Lurking for some time--ready to jump in...

[HERO XXL]

Hello all--as you have read, I'd say I've been lurking for about a good three to four months now--reading all the different posts and all, soaking up as much info as I can. Without even knowing it the community here has helped me a great deal and I'd like to start by thanking you all. The itch to step up to cruisers has been bugging me for quite some time now and I do believe that I'm about to take the leap!! I've Been eyeing a c90 as of late, and was offered a deal of $8500 for an '06 which will also include the $1000 in accessories--I was originally in the market for an 1100 (star) and my budget wasn't going to be as "high" as 8500, but I thought this to be a good deal, and I think I'm going to jump on it before it's gone.
Now---for the "dilemma". I have "heard" SO MANY of you discourage others about buying such large bikes starting out and I wonder if this will apply to me as well. This IS my first cruiser, but NOT my first bike!! I bought, a couple of years ago, a Suzuki Katana--brand new, right off the showroom floor. Didn't know a THING about riding then, and I actually LEARNED to ride on my new bike--(back then, I had put off buying a motorcycle for a number of years due to being scared of the speed--My budget was a lot higher then, and I felt that going with a sport cruiser would be best, so I took the plunge)
It was a 600 and the one nasty spill I had on it happened about a year later, after I was WAY PAST the learning stage. (I learned to respect the speed way before then as well!)
SO...does the "rule" apply for me as well, or is it different? I hope someone--anyone--will be able to shed some insight on my "dilemma". Thanks in advance for any input any of you might add, and I look forward to becoming part of your community!!

[Rickster]

Based on what you have said so far, I wouldn't think you would have to much trouble with the C90. Even though the C90 motor is a lot bigger than your Katana, it's tuned different, and the horsepower to weight ratio is probably a little less on the bigger bike. On top of that, the C90 has a low center of gravity, and good low end torque, making it very easy to ride, and maneuver at the lower speeds most new riders have a problem with.

The other place new riders are likely to have a problem is with, what I call "top end rush". Again, not a problem with the C90, it doesn't have the kind of power that can get away from you in the blink of an eye.

If you can handle the weight, the C90 should be a fine bike for you.

[Time4me2ride]

My question would be how many miles do you have on the Katana? If you have a few thousand miles on the first bike, then you are not really in the beginner category. Have you sat on the C90? Have you balanced the weight and felt the controls for reach etc? If you think it fits, the handling shouldn't be a problem at speed, but I would definitely take some parking lot practice, the low speed handling will take some adjustment.

[Clint]

Welcome, HERO.

One question: How does one get past the learning stage, let alone "way" past? If that's to be your approach, you may be in for hard times. I don't intend to ever stop learning how to be a better rider. If I've misunderstood you, let me know.

[blackie1491]

The C50 is a great bike, a 100 lbs lighter, plus lighter on the pocket book.

A self taught rider is in the higher risk group of riders. It is never too late to take a course. Just consider it an investment in your future.
I know the courses I took were a wise investment but also, were really enjoyable.

[Trapper]

Welcome Hero... Save the cheerleader, save the world.

[robertc729]

[SNAFU]

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back
Would you cry if you saw me crying
Would you save my soul tonight?

Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh oh please tell me these
Now would you die for the one you love?
Hold me in your arms tonight?


Couldn't help it.

Oh ya,

[HERO XXL]

Hello again, all--thank you for your replies...Rickster--thanks--I'M really set on the c90--even though, I'm still looking at the others available and none of them come close to what I like about the c90.
Time4me2ride--I believe I put about a good 10,000 miles on the Katana before I actually sold it. As for as getting the actual "feel" for the bike--I go in and sit on "my" bike every weekend!! (i know the salesman is probably sick of me by now, especially when I continue to tell him that I'm coming back for THIS bike and none other!!) As far as the practice--even though I've had the experience in the past, I still plan on doing the same thing I did in the past with the Katana--short rides up and down the street for about a month or two, with longer rides as time goes on. it worked before--I don't think I'll abandon it now!!
Rowdyred--point taken--there may have been a small bit of a misunderstanding--but I'm sure you understand what I was attempting to say (at least I hope you do!!)
Blackie---one thing I've ALWAYS been is a cautious person--Rest assured that I do plan on taking the motorcycle safety course, which I'm looking forward to. I also took a few classes prior to buying the Katana--forgot to add that in my introduction--and what do you know? I learned on a cruiser!! a 250cc, I believe!!--that brings me to another question--I was a lot bigger then--now I'm at an even 200 & 6 feet tall--are there any kind of height and weight requirements for the different sizes of bikes?
Trapper, Robert & Snafu--thank you for your welcomes!!!

[blackie1491]

Now that you gave a little more info on your riding and size, the C90 is a possibility. We are both around the same weight but you have more height.
I downsized from a 1200cc Goldwing and find the C50SE all I need and others here say they ride 2up in the 400lb range. Wether you ride 2up or single, only you can say what bike fits you.

There are many adjustments, twisting the bars, up or down, using risers to go higher and more back towards you.
The key is that you feel comfortable and in control. Just remember, ground clearance can be an issue, on a cruiser ridden hot into a corner.

Also keep in mind that the increased weight and reduced braking ability of the cruisers to the Katana can catch you unaware.

Keep the rubber side down, wear your gear and ride safe.

[texrider]

Hello, good luck on your cruiser quest Bear in mind, the C90 is an air cooled engine. This may come back to haunt you, depending on where and how you use it. It is a nice bike though, and one I have admired for it's styling. In the Suzuki range, the M50 is also a worthy bike... Built to a larger scale as well, it is a good performer at around fifty-odd horses and torque to the wheel.

If you're open to the other metrics, the Honda Shadow 1100 and VTX 1300 are good choices. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 comes in three variants, and I can highly recommend the classic version The Yamaha 1300 is a fine water-cooled option as well, but is pricier than most...

[hammersfan]

You will be fine with the C90, I got back into riding after a very long lay off and went with the M50 and even though I still like the M50 I wish I had listened to my buddy and got a bigger bike , especially for two up riding. Money was an issue also when I got the M, I was offered a very good deal on a C90 and now kick myself for letting it go.You may want to check out a company called G-Man, they make auxiliary gas tanks for the C90 which will give you a much , much better touring range which is one sore point with the big Suzuki. I believe the tank is completely hidden so it won't affect the looks of the bike.

GMan Industries | Built By Bikers For Bikers

[Rickster]

Performance wise, the C90, is just barely ahead of the C50, in fact I have herd a few riders say that they can get the C50 up to about 40/45 mph, faster than the C90. The bigger bike pulls better two up, and at higher speeds, but even than, their isn't a hugh difference.

The only real issue I see with getting back into it, on the C90, rather than the C50, is the weight. I have seen smaller riders, mostly women, try to start out on to heavy a bike, and it just overwhelmed them. In at least one case, she went to a smaller bike, than a year later, back to the same bigger bike, she couldn't handle before, and she did just fine the second time.

You already have some riding experience, so your only need, is to learn how to control all that extra weight.

Retake your motorcycle training, and you do just fine on any full-sized cruiser with less than 100hp.

800 pound bike, 100hp, equals 1 hp for every 8 pounds, not a problem.

A 6 to 1 ratio is where you start seeing a problem with hp to weight ratios. Some of the sport bikes are in the 3 to 1 range, and that's just insane. I have experienced it, and I have to tell you, unless you have done it, you really can't know what it's like.

I read these post about kids that want to start out on 160 hp, 400 pound motorcycles, and it puts me in mind of the old west, when some kid decides he is fast, and wants to make a name for himself. My point is, until you see fast, you don't really know fast.

[HERO XXL]

Tell me--aside from the obvious cc/cubic inches difference--is the c50 SMALLER than the c90? Imean in terms of length, width & height? I have to admit--being that I've been so into the c90, I really didn't take the time to look at any of the other bikes!!

[blackie1491]

Look, go down to a few dealers and climb on a few bikes. Don't limit yourself by this "bigger is better" idea.

If you find a good dealer, he may let you test ride a couple of bikes, say a C90 and a C50. Then you make the choice.

Now I like a C50SE, which is similar to a T, without the whitewalls.

To me it was easier to buy the package all at once, $$$ savings.

I have 26,000 kms on in a season and a halve, and have enjoyed every one of them.

[rathr-b-cruisin]

C50 on the left, c90 on the right.c50 vs c90.doc

[blackie1491]

Good comparision chart!!!

I don't recall the wet weight diff., but do not think it was near the dry weight diff.

1 1/2'' longer and 1 1/2 wider is not noticeable.

I like the triple discs of the C90 but the liquid cooling of the C50.

Look around for a horse power comparision but a test ride of each would be better.

[4dtvman]

I got back into riding this past year after 20 years of kids and houses but I bought used 700 honda and found that my wife wouldn't get off the back seat. Which I don't mind because we get along together. But we found that we like going on long trips and did that with the Honda. So I looked around for a large bike that would cruise long trips with about 325 pounds.

I found a used LC1500 in mint shape ( I don't buy anything that I can't pay cash for, so No loans) and bought it, Added a bunch of stuff to my liken. I like the low end power that it has and highway speeds of 80 MPH at 2400 RPM in fifth gear.

I don't mind the air/oil cooled engine because my past bikes were all air cooled but the honda was water cooled and that always bothered me. Listen when I bought the Honda I looked around for the kick start for about 5 min. before I looked in the book and there was none.

I weight about 160 lbs and I ride it with no problem but with my wife on the back I have to be a little more carefull on slow turn. But I quess that would be the same with any other bike.

But I think my next bike will be a Yamaha 1300 Venture with all the bags set up for touring. I sat on a Goldwing and I found it too big and all plastic.

[Apertureguy]

Welcome Hero.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by blackie1491

1 1/2'' longer and 1 1/2 wider is not noticeable.

I think a lot of women folk would beg to differ with you!