C50 or VTX 1300?

[joefrog]

Hi ya'll, I'm shopping for a new (or just new to me) bike. This subject may have already been hashed around so please bear with me.

I haven't had the opportunity to try both bikes, so what I know is based on looks & style. My choices are narrowing down to the Suzuki C50 and the Honda VTX1300. Anyone tried both?

I like the way both of them look, but for whatever reason, the Honda just looks like it's "put together better," for lack of a better description.

Any pros/cons would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[GeorgiaRoller]

Well for starters the Honda is 1300ccs and carbureted (only the VTX 1800 is FI). The C50 is only 800cc and is Fuel Injected. Both are well built bikes. The VTX is bigger, heavier and has a 500cc bigger motor to it. If this is your first bike I'd maybe suggest the C50. But it really just comes down to which one YOU like best and which one feels better to you. The VTX comes in a couple of different styles while the C50 is basically one style.

The only thing I'll say is this. Once you own a fuel injected bike (unless your totally ol' school) you'll never want a carbureted one again.

Good Luck!

[joefrog]

That's something I didn't even consider... thanks!

I'm also concerned about the resale value later on, when/if I get a bigger one.

Keep 'em coming, folks!

[DrBob]

Unless the person in question is a new rider, I am a big fan of buying the largest bike you can afford. Not only will you not outgrow it as quickly, but larger bikes generally have more features and hold their resale better (there are of course exceptions). So that would lead me to recommend the VTX1300.

Besides the larger motor and increased performance, the VTX1300 has rear disk brakes for better stopping, and the above mentioned choice of styles: the full-fendered R, the more sporty C, or the T with bags and windshield. Yes, it has a carb, but to me that is a non-issue, as I currently own both fuel injected and carbed bikes, and the advantages/ drawbacks of each make it a wash to me. Either is good. I've driven the VTX1300 several times, and frankly I like it better than the VTX1800- it is a well built, well ballanced bike that is big enough that many people never outgrow it.

However, the C50 is an excellent bike. No, it is not as fast as the VTX1300, and it has a rear drum brake, but it is about $2700 less, so for a budget minded person it is the bike of choice. Reliable, long lasting, comfortable, bargain priced, and with adaquate power, it is a great choice for beginners or people looking to step up from an entry-level bike to a mid-sized cruiser that is physically large enough that they will not outgrow it quickly. If you eventually aspire to a VTX1800, Harley, Warrior, or other large CC bike, then the C50 is a great choice for something to ride for a couple years until you are ready/ able to move up.

[BudTheGrey]

I have a C50, and the VTX1300 is the *only* bike that tempts me to trade it in. I'm inseam challenged, and I like how the Honda fits --better than the Star 1300, or the Kawa 900. Fuel injection vs. carb is a wash for me, although it would take a while to get used to having to switch to reserve. I like the cast wheels on the Honda better. There's lots of after market goodies for both.

I've been looking for a while. My wife bought me a Corbin dual-tour seat for the C50. I think its a preemptive strike -- a $450 seat is cheaper than a $11K motorcycle.

[diamond_jim]

Joefrog, I see you live right down the road from me. Cool.

Either bike would be good. Pound to horsepower ratio, the two bikes are about equal and both will carry a passenger well. I think the VTX would be a little better if you plan to do a lot of long hauls while the C50 would be better, I think, if most of your riding is done in the city and in traffic which is what I do. It seems upon searching that in most stuff that you can get for both bikes like exhaust, seat, etc., seems to cost about 3-5% more for the VTX.

[joefrog]

Hmmm.... sounds to me like it'd be hard to make a TRULY bad choice with either.

Thanks for the replies, ya'll!

Diamond Jim, maybe I'll see you on the road.

[w1lke]

I bought a C50 yesterday and have already put over 100 miles on it. So far I am happy with the bike.

If you are wanting comparable bikes, why not look at the C90 v. VTX 1300? The displacement is similar. Not sure about the rear brake type, but should be fuel injected.

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by w1lke

I bought a C50 yesterday and have already put over 100 miles on it. So far I am happy with the bike.

If you are wanting comparable bikes, why not look at the C90 v. VTX 1300? The displacement is similar. Not sure about the rear brake type, but should be fuel injected.

I was wondering the same thing, why not compare the C90?

I love my C50C, and as far as resale value I know it will get a better value than a Honda Aero 750. My C50C has 819 CC engine with 4 valves per cylinder, FI, floorboards with heel toe shifter, mag wheels, hazard lights, fuel gauge, and a clock. These things will be selling points that a Honda Aero does not have. So when you look at resale value look at what your bike can offer when you sell it.

The important thing is which bike is going to give you what you want? For me the C50C gave me more than I wanted compared to the other bikes in it's class. And as a previous poster stated, once you ride FI you will not want another carb.

[4dtvman]

I've had a M50 and 3 of my friends have C50's. Great bike for a new riders and my friends have gone with me for 500 mile trips.

I also have a 99 LC1500 which I ride when my wife goes with me on LONG trips.
5 months ago I sold my M50 which I used to ride to work and both a used 05 VTX1300R with 2500 miles for $5000. Of couse I've added about $1200 worth of things to it, like a mustang seat. (Honda OEM seat sucks).
One of the reason for trading in the M50 was not the handling because it handled great but got the buzz in my butt and hands. The VTX has a lot more low end torque and hardly no buzz at highway speeds.

The Carb doesn't bother me, she always starts up every time. I lowered the idle a little, because the VTX 1300 is a single pin engine (not the VTX1800) which is the same lay out as a Hardley motor. With the cobra speeder longs and the idle set a little lower. If you closed your eyes it sounds just like a hardley idling.
I know the Honda 750 and 1300 are single pin don't know if the 1100 is.

Last week I let my friend that owens a C50 ride mind for a while and he said there is a big differences. Which I rode his and it seemed small.

But on real long hauls I enjoy my LC1500. Which I think a new C90 and the VTX 1300 might be the same price.