Not Entirely Satisfied - Page 2 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

wormil · 09-15-2009, 06:32 PM

You're spot on about needing a new seat but I hate to shell out $300-500 without being sure I'm going to keep the bike.

There are other things about the Boulevard that make it less than idea for trips, like the lack of a 6th gear. I drive fast on the superslab, usually push 85-90 mph and the C50 will do it but it's buzzy and loud. It's not a terrible bike for touring but it's just not designed for that.

Kooter · 09-15-2009, 06:49 PM

Well I'm not a speed demon so I can't speak to that. After going 120+ in the squad frequently enough for it to become mundane (with the exception of a few pucker moments), I've lost my desire for speed. Now I'd rather just putt along and enjoy the ride for the most part.

I do long for a 6th gear though - not going to lie about that!

**Clint** · 09-15-2009, 08:52 PM

The day comfort becomes my primary factor is the day I sell the bike and buy a convertible.

Kooter · 09-15-2009, 08:53 PM

I guess I should be looking for a convertible then!

tricker · 09-15-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint

The day comfort becomes my primary factor is the day I sell the bike and buy a convertible.

or just buy vinnie's bike?

wormil · 09-15-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint

The day comfort becomes my primary factor is the day I sell the bike and buy a convertible.

I sold my convertible and bought the C50.

I don't just ride as a weekend hobby, my bike is transportation and there is a difference between pushing a machine to do something it wasn't designed to do and simple discomfort. The C50 just wasn't designed for the multi-day trips I've been taking. Putting around town, commuting, and leisurely rides around the countryside are the C50's strengths; pushing 90 mph on the superslab for 8 straight hours isn't.

**Clint** · 09-15-2009, 09:40 PM

Tell that to Peter Egan, or Robert Pirsig, or any of the other countless thousands who rode 175's and 250's and 300's around the country for decades, sometimes two-up. They'd consider your 800 a Cadillac.

http://www.honda305.com/frames/zen-hld1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CB77

wormil · 09-15-2009, 11:02 PM

Hey those guys had it easy compared to the Pony Express!

omegajim · 09-16-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Tell that to Peter Egan,

I will never forget when Peter Egan and Chris Beebe went from WI to CA in a model A Ford.

It becomes a big world at 40 mph (the speed that was recommended if you wanted the car to be in one piece at the end of the trip).

**Clint** · 09-16-2009, 01:17 PM

And that was on paved roads!

omegajim · 09-16-2009, 10:45 PM

road conditions didn't matter; it was a matter of engine rpm.

While the engine could "wind out" to top speeds of over 80 mph (according to my grandfather) it wouldn't stay in one piece (functional) for very long at those speeds.

that, and the engine oil of the day was tar; along with the fact that I don't believe they had oil filters until after ww2.

but, I personally, have driven way too fast on a gravel road (50 mph) and you didn't steer the car as "finesse" it one way or another.

never did it a 2nd time.

Cirquerider · 10-15-2009, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormil

You're spot on about needing a new seat but I hate to shell out $300-500 without being sure I'm going to keep the bike.

There are other things about the Boulevard that make it less than idea for trips, like the lack of a 6th gear. I drive fast on the superslab, usually push 85-90 mph and the C50 will do it but it's buzzy and loud. It's not a terrible bike for touring but it's just not designed for that.

Buy it used. Keep the stock seat and if you sell the bike, sell the aftermarket seat for what you paid or more. I bought a Corbin Solo for the C90 for only $100 through Craigslist, then added a backrest for another $90. I did a 650 mile 13 hour tour two weeks ago, and I never felt any discomfort. Other bikes with me were 2-Goldwings, BMW 1200ST and a HD Road Glide. All great choices for day-long riding.

Make your bike fit you and your riding, and enjoy the ride. If anything doesn't fit, change it and sell the old one.

omegajim · 10-16-2009, 03:27 PM

c90- there's a bike a little more up my alley.

wormil · 10-16-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirquerider

Buy it used.

$300-500 is used. Despite internet legends, craigslist is not littered with $100 Corbin seats... at least not my craigslist.

omegajim · 10-18-2009, 12:28 AM

somebody always gets a deal somewhere, but I agree with you, I don't ever seem to find deals on decent things.

not on my corner of the 'net anyway.

CooleyM50 · 10-19-2009, 08:34 PM

Kooter,
I must tell you before you buy a V-Strom go ride a BMW G650GS
or an older F650GS.
I own a 2006 F650GS and love it.
It's a thumper though not a twin.
If you want the twin then go with their new 800GS.

BMW does a much better job at engineering, they surpass the asians by far.
Also, an asian bike will fall like a rock in value once you title that thing in your name, trust me after 9 bikes (and only one a BMW) I know.
9 bikes in 36 months I might add. Yamaha Star, Suzuki M50 (two of them), Kawasaki Vulcans, KLX and now an ER6n sport type bike.
You just can't beat BMW for high mileage and resell value.

I love my M50 when I feel like a muscle cruiser. I love the ER6n when I feel like a Roadster sport bike but the BMW gets 73mpg and will go up a wooded trail.

The Vstrom is good, the Kaw Versys is as well and it has the same engine my new ER6n has in it. For engines I like to hear my ER6n or M50 run even with factory stock pipes on them.

Don't jump too soon. Take a long trip on the C50 first.

CooleyM50 · 10-28-2009, 10:48 AM

By a BMW F650GS like mine.

Great bike. So much fun to ride.

TFee3 · 10-28-2009, 09:08 PM

Kooter, it all depends on what type of riding you do. I have a C90T, which is basically the same as the C50 with a bigger engine. My friend who lives in St. Louis has a C50T that he rides down to the lake, about 200 miles one way. He really loves his bike, even though it runs at a little higher RPM than mine at 70 mph. If you're going to take long trips, if I were you, I'd buy a different seat and stick with the C50. Mine's an '07, and I have a little over 30,000 miles on it. I swapped out the seat and added highway pegs, and it's great on long trips. I've sat on Harleys, and they're shorter than my bike, and I'm not comfortable with them. Ride your C50 a while and see what you think then. Also, rather than go to the expense of swapping out the seat if you're thinking of trading it, go to Wal Mart and buy a $9.00 pad like the rest of us have done. They really help!

09-15-2009, 06:32 PM	#21 (permalink)
wormil Where Am I ? Join Date: Jun 2009 Bike: 2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 29	You're spot on about needing a new seat but I hate to shell out $300-500 without being sure I'm going to keep the bike. There are other things about the Boulevard that make it less than idea for trips, like the lack of a 6th gear. I drive fast on the superslab, usually push 85-90 mph and the C50 will do it but it's buzzy and loud. It's not a terrible bike for touring but it's just not designed for that. __________________ '06 C50

09-15-2009, 06:49 PM	#22 (permalink)
Kooter Clunked into first gear Join Date: May 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki C50T Location: Cottage Grove, MN (Twin Cities) Posts: 249	Well I'm not a speed demon so I can't speak to that. After going 120+ in the squad frequently enough for it to become mundane (with the exception of a few pucker moments), I've lost my desire for speed. Now I'd rather just putt along and enjoy the ride for the most part. I do long for a 6th gear though - not going to lie about that! __________________ If you haven't got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you're just an old sour fart!

09-15-2009, 08:52 PM	#23 (permalink)
Clint Gainfully employed Join Date: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 1200 S Location: St. Cloud, MN, USA Posts: 20,121	The day comfort becomes my primary factor is the day I sell the bike and buy a convertible. __________________ 'Busa shock, Racetech forks, Holeshot stage 1 & pipe, Hella headlights, CBRXX clipons, Givi bags, Zumo 550, Conti Road Attacks \| Symtec grip heat Arai Signet GTR \| Joe Rocket Meteor boots, Alter Ego pants, jacket \| Alpinestars SP-1 gloves \| Hanes boxer-briefs Gems for motorcyclists

09-15-2009, 08:53 PM	#24 (permalink)
Kooter Clunked into first gear Join Date: May 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki C50T Location: Cottage Grove, MN (Twin Cities) Posts: 249	I guess I should be looking for a convertible then! __________________ If you haven't got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you're just an old sour fart!

09-15-2009, 09:40 PM	#27 (permalink)
Clint Gainfully employed Join Date: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 1200 S Location: St. Cloud, MN, USA Posts: 20,121	Tell that to Peter Egan, or Robert Pirsig, or any of the other countless thousands who rode 175's and 250's and 300's around the country for decades, sometimes two-up. They'd consider your 800 a Cadillac. http://www.honda305.com/frames/zen-hld1.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CB77 __________________ 'Busa shock, Racetech forks, Holeshot stage 1 & pipe, Hella headlights, CBRXX clipons, Givi bags, Zumo 550, Conti Road Attacks \| Symtec grip heat Arai Signet GTR \| Joe Rocket Meteor boots, Alter Ego pants, jacket \| Alpinestars SP-1 gloves \| Hanes boxer-briefs Gems for motorcyclists Last edited by Clint; 09-15-2009 at 09:43 PM.

09-15-2009, 11:02 PM	#28 (permalink)
wormil Where Am I ? Join Date: Jun 2009 Bike: 2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 29	Hey those guys had it easy compared to the Pony Express! __________________ '06 C50

09-16-2009, 01:17 PM	#30 (permalink)
Clint Gainfully employed Join Date: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 1200 S Location: St. Cloud, MN, USA Posts: 20,121	And that was on paved roads! __________________ 'Busa shock, Racetech forks, Holeshot stage 1 & pipe, Hella headlights, CBRXX clipons, Givi bags, Zumo 550, Conti Road Attacks \| Symtec grip heat Arai Signet GTR \| Joe Rocket Meteor boots, Alter Ego pants, jacket \| Alpinestars SP-1 gloves \| Hanes boxer-briefs Gems for motorcyclists

09-16-2009, 10:45 PM	#31 (permalink)
omegajim M-J Lifetime Achievement Award Join Date: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 10,432	road conditions didn't matter; it was a matter of engine rpm. While the engine could "wind out" to top speeds of over 80 mph (according to my grandfather) it wouldn't stay in one piece (functional) for very long at those speeds. that, and the engine oil of the day was tar; along with the fact that I don't believe they had oil filters until after ww2. but, I personally, have driven way too fast on a gravel road (50 mph) and you didn't steer the car as "finesse" it one way or another. never did it a 2nd time. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value. "I have a driver's license. It doesn't mean I show up at the Indy 500 with my morgan." Ducky- NCIS and until very recently, we were Wisconsin Tourism Federation ----- no really.

10-16-2009, 03:27 PM	#33 (permalink)
omegajim M-J Lifetime Achievement Award Join Date: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 10,432	c90- there's a bike a little more up my alley. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value. "I have a driver's license. It doesn't mean I show up at the Indy 500 with my morgan." Ducky- NCIS and until very recently, we were Wisconsin Tourism Federation ----- no really.

10-18-2009, 12:28 AM	#35 (permalink)
omegajim M-J Lifetime Achievement Award Join Date: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 10,432	somebody always gets a deal somewhere, but I agree with you, I don't ever seem to find deals on decent things. not on my corner of the 'net anyway. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value. "I have a driver's license. It doesn't mean I show up at the Indy 500 with my morgan." Ducky- NCIS and until very recently, we were Wisconsin Tourism Federation ----- no really.

10-19-2009, 08:34 PM	#36 (permalink)
CooleyM50 Clunked into first gear Join Date: Jun 2009 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: St. Joseph, IL Posts: 222	Kooter, I must tell you before you buy a V-Strom go ride a BMW G650GS or an older F650GS. I own a 2006 F650GS and love it. It's a thumper though not a twin. If you want the twin then go with their new 800GS. BMW does a much better job at engineering, they surpass the asians by far. Also, an asian bike will fall like a rock in value once you title that thing in your name, trust me after 9 bikes (and only one a BMW) I know. 9 bikes in 36 months I might add. Yamaha Star, Suzuki M50 (two of them), Kawasaki Vulcans, KLX and now an ER6n sport type bike. You just can't beat BMW for high mileage and resell value. I love my M50 when I feel like a muscle cruiser. I love the ER6n when I feel like a Roadster sport bike but the BMW gets 73mpg and will go up a wooded trail. The Vstrom is good, the Kaw Versys is as well and it has the same engine my new ER6n has in it. For engines I like to hear my ER6n or M50 run even with factory stock pipes on them. Don't jump too soon. Take a long trip on the C50 first.

10-28-2009, 10:48 AM	#37 (permalink)
CooleyM50 Clunked into first gear Join Date: Jun 2009 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: St. Joseph, IL Posts: 222	By a BMW F650GS like mine. Great bike. So much fun to ride.

10-28-2009, 09:08 PM	#38 (permalink)
TFee3 Clunked into first gear Join Date: Jul 2007 Bike: '07 C90T Location: Gravois Mills MO Posts: 208	Kooter, it all depends on what type of riding you do. I have a C90T, which is basically the same as the C50 with a bigger engine. My friend who lives in St. Louis has a C50T that he rides down to the lake, about 200 miles one way. He really loves his bike, even though it runs at a little higher RPM than mine at 70 mph. If you're going to take long trips, if I were you, I'd buy a different seat and stick with the C50. Mine's an '07, and I have a little over 30,000 miles on it. I swapped out the seat and added highway pegs, and it's great on long trips. I've sat on Harleys, and they're shorter than my bike, and I'm not comfortable with them. Ride your C50 a while and see what you think then. Also, rather than go to the expense of swapping out the seat if you're thinking of trading it, go to Wal Mart and buy a $9.00 pad like the rest of us have done. They really help!

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