Opinions on Boulevard S50 vs S83 or M50?

[PrincessBandit]

I'm wondering whether one of these might be a better option for me than the bandit, which I'm finding quite top heavy. I sat on an S50 this afternoon and like the idea of my feet being flat on the ground with some flex still in my knees.

I truly love my bandit and would love to hold onto it, but wonder if ultimately a short arse like me, with no much in the way of muscles might be better off going down the cruiser path.

Any opinions for me to consider?

p.s. budget is limited so hence the models listed.

[duckonin]

I'm wondering whether one of these might be a better option for me than the bandit, which I'm finding quite top heavy. I sat on an S50 this afternoon and like the idea of my feet being flat on the ground with some flex still in my knees.

I truly love my bandit and would love to hold onto it, but wonder if ultimately a short arse like me, with no much in the way of muscles might be better off going down the cruiser path.

Any opinions for me to consider?

p.s. budget is limited so hence the models listed.

U may have a limited budget, but they are all good bikes...

[Edbear]

I agree, they are all good but I lean slightly towards the M50 as it provides a muscle look and a lot of fun! Same engine as my C50T which means in a lighter bike, good power.

You'll have to get used to less cornering ability, but it's a whole different riding style. I love my bike and can't honestly justify any other bike for my riding. I commute every day and it's okay for splitting, light to handle and instant grunt when needed.

Touring of course is its forte and I can load it up to the nines with the saddle bags. I love the screen and don't need earplugs. You might like to try a C50T if you can find one second hand before you make up your mind.

[AllanB]

All nice bikes.
Kawasaki did a nice VN800 as well - now replaced with the larger VN900

And don't overlook the Honda 750 Shadow - that has a very low seat height.

Or a nice Nightster maybe :yes:

Dare I say - test ride.

[MidnightMike]

I'm wondering whether one of these might be a better option for me than the bandit, which I'm finding quite top heavy. I sat on an S50 this afternoon and like the idea of my feet being flat on the ground with some flex still in my knees.

Any opinions for me to consider?

p.s. budget is limited so hence the models listed.

It would be a good idea to check out what Kawasaki has too.

The VN500 (great price for a brand new bike) http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser//auction-230161548.htm

Or stepping it up the VN900: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser//auction-215531807.htm (Verrrry nice.)

I was down at BayCity Motorcycles this afternoon (hence mentioning those two) The VN500 is very low though, would suit you perfectly (Read the ad)


U may have a limited budget, but they are all good bikes...

Except the S40 - It didnt take long for them to swarm trademe's cruiser listings....


I agree, they are all good but I lean slightly towards the M50 as it provides a muscle look and a lot of fun! Same engine as my C50T which means in a lighter bike, good power.

I agree with Edbear, if I was going boulevard I'd be picking up an M50. Second hand prices are quite good now. They are around 12.5k new on the road, second hand you're looking at 8.5-10k depending on km's etc.

Eg: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-233937121.htm

Or if purple isn't your thing: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-232519227.htm

[popelli]

Any opinions for me to consider?



only the obvious a harley sportster, second hand they are often cheaper than the japanese versions

[YellowDog]

Hey Princess, I think you should persevere with the Bandit as it is a proper bike and not a cruiser (nothing against cruisers).

I must say that I have been steering the more petite ladies I know towards the new Gladius or even an older SV because they are smaller/lighter bikes.
The new Boulevard range does look very nice indeed. There are a lot of M50s around because some owners are disappointed by the power (or lack of it). It is however down to your own preference and riding style.

If budget is limited and you are set on a cruiser, why don’t you look at the M50’s predecessor being the Marauder. It’s a much lighter bike and has a great classic look about it.

Good luck

[rainman]

why don’t you look at the M50’s predecessor being the Marauder. It’s a much lighter bike and has a great classic look about it.


I got one of dem. I love it, but y'know, I'm probably not that discerning :)

Has a great low centre of gravity, very comfy to ride. If I had to buy another bike, I'd give serious consideration to an M50.

But the only way to know is to test ride.

[DELLORTO]

only the obvious a harley sportster, second hand they are often cheaper than the japanese versions

na dont get one of those......the engines are made by briggs&stratton {lawnmower makers} get a s50 my dad has one, they look good,sound good and are realy fast

[s8306]

I'm wondering whether one of these might be a better option for me than the bandit, which I'm finding quite top heavy. I sat on an S50 this afternoon and like the idea of my feet being flat on the ground with some flex still in my knees.

I truly love my bandit and would love to hold onto it, but wonder if ultimately a short arse like me, with no much in the way of muscles might be better off going down the cruiser path.

Any opinions for me to consider?

p.s. budget is limited so hence the models listed.

Go on to Intruder Alert Cafe and ask there,it's a site dedicated to the Intruder/Boulevard range.

[scumdog]

na dont get one of those......the engines are made by briggs&stratton {lawnmower makers} get a s50 my dad has one, they look good,sound good and are realy fast


Oh-kaaay...so you think she needs a good looking good sounding fast bike.

But not a Harley:???

[AllanB]

Got another for your list .......

Triumph bonnie

Either the America (cruiser style) or the new SE (nice low seat).

[Edbear]

Oh-kaaay...so you think she needs a good looking good sounding fast bike.

But not a Harley:???

Weren't you trying to get the Dyna T up to the Sportster performance level? How's it going?

[Virago]

The biggest problem with the cruisers that boast a "low seat height", is that they often have way-forward foot controls. When coupled with stubby drag-bar style bars, the short-arses end up riding in the "paper-clip" position - feet and hands stretched forward, arse poking out the rear. Ridiculous looking, and very uncomfortable after a while.

The best option is to sit on as many as possible, and test-ride where you can.

[Winston001]

only the obvious a harley sportster, second hand they are often cheaper than the japanese versions

+10

You'd have to try one if you really want to change.

[Jiminy]

I love my M50, but I wouldn't consider a light bike, and she's quite wide and not necessarily convenient if you are petite.

My sister has just changed from a sportster 883 to a BMW (can't remember the model, possibly f800). She loved her 883, but never felt secure on it because the bike felt too heavy and too rough to handle and because of the foot position.

I haven't tested the S50 and S83, but my ex-girlfriend is the proud owner of an Intruder 800 (ancestor of the S50), which she reckons is the perfect bike for her because of the low seat and narrow body (she is really petite).

I guess you now have an excuse to test ride a few models :whistle: :scooter:

[PrincessBandit]

I love my M50, but I wouldn't consider a light bike, and she's quite wide and not necessarily convenient if you are petite.

My sister has just changed from a sportster 883 to a BMW (can't remember the model, possibly f800). She loved her 883, but never felt secure on it because the bike felt too heavy and too rough to handle and because of the foot position.

I haven't tested the S50 and S83, but my ex-girlfriend is the proud owner of an Intruder 800 (ancestor of the S50), which she reckons is the perfect bike for her because of the low seat and narrow body (she is really petite).

I guess you now have an excuse to test ride a few models :whistle: :scooter:

heehee, yes, good opportunity to try out a few. Sat on the S50 at Haldane's this morning while it was out waiting for the joker who was taking it for a spin. Funny to be able to actually stand astride the bike!!!

Thanks for the suggestions people, really appreciate it. And yes, Yellowdog, thank you too for suggesting I stick with the bandit. Ramon softened it all up for me this morning and must admit that it did make quite a difference. Also going to still look into getting my boots built up - taking them to Gemmells in Ellerslie on Tuesday after my specialist appointment. :clap:

After looking at some of these lovelies even my husband has admitted he could be lured from the dark side (big scooter) to the light (motorbikes)!

[Edbear]

heehee, yes, good opportunity to try out a few. Sat on the S50 at Haldane's this morning while it was out waiting for the joker who was taking it for a spin. Funny to be able to actually stand astride the bike!!!

Thanks for the suggestions people, really appreciate it. And yes, Yellowdog, thank you too for suggesting I stick with the bandit. Ramon softened it all up for me this morning and must admit that it did make quite a difference. Also going to still look into getting my boots built up - taking them to Gemmells in Ellerslie on Tuesday after my specialist appointment. :clap:

After looking at some of these lovelies even my husband has admitted he could be lured from the dark side (big scooter) to the light (motorbikes)!

What's his long term opinion on the Burgman? I personally like them but have not yet ridden one.

[wainui]

Gidday mate i have 750 intruder ancestor to S50. my lady is petite as well and sits astride and can stand up with it between legs and stretch at lights.Good power and manouverable.It is a good ladies bike and you are not stretched out would suit your height perfectly.

[Maha]

Which would you rather been seen on?
The M50 is an 800 right?
The S83 = 1400?
Whats the S50?

[popelli]

Whats the S50?


some sort of oil or cleaning compound isn't it?

[popelli]

Any opinions for me to consider?



ducati 600 monster, low seat height, easy to ride, great exhaust note and is a proper bike

my wife has one and loves it

[duckonin]

Which would you rather been seen on?
The M50 is an 800 right?
The S83 = 1400?
Whats the S50?

If you are serious the S50....S =sport and is also an 800

[Hitcher]

Any opinions for me to consider?

Keep your Bandit. You don't want a cruisier. Srsly.

[Gummie]

princess was that you that pulled up at haldaines on saturday morning? lol
I had just taken the S50 out for a spin.
Was a little small for me personally, tried a C50 and that was to big for me and what i want to do.
M50 is what i am looking for.
Good luck with the decision.
Oh and i was in the subaru leaving when you pulled up.

[jafar]

Which would you rather been seen on?
The M50 is an 800 right?
The S83 = 1400?
Whats the S50?

M50 & S50 are both 50 cubic inches or for old men like you 800 cc:Punk:


some sort of oil or cleaning compound isn't it?

Thats WD 40 :doh:


If you are serious the S50....S =sport and is also an 800

Slow would be a better desceiption.:jerry:

[NOWOOL]

I like the M50 and its a great all around bike, but for me it just didn't have any soul. It was kinda like driving a Honda car: safe, secure and everything where I expected it. confident unless pushed. the black engine covers were a turnoff to me but appeal to most.
the S50 is a whole different bike: about the same seat height, but totally different. It has character but its kind of like riding a 'mee too'. but mind ya it'll probably never break!

[NOWOOL]

Which would you rather been seen on?
The M50 is an 800 right?
The S83 = 1400?
Whats the S50?

What would you rather been seen on!?!...there's the mark of a poor earner looking for status of wealth! ROFLMAO

[Maha]

What would you rather been seen on!?!...there's the mark of a poor earner looking for status of wealth! ROFLMAO

Oh hell yeah, thats why I own a CB1300 :laugh:
Ya would have though that with the money I am on I would gone for something more 'glitzy' and 'glam' :Oops:


(pt)

[NOWOOL]

Oh hell yeah, thats why I own a CB1300 :laugh:
Ya would have though that with the money I am on I would gone for something more 'glitzy' and 'glam' :Oops:


(pt)

Nah, you kinda made my point...us rich don't go for 'BLING'....we drive Lexus and Infiniti......bling cars were so, like, last decade! LOL a Honda cb1300 is like lunch money. if I bought a honda it would be the DN-01.

[Jerry74]

My M50 is super reliable and goes really well once you punch a hole or two in the baffles

[VS14]

Hi,
I have a 2004 VS1400 (S83) and my partner has a 2008 VN900 custom. The VN900 is a smooth, well behaved bike, nice easy gear change, nice clutch action, looks smart, etc, etc. The VS1400 seems heavier (although only 5 kg in it), the clutch can be a bit grabby, and the shift from 1st to 2nd can be a bit crunchy at times. It has a small fuel tank (160k around town, 250k in country), but it is a wonderfully lean, raw beast. If ever I trade it, the new bike will have to be quite something.
for what it is worth .....

[DELLORTO]

I have an S50 it is only 210kg's and has 50 hp. the lightness and low center of gravity makes it very forgiving to ride. the M50 is being replaced by a new model, without the "batman" styling. it dependes what you want, but the S50 feels more like a motorcycle, the M50 is very smooth and quiet a bit scooterish for me. unless you are riding 2up there is really no need for a 1400cc engine on that frame.