Vulcan 900LT or C50T?? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

alberta cruiser · 07-02-2007, 09:13 PM

I would really appriciate some advice. I’m so close to purchasing a cruiser but I’m having difficulty deciding on which one. I ‘m looking at the Kaw Vulcan 900Lt and the Suz C50T. I think I can get the 900LT for the same price as the C50T so I’m not sure why I’m even asking this question. At face value the 900LT seems to be a better value with more cc’s, rear disk brake, great sound note, more torque, and 1 extra year of warranty. Is the 900 a mid level cruiser or is it getting near the higher end? I have test rode both bikes and I am really leaning towards the 900Lt but I have always been a Suzuki fan. Any one else have this dilemma? I have always enjoyed the reliability of my Suzuki bike so it is difficult to look at something different but the 900 is getting great reviews.

I would sure appreciate any advice from anyone that knows both bikes. Thanks.

koolbreeze25 · 07-02-2007, 10:00 PM

First I will say I do not have either bike in question (I have an older VL1500LC). I'm sure a few people will chime in about the C50 in time. However, I have talked to several owners of the Kawi, and all I hear from them is that it is a great bike. Not to take away from the C50 mind you. They are both great bikes it just comes down to what you what. Hope this helps.

omegajim · 07-02-2007, 10:23 PM

Welcome aboard.

Read up on the specs of both bikes (seat height, distance from handlebars to the seat, etc). Last but not least, check which one has the bigger gas tank.

Kawasaki, 5 gallon tank, but belt drive.

Suzuki, 4 gallon tank, but shaft drive.

That gallon makes a difference if you like to take longer trips. An extra gallon means another 40 miles before the gas station.

Smaller factors than these will make the decision for you, believe it or not; these bikes are that closely matched.

good luck.

Ruddyduck · 07-03-2007, 08:10 AM

Both are good are good bikes. It will boil down to the one that fits and feels best to you. Really can't go wrong with either one.

zukirob · 07-03-2007, 04:21 PM

Motorcycle Cruiser magazine compared these two bikes about 6 months ago and they couldn't make up their minds either. Article was called "Search for the Perfect Bike" or something like that. As I recall, they liked the styling and the extra kick of the 900, but liked the ride and nimbleness of the C50 better. The larger gas tank of the 900 is also offset a little by the fact that you're lugging around 50 extra pounds. After 6 pages of head scratching they finally just shrugged and said "there's no wrong decision here. Just saddle up and ride one or the other, you'll be happy."

From a personal standpoint, I couldn't be happier with my C50T. Runs like a clock and the ride is so comfy I could almost fall asleep. Probably not a good idea though ...................

Stagehand · 07-04-2007, 12:45 AM

I have a C50 I bought last August I've put about 6000 miles on it and I am very happy with it. One of my best friends has a 900LT and he to is very happy with his purchase.The 900 does have a bigger tank,but it does not get as good a mileage as the C50. Both bikes require valve adjustments at about the same intervals.The suzuki uses screw and tappit type valves.The kawasaki uses bucket and shim.I do my own service on the suzuki and I will say the valve adjustments are not for the faint of heart.It's a tight area to work in.As for the brakes, this weekend I was riding two up with my wife and we where cut off buy a cager and I had to get on the brakes quick and hard and the bike handled very well,needless to say I was very pleased. My suzuki has plenty of torque all the way through,with no flat spots.It will lean just a little farther than the kawi before it scrapes.I think both bikes are very good and would be a good choice in a midsize bike.My friend and I ride with bigger bikes (a drifter 1500 and a HD ultra classic) and we never have any problems
whatsoever keeping up. In the twisties we do somewhat better but that can vary with rider experience.Good Luck with your choice,ride safe!

BudTheGrey · 07-04-2007, 08:44 AM

I'm almost ermbarrased to say it, but if I had to make the choice today, the deciding factor might be that I like the paint job on the 900 better.

omegajim · 07-04-2007, 11:02 PM

Not being terribly familiar with adjusting valves, stage, does that make the Kawasaki easier or more difficult for adjustment?

And I too, will make the dubious statement of "I like the paint scheme better on the 900 over the c50."

Stagehand · 07-05-2007, 07:59 AM

I have not adjusted the valves on the 900LT so I do not know how cramped the working space is.With bucket and shim,you have to check the clearence and use the proper shim to to put the valve back into spec.You can buy an assortment of shims from the dealer to keep on hand.

omegajim · 07-05-2007, 12:51 PM

So you have to cut the shim stock to a certain pattern and jam it into place?

Or do you place the shim stock into a "pocket" so the shim doesn't fall out?

All this technology, and we're using shim stock. ick.

C50T guy · 07-05-2007, 06:28 PM

Have you seen the paint on the '08 C50T's?............red and white!!..........beautiful!!..................I LOVE my C50T, but the 900 is a great bike too , I'm sure...........I just LOVE the styling (fenders, tailight, etc.) of the Suzuki...........I don't care for some of the styling of the Kaw.............just my personal taste...performance wise, I don't think there's a big difference..........my C50T "thinks" it's an 1100cc bike anyway!!...LOL

Sgt Mike · 07-05-2007, 08:18 PM

2008 C50T in Red/White.
Looks great.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ite_9b0408.jpg

Duckonin · 07-06-2007, 02:59 AM

Red and white does look good sgt Mike.....

texrider · 07-06-2007, 01:21 PM

The Vulcan 900 maintainance shedule specifies first valve clearance check/adjust at 15,000 miles.

The 900 is a larger scale bike than the C50.

Both have a fair number of plastic components. Both have fuel injection.

The shaft drive and belt drive components would end up costing about the same, if you broke them.

Front and rear disc brakes on the 900. Tubes and spokes on both bikes.

The 900 has more power, and sounds better with it's single-pin crankshaft.

You really can't go wrong with either one

Stagehand · 07-06-2007, 04:54 PM

2007 Suzuki C50 Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Wheel base 65.2 in. Wheel base 64.8 in.
Seat Height 27.2 Seat Height 26.8 in.
Dry weight 567 lbs. Dry Weight 595.4 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 4.1 gal. Fuel Capacity 5.3 gal
Tires, front 130/90-16 rear 170/80-15 Tires, front 130/90-16
rear 180/70-15

As you can see the 900 is not a lager scale bike.I tried the 900 before buying the C50, and the seat sat to far forward for me.

omegajim · 07-06-2007, 10:44 PM

.......or on a whole 'nother tangent

http://powersports.honda.com/motorcy...odelId=VT11C27

no spokes, shaft drive and 1099 cc. That should get you there.

I think I need to buy one. But Wisconsin weather makes that idea seem silly, to put it charitably.

texrider · 07-07-2007, 01:43 AM

The 900's wider bars, larger fuel tank, and larger floorboards give a larger look and feel to the bike. In addition, the left side benefits visually by having the belt drive components fill up the spaces that leave shaft drive bikes looking a bit awkward.

That's not to knock the Suzuki. I very much enjoyed my M-50, until trading it for the 900.

The Shadow is a nice bike, but then why not go up to the C-90 or Mean Streak? After all, it is only money...

PRABBIT · 07-07-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C50T guy

Have you seen the paint on the '08 C50T's?............red and white!!..........beautiful!!..................I LOVE my C50T, but the 900 is a great bike too , I'm sure...........I just LOVE the styling (fenders, tailight, etc.) of the Suzuki...........I don't care for some of the styling of the Kaw.............just my personal taste...performance wise, I don't think there's a big difference..........my C50T "thinks" it's an 1100cc bike anyway!!...LOL

Mine Tooooooooo

pat

wildwolf · 07-09-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C50T guy

Have you seen the paint on the '08 C50performance wise, I don't think there's a big difference..........my C50T "thinks" it's an 1100cc bike anyway!!...LOL

The C50 is a slug.

wildwolf · 07-09-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texrider

The 900's wider bars, larger fuel tank, and larger floorboards give a larger look and feel to the bike. In addition, the left side benefits visually by having the belt drive components fill up the spaces that leave shaft drive bikes looking a bit awkward.

That's not to knock the Suzuki. I very much enjoyed my M-50, until trading it for the 900.

The Shadow is a nice bike, but then why not go up to the C-90 or Mean Streak? After all, it is only money...

I would consider the 900 custom _more_ if it had a shaft drive.

07-02-2007, 09:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
alberta cruiser Newbie Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 2	Vulcan 900LT or C50T?? I would really appriciate some advice. I’m so close to purchasing a cruiser but I’m having difficulty deciding on which one. I ‘m looking at the Kaw Vulcan 900Lt and the Suz C50T. I think I can get the 900LT for the same price as the C50T so I’m not sure why I’m even asking this question. At face value the 900LT seems to be a better value with more cc’s, rear disk brake, great sound note, more torque, and 1 extra year of warranty. Is the 900 a mid level cruiser or is it getting near the higher end? I have test rode both bikes and I am really leaning towards the 900Lt but I have always been a Suzuki fan. Any one else have this dilemma? I have always enjoyed the reliability of my Suzuki bike so it is difficult to look at something different but the 900 is getting great reviews. I would sure appreciate any advice from anyone that knows both bikes. Thanks.

07-04-2007, 08:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 486	I'm almost ermbarrased to say it, but if I had to make the choice today, the deciding factor might be that I like the paint job on the 900 better. __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

07-05-2007, 06:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
C50T guy Where Am I ? Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: C50T Location: Northern Ohio Posts: 36	Have you seen the paint on the '08 C50T's?............red and white!!..........beautiful!!..................I LOVE my C50T, but the 900 is a great bike too , I'm sure...........I just LOVE the styling (fenders, tailight, etc.) of the Suzuki...........I don't care for some of the styling of the Kaw.............just my personal taste...performance wise, I don't think there's a big difference..........my C50T "thinks" it's an 1100cc bike anyway!!...LOL __________________ The older I get, the faster I was!!

07-06-2007, 02:59 AM	#13 (permalink)
Duckonin Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Suzuki C50T Location: New Zealand Posts: 43	your right Red and white does look good sgt Mike.....

07-06-2007, 01:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
texrider Sprocket Pilot Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '04 Vulcan 2000, '05 VTX1800 Location: Arlington, Texas Posts: 866	The Vulcan 900 maintainance shedule specifies first valve clearance check/adjust at 15,000 miles. The 900 is a larger scale bike than the C50. Both have a fair number of plastic components. Both have fuel injection. The shaft drive and belt drive components would end up costing about the same, if you broke them. Front and rear disc brakes on the 900. Tubes and spokes on both bikes. The 900 has more power, and sounds better with it's single-pin crankshaft. You really can't go wrong with either one __________________ "Sprocket to me, baby!"

07-02-2007, 10:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
koolbreeze25 In Training Joined: Aug 2006 Bike: 2002 Suzuki VL1500LC Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 133	First I will say I do not have either bike in question (I have an older VL1500LC). I'm sure a few people will chime in about the C50 in time. However, I have talked to several owners of the Kawi, and all I hear from them is that it is a great bike. Not to take away from the C50 mind you. They are both great bikes it just comes down to what you what. Hope this helps.

07-02-2007, 10:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,544	Welcome aboard. Read up on the specs of both bikes (seat height, distance from handlebars to the seat, etc). Last but not least, check which one has the bigger gas tank. Kawasaki, 5 gallon tank, but belt drive. Suzuki, 4 gallon tank, but shaft drive. That gallon makes a difference if you like to take longer trips. An extra gallon means another 40 miles before the gas station. Smaller factors than these will make the decision for you, believe it or not; these bikes are that closely matched. good luck.

07-03-2007, 08:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ruddyduck Newbie Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: C50 Location: OKC Ok. Posts: 16	Both are good are good bikes. It will boil down to the one that fits and feels best to you. Really can't go wrong with either one.

07-03-2007, 04:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
zukirob In Training Joined: May 2005 Bike: Suzuki C50T Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 132	Motorcycle Cruiser magazine compared these two bikes about 6 months ago and they couldn't make up their minds either. Article was called "Search for the Perfect Bike" or something like that. As I recall, they liked the styling and the extra kick of the 900, but liked the ride and nimbleness of the C50 better. The larger gas tank of the 900 is also offset a little by the fact that you're lugging around 50 extra pounds. After 6 pages of head scratching they finally just shrugged and said "there's no wrong decision here. Just saddle up and ride one or the other, you'll be happy." From a personal standpoint, I couldn't be happier with my C50T. Runs like a clock and the ride is so comfy I could almost fall asleep. Probably not a good idea though ...................

07-04-2007, 12:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
Stagehand Newbie Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Knoxville,Tn. Posts: 7	I have a C50 I bought last August I've put about 6000 miles on it and I am very happy with it. One of my best friends has a 900LT and he to is very happy with his purchase.The 900 does have a bigger tank,but it does not get as good a mileage as the C50. Both bikes require valve adjustments at about the same intervals.The suzuki uses screw and tappit type valves.The kawasaki uses bucket and shim.I do my own service on the suzuki and I will say the valve adjustments are not for the faint of heart.It's a tight area to work in.As for the brakes, this weekend I was riding two up with my wife and we where cut off buy a cager and I had to get on the brakes quick and hard and the bike handled very well,needless to say I was very pleased. My suzuki has plenty of torque all the way through,with no flat spots.It will lean just a little farther than the kawi before it scrapes.I think both bikes are very good and would be a good choice in a midsize bike.My friend and I ride with bigger bikes (a drifter 1500 and a HD ultra classic) and we never have any problems whatsoever keeping up. In the twisties we do somewhat better but that can vary with rider experience.Good Luck with your choice,ride safe!

07-04-2007, 11:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,544	Not being terribly familiar with adjusting valves, stage, does that make the Kawasaki easier or more difficult for adjustment? And I too, will make the dubious statement of "I like the paint scheme better on the 900 over the c50."

07-05-2007, 07:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
Stagehand Newbie Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Knoxville,Tn. Posts: 7	I have not adjusted the valves on the 900LT so I do not know how cramped the working space is.With bucket and shim,you have to check the clearence and use the proper shim to to put the valve back into spec.You can buy an assortment of shims from the dealer to keep on hand.

07-05-2007, 12:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,544	So you have to cut the shim stock to a certain pattern and jam it into place? Or do you place the shim stock into a "pocket" so the shim doesn't fall out? All this technology, and we're using shim stock. ick.

07-05-2007, 08:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
Sgt Mike Banned Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: 2006 Suzuki C50 Location: Hagerstown, Maryland Posts: 709	2008 C50T in Red/White. Looks great. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ite_9b0408.jpg

07-06-2007, 04:54 PM	#15 (permalink)
Stagehand Newbie Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Knoxville,Tn. Posts: 7	2007 Suzuki C50 Vulcan 900 Classic LT Wheel base 65.2 in. Wheel base 64.8 in. Seat Height 27.2 Seat Height 26.8 in. Dry weight 567 lbs. Dry Weight 595.4 lbs. Fuel Capacity 4.1 gal. Fuel Capacity 5.3 gal Tires, front 130/90-16 rear 170/80-15 Tires, front 130/90-16 rear 180/70-15 As you can see the 900 is not a lager scale bike.I tried the 900 before buying the C50, and the seat sat to far forward for me.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

07-06-2007, 10:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,544	.......or on a whole 'nother tangent http://powersports.honda.com/motorcy...odelId=VT11C27 no spokes, shaft drive and 1099 cc. That should get you there. I think I need to buy one. But Wisconsin weather makes that idea seem silly, to put it charitably.

07-07-2007, 01:43 AM	#17 (permalink)
texrider Sprocket Pilot Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '04 Vulcan 2000, '05 VTX1800 Location: Arlington, Texas Posts: 866	The 900's wider bars, larger fuel tank, and larger floorboards give a larger look and feel to the bike. In addition, the left side benefits visually by having the belt drive components fill up the spaces that leave shaft drive bikes looking a bit awkward. That's not to knock the Suzuki. I very much enjoyed my M-50, until trading it for the 900. The Shadow is a nice bike, but then why not go up to the C-90 or Mean Streak? After all, it is only money... __________________ "Sprocket to me, baby!"

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