Not even a Newbie yet, but just as excited…

[Sandman]

Hello all! I have been a lurker here for quite some time, quietly gathering info to make the most informed decision on my first bike purchase ever. Was considering Suzuki’s GS500, C50, or the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 or 750. I chose the C50 based on my needs (wants?) & situation.

1) My commute is 45 miles total each day, 35 being highway miles @ 70-80mph. I would feel more comfortable with a heavier bike (more substantial), and so as not to get blown around as much when trucks pass or on windy days.
2) I will be riding solo until feel comfortable enough to take on riders. When that happens, the total weight will tip around 350-370. Need adequate power for 2-up riding.
3) I don’t want to go through the hassle of trying to find a smaller used beater to learn on only to have to turn around and trade it a few months later for the C50. I plan on keeping the bike for a LONG time. (I still have my 93 GEO Prizm,191K & still going)
4) I am lucky enough to have an elementary school 1/10th of a mile from my driveway, so having a place close by to practice before I am ready to hit the open road is not an issue. I am a very conservative driver anyway, (I can’t but help it, 93 Geo 191K!) so I can’t see me racing around, just cruzin’.
5) With the exception of some wanting a 6th gear, I was hard pressed to find any user complaints with the C50. Other makes & models I was considering had rants about disk brake squeal or hot start issues to name a few.
6) C50 = low maintenance! Shaft drive, FI, liquid cooled (=longer engine life IMHO), no carbs, no choke. My motto has always been “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” BUT, I am a stickler for regular fluid changes.
7) The C-50’s looks are just %%%%%in!

All in all, this bike just seems the best fit for me. I sat on it numerous times and am comfortable with the weight leaning it side to side. I have been on motorcycles before, but not as the driver, and I am familiar with shifting and braking as I use to beat on 3 wheelers in my younger days. I have taken a “Jump Start” course which is basically an “intro to motorcycling 101” offered by the MSF to get my feet wet, and am signed up for the BRC (3-days 5 hrs each DMV road test waiver if pass, $120) for the end of March. I will be purchasing an “06 C50” in early April. ($7k OTD is average in Richmond, will keep looking, but am limited distance wise b/c dealers around here “take care of their own” first)

Oh, and thanks for a laundry list of accessories I will be adding periodically to personalize it. Cobra or MCE Bars (haven’t decided, but this will be the first addition), Kisan SignalMinder & VectraLight, Memphis Fats 19”, & chrome lowers, to name a few.

Sorry for this being so long of a post, just wanted to introduce myself, give some background, and say thanks for all the help!

[tlwisner]

If I ws doing 35 miles a day on 75 - 80 mph freeways, I'd probably have kept my Concours.

Enjoy the new bike, I really like mine - it's been great for the first 10,000 miles.

[MagnumForce]

Welcome to M-J.com! Glad folks here can help you.

[Sandman]

Thanks! I've has Spring Fever since September, anticipation stinks.

[blackie1491]

Sandman
Good choice in bike.
You may fine ito your advantange to purchase the windshield, saddlebags and backrest at time of purchase of the bike. You can buy it dressed like the C50T, just not deluxe. It is offered as a SE package with or without studs.
It is a $1,400 option here but less down there.
And do not be scared to buy at another dealer, I had no problem switching. Very few dealers refuse money.

[ELGOLD C50T]

Welcome Sandman! Great choice for your first ride. The C50 is as good as any bike out there and is a fraction of the cost while providing the latest in technology, comfort and convenience. Be safe, and look forward to becoming a "newbie".

[Atlas68]

Sandman. Good to have you on board. The C50 is a great bike, no doubt. Looking at some of the other bikes you've considered, just wondered if you had sized up the M50. Just a thought. It is a little cheaper than the C50 I believe, great for a new rider, and a good complement to the Boulevard line-up. Either way, you're in good company on MJ. Ride safe and enjoy the forum

[stp1971]

Welcome Sandman!!!!! Great choice in bikes. Plus you will reap the benefits of cruiser under 1000cc insurance premiums!!!!!! Glad you have found some good info here. Keep that level head and you will be fine.

[Sandman]

blackie1491, You're right about the C50T, includes everything, but have been driving my wife crazy with other details. For those out there that have kids and have read, "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" you'll understand. If you give a man a motorcycle, then you have to let him build a shed he can store it in, but before he can build it, you have to let him buy a chain saw to cut down some trees to make room for the shed to house the motorcycle... I just don't want to press my luck right now.

atlas68, My friend bought an M50 last year, sweet looking bike, but it put me at just enough of a forward lean to make it uncomfortable for me. Besides, I really like the cruiser look. I will miss the rims though. I hope more options open up for the C50, the thought of cleaning spokes does not thrill me.

[MagnumForce]

Originally Posted by Sandman

atlas68, My friend bought an M50 last year, sweet looking bike, but it put me at just enough of a forward lean to make it uncomfortable for me. Besides, I really like the cruiser look. I will miss the rims though. I hope more options open up for the C50, the thought of cleaning spokes does not thrill me.

Consider the C50C. They cost a little more but they come equipped with rims, eliminating the spoke cleaning nightmare.

[Sandman]

I thought about it, but I just can't do white. No offence to those with white bikes. Also, that would put my otd price higher than planned. I know it's only a few hundred, but that's Cobra bar & SignalMinder $$.

[blackie1491]

I think Zukiduditest has you even before you have the bike.
That has to be a record.

[Sandman]

"Zukiduditest"

That would be one for the MJ glossary, but I get the gist!

Does anyone have any opinions about the Vega Summit XPV helmet. I bought one after trying it on and wearing for a few minutes in the store. I liked the flip feature as I am optically challenged, the release and hinge mechanisms all seem to work ok. As this is my first helmet, I have no basis for weight so it is a non issue to me. Right, wrong?

[Cruising Bob]

Sandman
Just got my new bike. Decided on the c90t and have enjoyed it to the max. if possible think about the larger bike. Started to do the same because its been so many years since i have rode on a daily basis. Sounds like you have some serious traffic to deal with. Be safe.

[Sandman]

Cruising Bob
The C50 is all the bike I want to start with as a newbie. If I had any prior riding experience, I would have been looking at the Concours for its 7.5 gallon tank, hard bags, full faring, and alloy wheels (no spokes) to name a few benefits that are standard.

[Sandman]

Great, having written the above a few days ago, look what I find on my local craigslist..

"2002 Kawasaki Concours - $5000 Mint condition,never down,adult owned and ridden. 7900 miles.Has Gen-Mar handlebar risers and Fender Extender.Great comuter bike."

Must...resist...too much bike for a newb...but only 5k and used...stick with the plan, C50 first, then concours... but... no buts, choose life.

Still on the fence with this, but the voice of reason usually wins with me.
Tell me I am making the right decision.?!

[tlwisner]

Yeah, you don't want to start on a Concours. A nice bike, but not a beginner ride. It's not the power (which doesn't suck), it's the topheaviness and overall weight. I did enjoy mine though, and here's pictures!

http://home.alltel.net/tlwisner/Concours/index.html

[Sandman]

Thanks Tim. Forgot about the high center of gravity on these. Will be owning one in a few years though.

Yours was beautuful, thanks for sharing.

[The Teach]

Welcome to the forum Sandman!

[Bluecruzer]

Good thread.

C50 - fantastic bike - looks cool, all the bells and whistles, high resale. Good choice.

I like the ideas some have about differing series though you'll get an additional bang for your buck now instead of the higher cost of accessorizing.... personally I'd stay away from whitewalls though.