New Member Dilemma - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

36Bones · 05-17-2008, 06:01 PM

Hello All,
Another lurker comes out of the woodwork.

I'm having the hardest time deciding between a C50 and a Vulcan 900 Classic. Aside from the CC's difference, they are so much alike, it's killing me to decide. Dealer deals are good on both. I just jump back and forth looking and sitting, looking and sitting, over and over again. I'm sure the sales people are going batty.

Is there a significant difference I'm not seeing? If, this is a dead horse, I apologize in advance. Thanks a ton!!

Bones

robertc729 · 05-17-2008, 06:08 PM

Try to get a test ride on both to see which one you like better.

blackie1491 · 05-17-2008, 06:57 PM

Easy, just get a C50, either a T or one setup like it.

I am in my 4th season and the grin still gets bigger!!!

frostbitevinnie · 05-17-2008, 08:12 PM

They both have FI so that's a plus. I am not sure if the 900 has a touring model though. I really like my "T" so if you into shields and a fully dressed bike the C50T is your best bet.

NCxM50 · 05-17-2008, 08:14 PM

Mechanically, I think the major difference is the Vulcan has belt drive, the C50 has shaft. The Vulcan has a bit more HP, but in the grand scheme of things, Robertc is right, test ride em both, and go with whichever is most comfortable to you. They're so close thats probably the best decider.

SNAFU · 05-18-2008, 02:00 AM

to M-J!

Sorry I can't help. Good luck with your decision.

36Bones · 05-18-2008, 12:26 PM

I've ridden the 900. It was a awesome ride. The local Suzuki dealer doesn't offer test rides. I have to go 100 miles to the next one. That dealership does have test rides on their used C50's. I'm hoping to grab a ride on one, then I can make a better choice. I appreciate the input.

tallannie · 05-18-2008, 03:49 PM

... this is easy...get them both and alternate rides

Quote:

Originally Posted by 36Bones

Hello All,
Another lurker comes out of the woodwork.

I'm having the hardest time deciding between a C50 and a Vulcan 900 Classic. Aside from the CC's difference, they are so much alike, it's killing me to decide. Dealer deals are good on both. I just jump back and forth looking and sitting, looking and sitting, over and over again. I'm sure the sales people are going batty.

Is there a significant difference I'm not seeing? If, this is a dead horse, I apologize in advance. Thanks a ton!!

Bones

TTungett · 05-18-2008, 08:19 PM

to Annie's comment...

cruznut6 · 05-18-2008, 08:40 PM

The Kawi also has self-adjusting valves and is belt-driven , not shaft. It also has self-cancelling turn signals and larger fuel tank. The most popular version is the VN900 LT, which has driver floorboards, windshield, saddlebags and pax backrest. Both C50 and the VN 900 are considered two of the best mid sized cruisers available. I don't think you can make a "wrong" choice, IMHO.

hammersfan · 05-19-2008, 02:21 PM

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Meets Suzuki Boulevard C50 - Happy Mediums - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine

Here's a comparison test write up.

36Bones · 05-19-2008, 06:40 PM

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Hammer.

diamond_jim · 05-19-2008, 07:18 PM

I loved this part:

"The bottom line is that both of these motorcycles are great cruisers-maybe even the perfect cruisers. Notice we didn't include "middleweight" or any other size qualifier in that statement. The Boulevard C50 and the Vulcan 900 Classic are simply great motorcycles to ride, no matter what the mission."

omegajim · 05-19-2008, 07:21 PM

self cancelling turn signals and a bigger tank would be the deal breaker for me.

the self adjusting valves wouldn't hurt either.

the belt vs shaft drive would be pretty much a draw; although it's been said shaft drive has more parasitic drag than a belt.

TLW2 · 06-04-2008, 04:35 PM

I may be weighing in way to late here because your decision may be made, but I had the very same delima, bouncing back and forth between Kawaski and Suzuki dealerships. However, I happily purchased a brand new C50 and I picked it up for $6499 which was $700-$800 cheaper than the Vulcan. All things being pretty equal, economics was very, very important to me both in purchase price and operating cost and I feel that I made the best decision economically.

DaveAlvarado · 06-05-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamond_jim

I loved this part:

"The bottom line is that both of these motorcycles are great cruisers-maybe even the perfect cruisers. Notice we didn't include "middleweight" or any other size qualifier in that statement. The Boulevard C50 and the Vulcan 900 Classic are simply great motorcycles to ride, no matter what the mission."

When the reviewer finishes like that, it means you should just go with your gut. The differences are going to be trivial--you win no matter which one you pick. So get the one that's in the color you want, or that feels a little better to sit on, or that your wife likes, or whatever.

AloRaptor · 06-07-2008, 09:05 AM

I was at the same point 2 weeks ago trying to decide between the M50 and the Vulcan. In the end The yelow and grey M50 won because to me it is just a better looking bike.

05-17-2008, 06:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
36Bones Newbie Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2008 Shadow VT750C2F Location: Central Texas Posts: 12	New Member Dilemma Hello All, Another lurker comes out of the woodwork. I'm having the hardest time deciding between a C50 and a Vulcan 900 Classic. Aside from the CC's difference, they are so much alike, it's killing me to decide. Dealer deals are good on both. I just jump back and forth looking and sitting, looking and sitting, over and over again. I'm sure the sales people are going batty. Is there a significant difference I'm not seeing? If, this is a dead horse, I apologize in advance. Thanks a ton!! Bones Last edited by 36Bones; 05-17-2008 at 06:05 PM.

05-17-2008, 08:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,391	They both have FI so that's a plus. I am not sure if the 900 has a touring model though. I really like my "T" so if you into shields and a fully dressed bike the C50T is your best bet. __________________ "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather, because it's easier to harass rich women than Bikers..." ---Unknown

05-18-2008, 02:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
SNAFU Leaned over, knee down Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Thundercat Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,717	to M-J! Sorry I can't help. Good luck with your decision. __________________

05-18-2008, 08:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
TTungett In Training Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: '06 Suzuki Boulevard C50T (Gun Metal Grey) Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 116	to Annie's comment... __________________ There are 3 kinds of people in this world...those who want things to happen, those that make things happen, and those who just wonder what the hell happened!

05-18-2008, 08:40 PM	#10 (permalink)
cruznut6 Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: traded 1600 Classic for 2006 V2K LT! Location: South Jersey Posts: 55	The Kawi also has self-adjusting valves and is belt-driven , not shaft. It also has self-cancelling turn signals and larger fuel tank. The most popular version is the VN900 LT, which has driver floorboards, windshield, saddlebags and pax backrest. Both C50 and the VN 900 are considered two of the best mid sized cruisers available. I don't think you can make a "wrong" choice, IMHO. __________________ Joy & Peace in Christ, Bob SJ Bikers for Christ

05-17-2008, 06:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,925	Try to get a test ride on both to see which one you like better.

05-17-2008, 06:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,190	Easy, just get a C50, either a T or one setup like it. I am in my 4th season and the grin still gets bigger!!!

05-17-2008, 08:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
NCxM50 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: Silver '06 M50 Location: NE NC Posts: 178	Mechanically, I think the major difference is the Vulcan has belt drive, the C50 has shaft. The Vulcan has a bit more HP, but in the grand scheme of things, Robertc is right, test ride em both, and go with whichever is most comfortable to you. They're so close thats probably the best decider.

05-18-2008, 12:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
36Bones Newbie Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2008 Shadow VT750C2F Location: Central Texas Posts: 12	I've ridden the 900. It was a awesome ride. The local Suzuki dealer doesn't offer test rides. I have to go 100 miles to the next one. That dealership does have test rides on their used C50's. I'm hoping to grab a ride on one, then I can make a better choice. I appreciate the input.

05-19-2008, 02:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
hammersfan U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2008 C90 SE Location: Ajax ,Ontario ,Canada Posts: 1,196	Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Meets Suzuki Boulevard C50 - Happy Mediums - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine Here's a comparison test write up. __________________ Ride Safe Hammersfan

05-19-2008, 06:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
36Bones Newbie Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2008 Shadow VT750C2F Location: Central Texas Posts: 12	Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Hammer.

05-19-2008, 07:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
diamond_jim Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2007 Bike: M8 Hellcat Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,095	I loved this part: "The bottom line is that both of these motorcycles are great cruisers-maybe even the perfect cruisers. Notice we didn't include "middleweight" or any other size qualifier in that statement. The Boulevard C50 and the Vulcan 900 Classic are simply great motorcycles to ride, no matter what the mission." __________________ M50 tutorials, tips and how-to links

05-19-2008, 07:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
omegajim M-J Member of the Month! Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 5,515	self cancelling turn signals and a bigger tank would be the deal breaker for me. the self adjusting valves wouldn't hurt either. the belt vs shaft drive would be pretty much a draw; although it's been said shaft drive has more parasitic drag than a belt. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

06-04-2008, 04:35 PM	#15 (permalink)
TLW2 Newbie Joined: May 2008 Bike: Suzuki Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 3	I may be weighing in way to late here because your decision may be made, but I had the very same delima, bouncing back and forth between Kawaski and Suzuki dealerships. However, I happily purchased a brand new C50 and I picked it up for $6499 which was $700-$800 cheaper than the Vulcan. All things being pretty equal, economics was very, very important to me both in purchase price and operating cost and I feel that I made the best decision economically.

06-07-2008, 09:05 AM	#17 (permalink)
AloRaptor Seat Tester Joined: May 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki M50 Location: Hensley, Arkansas Posts: 71	I was at the same point 2 weeks ago trying to decide between the M50 and the Vulcan. In the end The yelow and grey M50 won because to me it is just a better looking bike. __________________ If you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance,Baffle 'em with Bulls!!t

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