Extras on the C50

[renier8]

Hi.

I am about 2 or 3 weeks away from buying my C50 new. Our intention is to go 2 up for some scenic drives, every now and then.

I am looking at some extras: saddle bags, sissy bar, and windshield.

Question 1: what other extras should we look at, considering what we want to use the bike for ?

I have only got a learner's license, and will be riding the bike solo for at least 2 months before I can get the license.

Question 2: should I be fitting these extras when I buy the bike, or only when we can start doing 2 up ?

Thanks
Renier

[ZukiChaos]

The only thing I'd suggest you buy out of the gate is the sissybar. The passenger will appreciate even a small support. You can also use the s/b to attach things to it (buy a $5 bunji net). I'd recommend you hold off on other purchases and see what you like/dislike about the bike. Since it sounds like you are new to riding, most folks on this site will recommend you ride solo for about 2,000 miles. That gets you real familiar with the bike. The "stadium" seating of the C50 puts the passenger up high--making it obvious your enter of gravity has changed.

As far as the windshield--I don't have one and I ride highway a lot. It took me a while to get use to riding on the hwy (I've been riding for a little over a year), but I am glad I didn't add a w/s.

You can always get saddlebags later--and I will suggest you keep in mind that they crowd the passenger. Also note, you will need to add brackets to keep the bags from flapping and scraping the side of the bike.

Scan around this website & you will see a lot of folks have dif. preferences on what they changed...even what brand they went with on the replacement. Also on this site are a wealth of sources to buy these aftermarket items like: http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...s-cruiser.html

[automogul]

My wife and I both ride. I have the C50, and began adding items to my bike within 2 months of owning it. I aquired a windshield (factory), saddle bags (factory), crash bars (cobra), foot rests for the bars (Kuryakyn - ISO) so that I can streach out on long rides, Hand grips (Kuryakyn - ISO) - these are a MUST, the factory grips are terrible, and a Mustang saddle. I also added some lowers to help aleviate the helmet vibration and deflect a little more wind, and a Silver Star headlamp to brighten up the night riding.

All of these additions were great. I used to hate the look of windshields, but it doesn't take long to get used to them. I put mine on reluctantly, and INSTANTLY fell in love, although I used to get a lot of turbulence that caused my helmet to shake. That frustrated me at first. I took the screen off, and rode home. That was the first and only time I've had it off since. I regretted taking it off. It went back on the next day, and I added the lowers to help smooth things out.

I frequently ride the highways and open roads. I'd say 90% of my riding is at speeds above 60 MPH (many times I get out and run 75-80). I had a very hard time hanging on at speed. It wasn't like I was going to fall off, but that wind really tries to pull you off. The screen helps smooth you out, and for 2 up riding, it would be a blessing. Function over form, but the form grows on you.

Saddle bags are a must. If you're planning on doing any distance riding, you'll need em. It makes your trips much easier, even simple things like having a place to toss your keys, a map, a cell phone, a towel to wipe the seats down with, an some odds and ends. I was riding this weekend, and happened upon a tool show. I found a few cheap goodies that I would have been sad to leave behind. No bags? I wouldn't have gotten it. These make the bike extremely functional.

The rest of my items are for comfort. The seat is fantastic, the bars and pegs are awesome as well. If you're going to do a lot of distance riding, I would consider all of these items as well as a sissy bar like ZukiChaos suggested. That's my next big desire. I rode 2 up with my wife once, and she said that was the biggest problem. She wants a bar to lean back on.

I've gone so far as to start oogling over a fairing and hard bags, but that didn't come until much later. If you're starting out, I would recommend taking the rider's safty class. My wife and I did, and I just can't imagine riding without it. I got a brand new C50, and part of me wishes I would have spent the extra money and gotten the C50T. I pretty much have (or will soon have) everything on that bike and then some.

Hope that helps.

[Uncle B]

The C50T comes with these extras: saddle bags, sissy bar, and windshield.

[Jerryzuki]

I suggest pricing the extras and comparing that to the cost of the C50T. I think you would be better off buying the T. But even after that there are so many extras that you will want. Check my signature for a few suggestions.

[92Notch]

I ride solo. The only thing I wanted on my C-50 was saddle bags. ... as far as "extras" go ... not sure if I’d consider it extras, but make sure you buy proper riding gear, factor it into the cost. I wanted Armored Jeans, and Armored jackets (separate cool weather, and hot weather jackets), and good gloves (one set hot weather, one set cold weather). If I rode 2-up often, I'd want a better back seat for the passenger, and a back rest.

[zukirob]

Please promise me you won't go 2 up untill you can control the bike properly. I would suggest the following as a minimum:

1. Can you do multiple figure 8's inside a 30' x 50' box without putting a foot down?
2. Can you stay on your line when turning or do you tend to drift wide ? New riders often have problems with this.
3. Can you apply maximum braking at 50 mph without fishtailing? Gradually work your way up to this one.

[ZukiChaos]

+1

[DS06C50T]

upgraded seats (Mustang) and passenger sissy bar... for longer rides especially.

[renier8]

Thanks for your concerns. I do appreciate it. To put your mind to rest, I am legally not even allowed in my country to go 2up without a license. I need at least 2 months practice before I can try for the license. So I wont be lifting my wife anytime soon. Anyway not till I have license, and not till I am completely comfortable on the bike myself.

Renier

[c50tiger]

Originally Posted by DS06C50T

upgraded seats (Mustang) and passenger sissy bar... for longer rides especially.

+1. Squared. I had windshield and lightbar installed before I picked mine up from the dealer, then added saddlebags and sissybar cause the wife can't leave home without a handbag, sometimes I like to pack an extra layer or two when I'm riding during what we call winter here, and herself wanted something to lean back on. My saddlebags are the factory leather, btw, and even with the hard mounts she nor my daughters find them "crowding".

Mainmost thing my wife wanted, however, was a better pillion seat. The factory one was a bit narrow for her..umm.... "not quite narrow" hiney.

[THROTTLEJUNKIEDAVE]

How About A Nice Rear Fender Flame For When You Take Off The Pillion Seat ??
That Will Add A Nice Touch.
Dave

[Graywolf]

I put on highway bars first (to protect the engine in case of dropping it) then a windshield, and finally LeatherLyke bags. No need for the sissy bar until you start riding 2 up...IMHO!

[renier8]

I can see that "with" and "without" the windshield has some practical and non-practical implications.

I was wondering how the windshield fitment works. Can't you just take it off for short rides and put it back on again for longer rides, or is it not that simple ?

Thanks
Renier

[4dtvman]

After getting in the saddle after 20 years and my wife wanting to go with me EVERY WERE I bought this LC 1500 used but some extra on it already. The windsheild was a must because my past bike didn't have one, no wind sheild is good in town but on the highway I would take a beating.
The front foot pegs I don't use because I'm too shoot and the floor boards Help out alot. My wife complanted so must about the peg's and the sissy bar I had before, so I bought a wide pad and new sissy bar. After last week a 250 mile trip her right foot hurst for a couple of days so I put these cobra floor board with J bracket and now she can extend here feet and move them from side to side.

And like most wife's if we go over night some place she brings enough clothes for 5 days. So new saddleman 27 inch bags and big sissy bar bag if we go for 2 night (2night times 5days of clothes equals ALOT). But one of the best things I bought was a throtle rocker for $10 helps on long trips ( I stop every 50 miles to rest and SMOKE).
Make your self conforible and your better half relaxed. Enclosed is a picture of my bike the way I like it.