What to buy, what to buy... - Page 2 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

robertc729 · 02-26-2007, 07:06 AM

I wasn't sure if you meant C50 or C90, but anyway, my bike does for me what I need it to. Passing uphill, not a big fan of it.

Dave Nadeau · 02-26-2007, 08:18 AM

Well I have a C50black that I added the windshield and etc to, so its like a C50t but with out the studs. I am 173# and the wife is 120#. This machine will travel with the best. If you are on a hill and have to pass the BST, (Big Scary Truck) just kick her down a gear. We have done 400 mile trips up in th White Mountains with NO problems. It will cruise 80 MPH ALL DAY. Now I have a 32 "inseam. I let a buddy ride it and hes about 140# and about 5'4". No issues either. He uses a Yamaha 1100 classic so the seat heights are about the same. But I feel cramped on the 1100. He feels lost, till he got used to it on the C50. His son has a HD 1200 sporty custom and he says the ride is brutel. The C50 is about 600#. As for cornering lets face it it is not a sport bike but it goes over quite well. Well enought to make the Mrs. nervous!!

Sgt Mike · 02-26-2007, 08:21 AM

The C50 power should not be suspect. I have a C50. I'm 6'1", 192 lbs, my wife 5'7", 152 lbs, I live in central/western Maryland, there's mountains in every directions and I don't have any problems getting over them. The Suzuki 805 cc engine puts out plenty of power, my son has a Sportster and where he goes I go just as fast as he does and I don't ever fall behind even 2up and by his own admission, my C50 is alot more comfortable than is HD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackalope

But now tell me, when you and your wife are on that C50, going up a mountain highway and you need to pass that semi before you lose the yellow line...sure you have enough power with that big cruiser?

POE-BOY SAMICH · 02-26-2007, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBob

It's not a new engine- it's just the fuel injected version of the same 20-year old motor. That's why it is going to be replaced with a completely new motor design in the next 2-3 years- the development prototype has already been spotted in the testing phase. The new frame improved stiffness for better cornering, but the ride quality is still poor. Sportsters are fun in the twisties or to hop us as bar hoppers, but for two-up riding or serious cruising they are a poor choice.

I demo'd a 2007 SPORTSTER 1200 and thought it was a terrible ride.
The seat was uncomfortable, the bike didn't seem to have as much power as it's displacement would promise, there's no real room for a passenger to ride comfortably for anything but a very short trip, and the suspension will crunch your spine with even the smallest bump/pothole.

The C50 easily outperforms the 1200 in every riding category.

Ext1jdh · 02-26-2007, 11:43 AM

My M50 is able to haul 350 lbs (when 2 up) at a respectable speed and handles quite nicely. Lean angle is diminished due to the 3" drop but it's not a knee-dragger anyway.

Jackalope · 02-26-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Nadeau

Well I have a C50black that I added the windshield and etc to, so its like a C50t but with out the studs. I am 173# and the wife is 120#. This machine will travel with the best. If you are on a hill and have to pass the BST, (Big Scary Truck) just kick her down a gear. We have done 400 mile trips up in th White Mountains with NO problems. It will cruise 80 MPH ALL DAY. Now I have a 32 "inseam. I let a buddy ride it and hes about 140# and about 5'4". No issues either. He uses a Yamaha 1100 classic so the seat heights are about the same. But I feel cramped on the 1100. He feels lost, till he got used to it on the C50. His son has a HD 1200 sporty custom and he says the ride is brutel. The C50 is about 600#. As for cornering lets face it it is not a sport bike but it goes over quite well. Well enought to make the Mrs. nervous!!

Now that's good to hear.

No, a C50T isnt a sports bike, but I don't want something that I have to slow down to a crawl to get through the twisties either. Just a moderate "brisk" run is fine. Doesn't have to be a knee dragger. Thanks Dave.

Ext1jdh · 02-26-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackalope

I don't want something that I have to slow down to a crawl to get through the twisties either. Just a moderate "brisk" run is fine.

rathr-b-cruisin · 02-26-2007, 12:21 PM

Go for the c50

Ext1jdh · 02-26-2007, 12:43 PM

2nded on the C50. Then again, you should get what you are most comfortable with. It is, after all, an extension of 'you.'

Jackalope · 02-26-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ext1jdh

2nded on the C50. Then again, you should get what you are most comfortable with. It is, after all, an extension of 'you.'

Oh, I'm perfectly happy with the looks and feel of a C50T. I just don't want to buy one and find out that I have to lasso a passing dog to help pull me up a hill. I want a bike that has some power. It doesn't have to be a Hyabusa, but I'd like to know I can pretty much keep up with the cruiser crowd.

Rickster · 02-26-2007, 01:44 PM

I agree with what others have said about the power of the C50, stock, it has 50 hp, and 50 torque.

My M50 (same motor as the C50) will haul my over sized behind down the road every bit as fast as my Road King, in fact I think it might be quicker from 0 to 60, and even though it's no sport bike, it handles the twisty stuff just fine thank you. Defenatly better than my Road King. The RK does better above 65 mph, and for longer stretches in the saddle.

Horse power to weight ratio on the RK, and M50, are both about 11 to 1, and both will run the 1/4 mile in about 14 seconds.

All that being said, I still think the 650 V Strom, at 450 pounds, would be better for his application, provided it's not to tall for him. It's more than 100 pounds lighter than the C50, and that's a big advantage when you need to load, and unload a lot.

That brings up another point. Jackalope, are you completely against hauling a trailer? Trailers are very easy to load, and unload, and it would eliminate the weight restriction you have with bumper carry.

Jackalope · 02-26-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickster

I agree with what others have said about the power of the C50, stock, it has 50 hp, and 50 torque.

My M50 (same motor as the C50) will haul my over sized behind down the road every bit as fast as my Road King, in fact I think it might be quicker from 0 to 60, and even though it's no sport bike, it handles the twisty stuff just fine thank you. Defenatly better than my Road King. The RK does better above 65 mph, and for longer stretches in the saddle.

Horse power to weight ratio on the RK, and M50, are both about 11 to 1, and both will run the 1/4 mile in about 14 seconds.

All that being said, I still think the 650 V Strom, at 450 pounds, would be better for his application, provided it's not to tall for him. It's more than 100 pounds lighter than the C50, and that's a big advantage when you need to load, and unload a lot.

That brings up another point. Jackalope, are you completely against hauling a trailer? Trailers are very easy to load, and unload, and it would eliminate the weight restriction you have with bumper carry.

Thanks for the post Rickster.

My concern about the C50T was that somewhere, I read where it turned the quarter in about 15.9. Can't remember where that was, but it scared hell out of me as far as power goes. That's about the same thing my Miata does.

As for the Vstrom, yeah, I sat on one last Friday. Believe it or not, it was even worse than the new Bandit 1250. Sportbikes (and that includes most standards as well) aren't too tall for me to ride but they are too tall for me to haul a passenger on. I just don't have enough foot (and hence enough leg) on the ground to keep them up if she gets the least bit off balance. Just FYI, the reason I'm so skittish about it is because I've just barely convinced her to try riding on the back of a bike. If whatever I buy tips over with her on it...even standing still, it's all over. She'll never get on one again.

Yeah, trailers are out. We'll be hauling the Miata behind the motor home. It's a lift or nothing.

Sgt Mike · 02-26-2007, 07:53 PM

Jackalope, have you ridden a C50 yet? If not, test ride one at your local dealer. I truly believe that you'll find that it has more than enough power. Like I said in my previous post in this tread I don't have any problem going up mountains even with my wife on the back.

Jackalope · 02-26-2007, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt Mike

Jackalope, have you ridden a C50 yet? If not, test ride one at your local dealer. I truly believe that you'll find that it has more than enough power. Like I said in my previous post in this tread I don't have any problem going up mountains even with my wife on the back.

That would be a great solution Sgt. Mike, if any of the dealers near me offered a test ride. All of them tell me that they don't have bikes to test ride. Seems that they want you to buy one before you'll find out if it's what you want or not. Bummer.

Jackalope · 02-26-2007, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

They're not up in the back for travel (though they do have a decent amount), but for style. Lowering them doesn't degrade handling substantially, especially if you lower the forks to match. My riding buddy lowered his Bandit and couldn't be happier.

For the Interceptor (or just about any bike), check out Helibars or Convertibars. They're not cheap, but they're the ideal solution. There are other makers of riser-type clipons, too.

Now those Convertibars are cool. I like that. I might need to take some more time looking at sport bikes.

But the ass is up for travel. If you lower the tail to where fenders were on older bikes, the wheel wouldn't be able to go up and down. The style followed the function, not the other way around.

**Clint** · 02-26-2007, 09:42 PM

I really don't think so. For the same reason so many cars have spoilers, bikes are jacked up. People think that makes them look sportier. Compressing them all the way won't get it even close to the fender. Heck, some bikes have their silencer(s) in that space.

Jackalope · 02-26-2007, 10:05 PM

Take a look at the evolution of dirt bikes. That's where the whole thing started back in 1975 with the Yamaha monoshock YZ series. They found that they could give them more travel when the shock was mounted there. That's the first time the azz started going up in the air.

mcgill · 02-27-2007, 02:16 AM

well I guess I'll throw this one out there....I just got a 07 honda spirit VT750C2 with the shaft drive and the seat height is only 25.7"...Im 250 lbs 5 '10" and it has plenty of power to haul me around....it handles very well and only weighs around 500 lbs...

**Clint** · 02-27-2007, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackalope

Take a look at the evolution of dirt bikes.

Just a coincidence. Sportbikes don't benefit that much from an increase in travel. They'd rather have control, and you lose that with travel. If you're really worried about bottoming out, just ask any of the lowered bike riders here. It doesn't happen.

Ext1jdh · 02-27-2007, 10:07 AM

My m50 is lowered 3 inches and I've never bottomed out, even 2 up. These are Chicago roads I'm talkin about...never bottomed out one time ever.

02-26-2007, 08:18 AM	#22 (permalink)
Dave Nadeau TurtleWax Taster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 08 ElectraGlide ( IN Vivid Black)!!!!!!!!!! Location: Bridgewater, Ma Posts: 579	Well I have a C50black that I added the windshield and etc to, so its like a C50t but with out the studs. I am 173# and the wife is 120#. This machine will travel with the best. If you are on a hill and have to pass the BST, (Big Scary Truck) just kick her down a gear. We have done 400 mile trips up in th White Mountains with NO problems. It will cruise 80 MPH ALL DAY. Now I have a 32 "inseam. I let a buddy ride it and hes about 140# and about 5'4". No issues either. He uses a Yamaha 1100 classic so the seat heights are about the same. But I feel cramped on the 1100. He feels lost, till he got used to it on the C50. His son has a HD 1200 sporty custom and he says the ride is brutel. The C50 is about 600#. As for cornering lets face it it is not a sport bike but it goes over quite well. Well enought to make the Mrs. nervous!! __________________ The faster I go the behinder I get..... US Navy 68-72 Amphibs, Little Creek, Va. "The Old Man" Last edited by Dave Nadeau; 02-26-2007 at 08:22 AM.

02-26-2007, 11:43 AM	#25 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,226	My M50 is able to haul 350 lbs (when 2 up) at a respectable speed and handles quite nicely. Lean angle is diminished due to the 3" drop but it's not a knee-dragger anyway. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

02-26-2007, 12:21 PM	#28 (permalink)
rathr-b-cruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Michigan Posts: 306	Go for the c50 Last edited by rathr-b-cruisin; 02-26-2007 at 12:26 PM.

02-26-2007, 12:43 PM	#29 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,226	2nded on the C50. Then again, you should get what you are most comfortable with. It is, after all, an extension of 'you.' __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

02-26-2007, 01:44 PM	#31 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,914	I agree with what others have said about the power of the C50, stock, it has 50 hp, and 50 torque. My M50 (same motor as the C50) will haul my over sized behind down the road every bit as fast as my Road King, in fact I think it might be quicker from 0 to 60, and even though it's no sport bike, it handles the twisty stuff just fine thank you. Defenatly better than my Road King. The RK does better above 65 mph, and for longer stretches in the saddle. Horse power to weight ratio on the RK, and M50, are both about 11 to 1, and both will run the 1/4 mile in about 14 seconds. All that being said, I still think the 650 V Strom, at 450 pounds, would be better for his application, provided it's not to tall for him. It's more than 100 pounds lighter than the C50, and that's a big advantage when you need to load, and unload a lot. That brings up another point. *Jackalope*, are you completely against hauling a trailer? Trailers are very easy to load, and unload, and it would eliminate the weight restriction you have with bumper carry. __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

02-26-2007, 07:06 AM	#21 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,975	I wasn't sure if you meant C50 or C90, but anyway, my bike does for me what I need it to. Passing uphill, not a big fan of it.

02-26-2007, 07:53 PM	#33 (permalink)
Sgt Mike Banned Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: 2006 Suzuki C50 Location: Hagerstown, Maryland Posts: 709	Jackalope, have you ridden a C50 yet? If not, test ride one at your local dealer. I truly believe that you'll find that it has more than enough power. Like I said in my previous post in this tread I don't have any problem going up mountains even with my wife on the back.

02-26-2007, 10:05 PM	#37 (permalink)
Jackalope Seat Tester Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: in my future Location: Roswell, Ga. Posts: 62	Take a look at the evolution of dirt bikes. That's where the whole thing started back in 1975 with the Yamaha monoshock YZ series. They found that they could give them more travel when the shock was mounted there. That's the first time the azz started going up in the air.

02-27-2007, 02:16 AM	#38 (permalink)
mcgill Where Am I ? Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Searcy ,AR Posts: 30	well I guess I'll throw this one out there....I just got a 07 honda spirit VT750C2 with the shaft drive and the seat height is only 25.7"...Im 250 lbs 5 '10" and it has plenty of power to haul me around....it handles very well and only weighs around 500 lbs... __________________ 07 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 in Blue....

02-27-2007, 10:07 AM	#40 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,226	My m50 is lowered 3 inches and I've never bottomed out, even 2 up. These are Chicago roads I'm talkin about...never bottomed out one time ever. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

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