Brand Spankin' New!

[GAR-M50]

Hello all...

First off I want to thank all of you people here on this site. I was doing a LOT of research prior to getting a bike, and this was one of the sites that I was able to find alot of information on. Searching the forums beforehand and getting all the knowledge I could makes me feel that I ultimately made a well informed decision (hopefully).

I took the MSF course a couple of weeks ago and got my license Tuesday. Until the MSF course, I had never ridden a bike. While waiting to get the license I stopped in on this last Saturday to check out bikes and found a used 2005 Suzuki Boulevard M50 (profile/avatar photo is a stock photo of that same bike). I had looked online and a few places and this seemed like the best deal. I wanted to get a used bike that had some character so when I drop it I don't feel like I just destroyed the thing! So far so good, but I don't delude myself into thinking that I it won't happen at some point.

It came with a set of saddlebags, SpitFire windshield, and a backrest for the passenger. I just took the bags off, but plan to keep the rest as is.

The bike has 10,000 miles on it and only a palm-sized scuff on the tank by the emblem, which I think some touch-up paint can handle pretty easily.

We had little 250cc Rebels at the course and I wanted to get something that I wouldn't out-grow within a month, but not so large I wouldn't be able to handle it. I'm 6'2" and about 240 and the M50 seems to do just fine for me. Been riding it around for the last few days and so far so good! This bike will be my daily commuter so I look forward to getting a chance to ride it every day. The commute is only 2.5 miles by the way, but with my Durango I would take that same drive and have to pay 80 bucks at the pump every three weeks.

I guess the purpose of my post is to ask what I can expect from my "new to me" purchase... Miles/gallon, longevity, how long before I will be looking for a bigger bike, etc...

Thanks for any responses...

[tallannie]

you made a great choice... Welcome !

good on ya for taking the MSF course too...

[SNAFU]

to M-J Michael!

Great choice, you cango to the M50 hideaway to find some answers.

Here is a recent post for mpg. http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...-talk-mpg.html

Many have purchased this bike for the same reason as you and maybe one day you might want something bigger or maybe not, but for now you I think you will be very happy with this purchase.

Ride safe.

[Rickster]

Welcome to the forum, you made a good choice for a first bike,

However, it kind of sounds like you think owning it is going to save you money, nothing could be further from the truth. Fact is the purchase price, and maintenance costs of the bike will be 10, no, more like 50 times more than the pittance you will save on gas for your cage, and it's going to cost you time that you could be spending somewhere else.

The only time a motorcycle becomes an economical option to a car, is if you actually get rid of the car.

You will wind up putting just as many miles on your cage this year as you did last year, there will always be some reason to not ride it to work. Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, too windy, too many meetings that day, too much stuff to pick up on your way home, etc.

Motorcycles are a toy, and a luxury, and for those of us that love them, a heck of a lot of fun to ride, but the only real practical purpose they serve is a means of relieving daily pressure. They are very therapeutic, and offer a great way to relax your troubles away, but they are definitely not economical.

I'm not trying to bust your chops here, I just know that proper perspective on things is a good thing for me, and maybe you too.

Again welcome to the forum.

[frostbitevinnie]

My bike gets great mileage. The only problem is that I go 20 miles out of the way to get home. After I get home and have dinner I go for a ride, well during riding season anyway. It's expensive but well worth the cost in my opinion. Ya only live once!!

[robertc729]

[deertracker57]

Welcome to MJ michael.Last year I put 7000 miles on my c50 and about 300 on my truck just going back and forth to work and some short rides.I would rather ride my bike any time.Can't say I saved that much money though .My truck is already paid for. Have fun riding.