Which cruiser to choose?

[kens1948]

Hi All,
I am a 58 year old newbee. I rode when I was a young teen but haven't ridden at all since then. I am in the Bucket List part of my life and really want to ride. I will take the MSF soon and want some help in deciding which size bike will be a good starter for me. Your experience speaks plainly. I am 5' 8" tall at 200 pounds. I have tried the C50 and V-Star 1100. The heights feel good but the weight will probably dictate my final choice.
Please help remove my ignorance about bikes.
Thanks to All and have a great day,
Ken

[Clint]

Welcome Ken! Are you dead set on a cruiser? How's your back?

[robertc729]

the C50 is a nice bike, but it all comes down to which one you feel more comfortable with.

[ORBrit]

My father-in-law started riding a year ago, and got a VStar 650 classic on his 63rd birthday.

He loves his bike and it will probably suit his style of riding for years to come.

If you don't plan on racing around, it may be a suitable alternative to the 1100, but in my opinion it is underpowered, but I'm a bit of a racer.

[kens1948]

Thanks for the welcome Rowdy. I have problems in my neck (surgery), thorasic spine area and some lower back pains from degeneration. I am going to get a few of the guy's here to let me ride their bikes to see how my back will do. I know I won't be able to take long trips with out many stops but I do that in my regular vehicle. My thoughts were, a medium size cruiser with lumbar support. As I said I am very ignorant about bikes and that is why I posted here. Do you think it would not be a good idea to get a cruiser? Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks for your quick reply.
Ken

[nolafishr]

I have a Roadstar 1700 and Love it. Have you looked at them or ride one? You owe it to yourself, it may be a bit of a Bike for you I am not sure, I am 5'8" and weigh 220 lbs and can handle it well, I had it now 6 months.

"It is not what you Ride, it is the Fact that you Ride"

2005 Roadstar 1700 Maroon

[Thundurburd]

Ken, your situation is very similar to mine. I bought my bike at 59, last bike was when I was teenager. I'm 5'-7" and, well, I wish I was 200 pounds.

I looked at the C50 and thought it was a very nice bike. I ended up getting the S50 which is great for me. It's 100 pounds lighter than the C50 and a little shorter in the wheelbase. I've heard the C50 is better on the highways so if you are planning on some long trips that might be a good choice. Not much information but it's something.

There are lots of C50 owners here to I'll bet you'll get a lot of feedback.

BTW, when you have a chance fill out your profile (up in the UserCP tab.)

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by kens1948

Do you think it would not be a good idea to get a cruiser? Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated.
Ken

Hi Ken from.........(please fill out your profile!)
From Ken from Illinois.

My story:
I'm 61. Been riding for about 40 years. Started on a Honda S90 and worked my way up to a 600.......that would do 100 mph with 2 gears left!! Last year, after pushing the bike around for the first ride of spring, I decided that I needed something smaller and lighter. Went all the way down to a Suzuki GZ250. Best move I ever made. I'm 5'6" and 170 but with short legs.
Bike is small and light yet still looks good. Top speed is about 70 (with a tail wind) so it's not good for freeway riding but will do side roads at 55 all day long.
Many people consider a 250 cruiser or standard to be a starter bike but someone in your position might find that it's all you need. Used ones with low miles are fairly common ......from those who do feel a need to upgrade.

[kens1948]

Thanks Thunderburd. I just finished my profile. I really think I will get a lot of help here. This seems to be a very active forum.
Ken

[Alex13]

M50, but its got to be black! Haha, but I might be a bit bias.

[amvince]

Read & Research. Its better to start a little smaller and used if you can because as you get comfortable you can still get most of your money back when you decide to move up. Just my opinion.

I bought my first bike in 20 years last year and bought a new M50 so maybe I didn't follow my own advice on the used part. I did get a great discount at the deealer though.

[khoysagk]

You may also want to look at the not so well known Hyosung GV250 Aquila. My wife owns it and loves it. 250cc with a 28hp v-twin at about 370lbs. Better looking cruiser and probably better bike than others in it's class overall. I almost bought one for myself when I test rode it but settled for a c50t after all.
here's a link to the 2005 model but the 2007 is pretty much the same:
2005 Hyosung GV 250 Aquila specifications and pictures

[SNAFU]

to M-J Ken!

Good luck on your search. Test ride an M50 before you make a decision.

[Fishpart]

Welcome! M50 sounds like it would be perfect for you! (RED)

[inspiron]

Hey Ken,

I would also ask if a standard bike (e.g. Suzuki SV or Bandit 650, Honda CBF, etc.) might not be a better choice for you, considering you've got some back issues.

Sitting on a cruiser, the "heels to the wind" position puts a lot of weight on your tailbone and spine.

A standard bike, with a slight forward position, puts more of your weight on your thighs, taking some pressure off your back. It may be a better choice for you if you plan on making longer rides.


As for the bike's weight - once it's moving, you hardly notice. It really doesn't matter if you are riding a 300 lb race bike or an 800 lb Goldwing - once it's moving, the weight is not too important. The only place you notice the weight is when you stop or park.

[blackie1491]

I am 67 and ride a C50SE, which like the C50T.
I have ridden it for 3 years and find it just right, having said that I did add a Mustang seat which moves me up and forward an inch. With the addition of a riders backrest it may make it easier on your back.

Go to some dealers, sit on some friends bikes, do your MSF course then see if you can get some seat time on different bikes.

As a new rider one of the problems will be he death grip we all use when we first ride. Riding with a little slack in the arms will reduce rider strain and make the ride more enjoyable.

I hope it goes well for you.

Bob

[Mechanic]

Hi Ken
I am sixty-one and have been riding bikes all my life, there has been alot of good advise passed on to you here and I would suggest you find the bike you feel most comforable on and go with it. I have had two back operations and ride a Suzuki 1500 LC Intruder, same as the C90 basiclly. I have had a drivers back rest for years and won't ride without it now. The one thing I would think about is if you buy a bike that is a little small on power and weight now you may regret it in a year once you have some experience. You may want to start small with a cheaper used bike and make your final decission after you have ridden for a while, then go out and buy the one you like. Just my humble oppinion. What ever you decide, I am glad to see you are taking the riders safety course, take care, stay safe, and most of all enjoy the ride my friend, we only pass by this way once. Doug

[md2lgyk]

My goodness, I hope 58 isn't Bucket List territory - I turn 60 in a couple of months. I've been riding nearly continuously for 35 years or so, and currently have a Marauder 800 (predecessor of the M50). I'm 6'6", 175, and it works well for me. I have a Mustang seat and Memphis Shades windshield, otherwise pretty much stock.

[jerth6932]

[baltimorebayside]

Ken, welcome to the forum!!!

I'm turning 53 this May and have been riding bikes since high school. However, after I married and had kids I stopped. I just started again last summer after a 17 year span.....I bought a used flawless 1992 Honda 750 NIghthawk.....after the summer was over I decided it was time for dear ole Dad here to get something a little nicer.....

Just signed the papers yesterday on a 2008 C50T....I can't wait until today after work....it's being delivered......

It feels nice, but I want to take my time getting used to the cruiser style position, since I'm used to the Old-School Honda types.....

dan