Potential Future Skid-Mark with some Questions - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Rashada · 05-13-2005, 04:19 PM

Hi, I first stumbled across these forums trying to find information on the new M50 Suzuki models that have released. You guys seem to be such a great community that I thought I would try to learn from your experiences.

I am a novice rider, I've probably only logged a couple hundred miles of safe situational driving with only one lay-over (and during my DMV test no less). My uncle has a nice assortment of Harley Davidson and Kawasaki motorcycles and I got to ride them this weekend. I've decided to get a bike of my own, and I'm leaning towards the cruisers. After a stint on a 900cc Ninja, a (I think) 1200cc 98' HD Sportster, a 750cc 2002/2003 Honda Shadow I'm learning the devil is in the details. After quickly losing interest in the sports bikes, I was really looking towards getting a new Honda Aero 750cc. I love my Dad's Honda as it was easy to ride, my fiance and I could have a conversation while riding around town, and it was relaxing. The Sportster was too loud and rattled so much I could barely use the mirriors to watch for traffic.

From my reading and comparison of the new Honda Aero and the Suzuki M50, I'm thinking the M50 is the better bike for me. I'm not a mechanic and the shaft-driven, fuel-injection, liquid-cooled M50 seems to be the lowest maintenance bike. I also like the look better. HOWEVER... I'm curious of the noise level and vibration of the M50s. I'm not drawn to the rumblers and screamers of the motorcycle world in the slightest bit. I'm going to check out an M50 at the dealership this weekend, but obviously no test-drives and I'm hoping they'll at least fire it up for me.

I've weighed out the options of being a novice rider and buying a new bike and I've decided that is what I want to do. I have a healthy respect for motorcyles bordering just this side of irrational fear. I'm 6'6'' and I weigh 220 lbs. I hope the M50 will be a good size match for me. I think the M50 should be able to carry me and my fiance safely for a safe enjoyable ride, will it do that? (Meaning I don't want a rocket but I do want to be able to safely go down the interstate)

So, long story short and question re-cap.

What are your thoughts on the M50 vs the Honda Aero?

Will the M50 pull my tall & lanky rear along ok and be able to pass reasonably in areas with 55-70mph speed limits?

Will I be able to actually hear my fiance when riding around town?

Is the M50 a good bike for a novice rider with nothing to prove?

And... Your thoughts on full-face helmets. (I'm generally too tall to get a noticable effect from windshields)

Thanks for your time.