Returning to Ride... But Ride What? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

WARainMan · 09-17-2006, 08:14 PM

After 20 years, I'm returning to the bike. I will complete my MSF class this week and then go shopping for m'lady. I've recently sat a several bikes and narrowed it down to two that I like the best: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and Suzuki M50.

Both bikes have great features, but aside from what the salesman says, I don't have much information as to the strengths and weaknesses of each.

That being said, I'm leaning towards the M50. I like the muscle-bike look, cast wheels (vs. spoked), and the seemingly straighter handlebars (amongst over things).

Does anyone wanna gimme their 0.02 worth?

p.s. I am 6'2", 270 lbs (and going down

)

chadrob30 · 09-17-2006, 08:35 PM

I had an '05 M50 and loved it. EFI and shaft drive was all I needed to see and I rode it home. I've since traded up to the M109R, but you need to crawl before you walk, lol. Good luck with your decision.

md2lgyk · 09-18-2006, 10:41 AM

I have an '03 Marauder (predecessor of the M50). I'm 6'6" and 175 pounds; it fits me just right. It's a great bike, but if I had it to do again I'd go for the C50 instead.

Apertureguy · 09-18-2006, 01:27 PM

Well, I can't honestly speak about the Kawi....I haven't been on one of those in 20 years...but I'm guessing it's still good.

On the other hand the M50 I can speak about. I've had mine for several months now (maybe 6) & it's a very nice bike. Maintenance is easy and nearly nonexistant (sp?).

She handles very smoothly, has amazing pickup, great fuel economy...and as you said yourself...she's got that muscle look.

I'm 6ft, and roughly 200 pounds. The bike fits me very nicely. Besides that...I was won over by the price...it was easily acceptible for what I purchased.

**drgibson** · 09-18-2006, 02:04 PM

What type of riding are you going to do? Short trips, long hauls? Is it just you you or will there be a passenger?

WARainMan · 09-18-2006, 11:37 PM

Thanks for the replys. My first priority is commuting, zipping around town. I will also do occasional weekend rides, but seldom will I ride 2-up. My wife doesn't want to get on a bike.

I've also been considering the C50. I like some of it's features, but I'm still leaning toward the M50.

SNAFU · 09-18-2006, 11:58 PM

M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50!

My 0.02

Scott58 · 09-19-2006, 12:10 AM

S50. If your looking for performance. It's the jackrabbit of the bunch.

**inspiron** · 09-19-2006, 07:05 AM

Damn SNAFU, I think I'm going blind!

**drgibson** · 09-19-2006, 07:46 AM

On weekend rides the M50 = sore butt.

Apertureguy · 09-19-2006, 09:33 AM

Next time don't stop at the bar if it has a sign in the image of a pink champagne glass.

tigerdude77 · 09-19-2006, 10:45 AM

I did EXACTLY what you're doing last December. Had not ridden a bike in 26 years, and slected a 2003 vs800 - probably similar to the M50 (I think it's the same engine). I would recommend that bike. I don't know about the other one though. The vs800 has been ideal for me. Not too big nor too small. Plenty of power for me (and I'm about 190 5'8"). I even do okay with my wife on back, but ride for awhile before going 2-up. Maybe 3-6 months, depending on comfort level. I rode on my street, then neighborhood, then back roads, then finally interstate. Wear protective gear!! Watch those dang cars, 'cause they'll not see you (I guess). Have a safe and enjoyable riding experience. I've logged over 3500 miles since December, and all of them have been great.

===========
edit
===========
Just noticed your size. If you ever plan to ride 2-up, the 50 series might be a little on the small side. Maybe you'd better look at a little larger bike. Maybe the kawa 1500 (pretty bike- I really like this bike), or the 83 series. Just a thought. But if you don't plan to do the 2-up anytme soon, then the 50 series is probably fine for the 1st year. You'll want a larger bike after that (I would bet). Just select a good used 50 series, and then you can trade up later without losing too much (or no) money.

WARainMan · 09-22-2006, 08:19 PM

Thanks for the replys and good advice. I just completed my MSF class, scoring 100 on the written, but not quite that good on the practical. I was nailing everything in the practice, but choked in the test. Still passed, though. And it rained for the whole course, which I thought was a confidence builder.

When we were done, one of the instructors cornered me and suggested that after getting a few months' experience I should consider joining them as an instructor. (tootin' my own horn). I musta made an impression.

**Clint** · 09-22-2006, 08:30 PM

Great job! Any more thoughts on a bike?

WARainMan · 09-22-2006, 08:53 PM

Thanks! I was sad to have the class come to an end.

After sitting on more bikes, I still like the M50 the best. I think it will work well for me until I decide to upgrade in a year or two. We'll see if anything changes between now and when I write the check.

ts250girl · 05-13-2007, 08:44 PM

It's been some months... did you get the M50? If so, how do you like it?

WARainMan · 05-15-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ts250girl

It's been some months... did you get the M50? If so, how do you like it?

Hi. Yea, ended up with an M50 AND a V-Strom DL1000!!! However, I am selling the M50. It's a great bike, but the V-Strom better fits my style.

How about this weather!

ts250girl · 05-18-2007, 11:38 PM

Congrats. V-stroms are awesome. Too bad they are too heavy for me...

Samurai · 05-19-2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WARainMan

............. I've recently sat a several bikes and narrowed it down to two that I like the best: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and Suzuki M50.
.
.

Does anyone wanna gimme their 0.02 worth?
.
.

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and Suzuki M50? Both of 'em are not available in Japan (it sucks!) - it's absolutely personal like but I wish I could get a C50 that is not available either. Sorry for not an adequate comment for your question.

Samurai · 05-19-2007, 01:18 AM

WARainMan:

Stupid Samurai (me) should have checked the date you posted. How do you like the current toy?

09-17-2006, 08:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
WARainMan In Training Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: '07 V-Strom DL1000 (Black!) Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 146	Returning to Ride... But Ride What? After 20 years, I'm returning to the bike. I will complete my MSF class this week and then go shopping for m'lady. I've recently sat a several bikes and narrowed it down to two that I like the best: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and Suzuki M50. Both bikes have great features, but aside from what the salesman says, I don't have much information as to the strengths and weaknesses of each. That being said, I'm leaning towards the M50. I like the muscle-bike look, cast wheels (vs. spoked), and the seemingly straighter handlebars (amongst over things). Does anyone wanna gimme their 0.02 worth? p.s. I am 6'2", 270 lbs (and going down )

09-17-2006, 08:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
chadrob30 Fourth gear and illegal Joined: May 2005 Bike: gone. Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas Posts: 759	I had an '05 M50 and loved it. EFI and shaft drive was all I needed to see and I rode it home. I've since traded up to the M109R, but you need to crawl before you walk, lol. Good luck with your decision. __________________ Currently bikeless.

09-18-2006, 10:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
md2lgyk Wants Better Weather Joined: May 2004 Bike: '03 Marauder 800 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 658	I have an '03 Marauder (predecessor of the M50). I'm 6'6" and 175 pounds; it fits me just right. It's a great bike, but if I had it to do again I'd go for the C50 instead. __________________ "The great object is, that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun." - Thomas Jefferson

09-18-2006, 02:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
drgibson Thumper Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,258	What type of riding are you going to do? Short trips, long hauls? Is it just you you or will there be a passenger? __________________ Looking for better fuel economy? Consider a KLR... Better gas milage then a Prius or a Smart car, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg and your testosterone.

09-18-2006, 11:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
SNAFU Want's A New Title Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,444	M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! M50! My 0.02 __________________

09-18-2006, 01:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
Apertureguy Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 2,920	Well, I can't honestly speak about the Kawi....I haven't been on one of those in 20 years...but I'm guessing it's still good. On the other hand the M50 I can speak about. I've had mine for several months now (maybe 6) & it's a very nice bike. Maintenance is easy and nearly nonexistant (sp?). She handles very smoothly, has amazing pickup, great fuel economy...and as you said yourself...she's got that muscle look. I'm 6ft, and roughly 200 pounds. The bike fits me very nicely. Besides that...I was won over by the price...it was easily acceptible for what I purchased.

09-18-2006, 11:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
WARainMan In Training Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: '07 V-Strom DL1000 (Black!) Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 146	Thanks for the replys. My first priority is commuting, zipping around town. I will also do occasional weekend rides, but seldom will I ride 2-up. My wife doesn't want to get on a bike. I've also been considering the C50. I like some of it's features, but I'm still leaning toward the M50.

09-19-2006, 12:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
Scott58 Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Honda Rebel and 05 Suzuki S50 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 392	S50. If your looking for performance. It's the jackrabbit of the bunch.

09-19-2006, 07:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 11,418	Damn SNAFU, I think I'm going blind! __________________ blog: gsx1400

09-19-2006, 07:46 AM	#10 (permalink)
drgibson Thumper Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,258	On weekend rides the M50 = sore butt. __________________ Looking for better fuel economy? Consider a KLR... Better gas milage then a Prius or a Smart car, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg and your testosterone.

09-19-2006, 09:33 AM	#11 (permalink)
Apertureguy Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 2,920	Next time don't stop at the bar if it has a sign in the image of a pink champagne glass.

09-19-2006, 10:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
tigerdude77 In Training Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 2003 vs800 Intruder Location: B'ham, AL Posts: 120	I did EXACTLY what you're doing last December. Had not ridden a bike in 26 years, and slected a 2003 vs800 - probably similar to the M50 (I think it's the same engine). I would recommend that bike. I don't know about the other one though. The vs800 has been ideal for me. Not too big nor too small. Plenty of power for me (and I'm about 190 5'8"). I even do okay with my wife on back, but ride for awhile before going 2-up. Maybe 3-6 months, depending on comfort level. I rode on my street, then neighborhood, then back roads, then finally interstate. Wear protective gear!! Watch those dang cars, 'cause they'll not see you (I guess). Have a safe and enjoyable riding experience. I've logged over 3500 miles since December, and all of them have been great. =========== edit =========== Just noticed your size. If you ever plan to ride 2-up, the 50 series might be a little on the small side. Maybe you'd better look at a little larger bike. Maybe the kawa 1500 (pretty bike- I really like this bike), or the 83 series. Just a thought. But if you don't plan to do the 2-up anytme soon, then the 50 series is probably fine for the 1st year. You'll want a larger bike after that (I would bet). Just select a good used 50 series, and then you can trade up later without losing too much (or no) money. Last edited by tigerdude77; 09-19-2006 at 10:53 AM.

09-22-2006, 08:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
WARainMan In Training Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: '07 V-Strom DL1000 (Black!) Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 146	Thanks for the replys and good advice. I just completed my MSF class, scoring 100 on the written, but not quite that good on the practical. I was nailing everything in the practice, but choked in the test. Still passed, though. And it rained for the whole course, which I thought was a confidence builder. When we were done, one of the instructors cornered me and suggested that after getting a few months' experience I should consider joining them as an instructor. (tootin' my own horn). I musta made an impression.

09-22-2006, 08:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
WARainMan In Training Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: '07 V-Strom DL1000 (Black!) Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 146	Thanks! I was sad to have the class come to an end. After sitting on more bikes, I still like the M50 the best. I think it will work well for me until I decide to upgrade in a year or two. We'll see if anything changes between now and when I write the check.

05-13-2007, 08:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
ts250girl In Training Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: too many to list, 1969-2005 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posts: 138	It's been some months... did you get the M50? If so, how do you like it? __________________ Julia in Seattle (finally with a new bike and some good weather)

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05-18-2007, 11:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
ts250girl In Training Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: too many to list, 1969-2005 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posts: 138	Congrats. V-stroms are awesome. Too bad they are too heavy for me... __________________ Julia in Seattle (finally with a new bike and some good weather)

05-19-2007, 01:18 AM	#20 (permalink)
Samurai Formerly Rice Burner Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: ST250E & Royal Enfield Location: Kanagawa, Japan Posts: 630	WARainMan: Stupid Samurai (me) should have checked the date you posted. How do you like the current toy?

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