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| | #1 (permalink) |
| In Training ![]() Joined: Sep 2006
Bike: '07 V-Strom DL1000 (Black!)
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 146
| 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 |
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| | #2 (permalink) |
| Fourth gear and illegal ![]() | 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. |
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| | #3 (permalink) |
| 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 |
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| | #4 (permalink) |
| Bridal Boutique Manager ![]() | 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. |
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| | #5 (permalink) |
| 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. |
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| | #6 (permalink) |
| 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. |
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| | #10 (permalink) |
| 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. |
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| | #12 (permalink) |
| 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. |
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| | #13 (permalink) |
| 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. |
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| | #14 (permalink) | |||||
| Rowdy no mo' Joined: Dec 2003
Bike: 2002 Bandit 1200 S
Location: St. Cloud, MN, USA
Posts: 65
| Great job! Any more thoughts on a bike?
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| | #15 (permalink) |
| 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. |
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| | #17 (permalink) | |
| In Training ![]() Joined: Sep 2006
Bike: '07 V-Strom DL1000 (Black!)
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 146
| Quote:
How about this weather!
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