feedback on Suzuki M50, C50T request

[Thecarkeeper]

Hi yall! I'm new to this forum and currently looking for some user feedback. I'm interested in getting back into riding after being away for 15 years. Last bike I had was a Honda Goldwing ('82). A new wing is far to massive for me now. I like crusing, so I'm looking at the Suzuki M50 or C50t (preferred). Everything I read about these bikes seems very positive. I was really spoiled by the vibration free Wing engine when I had it. One hardly knew if it was running even after a 500 mile day. Going to a 2 cylinder V twin has me wondering if I would ever be happy with this configuration.

I recently sat on a M50 that was running, (but didn't ride it on the road). Engine vibration (or buzzing) was quite noticeable through the seat when I turn on the throttle. But then, the bike was not moving and no load was being placed on the engine. My question.... will any vibration be felt through seat, bars or foot pegs when actually in motion I like the looks, weight, and engine size of the bike, but worried I may not like the any vibes I may produce when rolling down the road. Anyone out there having experience with these bikes have any comments to offer?

[robertc729]

You are going to get some vibration. Best advice I can give is to see if you can get a test ride on either or both.

[blackie1491]

I traded in my 84 GL1200A on a 05 C50SE.

I have over 20,000 miles on the C50 and do not regret it one bit.
You may be happier with the C50T as it comes with Windshield, Saddle bags ad backrest as does our C50SE.

It does make more noise than the Wing and there is some vibration but nothing I pay attention to.

[SNAFU]

to M-J!

The M50 gets buzzy at higher speeds. Maybe some C90T riders can chime in and tell you how it rides.

[baltimorebayside]

I just purchased a new 2008 C50T and love it....I think it pretty darn smooth at 60 to 65 mph........I had it up to 70 and 80 mph and I get some vibrations, but that's to be expected.....It could have been from the wind buffeting on the windshield.

I do most of my riding at 60 or so and it just pur's nicely.

I like the heel to toe shifter, I like the floor boards (added rear Cobra floor boards for the wife) and the OEM light bar....and my little chrome sun visors for my lights........

Comparing a Goldwing to a V-Twin is like comparing Sea Scallops to hamburger....sorry, it's my culinary thinking kicking in...and can't think of another analogy this early.

I am very happy with the Suzuki C50T......may want to check out the Kawaski Vulcan 900 LT as well.

good luck in your choice......dan

[Townie]

The M50 rocks as far as I'm concerned. You get what suits you !!!!!

Good luck and

[boooya]

Had my M50 for 2 years now No complaints I love it. O the seat is uncomfortable

[Uncle B]

C50T rider here





A TEXAS

HOWDY " " NEIGHBOR


Oh what a great trip!!!





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[knucklehead]

Can't give a opinion about M50. I like you took a long hiatus from riding, I purchased a new C50 last year I now have over 5500 miles on it and I love it. Some vibration on freeway at 65+ speeds. You have to remember it's only 800cc's, so you are turn around 4000 rpm's at 70 mph. For cruising around town and weekend trips it's a great ride. Handles well and rides comfortably. Gas should be between 48 and 50 mpg. Buy what you're comfortable on and enjoy. If you decide on C50T you will get some head buffeting. VA lowers will take care of most of the buffeting, well worth the money. to MJ Forum

[russd]

I have had my m50 for about a month and I just love it. move up from a 1986 honda 450cbsc .

[deertracker57]

I've had my 06 c50 for 14 months,bought it new, and have over 10000 miles on it.I ride over 100 miles a day to work and back and I don't regret buying it at all.I cruise it at around 65 and 70 and get 48 to 50 mpg.I love this bike.Hope this helps on your decision.Good luck.

[05HDRAM]

As stated above, crusing at higher speeds is really the only time I notice anything.

[phil.dye]

I have an 06 M50 and now ride in Kansas. Basically I have flat land and straight roads. On a not so windy day I get some vibration at higher speeds (around 70). When it gets windy around here I just don't go that fast since it blows me and the bike all over the place. 50 mph gusts stink when coming at you from the side out of nowhere. In normal cruising around town I get no noticeable vibrations all though I would concur with booya about the seat, it is not the most comfortable one on the planet.

[diamond_jim]

Maybe I'm just lucky and my M50 is somehow perfectly balanced and magically cancels out vibrations, because I've got no problems with vibration, despite having removed the upper and lower rubber riser bushings/washers and bar-end weights. My mirrors are still clearer at 65mph than any other bike I've owned. I'm assuming most other M50s are just as smooth or smoother than mine.

Are people confusing normal "vehicle riding down the road" vibration as bad vibration? People are talking about needing bar snakes and such to reduce vibrations. I've owned 8 bikes and none really compare to the smoothness of my M50. The closest would probably be my '83 Honda Silverwing but even that's a distant second. Maybe we should all ride a buddy's pre-2004 HD Sportster (883 or 1200) to get a better frame of reference when talking about vibration. Just my rant.

[jdw82]

From Georgia



I've had my C50T for almost one year and I've got to say I'm very pleased with this bike. I had not owned a bike for over 25 years and feel this was a great choice to get started again. It took awhile for me to make up my mind on which bike to buy. Looked at many, but the C50 just fit me better and had the things I wanted. Very comfortable for my size, 6'2" 290lbs.

[Thecarkeeper]

Originally Posted by diamond_jim

Maybe I'm just lucky and my M50 is somehow perfectly balanced and magically cancels out vibrations, because I've got no problems with vibration, despite having removed the upper and lower rubber riser bushings/washers and bar-end weights. My mirrors are still clearer at 65mph than any other bike I've owned. I'm assuming most other M50s are just as smooth or smoother than mine.

Are people confusing normal "vehicle riding down the road" vibration as bad vibration? People are talking about needing bar snakes and such to reduce vibrations. I've owned 8 bikes and none really compare to the smoothness of my M50. The closest would probably be my '83 Honda Silverwing but even that's a distant second. Maybe we should all ride a buddy's pre-2004 HD Sportster (883 or 1200) to get a better frame of reference when talking about vibration. Just my rant.

Thanks for the input Jim and to all you others on my concern about vibration from the M50. You mentioned the Honda Silverwing, which I can identify with. In '83 I bought my wife a new Silverwing, at the same time I got my Goldwing. We travel for 13 days and 3300 miles together on a trip from Colorado to CA that year. I rode my Goldwing, she rode her Silverwing. We had a great time. I really liked that 500 CC machine of hers. When I wanted to play, I took hers out for a fun loving spin. I know I would be happy if a M50 or C50t is as good or better than the old Silverwing. Thanks for mentioning it!

[NCxM50]

I haven't really noticed any excessive or annoying vibration up to 75mph indicated. As for the stock seat, you'll have to judge yourself, some love it, some hate it. I wasn't really loving it or hating it, but after an hour ride to work, my butt would be asleep. I added a backrest, which changed my seating position entirely, and when I arrived at work today, no numb butt. No real discomfort at all after an hours ride.

As a side note, I also added a windshield. Prior to that, I really couldn't hear the engine over the wind noise. Today I noticed I have a lot less wind noise, but I still can't hear the engine. So I ducked down low behind the shield where the wind noise was more or less nil, and at 70mph indicated, that motor wasn't even sweating, she was humming along as calmly as could be, didn't sound busy, buzzy, or in any other way like it was working harder than it should.

[Kodatech]

Originally Posted by SNAFU

to M-J!

The M50 gets buzzy at higher speeds. Maybe some C90T riders can chime in and tell you how it rides.

Well I have owned BOTH the M50 and a C90 (not the T model though)

The M50 was a great bike and handled really well for a cruiser. I got too many compliments on the looks to count. Every time I filled it with gas there were people asking what kind of bike it was and how fast it was and all kinds of crazy things. It has great power for 1 up riding and I have rode it from southwest VA to northern VA. 90mph for 3 hours. It does get quite buzzy at those speeds and I was a big sail being pulled off the back of it due to the riding position.(foreward controls caused this but I would not have it any other way) Overall it is a great bike, especially for somebody getting back into riding and looking for an easy to handle bike.

I found that for 2-up riding, the M50 was VERY lacking.....enter the C90.

I got the C90 for my wife and I to tour on, but I HATE windshields on cruisers....so I opted for the standard C90 and added a backrest....large bags are coming next. At 699 pounds the C90 is NOT a lightweight, but the weight is carried low on the bike due to the faux gas tank. The real tank is under the seat on the C90. The 90 has tons of torque and when the woman rides on the back, the extra weight is not even noticable during acceleration.

Now before everyone gets all CRAZY...I know the original poster was asking about the M50 vs C50...NOT the C90. The main difference between the M and the C is the inverted fork on the front end. The M will handle better than the C50 or the C90. Other than that....they are VERY similar bikes. If you want to go on more long-distance rides, go with the C model. If your rides consist of winding back roads and in-town stuff, go with the M model.

No matter WHAT style of riding you do, if you plan on going two-up, I suggest the C model by a MILE.

Sorry about the long winded-post. Just trying to help.

[pneblett]

I had a Silverwing back in the day and now have a c50. I find the c50 an even better and more comfortable ride than the old silverwing was. Of course I did upgrade the seat to a mustang to get that comfort. If you liked the silverwing, I bet you will like the c50. It has a lower center of gravity than the old silverwing and seems lighter because of that even though it is heavier. I really like my c50.

[diamond_jim]

I ride my M50 solo around town and maybe a few miles on the interstate every once in a while as a bypass around town traffic. A few times I've ridden up to Huntsville, which is about 50 minutes north of me. But 98% of my riding is around town were speed limits max out at about 55mph and a few places are 65mph. So I think that type of solo riding is what the M50 was more designed for. Although I love my M50, if I had to ride to Huntsville everyday, or if the wife wanted to take weekend getaways on a bike 3-4 times a year, then I'm pretty certain I'd get a different bike. With any bike, there is a trade off be it cost, weight, performance, looks, etc. But in my case, I feel I have minimal trade off because the M50 fits my budget, ego, riding style and the roads I ride on perfectly.