Advice on Buying Suzuki C50 and C90

[NorthFloridaTom]

First I want to say hello to all. I found this site last week and have tried to read most threads. My wife and I have decided to sell our house (closing Sept 27th) and move to Pensacola Florida area. We have agreed to use some of the money from our house sale to purchase each of us a Bike, she wants the C50 and I the C90. We are still deciding on the color I want all black she likes Black and Silver. The question is, does anyone have any advice on getting the best deal on buying two bikes at same time? I have been looking on www.cycletrader.com and visiting local shops here in Virginia and in Pensacola. One motorcycle repair shop near my home in florida told me to go over to Alabama to buy the Bikes becuase I would get a better deal. How much off MSRP is considered a good deal? Do dealers throw in anything like helmets? I am sure I will have many more questions but don't want to make this to long.

Just for everyones Information: I have not had a bike since 1998, my Wife Cindy has never riden on her own. We both plan on taking the MSF courses in Pensacola and hope to meet local people who like riding once we get there. Both of us are retired U.S. Air Force.

[bhamon]

I did a great deal of research before buying my c50. Cycletrader is not bad for comparing prices. Try both the mag and the website. The mag will give you some advertised prices as part of dealership ads. The website will give you individual bikes offered by dealers. Just make sure if you are calling around to ask for out the door pricing. Some dealers add documentation, set-up (crate), loan fees, in addition to state tax.

[Bluejeans]

I don't have any real tips on buying new bikes (having only recently bought my first one), but I can tell you that I once bought two identical cars at the same time. By buying two from the same salesman, he knew he was getting double commission and he was willing to help me out a lot with little "extras".

One tip, ask for EVERYTHING you want from the dealer BEFORE the deal is signed. Up until that last paper is signed, you can always walk (or at least threaten to).

It never hurts to ask. You just never know what they might be willing to throw in. Ask for helmets (whether you need one or not), bags, accessories, gear, anything in the showroom.

[Uncle Bob]

I might suggest that you look around for a used bike for your wife maybe a GS500 or a 650 savage for her first season.

The C50 is a big heavy bike to start on and it would be less painfull to have her drop a used bike a couple of times before going to a new bike.

Just a thought.

[Bluejeans]

I whole heartedly agree! Being a new rider, I dropped my Savage on Sunday. It was frustrating and irritating to say the very least. I was very glad though, when I landed on my leg that I only had a 350lb Savage rather than something much heavier.

Not only that, but I now have a scratch and a dent on my tank. And that hurts my pride ALOT.

[maniacmedia]

I'll echo the start on a smaller bike sentiment. However, if you're set on having a new one, find a dealer on CycleTrader.com named Honda East of Toledo. Find out what their delivered price is to your Pensicola address. Usually the local dealer will at least match the delivered price. Especially when you'd be buying two.

Since I ride the Volusia 800 (2004 C50), I can tell you that it is a lot of bike (over 500 lbs). While I don't have trouble handling it, I also happen to be 6'1" and over 200 lbs. Your wife may want to try something smaller to start.[/i]

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

I might suggest that you look around for a used bike for your wife maybe a GS500 or a 650 savage for her first season.

The C50 is a big heavy bike to start on and it would be less painfull to have her drop a used bike a couple of times before going to a new bike.

Just a thought.

I really love my C50, and I agree with Uncle Bob. It's a nice bike, but not a fresh newbie "learn on me" kind of ride. She'll drop the 550 pound C50 a lot easier than say a 350 pound Savage or a 300 pound GZ250, and she'll have a lot harder time picking it back up. She needs to learn to ride before she worries about getting a big heavy bike.

OK, deals. Look at Cycletrader.com for new C50 / C90 prices. Some dealers will sell you bikes far cheaper than others. I bought my C50 from a dealer who sells lots of bikes, and sells them all at a good discount with no add on B$. Another local dealer won't go below MSRP enough to offset the bogus charges he adds on. Shop around!

About the C50, it rocks.

[NorthFloridaTom]

Thanks for the advice. I guess there was no one here in the Norht Florida area. I was hoping for some information on the local dealers there, or south Alabama. I will post when we get the bikes.

[NorthFloridaTom]

I have been thinking about what some of the replies said, and it might not be popular, but I disagree. Everyone I have know who chose a smaller bike to learn on instead of the one that felt right for them, wanted a bigger bike within a few weeks. Including myself. I have a 54 year old man who works for me that just started riding for the first time this summer, he listen to start smaller thining and bought a older Honda it is a 525 or 550, he made it three weeks be he admitted that he should have bought a bigger bike. Plus with the older bike he has had a lot of maintenance problems. He has not layed this bike down, I bet the chances are he would when getting a bigger bike and he tries to move it around at slower speeds the same way he does the smaller one. I think you can learn a lot of bad habit on a smaller bike that you should not be doing on a heavier bike. And as for looking at it that is a woman starting out that is discriminating. There are many men riding large heavy bikes that could not pick them up if they lay them down, and it will hurt them just as much. The Suzuki C50 is a very well balanced bike my wife could have picked any bike any size, she feels she can handle the C50.
I think part of enjoying biking is to get the bike you want.

believe me if after a couple rides, if she looks unsafe then we will pick up a smaller bike until she can handle the C50. With her taking the MSF and lots of good weather to ride, lots of time (we won't be working). She will pick it up quickly.

[Uncle Bob]

They were just suggestions, feel free to take the advice or not.

My next question would then be why a C90 for you and a C50 for her ? Why not a couple of C90's.

[Trapper]

I kind of agree with you Tom. I think if I had got a smaller bike at first I may have been a little over confident, but the weight of my Marauder (M50) kept me honest. Still does.

[NorthFloridaTom]

To tell the truth if I was a little smaller, I am 6'3 260lbs, I would pick the C50. It rates the highest in it's class. But when I sit on the C90 it really fits my frame/size. If you read motorcyclecrusier.com road test for it, they say many taller riders like it. My wife feels that way about the C50 she picked that before I selected the C90 for me.

Don't get me wrong, thank you all for the advice, but we have put a lot of thought and research into the decision. My wife is on the taller side for a women 5'8, average weight .. nice looking too .. she has no trouble driving the bigger trucks we have had. Drives manual trasmission cars and trucks. She daily drives a Ford F-150 supercab truck, and got some of the same advice 8 years ago when she bought that. Why does a woman want to drive such a big truck.

Again I think if she learns on the bigger bike ( if you can consider a 800cc bike bigger now days), learns to respect the weight and power, she will do okay. you all know the heavier weight holds the road better at highway speeds too. I read a lot of forum sites for all brand of motorcycles, when they had questions about what bikes ladies were starting out on, many were getting the 750 honda shadows. hanging out in motorcycle dealer the last year or so I was even suprised there are a lot of women large displacement sport bikes ..

I hope no one takes what i am saying as rude, not taking advice given, just we have put a lot of time and thought on the selection of bikes.

[Uncle Bob]

Well as I so often tell riders there is so much more than engine size to a motorcycle. The C50 is a big heavy bike for it's displacement, weighing in at 80 lbs more than a Marauder.

I actually have a 2003 Volusia ( C50 ) and I'm 6'2" and 230 lbs and find it plenty enough bike for me. I would have suggested the C90 over the C50 for somebody carrying a passenger on a regular basis but since you're both going to be on different bikes you could save some money with two C50's.

Of course you do get some extra goodies with the larger engine such as better, brakes cast wheels and whatnot. But I've ridden both and there is not that great a difference between the 800 and 1500 since the 1500 has with it's extra 25% power an extra25% in weight.

[Va bene]

Originally Posted by NorthFloridaTom

I hope no one takes what i am saying as rude, not taking advice given, just we have put a lot of time and thought on the selection of bikes.

Tom, I don't think anyone will think you're rude. A honest exchange of opinions is what its all about! IMO you have to buy the bike that seems best to you/your wife. I just started riding 2 months ago and bought a brand new Savage (S40). I am small (4' 10"), wanted something I could stand over, but also something that could keep up with my husband's Triumph. The Savage fit the bill perfectly and I love it. I had plenty of people tell me I should start with a 250 and/or a used bike. I have dropped it but I am ok with that. It is MY bike, I love it and I am learning. I KNOW I would be bored on a 250 because of who I am and how much I ride (over 800 miles in 2 months and I don't commute). I say get your wife what she wants, don't be horrified if she drops it, and have lots of fun!

I wish I could be more helpful on your original question but I live in PA not FL. A few thoughts though. When I bought my bike, I went to the Suzuki website and printed out a list of dealers nearby. I then started calling, told them what I wanted, and asked what their best price was. It was a good way to weed out the ones who weren't willing to deal... Also, my philosophy when negotiating is ASK for what you want. If you don't ask, the answer is always "no". Plus just like buying a car, be willing to walk away and buy somewhere else.

Let us know how it turns out.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by NorthFloridaTom

To tell the truth if I was a little smaller, I am 6'3 260lbs, I would pick the C50. It rates the highest in it's class. But when I sit on the C90 it really fits my frame/size....
My wife is on the taller side for a women 5'8, average weight .. nice looking too .....

That's what counts, isn't it? Does the bike fit your size and your style.

I'm 5'8", about 175 lbs, and the Savage fits me like a glove. My wife sat on it and her legs stuck out past the front wheel. (almost) She is 6'1" with a 36" inseam.

[Bluejeans]

Originally Posted by NorthFloridaTom

I hope no one takes what i am saying as rude, not taking advice given, just we have put a lot of time and thought on the selection of bikes.

Nope, not rude. You asked for opinions...and we all have one and many of us expressed them. The fact of the matter is, when it comes down to the bottom line, it really doesn't matter if *I* am happy with your purchase. You are wise to seek the opinion of others, but in the end, it is always your choice.

We respect that and I think I can safetly say we all hope you end up loving your new bikes as much as we love ours. As you can see Susan, Paladin, and I are really sold on our Savages (S40), but it's not for everyone. Same for the Volusias and Gixxers.

Buy what you want, what you can, and be happy!

[NorthFloridaTom]

Thanks Susan .. sorry to hear about you laying it down. When I was young and reckless I did it all the time .. sometime at 50 or 60 miles a hours.
I think you picked a good bike for your size and glad you like it .. that always makes the ride so much better. I have had bikes .. that I got just because it was a good deal, the price was right .. and was not really happy. Now that price is not a real factor .. we want bikes that we hope to be truely happy with.

[NorthFloridaTom]

Glad you like your bike Paladin. Sounds like it fits you good.
Where you find a wife with suck long legs?

does she ride on the back?

[NorthFloridaTom]

Thanks for your open replies Bluejeans. I guess I should have gave more information too. I think a lot of our riding will me on open raod and the weight and size will be more comfort. We are taking extended time off. When we do go back to work it may only be part time. So hope to be able to take trips to learn the new area. We will not get to Florida until September 28th. We are in northern Virginina now, near Wash DC.
But have had the home in Pensacola area for some time now.

I know we will be taking trips to Biloxi MS. (casinos) about two hours away. New Orleans, I think is 5 hours from Pensacola. panama City is abouit a 100 miles. Should be a lot of fun trips.


I am glad you are like your bike. Can I ask did you pick your bike up after you went down?

[Bluejeans]

Originally Posted by NorthFloridaTom

I am glad you like your bike. Can I ask did you pick your bike up after you went down?

Yes I did. I had the misfortune of having my right leg trapped under the bike when I fell, but it wasn't serious and I was able to use my left leg to leverage the bike enough to get my right leg out. Then I picked up the bike. Other than an ugly half-dollar size scab on my elbow and a baseball size bruise on my calf, I was unscathed and the wounds are nearly gone. The bike, OTOH, now has a ding above the fuel cap from the windshield mounts and a dent in the middle of the tank from the handlebar. Sadly, those will take a little more effort to "heal"