Potential Future Skid-Mark with some Questions

[Rashada]

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.

[zot]

I've previously owned a 750 Shadow an my Old Lady rides a C50. If your planning to ride 2up quite often you may find the Honda underpowered at higher speeds. The EFI and more cc's of the Suzuki make a substantiel difference in the power range. I've heard a lot of complaints about the Honda being underpowered and I agree.
Hope that helps.

[stp1971]

Welcome to the forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think you will find ALOT of opinions on the M50 as well as it's siblings the C50 and S50. All three bikes are great bikes,, the M50 being the sportier looking version,, but there seems to be a performance difference in the different models,, at least opinion would dictate that here.

You are a taller girl and the determining factor will be how you feel on the bike. Do you feel cramped, able to stretch out, realx, etc.

As far as will you be able to haul two people around, any bike in that category will,, just depends on how much shifting you want to do. I have read alot of posts that the M50 and the others are quite capable bikes,, but I have also read that the M50 has an uncomfortable seat,, especailly for the passenger. That may be where the C50 has it's advantage.

If it is for short jaunts with two people then you may be ok,, but if it is for longer trips you should consider that fact. You should try sitting both people on it even while it is sitting still to get an idea of how it may feel.

To start with you shouldn't EVEN CONSIDER riding two up until you have mastered the bike, or at least are VERY comfortable with it. Two up riding is for people who are able to safely and effectively handle their bike by themselves first. But you should at least get an idea on how it feels as the passenger before buying it if that is a major consideration. That way when you are ready for two people then you will already have the bike for that.

Another fun alternative would to get a his and hers set of bikes. That way you both could enjoy riding together on your own bike and be comfortable. I like a girl strapped to the back of my bike,, but I also enjoy riding with girls that have their own bikes.

A used or slightly new bike could be bought maybe for what you would pay for a new M50.

But anyways,, the M50 folks will chime in on this,, there are alot of them on this forum now. Once again,, welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Shambo]

I currently own a M50, I'm 5'11" and 280 lbs and the bike carries me around fine, Me and my wife on the bike also works fine, the only complaint it get is my wife does not like her seat. THe bike is not noisy off of the showroom. the bike runs smooth. somthing of note is the M50 has a low CG so it handles very well.

[SuzukiGirl1]

Welcome to the forum!!