C50 2up question - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

renier8 · 09-02-2006, 11:05 AM

Hello all.

If all goes well, I might join the throng of Suzuki cruiser fans soon. Here is the story:
My wife and I decided on this course of action about 2 months ago. Meanwhile I have been going for learner's licence as well as some driving lessons. We have also done a fair amount of research on the various bikes, and how our budget will fit into all this. Up to now, we have narrowed it down to 2 bikes: The Suzuki C50 (800), and the Yamaha Dragstar (650). [by the way, if someone here wanted to help me with this decision, I would also appreciate it]

But my real question is about 2up. I need to know from those of you who have done it: will we be OK for 2up on the C50 as far as power is concerned ? I don't know if it matters, but my weight is 165lb, and my wife is 132lb. We are not big people, but we don't want the bike to battle with us.
Bear in mind it is our first bike. Also, we do not plan on driving a thousand miles a day. More like 100 or 200 miles every other weekend. Some mountain passes but not Kilimanjaro.

Our budget does not really allow for a bigger-engine bike (unless it is a used bike, which we do not really want to get), but if there is a unanimous outcry from all the people here against the C50 2up, then ofcourse we will consider getting a bigger loan or something.

Your thoughts would be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Renier

Ps. I have been unable to get the poweroutput specs of the C50 anywhere on the net. If someone here has them - please share it with me.

blackie1491 · 09-02-2006, 12:40 PM

The C50 has more power and will carry you both with power to spare.

Consider the C50t or do what I did add the SE package which is the windshield, backrest and saddlebags, cheaper to do at time of bike purchase.

To make more comfortable add a mustang seat and floorboards later from Eric at Extreme Suzuki (cheapest price).

The info for Eric is on this site or this one VolusiaRiders.com :: Home

There are those here whose combined weight is higher than yours and still have passing power left.

BudTheGrey · 09-02-2006, 07:54 PM

MY wife wife and I are quite a bit heavier than you and yours; my C50 pulled us around the Adirondack mountians just fine. I said "pulled" becuase she's got her own bike now ('99 Savage). The C50 has no bad habits -- very easy to spend a day 2-up on it.

Scott58 · 09-03-2006, 12:45 AM

My S50 does it every weekend with pulling power to spare. They're great bikes don't worry about it.

rathr-b-cruisin · 09-03-2006, 10:02 AM

With your weights you wont have to worry at all about the power of a c50. I've had mine since feb. and we've done a lot of 2 up riding. I weigh 205 and my wife weighs about 130. I feel that the bike has plenty enough torque for two people. I really dont notice a difference when she's on or not, as far as get up and go is concerned. You shouldnt be disappointed in it at all. This was my first bike so it was a pretty good bike for me to start riding on. I think as far as horsepower, I've seen anywhere from 50 to 53. But dont let that scare you it's geared to use it well. If youre looking for something to commute and take some good day trips on you dont need a c90 or anything bigger than an 800 anyway. You're out for a cruise not a race. The bigger the bike, the lower the gas mileage.

ChicsterMG · 09-03-2006, 10:50 AM

I'm with everyone else, you will definitely have plent of power left over with the 2 of you on the bike.

The 650 on the other hand is great for 1 up, but you may be wanting more with two up. I would stay with the C50.

Jerryzuki · 09-03-2006, 02:59 PM

My wife and I have put several thousand miles on our C50T 2-up. You won't have any problems at all. Enjoy!!!

Oh, and welcome to the board.

S83 · 09-03-2006, 09:36 PM

C50 is more bike than you "need" its a matter of what you want......

c50tiger · 09-03-2006, 10:41 PM

If you haven't noticed, you won't get much love for the 650 V-Star (as they are known in the US) here. Stick with the C50...plenty of power, etc.. (basically what everyone else has already said)

blackie1491 · 09-03-2006, 11:24 PM

C50's RULE

RicoChet · 09-04-2006, 12:16 AM

I dont think you have anything to worry about! that 800cc is full of heart... Enjoy!

BTW M50's rule.

hammersfan · 09-04-2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackie1491

C50's RULE

M50's too

renier8 · 09-04-2006, 01:44 PM

Hi

Thanks to everyone for taking time to post. It is settled then. The C50 it is. I am still doing some training (I have managed to hire a small bike just to get into things again), but I am sure I will be visiting with my Suzuki dealer this weekend to start the ball rolling.

Ofcourse you will all be the first to know when that magic day arrives !

Renier

blackie1491 · 09-04-2006, 02:14 PM

r8

Dave Nadeau · 09-06-2006, 04:20 PM

Ran 400 miles round trip to the White Mountians of New Hampshire a few weeks ago, in one day.....Went up to 2900 feet. Combined wieght for the Mrs and I is about 300#. Absolutley no problems at all. On the highway back towards Cape Cod I crusied at about 80 mph. with plenty more to go. No problem passing a even at that speed, just roll on a lttle more power!!

Colorado Cajun · 09-06-2006, 05:18 PM

The biggest problem with the C50 isn't the C50. The problem is most of us who are new to them have a learning curve on when to shift them. I got my bike last Oct. and I just hit 5,000 miles on it. It isn't till recently that I've changed my shifting habbits and I can tell you it makes a big differance. That bike has more power to it then I thought it did 3 months ago. The power is there, you just need to learn how to bring it out. It is a high rev engine and you will not hurt it by bringing up the RPMs.

Dave Nadeau · 09-07-2006, 12:03 PM

Correct CaJun,
I just went over 5700 miles and now it seems really loose......used to lug in 5th at under 50 mph. Now I can get it down to about 42 mph with out lugging it.

EasyE · 09-07-2006, 01:52 PM

That's good to here. I know I'm new and all, but just when I think I have the shifting down smoothly, I realize I don't with a nice herky jerky shift.

Any bits of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

blackie1491 · 09-07-2006, 04:18 PM

There is a little drive shaft jerk. Just make sure your throttle cable is adjusted for very little play, and practice blipping the throttle on your shift.
Matching the revs as you shift.

I still ask my helmet, what dork made that shift.

As the bike loosen up, your shifting will also become smoother, but once and awhile you also will talk to your helmet.

Colorado Cajun · 09-07-2006, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyE

That's good to here. I know I'm new and all, but just when I think I have the shifting down smoothly, I realize I don't with a nice herky jerky shift.

Any bits of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

One of the hardest things for me (and others from what I've read) is getting used to the engine reving high. I used to think the engine was going to pass up the bike. It don't hurt it to rev it up. I used to shift too soon. Now I hit 2nd around 25, 3rd around 35/40, 4th around 45/50, 5th around 60/65. That is on average. When you are in traffic, you have to adjust. Are you letting off the throttle when you are shifting? That will cause some jerking if you are not. Like Blackie said, check the adjustments on your cable. You will get better at it in time and don't be afraid to rev it up.

09-02-2006, 11:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
renier8 Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Durban, South Africa Posts: 59	C50 2up question Hello all. If all goes well, I might join the throng of Suzuki cruiser fans soon. Here is the story: My wife and I decided on this course of action about 2 months ago. Meanwhile I have been going for learner's licence as well as some driving lessons. We have also done a fair amount of research on the various bikes, and how our budget will fit into all this. Up to now, we have narrowed it down to 2 bikes: The Suzuki C50 (800), and the Yamaha Dragstar (650). [by the way, if someone here wanted to help me with this decision, I would also appreciate it] But my real question is about 2up. I need to know from those of you who have done it: will we be OK for 2up on the C50 as far as power is concerned ? I don't know if it matters, but my weight is 165lb, and my wife is 132lb. We are not big people, but we don't want the bike to battle with us. Bear in mind it is our first bike. Also, we do not plan on driving a thousand miles a day. More like 100 or 200 miles every other weekend. Some mountain passes but not Kilimanjaro. Our budget does not really allow for a bigger-engine bike (unless it is a used bike, which we do not really want to get), but if there is a unanimous outcry from all the people here against the C50 2up, then ofcourse we will consider getting a bigger loan or something. Your thoughts would be highly appreciated. Thanks Renier Ps. I have been unable to get the poweroutput specs of the C50 anywhere on the net. If someone here has them - please share it with me.

09-02-2006, 07:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 486	MY wife wife and I are quite a bit heavier than you and yours; my C50 pulled us around the Adirondack mountians just fine. I said "pulled" becuase she's got her own bike now ('99 Savage). The C50 has no bad habits -- very easy to spend a day 2-up on it. __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

09-03-2006, 10:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
ChicsterMG Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Joined: May 2005 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: Afghanistan Posts: 3,508	I'm with everyone else, you will definitely have plent of power left over with the 2 of you on the bike. The 650 on the other hand is great for 1 up, but you may be wanting more with two up. I would stay with the C50. __________________ Sometimes you need to ask yourself, "WWGD?"...Just be awesome, that's all! GUT-CUT 2007: 177 LBS. 160 LBS.

09-03-2006, 10:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
c50tiger Can Ride And Chew Gum Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: 2005 C50 Location: Selma, Alabama Posts: 2,058	If you haven't noticed, you won't get much love for the 650 V-Star (as they are known in the US) here. Stick with the C50...plenty of power, etc.. (basically what everyone else has already said) __________________ Let's think the unthinkable, let's do the undoable, let's prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all. - Douglas Adams COGITO EGGO SUM: I think, therefore I am... a waffle

09-06-2006, 05:18 PM	#16 (permalink)
Colorado Cajun Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Silver and Gray Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 851	The biggest problem with the C50 isn't the C50. The problem is most of us who are new to them have a learning curve on when to shift them. I got my bike last Oct. and I just hit 5,000 miles on it. It isn't till recently that I've changed my shifting habbits and I can tell you it makes a big differance. That bike has more power to it then I thought it did 3 months ago. The power is there, you just need to learn how to bring it out. It is a high rev engine and you will not hurt it by bringing up the RPMs. __________________ 2006 C50 Silver and gray, Cobra Tall Sissy Bar, K&N Air filter, Suzuki bags, Custom Driver's Back Rest, Memphis Fats 19" windshield with lowers, added a 2nd horn, Power Commander PC3 USB, and Cobra Freeway bars. Mitch

09-03-2006, 12:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
Scott58 Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Honda Rebel and 05 Suzuki S50 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 394	My S50 does it every weekend with pulling power to spare. They're great bikes don't worry about it.

09-03-2006, 10:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
rathr-b-cruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Michigan Posts: 330	With your weights you wont have to worry at all about the power of a c50. I've had mine since feb. and we've done a lot of 2 up riding. I weigh 205 and my wife weighs about 130. I feel that the bike has plenty enough torque for two people. I really dont notice a difference when she's on or not, as far as get up and go is concerned. You shouldnt be disappointed in it at all. This was my first bike so it was a pretty good bike for me to start riding on. I think as far as horsepower, I've seen anywhere from 50 to 53. But dont let that scare you it's geared to use it well. If youre looking for something to commute and take some good day trips on you dont need a c90 or anything bigger than an 800 anyway. You're out for a cruise not a race. The bigger the bike, the lower the gas mileage.

09-03-2006, 09:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
S83 Handlebar Consultant Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 613	C50 is more bike than you "need" its a matter of what you want......

09-03-2006, 11:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,333	C50's RULE

09-04-2006, 12:16 AM	#11 (permalink)
RicoChet Fender Buffer Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2005 Black M50 Location: Thornhill, Ontario Posts: 436	I dont think you have anything to worry about! that 800cc is full of heart... Enjoy! BTW M50's rule.

09-04-2006, 01:44 PM	#13 (permalink)
renier8 Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Durban, South Africa Posts: 59	Hi Thanks to everyone for taking time to post. It is settled then. The C50 it is. I am still doing some training (I have managed to hire a small bike just to get into things again), but I am sure I will be visiting with my Suzuki dealer this weekend to start the ball rolling. Ofcourse you will all be the first to know when that magic day arrives ! Renier

09-04-2006, 02:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,333	r8

09-06-2006, 04:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dave Nadeau TurtleWax Taster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 08 ElectraGlide ( IN Vivid Black)!!!!!!!!!! Location: Bridgewater, Ma Posts: 591	Ran 400 miles round trip to the White Mountians of New Hampshire a few weeks ago, in one day.....Went up to 2900 feet. Combined wieght for the Mrs and I is about 300#. Absolutley no problems at all. On the highway back towards Cape Cod I crusied at about 80 mph. with plenty more to go. No problem passing a even at that speed, just roll on a lttle more power!!

09-07-2006, 12:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
Dave Nadeau TurtleWax Taster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 08 ElectraGlide ( IN Vivid Black)!!!!!!!!!! Location: Bridgewater, Ma Posts: 591	Correct CaJun, I just went over 5700 miles and now it seems really loose......used to lug in 5th at under 50 mph. Now I can get it down to about 42 mph with out lugging it.

09-07-2006, 01:52 PM	#18 (permalink)
EasyE Ditch Magnet Joined: Aug 2006 Bike: 2006 M50 Blue Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 184	That's good to here. I know I'm new and all, but just when I think I have the shifting down smoothly, I realize I don't with a nice herky jerky shift. Any bits of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Mine - '06 Blue M50, Cobra Streetrods Slashdowns, Kuryakan Hypercharger blue butterflys and inset, Cobra FI2000, OEM Billet backrest Hers - '06 C50c - Pearl white with ghost flames , Cobra Short backrest

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09-07-2006, 04:18 PM	#19 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,333	There is a little drive shaft jerk. Just make sure your throttle cable is adjusted for very little play, and practice blipping the throttle on your shift. Matching the revs as you shift. I still ask my helmet, what dork made that shift. As the bike loosen up, your shifting will also become smoother, but once and awhile you also will talk to your helmet. Last edited by blackie1491; 09-07-2006 at 10:24 PM.