Newbie needs buying advice

[budlyte]

1 yr warranty

[rogerl]

$4,200 is high for the VLX. In northeast Ohio the going price for a used VLX with around 2000 to 5000 miles is about $3000. The price the dealer is asking is almost the price for a new one. I bought my 2002 VLX with 1,600 miles on it for $3000.00. I rode it one season and dropped it once. I sold the bike this spring for $2600.00 with 9000 miles on it. So I lost $400 in the deal. In my opinion the VLX is a great first bike. Sure it is less powerful that the M50 but it is also lighter that the M50 and that is a good thing for a new person on a bike. Also stay away from the dealers if you are looking for a used bike. Look on Cycle Trader or Craigs list. You will get a much better deal form a private seller. The dealers add cost and no value.

just my 2 cents

Roger L

[Pinhead78]

OH, one more thing to add:

If you end up going with a Honda/Yamaha/etc, that's great. What matters is that you are riding and riding safe. HOWEVER; I feel that you would find it extremely difficult to get the amount of tips/tricks/immediate support that the members of this forum can offer.
Ok, now I think I've exceeded my $.02

[rogerl]

The forum listed below is just like the M50 forum but for people with Honda Shadows. They are a bunch of good people who love their Shadows like we love our M50s. I received lots of good informaton from the shadow forum.

Motorcycle Resource and Information Center, Discussion Forum, Chatroom, Vendors List

Roger L

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Turbo911

Think about it.......

I agree with that.

Think about what is right for YOU.

Maybe at the moment, you think you would be more comfortable with the smaller bike AND the $2000 price savings.

Despite what some people say, no two people are exactly alike.
What makes perfect sense for one may be totally wrong for another.

So......in my not-so-humble opinion......someone who says "this WILL happen..." or "that will NOT happen....." or "you won't like this....." or "nobody should do that....." is not giving good advice.

Just for grins, let's say that of all the newbies that buy "small" bikes, 1/3 of them get a bigger bike within 2 years, 1/3 keep what they first got and 1/3decide that riding is not for them and quit.

Did any of them make a "bad" decision on a first bike? NO. Everyone's experience is different.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by rogerl

Also stay away from the dealers if you are looking for a used bike. Look on Cycle Trader or Craigs list. You will get a much better deal form a private seller. The dealers add cost and no value.

Well, that's a tough one. If you have some experience and a litte mechanical savy and are VERY careful in who you deal with........no doubt that you can get a better PRICE from a private seller. A better price is not always a better "deal" though.

For some people, paying a little more and going through a dealer where there SHOULD be some support and usually a short warranty might be a better "deal".

People who are not "savy" sometimes get totally ripped off in private sales. That seldom happens with a dealer.

[tdurham]

I am 6'2", 215 and I love mine! I do have the forward controls on order which should be here in 2 weeks and that will be a nice change for me.

I researched and read till I was blue in the face. I was almost set on a C50 until I came across an M50 and I am so glad that I did. I could not be happier with it. Good power, the ride is awesome, and I can't see wanting a bigger bike. I am 40 with a wife and 2 kids and I just don't ride crazy. Do I get on it from time to time? heck yea and it has all the power I need.

I say get the M50 and you will NOT regret it one bit.

[MotoJPizzle]

Originally Posted by budlyte

Thanks guys. I spoke to my local Suzuki dealer about the M50, as the one I rode Saturday is at another dealer about 120 miles away. My dealer is going to inquire about doing a trade w/ the other dealer to save me a trip back there if I decide to get the M.

IMO there's no comparison between the M and the 600; I'm just considering the 600 because it's still relatively new (only 1000 miles) and it's about $2000 cheaper.

The price on the '07 M is $6200 on the road. Does that seem reasonable?

that makes sense, have you actually sat on the 600 or the shadow? You gotta make sure that you like they way they feel. Until you do that, you can't make a sound decision.

[VtWoodChuck]

Used M50's are just about the same from 06 and up. Yep they got it right and did not need to change it. Thats a good option I had a Honda 350 back in 1973. Bought a 07 and never ever have looked back. Almost 10,000mi. Yep I really like the M50.

VtWoodChuck

[womper]

Originally Posted by Majestik

people with vibration issues are usually NOT checking their bike on a regular basis.

If you remember that you are riding a 2 wheeled machine (and not only for the girls) and do a checkup once a week or two, check for loose bolts, oil level, and overall check for "problems", you will not have an issue with your bike.

The M50 has been my fist bike and i love every second on it.

This is one decision you will not regret

on all three counts...

mine shakes like a vibrator
gotta few bolts i need to check...

oh, and i'm at 13,000 miles and i love my M

[budlyte]

Originally Posted by MotoJPizzle

that makes sense, have you actually sat on the 600 or the shadow? You gotta make sure that you like they way they feel. Until you do that, you can't make a sound decision.

I did sit on the 600 and thought the M50 had better balance/less top heavy. But, it could be something as simple as the 600 having a full tank and the M having less. I was not able to ride the 600.

The more I read on the M50, the more I like it. Unless I can get a better price than $4200 on the Honda, I think I'll be going w/ the M.

My local dealer failed to call the other dealer yesterday on the M, so I'll give him another day or 2 to make the call. If he doesn't call, then at least I won't feel guilty about buying the bike from the other dealer. I just wanted to give my guy a shot at getting me the bike.

[MotoJPizzle]

i sat on the 600 when I was looking, but it really felt thin and my elbows were on my knees when I put my feet on the pegs. The 750 felt good, but I didn't like the placement of the speedometer. The clutch span was closer on the 750 than the m50 and I thought that would have been an issue but didnt.

[budlyte]

Originally Posted by budlyte

I did sit on the 600 and thought the M50 had better balance/less top heavy. But, it could be something as simple as the 600 having a full tank and the M having less. I was not able to ride the 600.

The more I read on the M50, the more I like it. Unless I can get a better price than $4200 on the Honda, I think I'll be going w/ the M.

My local dealer failed to call the other dealer yesterday on the M, so I'll give him another day or 2 to make the call. If he doesn't call, then at least I won't feel guilty about buying the bike from the other dealer. I just wanted to give my guy a shot at getting me the bike.

I got a call on the Honda yesterday. It's still available and the price is now $3900. But, in researching it, I saw it's only a 4 speed. Is this correct, and if so, is that a factor? I think that bike may be a bit too low for me anyway w/ only a 25" seat height.

I stopped by my local dealer yesterday and I'll have their price on the M50 no later than Monday.

I sat on a DR650 while I was there, and other than that damn seat being so uncomfortable, it wasn't a bad bike. Obviously night and day from the M, but I'm interested in it because that's the type of bike I wanted initially. I hoped the V-Strom would fit me, but as I mentioned in my original post, my calves hit the foot pegs when I put my feet down.

The price on the DR650 is about $1000 less than the M. I wish it was more of a gap because I'd for sure get the DR now and ride it this year to "hone my skills" and then get the M next year when I'm more comfortable riding. But by the time I replace the stock seat on the DR, I'm only about $800 from the price of the M. Just to further confuse myself, I'm gonna take a look at the new KLR650 tonite.

The quest continues, but it's nice to have choices!

[rogerl]

The Honda Shadow VLX is only a 4 speed and yes, that can be a problem. The VLX has a rather tall first gear. You will need to feather the clutch more to get going. I do not know why Honda did this on a bike that is designed for a persons first bike.


Roger L

[budlyte]

Good information. Thanks Roger!

[zskoz3]

Be sure to check craigslist for your area as well. You can find some good clean bikes on there. A few weeks ago I joined the clan when I got my '06 M with 2200 miles for $4500.

[MotoJPizzle]

so, did you pick anything up?

[budlyte]

Not yet, but I hope to have a decision next week. Here's where I'm at:

M50 - The only one of the 3 choices I've been able to ride so far. Still not convinced I want to start with a cruiser, as I prefer a more upright position w/ the pegs below me instead of in front or behind. But, I can't deny it handled nicely.

DR650 - Probably the bike I really want to get, but I need to ride it first to be sure. Problem is my local dealer doesn't allow test rides. I'll see if I can change his mind.....

KLR650 - checked out a new 2008 yesterday. It's basically the same price as the DR650 and has a better seat, mini fairing, and rear rack as standard equipment. It's obviously a much better bang for my buck compared to the DR650, but it seemed much more top-heavy than the DR (6.1 gallon tank!). I don't really need a 6.1 gallon tank, and the top-heavy-tippy feeling is not something I need as a n00b. The dealer will let me ride it if I want to once it's prepped, so my concerns about the tippy feeling may go away once I take it for a spin.

Since this is an M50 forum, I should really post this next question in a different m-j forum, but I'll ask it here as well:

Have any of you ridden a DR and KLR (2008 model), and of the 2, which do you recommend for a beginner and why? I don't plan to take it off road much (90/10 street v. dirt).

[boooya]

There is a huge diffrence in handling beetween the C50 and M50 my brother in law has the C50 and we somtimes switch because he loves the handling of mine but perfers the looks of his. Front suspension is completely different between the 2, so is riding position and handlebars are wider and further back witch in all makes for a more comfortable and relaxed riding position but handling suffers.

As far as too big a bike not a chance, im 5'11" 185lbs and it fits me like a glove, however it seems to fit everyone perfectly regardless of how tall u are or weight

All in all its a good bike for a newbie or an experienced rider. Its just a well rounded bike, the only thing you might not like is the seat, alot of M50 riders complain about sore a$$, C50 the same but plenty of fixes for that. As far as vibration, I have just under 10,000 kms on mine and hatake it up to 180kpm on a regular basis and have not felt any vibrations.

So whatever you choose to buy, with the M50 you just can't go wrong. its gonna come down too looks. You either love it or hate it

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by budlyte

Since this is an M50 forum, I should really post this next question in a different m-j forum, but I'll ask it here as well:

Have any of you ridden a DR and KLR (2008 model), and of the 2, which do you recommend for a beginner and why? I don't plan to take it off road much (90/10 street v. dirt).

I think most members scan all the topics for new messages.

Have you seen the S40 or S50 ?? Might be hard to find one but worth a look.
IIRC, both are more of a "standard" style.