Which one to get ? :) - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

lowspeed · 05-21-2008, 07:32 PM

So i haven't ridden i a motorcycle in 10 years...

I'm thinking of a cruiser. I'm 6'1'' with an average build.

So here's my thoughts:

I was leaning towards the Honda Spirit C2 but the fact that it doesn't have Fuel injection is a turn off (should it not be ?).

The Suzuki c50 on paper seems to be a winner. (why do they not specify the engine size in cc ?!)

Another option is the Yamaha V Star (650cc)

or KAWASAKI VULCAN® 900

or Harley 883

Did i forget something ?

So i'm really looking for comfort, good pull and handling, easy maintenance and reliability.

Which one of these fit the bill ?

Thanks!

mcbones · 05-21-2008, 07:48 PM

I purchased a C50 in April 2007 after taking the MSF course. It is my first bike and like you I was looking for reliability and easy maintenance. After quite a bit of research I went with the C50 and have throughly enjoyed it. My friend purchased an M50 at the same time and has had the same experience. Our rides vary from around town to 180 miles or so. I have all of the power I need and although I may decide to move up in the future I think the power the 805cc puts out is more than sufficient and can keep up with all of the other bikes we have encountered on our rides.

frostbitevinnie · 05-21-2008, 08:15 PM

If you want comfort I would go with the C50 or C50T, it is an 800 cc, the T if you want it all. Good pull even with 2 up, good mpg and from what I have heard handles nice. The C90 is it's bigger brother.

The 883 is a nice bike but not known for comfort if you are planning a longer trip.

I have a friend with a V-star and it is comfy but you will have to deal with carbs.

The Vulcan is a cool bike!! Belt drive, EFI and a decent size tank.

They are all in the same price range, $7.5K except I believe the 883 is about $1K less.

I am no expert, just my .02.

blackie1491 · 05-21-2008, 09:46 PM

Down sized from a Goldwing to a C50SE in June 05, my complaint, I should have got it sooner.

My wife's complaint is the addiction to "BLING".

lowspeed · 05-21-2008, 10:09 PM

what's the difference between the S50 and C50 ? (besides appearance)

I kinda like the S50 exhaust on both sides.

GatorTuba · 05-21-2008, 10:14 PM

you could go with the V Star 1100.

Uncle B · 05-21-2008, 10:22 PM

New motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and watercraft from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and KTM

lowspeed · 05-21-2008, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle B

New motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and watercraft from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and KTM

thanks.... i'm surprised the s50 is not FI...

lowspeed · 05-21-2008, 11:54 PM

Whats the diff between these ? they look the same specs wise...

2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Black Motorcycles

Scott58 · 05-22-2008, 12:43 AM

Some styling differences. I actually like the looks of the M50 better. The real difference is with the S50. Not as comfortable, but it has the performance edge. It's about as romp'in stomp'in as you can get in the mid-size cruiser class.

lowspeed · 05-22-2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott58

Some styling differences. I actually like the looks of the M50 better. The real difference is with the S50. Not as comfortable, but it has the performance edge. It's about as romp'in stomp'in as you can get in the mid-size cruiser class.

I kinda like the C50 better ...

Take a look:
2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50t Rear Side View Photo

2005 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Side View Photo

It looks like a heavier bike.

Suz50s Xl 2005 2 Bike Ride Right View Photo

POE-BOY SAMICH · 05-22-2008, 09:04 AM

Off your list, I would go with the C50 or the Vulcan.
I have no personal experience with the Vulcan but from what I've read it seems to be a great scoot.
I owned a C50 and loved it.
It's a very comfy bike.
The C50 looks and rides bigger than it's 800cc engine.

baltimorebayside · 05-22-2008, 09:43 AM

Here's mine....you'll like the C50T......

Rides nice...handles great, plenty of power, 2-up riding has no affect on this bike.

dan

lowspeed · 05-22-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorTuba

you could go with the V Star 1100.

Over my price limit...

lowspeed · 05-22-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baltimorebayside

Here's mine....you'll like the C50T......

Rides nice...handles great, plenty of power, 2-up riding has no affect on this bike.

dan

Nice

thanks for sharing.

I really like the big headlamp in the front.

NCxM50 · 05-22-2008, 10:15 AM

Oddly enough, due to a few minor differences, the M50 actually weighs a couple pounds more than the C. I've never ridden the C, but i will say that the M is an awesome bike (and I would therefore assume the C is as well) its weight all sits nice and low and it's balance is excellent, the result is a bike that inspires confidence when it comes to handling. Given the bikes on your list, I'd have to go with the C50.

diamond_jim · 05-22-2008, 11:26 AM

Anybody gone from a V-Star 650 to a C50? If so, what do you think of the differences?

robertc729 · 05-22-2008, 06:21 PM

I didn't go from a 650 Vstar to a C50, but I have ridden both. The Vstar to me feels underpowered and I feel cramped on it.

frostbitevinnie · 05-22-2008, 08:26 PM

I believe the C50 is the same wheel base as my C90, pretty sure anyway. So with that it is roomy!! When I went to the MC show this winter I sat on just about every bike there and to be honest I was not impressed with any of the star mc's. I did like the vulcan as far as the sit, about 1" lower than the fiddy & 90. I really liked all the victory bikes with the exception of that new funky cruiser they have now. Damn frickin ugly!!! Their prices are scary as well.

But honestly if you want the full package with a decent price the fiddy is the best choice. There are also diff. accessories for the fiddy that you can't get for the M50 or any other bike for that matter such as the G-tank for extended trips. I love the looks of the M50 but I am a born again cruiser rider now. Guess I really don't consider the M50 or anything else in its class as a cruiser IMO.

ORBrit · 05-22-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertc729

I didn't go from a 650 Vstar to a C50, but I have ridden both. The Vstar to me feels underpowered and I feel cramped on it.

My father in law has a V-Star 650 and it really is underpowered. It suits him and his style of riding just fine, but I really have to hold back when I ride with him as he often doesn't have the passing power to get by semis and slow traffic when opportunities appear.

I love my S50. No other cruiser I'd rather ride. Very light and agile for a cruiser and plenty of power. not ideal for long rides though and at 6'1 you may feel way cramped on an S50.

I say try out a C50 or a Vulcan 900 Custom.

As far as maintenance you may want to see if your dealer sells a reasonable maintenance/warranty. I paid $1100 for a 3 year maintenance program and extended warranty. I figured I didn't trust my life to my lack of motorcycle mechanical knowledge! In a car if you screw something up you coast to the side of the road. On a bike it's different!
I get unlimited oil and filter changes and two complete services every year. Parts and accessories are discounted 10-20%.
First replacement set of tires are 50% off.

05-21-2008, 07:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
lowspeed Seat Tester Joined: May 2008 Posts: 61	Which one to get ? :) So i haven't ridden i a motorcycle in 10 years... I'm thinking of a cruiser. I'm 6'1'' with an average build. So here's my thoughts: I was leaning towards the Honda Spirit C2 but the fact that it doesn't have Fuel injection is a turn off (should it not be ?). The Suzuki c50 on paper seems to be a winner. (why do they not specify the engine size in cc ?!) Another option is the Yamaha V Star (650cc) or KAWASAKI VULCAN® 900 or Harley 883 Did i forget something ? So i'm really looking for comfort, good pull and handling, easy maintenance and reliability. Which one of these fit the bill ? Thanks! Last edited by lowspeed; 05-21-2008 at 07:52 PM.

05-21-2008, 08:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie In The Zone Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,572	If you want comfort I would go with the C50 or C50T, it is an 800 cc, the T if you want it all. Good pull even with 2 up, good mpg and from what I have heard handles nice. The C90 is it's bigger brother. The 883 is a nice bike but not known for comfort if you are planning a longer trip. I have a friend with a V-star and it is comfy but you will have to deal with carbs. The Vulcan is a cool bike!! Belt drive, EFI and a decent size tank. They are all in the same price range, $7.5K except I believe the 883 is about $1K less. I am no expert, just my .02. __________________ Send um to freakin jail without bail.

05-21-2008, 10:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
GatorTuba Ditch Magnet Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: Roadliner Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 167	you could go with the V Star 1100. __________________

05-21-2008, 10:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
Uncle B Want's A New Title Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 06 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Location: Gordon Texas Latitude: 32.54833 Longitude: -98.36889 Posts: 4,328	New motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and watercraft from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and KTM __________________ Ride Safe, Ride Long, & Have Fun Benjamin Franklin> They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. http://www.gordontexas.net/ http://www.gordonvfd.com/

05-22-2008, 09:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
POE-BOY SAMICH U.B's LoveChild Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: '07 Harley Road King Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,212	Off your list, I would go with the C50 or the Vulcan. I have no personal experience with the Vulcan but from what I've read it seems to be a great scoot. I owned a C50 and loved it. It's a very comfy bike. The C50 looks and rides bigger than it's 800cc engine. __________________ http://www.lonestarmotorcyclealliance.com/

05-21-2008, 07:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
mcbones Newbie Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 2007 Suzuki C50 Boulevard Location: McAllen, Texas Posts: 17	I purchased a C50 in April 2007 after taking the MSF course. It is my first bike and like you I was looking for reliability and easy maintenance. After quite a bit of research I went with the C50 and have throughly enjoyed it. My friend purchased an M50 at the same time and has had the same experience. Our rides vary from around town to 180 miles or so. I have all of the power I need and although I may decide to move up in the future I think the power the 805cc puts out is more than sufficient and can keep up with all of the other bikes we have encountered on our rides.

05-21-2008, 09:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,247	Down sized from a Goldwing to a C50SE in June 05, my complaint, I should have got it sooner. My wife's complaint is the addiction to "BLING".

05-21-2008, 10:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
lowspeed Seat Tester Joined: May 2008 Posts: 61	what's the difference between the S50 and C50 ? (besides appearance) I kinda like the S50 exhaust on both sides.

05-21-2008, 11:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
lowspeed Seat Tester Joined: May 2008 Posts: 61	Whats the diff between these ? they look the same specs wise... 2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Black Motorcycles

05-22-2008, 12:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
Scott58 Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Honda Rebel and 05 Suzuki S50 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 394	Some styling differences. I actually like the looks of the M50 better. The real difference is with the S50. Not as comfortable, but it has the performance edge. It's about as romp'in stomp'in as you can get in the mid-size cruiser class.

05-22-2008, 09:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
baltimorebayside Found second gear by accident Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: New owner of a 2008 C50T Location: Maryland Eastern Shore Posts: 325	Here's mine....you'll like the C50T...... Rides nice...handles great, plenty of power, 2-up riding has no affect on this bike. dan Attached Thumbnails

05-22-2008, 10:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
NCxM50 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: Silver '06 M50 Location: NE NC Posts: 196	Oddly enough, due to a few minor differences, the M50 actually weighs a couple pounds more than the C. I've never ridden the C, but i will say that the M is an awesome bike (and I would therefore assume the C is as well) its weight all sits nice and low and it's balance is excellent, the result is a bike that inspires confidence when it comes to handling. Given the bikes on your list, I'd have to go with the C50.

05-22-2008, 11:26 AM	#17 (permalink)
diamond_jim M-J Member of the Month! Joined: Oct 2007 Bike: S4 Scatcat Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,555	Anybody gone from a V-Star 650 to a C50? If so, what do you think of the differences? __________________ M50 tutorials, tips and how-to links DJ's new project bike

05-22-2008, 06:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
robertc729 Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4,040	I didn't go from a 650 Vstar to a C50, but I have ridden both. The Vstar to me feels underpowered and I feel cramped on it.

05-22-2008, 08:26 PM	#19 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie In The Zone Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,572	I believe the C50 is the same wheel base as my C90, pretty sure anyway. So with that it is roomy!! When I went to the MC show this winter I sat on just about every bike there and to be honest I was not impressed with any of the star mc's. I did like the vulcan as far as the sit, about 1" lower than the fiddy & 90. I really liked all the victory bikes with the exception of that new funky cruiser they have now. Damn frickin ugly!!! Their prices are scary as well. But honestly if you want the full package with a decent price the fiddy is the best choice. There are also diff. accessories for the fiddy that you can't get for the M50 or any other bike for that matter such as the G-tank for extended trips. I love the looks of the M50 but I am a born again cruiser rider now. Guess I really don't consider the M50 or anything else in its class as a cruiser IMO. __________________ Send um to freakin jail without bail.

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