Is a S-50 the answer for me?

[4721]

I'm looking to commute between dallas and fortworth,about 70 miles round trip.I leave about 3:30 in the morning and get back around 1:00p.m. Is this bike enough for the highway?Thanxs!

[bajaraider]

I'm riding the M50, I'd say it is good, but then again I am not driving near as far.

[Scott58]

You don't say how much you weigh or your inseam, but with my 145lbs (give or take) and 32" inseam it performs well for me on the interstate.

[Scribbles]

I have an S50, and have ridden on the freeway with no issues. It is a good responsive bike, and I have been happy with it so far!

[4721]

I'm 5'10.160 lbs,with a 32" inseam. I thought this bike would be ok,just had questions about how it handled on windy days? It's a bit smaller,so it would be easier to fit in the garage as well.

[DS06C50T]

Also probably depends on the time of year. Some times of the year it'll be the perfect bike. Other times, like during wind or hail storms, you'll probably wish you had a bigger bike, like the C90. Overall though, I'd say the S-50 is a good choice. Enjoy the ride...

Daryl

[tlwisner]

How about a Burgman 650? I'd classify it as a perfect commuter, fast, handles great, tons of lockable storage, execllent wind/weather protection and awesome fuel economy.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products...1-2D72DD33D7F8

[bajaraider]

Is this your first bike? You also may want to look into some auxillary lighting options. I have heard some people don't like the stock lights on certain bike, I am not sure about this one since I have neither riden this bike, or riden mine at night (dark) very extensivly. I am not sure what options are out there if that becomes a problem, but just something to think about since you will be riding in the dark. Good luck on the bike and keep the rubber side down.

[DS06C50T]

Originally Posted by tlwisner

How about a Burgman 650? I'd classify it as a perfect commuter, fast, handles great, tons of lockable storage, execllent wind/weather protection and awesome fuel economy.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products...1-2D72DD33D7F8

You're rotten; just plain 'ol rotten, aren'tcha???

LOL,
Daryl

[4721]

This would be my first bike,I don't count dirt bikes!

[4721]

This would be my first bike,I don't count dirt bikes! I have read some rider reviews on front brake noise,but nothing major from what I can see.I have looked at the C-50 aswell,basically the same bike just a bit bigger.

[Mfidget]

I have an '03 VS800 Intruder, the earlier version of the S50. I ride roundtrip 60 miles every day in Southern California. I've been using this bike for the daily commute for over 2 years, with over 20K miles, mostly commuting. I love it!

It's small enough to be very nimble, but powerful enough to quickly get out of any jams. The weight works well to make a very stable commute bike -- good and solid. Gets me about 47 MPG in about 50% stop-and-go traffic. For me, considering the commute, a bigger (that is, wider) bike would be less desirable. Overall, a great choice for commuting.

----Mfidget

[4721]

Thanxs! The time I leave and return from work,the traffic is nothing compared to the normal rush hour.I'm feeling good about this bike,it's history/intruder does very well in the reviews that I have read.

[Mojave Red]

I was riding my C50 80 miles a day between Barstow and Ft Irwin CA. I'm around 205lbs and never had a problem keeping up with traffic (65-75mph). I think you'll find the S50 more than adequate.

Brian

[Scott58]

I work the 2nd shift so I ride at night every night. I have no lighting issues. Your right about the front brake, it does sqeek a bit. I've just gotten used to it. Small issue for me when I consider the overall performance of this cruiser. It's just plain fast. I've added a street shield, saddlemen cruiser bags, throttle lock, and a sheepskin seat cover. It's a really nice and functional ride now.

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by DS06C50T

You're rotten; just plain 'ol rotten, aren'tcha???

LOL,
Daryl

If I was buying a bike for a 70 mile round trip commute, I'd go with a Burgman, maybe a 400, maybe a 650. They really are great roadbikes and get way better mileage than our 800cc cruisers too, delivering 60+ mpg in the 400cc model. The great wind protection would make cold morning commutes much more bearable too. Yep, a Burgman 400 sounds pretty damn good.

I could see my garage very happy with a Kawasaki Nomad for weekends and 2 up trips and a Burgmann 400 for riding to work and around town. Here's the Burgman I want: http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/3/3/80468933.htm

[4721]

My only concern is that they are very quite, a little noise is always nice. I have heard that Loud Pipes Save Lives.Any thoughts on this? Thanxs!, for all the help!

[S83]

Loud pipes don't save lives, they just annoy the living **** out of people around you.

[Mavman]

Originally Posted by 4721

My only concern is that they are very quite, a little noise is always nice. I have heard that Loud Pipes Save Lives.Any thoughts on this? Thanxs!, for all the help!

Good observation, quick head checks before lane changes, mirror checks and defensive riding are the key!!....no nothings 100% accident proof.

BUT...the pipes and how they sound really just comes down to one's personal preference.

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by 4721

I'm looking to commute between dallas and fortworth,about 70 miles round trip.I leave about 3:30 in the morning and get back around 1:00p.m. Is this bike enough for the highway?Thanxs!

If you haven't bought the bike yet I would seriously consider going a bit larger if you are doing mostly highway riding, not so much for the power but for the weight issue. The C or M50 might be a bit better on the highway. Having said that from all accounts that I have read the S50 is a blast to ride, faster and better handling the the C or M50.