneyc) have had so many bikes including sports and this may be your second favorite, that says something. As for the S50, I havn't really looked at them in the store but have seen pictures, it doesn't really trip my trigger like the M50 does. Besides the weight of the S50, what would make it any quicker than the M50? Thanks everyone for your input, it all helps.

**intimid8er** · 12-09-2005, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biker218

Besides the weight of the S50, what would make it any quicker than the M50? Thanks everyone for your input, it all helps.

Gearing...

wolfpackraider · 12-09-2005, 02:50 PM

I've got an M50, and my buddy has a 750 Aero. Not sure if all the Honda Shadow 750's are the same, but that bike is a dog compared to mine. I'm new to riding and the M50 is plenty powerful enough for me. When I rode his bike, I couldn't believe how slow it was in comparison. I don't like going super fast, if I did I would have gotten a crotch rocket. The M50 definitely feels quite a bit more powerful than the Honda, and has much more left in her at highway speeds than the Honda does.

WalterRC · 12-09-2005, 03:08 PM

The M50/C50 has plenty power, trust me

Scott58 · 12-10-2005, 01:29 AM

the S50 also has a few more horsepower and a bit higher compression. I wouldn't call it sport bike power, but it certainly holds it's own against other cruisers.. It does however have a certain look to it and i can see why you would favor the M50. they look pretty sweet also.

cjjtulsa · 12-10-2005, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott58

the S50 also has a few more horsepower and a bit higher compression. I wouldn't call it sport bike power, but it certainly holds it's own against other cruisers.. It does however have a certain look to it and i can see why you would favor the M50. they look pretty sweet also.

Even though I initially bought an M50, the S50 felt very comfortable to sit on. I just didn't like the "chopper" style. An S83 would be a very good option if you are looking for much more power with the same ergos.

QuacktheDuck · 12-10-2005, 12:36 PM

I'll say it blunty, I really don't think the M50 is fast at all, especially for a bike in comparison to alot out there. But if you're looking to have a cruiser first and then have the benefit of good handling and "decent" power this is a good bike. I wasn't looking for power when I got this, or I'd have opted for something else quite honestly. The styling and features in the whole package looked like something I could live with everyday going to work and short trips here and there on the weekends. I did the few basic mods (intake/exhaust/fi2000) and it did help a great deal, but it's still no rocketship. Before I got my thunder intake, I got absolutely left behind on the freeway by my friend on his meanstreak. He then tells me the next day at work he wasn't on it all the way...yeah I was saying "argh" alright haha. Even now I wouldn't stand a chance. I figure in about 2 years though, I'll be selling the M50 for something else, but I'm planning on the sport touring mode eventually, particularly a vfr800 interceptor.

tlwisner · 12-11-2005, 01:06 PM

The M50 will not fall behind the VStar 1100. My VStar 1100 riding friends barely keep up with my C50 from a quick start. You're not going to experience much difference between the M50 and the VStar 1100...

WalterRC · 12-12-2005, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuacktheDuck

I got absolutely left behind on the freeway by my friend on his meanstreak.

Hardly a fair comparison 800cc versus 1600cc

Uechi Kid · 12-12-2005, 11:09 AM

Do It . It's A Great Bike.

DS06C50T · 12-12-2005, 11:35 AM

Biker218,

Another factor to keep in mind for those "occasional 2-hr trips" you mentioned is the type of bike you'll "want" to have (ie, "wish you had") on those NE interstates. I've driven thru Lincoln a couple of times and there seems to be as many semi's as there are cages. Also, the wind is a HUGE factor, anywhere in the Midwest.

So, though all the aforementioned bikes will "do", don't lose focus on what type of bike you'll "need", especially when 2-up. I'd go with a bit heavier bike with a windshield, floorboards (front and rear), sissy bar/pad, etc. Semi- and tractor-trailer "blow-by" can be a scary few seconds! The Suzuki C90T is a nice package for the price. Consider looking/comparing bikes of that stature, IMHO.

Power and performance will be there in comparable models; I'm just chiming-in because someone's gotta help keep you focused on the ball!

Good luck in your decision-making and many, many miles of enjoyment!

Best,
Daryl

QuacktheDuck · 12-12-2005, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalterRC

Hardly a fair comparison 800cc versus 1600cc

Oh I agree it's not fair at all, and the bikes aren't in the same class. But since it seems like power is a big concern, figured it's just something that should be brought to his attention.

12-08-2005, 08:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
biker218 Newbie Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 1983 Honda Nighthawk 450 Location: Lincoln, NE area Posts: 10	Leaning towards M50, still not sure Hey everyone, new guy to the forum here. I'm in the market for a new bike and am leaning toward the M50 black but am a little skeptical on the power. I was also looking at the Yamaha 1100 custom which I'm sure has enough power for me. I havn't ridden either yet because of the weather here. Both bikes have pros and cons, maybe you guys can help me sort throught them. I like the looks of the M50 better than the Yamaha. The Yamaha has a better braking system it seems with dual front disk and a disk in the rear where the M50 has single front disk and drum in the rear. The M50 however it FI and water cooled. I can sit flat footed a little easier on the 1100 but it isn't really a stretch on the M50 either. I'm not a big guy at 5'5" about 145lbs. My brother has a Honda Shadow 750 which seems doggy to me and if the M50 which is an 800 can't do better than the Honda then I know it's not going to have enough power for me. I'm hoping somebody reads this that has ridden alot of bikes and help compare the M50's power. I'm not really going to be on a lot of long distance rides but will take a couple hours rides once in a while with the wife on back. It needs to be able to handle 2 up at highway speeds, which I'm sure it can but I don't want it wining at me about doing it.

12-08-2005, 09:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
dragbar Fifth gear streak Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Location: SE Missouri Posts: 1,375	Being a lifer Tuning Fork man until this bike, I grew dismayed with Yamaha's cruiser line in several ways, though I did think hard about buying an 1100 blacked out. I seriously wayed out several things I wanted and didn't before deciding. FI, the styling, water cooling, the blacked out look and something that was still light enough to pitch around town and not feel overwhelmed by a heavy bike in everyday situations. The 805cc doesn't scream power, but I feel the difference in torque between the 1100 doesn't really stand out as much as I would have originally thought except at the very top ranges. Yes the 1100 will get you a bit higher on the highway, but I ride my M50 comfortably at 90mph on the highway quite often and I can still hit the throttle to go when needed. Riding 2 up, I've had no issues and my gf doens't weigh .99 cents either. Though the drum brake is a downside, it's still more than adequate and I feel like the bike handles better leaning over than the yamaha's. Which I was more than willing to trade off a rear disc for the FI. Aftermarket? Well it's still barely trickling for the M50 as the 1100 has been around for years now. Which is ok, as I prefer doing cheap mods and the 1100 I would have been tempted to buy too much for..haha. Your size will be the biggest factor for ya. Your a small person and your reach will be the deal breaker. You may find the 1100 bar position more comfortable than the M50's. Sit on both for an extended time at the dealer to see if you can adjust your position to make up for it. I'm use to sports, and don't feel right leaning way back personally, even with feet forward. I tend to treat my M50 more like a standard than a cruiser which is why I think it's a bit more comfortable. Good luck whichever you decide, both are outstanding bikes based on what you really want and need. __________________ I ate Chinese last night..........should of seen her struggle when i put her in the van. Доверя́й, но проверя́й.

12-10-2005, 12:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	I'll say it blunty, I really don't think the M50 is fast at all, especially for a bike in comparison to alot out there. But if you're looking to have a cruiser first and then have the benefit of good handling and "decent" power this is a good bike. I wasn't looking for power when I got this, or I'd have opted for something else quite honestly. The styling and features in the whole package looked like something I could live with everyday going to work and short trips here and there on the weekends. I did the few basic mods (intake/exhaust/fi2000) and it did help a great deal, but it's still no rocketship. Before I got my thunder intake, I got absolutely left behind on the freeway by my friend on his meanstreak. He then tells me the next day at work he wasn't on it all the way...yeah I was saying "argh" alright haha. Even now I wouldn't stand a chance. I figure in about 2 years though, I'll be selling the M50 for something else, but I'm planning on the sport touring mode eventually, particularly a vfr800 interceptor. __________________ Quacktheduck is one lucky duck. Miss my v-strom...06/14/06, the best i ever had...

12-11-2005, 01:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	The M50 will not fall behind the VStar 1100. My VStar 1100 riding friends barely keep up with my C50 from a quick start. You're not going to experience much difference between the M50 and the VStar 1100... __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

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12-08-2005, 08:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
jkulysses Sprocket Pilot Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: Oregon Posts: 832	My friend has a 03' Honda Shadow 750 spirit that doesn't seem doggy to me, but I also haven't ridden the bigger bikes so I can't compare it to them. My M50 can do two up at 70 mph pretty easily and I weigh about 50 lbs. more than you do. If you are not impressed by the shadow's power though you are not going to like the M50 either and I would look at something else. I like the Kawasaki mean streak.

12-08-2005, 08:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,211	The 805cc is a good motor, requires some revs. The M50 is a good bike but has some seat issues. Any 2up riding would be better on the C50. The 1100 yam. is heavier with better brakes, but the C50 is a better buy $ wise and hp to weight ratio. Check the M50 forum here, they will give you an honest answer. Good luck.

12-08-2005, 08:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
biker218 Newbie Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 1983 Honda Nighthawk 450 Location: Lincoln, NE area Posts: 10	There is a seperate forum for the M50 only? Thanks.

12-09-2005, 12:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
Scott58 Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Honda Rebel and 05 Suzuki S50 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 394	Not sure what your inseam is, but considering your size and weight (i'm 5'8, 140 lbs). Take a look at the S50. It only weighs 443 lbs and is much easier to throw around. It's also very fast and will take down most cruisers under 1000cc. I enjoy spanking my brothet-in-laws 05 harley 1200.

12-09-2005, 01:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
cjjtulsa Third gear and cruising Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2004 Marauder 1600 Black Location: Collinsville, Oklahoma Posts: 507	Good thing that you're taking a good hard look before leaping. I researched what I wanted pretty good, and came down to the M50. I really started out looking at the Honda Sabre 1100, but figured it had been too long since I had done the bike thing, and settled with the 800cc. It depends on what itch you want to scratch; I like torque, and after a few months I found the M50 didn't have as much as I wanted. It's a great bike, fun to ride, gets lots of attention, and is pretty affordable, but it didn't pull the way I wanted it to. So ended up taking a bath trading it off - don't let yourself end up doing what I did. Ride a few when you get a chance and see what you really want. Like I said, I don't really like to go fast at all, I just like the feeling of gobs of torque, so I traded up. As for speed, the M50 will go more than fast enough, and handles well. Keep doing the research and you'll find the bike you'll be happy with.

12-09-2005, 01:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
biker218 Newbie Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 1983 Honda Nighthawk 450 Location: Lincoln, NE area Posts: 10	I'm really not expecting sport bike power from it but I guess I'm hoping to be impressed when I do get to ride one. You can really get on my brothers Honda 750 pretty hard and not be too impressed with it. It does help though to hear that you (Brackneyc) have had so many bikes including sports and this may be your second favorite, that says something. As for the S50, I havn't really looked at them in the store but have seen pictures, it doesn't really trip my trigger like the M50 does. Besides the weight of the S50, what would make it any quicker than the M50? Thanks everyone for your input, it all helps.

12-09-2005, 02:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
wolfpackraider Where Am I ? Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Black M50 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 43	I've got an M50, and my buddy has a 750 Aero. Not sure if all the Honda Shadow 750's are the same, but that bike is a dog compared to mine. I'm new to riding and the M50 is plenty powerful enough for me. When I rode his bike, I couldn't believe how slow it was in comparison. I don't like going super fast, if I did I would have gotten a crotch rocket. The M50 definitely feels quite a bit more powerful than the Honda, and has much more left in her at highway speeds than the Honda does.

12-09-2005, 03:08 PM	#12 (permalink)
WalterRC Seat Tester Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: 05 Suzuki C50T Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 62	The M50/C50 has plenty power, trust me

12-10-2005, 01:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
Scott58 Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Honda Rebel and 05 Suzuki S50 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 394	the S50 also has a few more horsepower and a bit higher compression. I wouldn't call it sport bike power, but it certainly holds it's own against other cruisers.. It does however have a certain look to it and i can see why you would favor the M50. they look pretty sweet also.

12-12-2005, 11:09 AM	#18 (permalink)
Uechi Kid Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 04 M95, Yamaha VStar 650 Location: Antioch, Ca. Posts: 733	Do It . It's A Great Bike.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

12-12-2005, 11:35 AM	#19 (permalink)
DS06C50T Kickstand Operator Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 Suzuki Blvd. C50T (dark grey) Location: Ventura County, CA. Posts: 286	Biker218, Another factor to keep in mind for those "occasional 2-hr trips" you mentioned is the type of bike you'll "want" to have (ie, "wish you had") on those NE interstates. I've driven thru Lincoln a couple of times and there seems to be as many semi's as there are cages. Also, the wind is a HUGE factor, anywhere in the Midwest. So, though all the aforementioned bikes will "do", don't lose focus on what type of bike you'll "need", especially when 2-up. I'd go with a bit heavier bike with a windshield, floorboards (front and rear), sissy bar/pad, etc. Semi- and tractor-trailer "blow-by" can be a scary few seconds! The Suzuki C90T is a nice package for the price. Consider looking/comparing bikes of that stature, IMHO. Power and performance will be there in comparable models; I'm just chiming-in because someone's gotta help keep you focused on the ball! Good luck in your decision-making and many, many miles of enjoyment! Best, Daryl