Medium size cruisers

[skinman]

I have just got my full & looking to go from a 250 virago to someting big enough to ride 2 up but small enough to commute on.
The list of bikes to look at so far....
Honda VT750 shadow
Kawasaki 750 or 900 Vulcan
Yamaha 650 dragstar
Suzuki S50, C50 or 800 intruder
Motto Guzzi Nevada or California
If anyone has some comments or advise it would be appreciated.
I have noticed there seems to be a lot of Honda Shadows for sale, why? It doesnt appear to be a bad bike.

Thanks

[Taz]

Out of all of those the Moto Guzzi's are the only ones any good at going round corners.

[munster]

Don't overlook the Suzuki M50 as well. Has more of a muscle look than the C50, same motor, totally different bike.

I have a friend with a VT750 and the M50 eats it.

Are you looking new or second hand?

[Grumpy]

Triumph Speedmaster or America deserve a mention as well.

[wysper]

the 2 up part of the OP pretty much rules out the Speedmaster (not much of a pillion seat there really), but the America def a nice option.

[Grumpy]

the 2 up part of the OP pretty much rules out the Speedmaster (not much of a pillion seat there really), but the America def a nice option.
Ah, good point. My wife did comment on that when we looked at a Speedmaster.

[hellokitty]

I went from a Suzuki Intruder 250 to a Honda VT750. It was very easy.
I Love my VT750 but it would be no good for the pillion. The back seat is tiny and the foot pegs high. I put my Mum on the back - she is 5 foot 2 inches, and a small person - there was no room! I suggest putting your wife on each bike you try.
The Yamaha has a bigger seat but they are more expensive.

[Gone Burger]

Don't overlook the Suzuki M50 as well. Has more of a muscle look than the C50, same motor, totally different bike.

I have a friend with a VT750 and the M50 eats it.

Are you looking new or second hand?

Agreed - the M50 has a very impressive look and gets many coments anywhere it is taken. Have ridden with my mum on the back also (go Kitty!) and there seemed to be enough room back there and it handled ok.

Plenty of power and it can also just cruise. A little wide for some seriuos filtering in peak hour traffic though. I have had some issues with mine which I hope have got sorted now, but know from riding the demo bike and from the reviews that these are a very solid mid range cruiser.

Am thinking of selling mine soon (done 7000km, 5 months old) as I think I am more suited to a sports bike. PM me if you were ever interested. its a two two limited edition black and pearl white.

[Ocean1]

I think I am more suited to a sports bike.

What makes you think that?

[Gone Burger]

What makes you think that?

Just not very happy on my cruiser... don't enjoy scraping pegs, want to corner a little faster and tighter, and very keen on some track days. Thought I was a cruiser girl, but just love the twisities too much

[Ocean1]

Just not very happy on my cruiser... don't enjoy scraping pegs, want to corner a little faster and tighter, and very keen on some track days. Thought I was a cruiser girl, but just love the twisities too much

Fairy nuff. Opposite end of the spectrum though, have you tried any of the mid-sized sports tourers? They cover way more ground in terms of useability without the sports bike limitations...

[Edbear]

Not being biased at all... :innocent: By far the best all round bike is the C50T for pillioning. My wife and I really enjoy two-up and having the bags, backrest and screen, it's an ideal tourer. Economical, grunty enough to surprise riders of bikes twice the capacity and probably the best handling of the cruisers.

As Katiepie said, it's a but wide for lane-splitting with the sports bikes, but commuting daily in Auckland I got very good at judging the width and was splitting effectively in no time!

[Edbear]

Fairy nuff. Opposite end of the spectrum though, have you tried any of the mid-sized sports tourers? They cover way more ground in terms of useability without the sports bike limitations...

I agree, try a GSX650F on for size, the latest liquid-cooled version. They have a strong following and are one of the best all-rounders you can buy. They look great, perform strongly and are very smooth but have a more comfortable riding position than the GSX-R's.

One of my favourites though is the underrated RF400. A perfect size for you, Katie with great performance for lighter riders, too. Hard to find one these days though.

[Jackal]

Was in the same boat a couple of years ago when looking for a bigger bike. I took my wife with me and we tried many bikes for comfort for both me and the pillion. Ended up getting the California Jackal. The pillion seat height is nearly the same as the rider and footpeg position is nice and low. My wife is tall and finds the pillion position suits her. She did not want to be taller than me when sitting on the back and did not want her knees up around her ears. (Well, on the back of the bike anyway!) The Cali handles as well as the best of them and likes getting around those twisties. To top it off they look great, sound good, handle well and they are not American or Japanese!!!

[Rhubarb]

I agree with Edbear. My C50T is fantastic.

Nimble enough to ride around town (I don't lane split). Grunty enough for my Wife and I to load it up and go cruising.

I went from a GSX750 to the Boulevard - A change I should have made years ago.

[Old Steve]

While 5 months away from my full, I've been doing a lot of research. Up to firing the bike up and riding it away for a couple of hours.

My thoughts have centred around three bikes, I'm definitely a cruiser guy, and I've only considered V-twins (once bitten, stuck for life).

Honda Shadow. Lots available, though that could be damning for them, why? Shaft drive, less maintenance. Shaft drive tends to lock up if gear changed under stress.

Suzuki Boulevard C50. Fewer available, maybe Boulevard owners don't turn them over. Shaft drive advantages without the lock up problem.

Hyosung ST7. Only available new, or ex-demo, so a bit dearer. Higher ground clearance than a lot of other cruisers, good looks, though I would orefer it in burgundy. While only 700 cc, powerful enough.

[Pussy]

I agree, try a GSX650F on for size, the latest liquid-cooled version. They have a strong following and are one of the best all-rounders you can buy. They look great, perform strongly and are very smooth but have a more comfortable riding position than the GSX-R's.

One of my favourites though is the underrated RF400. A perfect size for you, Katie with great performance for lighter riders, too. Hard to find one these days though.

The liquid cooled 650 Bandit may well be worth a look, too.
I have ridden PrincessBandit's 650 Bandit... it would rate as the nicest fuelling injected bike I have ever ridden. Turbine smooth, too

[skinman]

Thanks for the input guys
I will be looking 2nd hand probably max of 8 grand at a push.
The feeling seems to be that people with boulavards really like them.
Not sure about the look of the M50, prefer the C50 look. Full rear guard.
I see a Guzzi Nevada on TM at the mo at 6500 ish. Looks like it might be a bit small to 2 up on though, but it looks like a fun ride.

[hellokitty]

Honda Shadow. Lots available, though that could be damning for them, why? Shaft drive, less maintenance. Shaft drive tends to lock up if gear changed under stress.

Suzuki Boulevard C50. Fewer available, maybe Boulevard owners don't turn them over. Shaft drive advantages without the lock up problem.



My Honda has never locked up, however I had a Suzuki s50 which would lock when changing from first to second - very scary for someone who had just got their full license.

[Festo]

For what its worth heres my experience on the boulevards. Started on the M50 a bloody good all round bike. Took it down to Wellington last year for the ACC protest and found over distance that my arse was positioned rather uncomfortably right at the rear of the seat probably due to my 5'11" height and this became an issue. Traded on the C50 and what a totally different and comfortable ride. Larger seat and footboards mean I can position the posterior much more comfortably for longer periods. Went down to Wanaka for the warbirds and thoroughly enjoyed the ride without even having to use sheepskin as i had to on the M50. Will be keeping this one for a while already run up 16000 km since January. Hope this helps.

[dilligaf_nz]

Started on the M50 a bloody good all round bike. Took it down to Wellington last year for the ACC protest and found over distance that my arse was positioned rather uncomfortably right at the rear of the seat probably due to my 5'11" height and this became an issue.

The M50 has a unique "feature" of having the rear mount right where your tail bone sits if you are over about 5'11". I'm 6' and ended up cutting the poxy mount out and modifying it for some more comfort. I've also padded the rear seat out a bit after complaints from pillions on 3 hr trips.
:violin:
I think the C50 is definitely the more comfortable than the M50, but I like the look of my M more.

Perhaps it's cause I'm still a hoon at heart :scooter:

[AllanB]

Keen an eye out for a clean VN800 Kawa too - very nice bikes. There was a Suzuki model (Maurader 800?) for a couple of years too that was a Kawasaki with Suzuki badges and a few different details (same donk as VN) - some sharing thing they did for a bit, did it with some dirt bikes too.

[YellowDog]

My two penny worth from 2008 when I thought I wanted a cruiser:

Suzuki always seem best value for money. Loved the look of the M50 but didn't have enough power for my liking. The C50 seemed to be a better ride, but more money. Tried the M109, but hated the big rear wheel cornering qualities. The Kawasaki Vulcan was very good all rounder. Honda had nothing to show me. I do now think the Shaddow looks fantastic.

My verdict was:

Cruisers are a great ride if you want others to look at you on your beautiful bike. The feet in the air thing is not for me, so I rode some other bikes before settling on thr most comforable bike I have ever ridden.

The best bike for you is the one you like best and can afford without having to sell bodyparts.

Good luck.

[jasonzc]

For what its worth heres my experience on the boulevards. Started on the M50 a bloody good all round bike. Took it down to Wellington last year for the ACC protest and found over distance that my arse was positioned rather uncomfortably right at the rear of the seat probably due to my 5'11" height and this became an issue. Traded on the C50 and what a totally different and comfortable ride. Larger seat and footboards mean I can position the posterior much more comfortably for longer periods. Went down to Wanaka for the warbirds and thoroughly enjoyed the ride without even having to use sheepskin as i had to on the M50. Will be keeping this one for a while already run up 16000 km since January. Hope this helps.

might be a bit out of ur price range, but if your looking for a new bike..

the 2010 M50 has a completely new seat design and its comfy as. I can testify! haha and you dont have to perform the lumptosectomy operation for the seat as for previous models, and passenger seating is more generous than previous versions. Great bikes..

[hellokitty]

Cruisers are a great ride if you want others to look at you on your beautiful bike. .

Or if like me, you have arthritis in your hands and wrists and are unable to ride a sports bike for any length of time. :yes: If I wanted a bike for people to look at and admire, I would have a sports bike as I think they are beautiful.
Sadly a sports bike is just not an option for me.....

[Gone Burger]

might be a bit out of ur price range, but if your looking for a new bike..

the 2010 M50 has a completely new seat design and its comfy as. I can testify! haha and you dont have to perform the lumptosectomy operation for the seat as for previous models, and passenger seating is more generous than previous versions. Great bikes..

My M50 is a 2009... and I'm a short arse! I end up sitting almost right on the tank as I can only just reach the bars, making the seating very hard for me, and I get the shock of every single bump right up my back. I do feel if you were a little taller than me (5'4") it would be a much more comfortable ride. Generally seem to be a really great bike, and I if liked just cruising, and not trying to keep up with all my mates of their sports bikes each weekend through the twisites, I might consider keeping it and adjusting it to be more comfortable and handle better for me. Hasn't quite felt right from day one, but I don't think my size and weight is helping.

Looks bloody GORGEOUS though, especially the two tone. mmmm yummy.

[O2R]

Go the C50 they cover all the bases for mid-cruiser, loved mine.
Sadly upgraded to a C90 - BIG MISTAKE.
Just looked on TradeMe, this looks like it fits your requirements, and no, I am not the seller :innocent:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-325633781.htm

[jasonzc]

My M50 is a 2009... and I'm a short arse! I end up sitting almost right on the tank as I can only just reach the bars, making the seating very hard for me, and I get the shock of every single bump right up my back. I do feel if you were a little taller than me (5'4") it would be a much more comfortable ride. Generally seem to be a really great bike, and I if liked just cruising, and not trying to keep up with all my mates of their sports bikes each weekend through the twisites, I might consider keeping it and adjusting it to be more comfortable and handle better for me. Hasn't quite felt right from day one, but I don't think my size and weight is helping.

Looks bloody GORGEOUS though, especially the two tone. mmmm yummy.

oh yea.. thats the only downside.. frekin scraping every corner thruogh teh twisties.. and roundabouts hahah. But lucky my mates ride at a resonable speed.. can always catch up on the straights though.

Im 6'2 so fits pretty much perfect if not a tad small hahah. Sorry about ur bike though.. im sure you'll find sth that will fit and be fun around the twisties..

i think my next bike is gonna be the speed tripple or a buel so i can take teh corners while not breaking my back + knees.. but thats at least 10 years away ahaha

[Edbear]

Go the C50 they cover all the bases for mid-cruiser, loved mine.
Sadly upgraded to a C90 - BIG MISTAKE.
Just looked on TradeMe, this looks like it fits your requirements, and no, I am not the seller :innocent:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-325633781.htm

Not sure why, but most C50T's advertised don't have the accessories fitted. Mine has the adjustable screen, Kentucky Drive bags and Givi backrest and looks fanatstic. In a pinch, if I was offered the right price, I might be tempted to sell it...

I bought it over the C90 for the reasons of liquid-cooling, lighter weight and at the time, $5k cheaper. We, (Mrs. Bear and I), love it and I planned on keeping it forever! Performance? My mate with the GSX1400 couldn't believe it was only 805cc and the other mate with the 1200S Bandit couldn't keep up, but then he rides like a Nana...

170km/h two-up on the straight and level is plenty fast enough and not what cruisers are for and although it doesn't have the cornering clearance of a sports bike, again, that's not what cruisers are for and of the cruisers, the C50T is probably the best handling. On a trip around the Northern Loop, (Waipoua Forest), in company with my Bro-in-law's C90, and three Harley's, a 1340 Softail, 1450 Dyna Low-Rider and a new 1600 Softail, only the 1600 would leave me behind and through the forest, my C50T and the C90 effortlessly pulled ahead of the Harley's without even trying. We were all two-up with gear and if the others started pulling away on the steeper hills, I just had to change down a gear to keep up.

The Harley riders were very impressed with the performance and handling of the C50T.

[skinman]

Has anyone got or had an S50. Theres a couple for sale. Although from what people are saying the C50 might be the way to go I am a little concerned about trying to split with something that wide. Or theres always the Guzzi Nevada just because its cool.
Havent seen a Kawa 900 Vulcan yet

[ukusa]

Thanks for the input guys
I will be looking 2nd hand probably max of 8 grand at a push.
The feeling seems to be that people with boulavards really like them.
Not sure about the look of the M50, prefer the C50 look. Full rear guard.
I see a Guzzi Nevada on TM at the mo at 6500 ish. Looks like it might be a bit small to 2 up on though, but it looks like a fun ride.

Best thing is to rIde them all. I'd also add to the mix a Triumph America

[skinman]

The triumph looks good but not sure I can get enough mula out of the financial controller.

[O2R]

Although from what people are saying the C50 might be the way to go I am a little concerned about trying to split with something that wide.
Rode a sports bike before the C50, had the same concerns as you, but it only took a few days to work out the width of the bike, splitting lanes no worries.
If your mirrors fit, the whole bike does, easy.
Pop into Colemans, Matt or Alistair are more than happy to let you test drive one for a couple of hours, you'll have a better idea after that, thats what I did.

[Devil]

the 2 up part of the OP pretty much rules out the Speedmaster (not much of a pillion seat there really), but the America def a nice option.
The speedmaster and america seats are interchangeable as far as i'm aware.

[dilligaf_nz]

the 2010 M50 has a completely new seat design and its comfy as. I can testify! haha and you dont have to perform the lumptosectomy operation for the seat as for previous models, and passenger seating is more generous than previous versions. Great bikes..
So what you're saying is when I bought my new (2009) M50 earlier this year is that I should have ACTUALLY got the 2010 and the only 2 things I don't like about it wouldn't be there? :facepalm::facepalm:

[Old Steve]

One thing I don't like about the Honda Shadow and Suzuki Boulevard C50 are the spoke wheels. I think there's an optioned C50 (C50T?) which has alloy wheels/tubeless tires as part of the package isn't there?

EDIT 20/10/10: Actually, the Suzuki C50C has the alloy wheels.

[munster]

So what you're saying is when I bought my new (2009) M50 earlier this year is that I should have ACTUALLY got the 2010 and the only 2 things I don't like about it wouldn't be there? :facepalm::facepalm:

yeah, but if you're like me I prefer the look of my 2007. The 2010 is just fugly.

Seats can be fixed, fugly is forever.

[bluebird]

The M50 or the Vulcan 900 custom. just don't buy a bike you will get bored with in 6 months. The latest model M50 will not have you looking enviously at the M90's or 109's, and it's nimble but has the grunt to loose your licence.

[Gone Burger]

The M50 or the Vulcan 900 custom. just don't buy a bike you will get bored with in 6 months. The latest model M50 will not have you looking enviously at the M90's or 109's, and it's nimble but has the grunt to loose your licence.

As mentioned, if anyone is interested in a 2009 m50z limited edition second hand, let me know. Its not for sale yet but if there is interest I may move it on a little sooner then planned. Registered in May 2010

[Rhubarb]

Edbear is truly wise.


Not sure why, but most C50T's advertised don't have the accessories fitted. Mine has the adjustable screen, Kentucky Drive bags and Givi backrest and looks fanatstic...................................

and three Harley's, a 1340 Softail, 1450 Dyna Low-Rider and a new 1600 Softail, only the 1600 would leave me behind and through the forest....................
The Harley riders were very impressed with the performance and handling of the C50T.

My C50T has the carrier, back rest, screen, Kentucky bags and light bar.

I hired a Harley Heritage Softail 1584cc. It was this bike that convinced me I was a cruiser rider who owned a sports bike.

I loved the Softail but at that stage was yet to experience the joys of a Boulevard.

The C50T handles better, rides smoother, is more comfortable, just as fast AND is significantly cheaper.

If I won Lotto I would buy a C50T ..............oh wait, I've got one!! - WooHoo

[dilligaf_nz]

fugly is forever.

:woohoo::woohoo:That's right.. I looked at the 2 and even the dealer admitted the 2010 was an ugly abomination from hell :puke: (I may be paraphrasing slightly..):bleh:

[jasonzc]

:woohoo::woohoo:That's right.. I looked at the 2 and even the dealer admitted the 2010 was an ugly abomination from hell :puke: (I may be paraphrasing slightly..):bleh:

hahah htats what i used to think.. i finally gotten used to the look of the new ones. esp with a rear seat cowl. the new rear fender is bigger than the older versions, it looks liek a bigger bike, you will know what i mean if you look at them side by side.

to be honest, still have to get used to the headlights haha.
and another thing to be honest about.... for ppl thinking about buying the new M50 and want accessories.. good luck.. better off with the older version. Hardly aftermarket stuff for the new model online.

[O2R]

The M50 or the Vulcan 900 custom. just don't buy a bike you will get bored with in 6 months. The latest model M50 will not have you looking enviously at the M90's or 109's, and it's nimble but has the grunt to loose your licence.

But Sadly not in his price range, from what he said.
But agree Paul, the New M50 looks so much like a M109, most people wouldn't know the difference :shit:

[Gone Burger]

But Sadly not in his price range, from what he said.
But agree Paul, the New M50 looks so much like a M109, most people wouldn't know the difference :shit:

Second hand these are in his price range... like mine :innocent:

[Bald Eagle]

Second hand these are in his price range... like mine :innocent:

Wot you looking to change already , do I see a nice Monsta in your future ?

[O2R]

Second hand these are in his price range... like mine :innocent:

Does it come with the Snow on it ::blink:

[CRM]

I had one of these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=323701925

It was a fantastic bike - shaft, cruisey, heaps of power (same engine as VFR) and plenty of clearance for cornering. If you can pick up a tidy one they are a unique bike with heaps of character - better looking than a lot of modern stuff too.

[Gone Burger]

Does it come with the Snow on it ::blink:

Could be arranged free of charge. But it does have the toasty heated grips on it for when you ARE in the snow :yes:

[wysper]

If you can pick up a tidy one they are a unique bike with heaps of character -

do you sell real estate?


kidding, just sounded like that LOL.

[CRM]

do you sell real estate?


kidding, just sounded like that LOL.

Software actually - maybe I should change occupation...:sick:

[Old Steve]

There was a burgundy 2006 Honda Shadow 750 for sale at Hamilton Honda for under $8000 (think it was $7995, may have gone down by now if still unsold), had done 20 or 26 k km.

Then Moto GB in Mt Maunganui has a burgundy 2006 Honda Shadow 750 for sale for $8,500, done less than 10 k km I think. In today's market, they might frop below your upper limit to get some money in the bank. I've had my eye on them both, but I don't think either will last another 5 months on the lot.

[AllanB]

There was a burgundy 2006 Honda Shadow 750 for sale at Hamilton Honda for under $8000 (think it was $7995, may have gone down by now if still unsold), had done 20 or 26 k km.

Then Moto GB in Mt Maunganui has a burgundy 2006 Honda Shadow 750 for sale for $8,500, done less than 10 k km I think. In today's market, they might frop below your upper limit to get some money in the bank. I've had my eye on them both, but I don't think either will last another 5 months on the lot.

Go test riding. Really nice bikes but poor ground clearance and the engine is 'adequate' power wise.

Unless you are really sold on the cruiser 'look' - and nothing wrong with that at all I'd also check out a Triumph Bonnie - the stocker - good 2 up, it will out handle and of the cruisers and you can bling them out to your hearts content if desired.

[O2R]

Could be arranged free of charge. But it does have the toasty heated grips on it for when you ARE in the snow :yes:
Cool :yes: - So if you sold your M50, what next would a M50 owner consider, a M90? :yes:

[wainui]

You wanna know about S50 .They are a slimmer bike that will handle twisties with ease,As well as on the open road Will blow the unwary away at a set of lights an shufflin in an out of traffic no worries.
If your a short arse could be ok but over 1.177 coulb be a bit cramped.Long runs on open road your arse could be numb .But round town urban assault machine.
Luv it has been accesorised though

[skinman]

see an S50 on TM at the mo with highway pegs, could be a starter then

[hellokitty]

see an S50 on TM at the mo with highway pegs, could be a starter then

take one for a test ride first - don't make the mistake I made and buy one cos its pretty, while you are still on a restricted. Getting someone else to ride it doesn't count either :yes:

[Edbear]

take one for a test ride first - don't make the mistake I made and buy one cos its pretty, while you are still on a restricted. Getting someone else to ride it doesn't count either :yes:

ROFL!!! My wife is the same with stuff. She buys cellphones if they are the right colour then complains they aren't as good as they should be! What was wrong with the S50?

[hellokitty]

ROFL!!! My wife is the same with stuff. She buys cellphones if they are the right colour then complains they aren't as good as they should be! What was wrong with the S50?

I got my full license on a GN250 and sold it to get the S50. I rode it up the road..... the back wheel locked as I wasn't going fast enough to change into 2nd gear (apparently I should have known that would happen as it is shaft driven), I couldn't put my feet down as my boots had jammed in the pegs, and I fell downhill onto my husbands bike and wrecked his bike (CBR1000)
I found it too top heavy for me and I never had the nerve to ride it again.

[hellokitty]

ROFL!!! My wife is the same with stuff. She buys cellphones if they are the right colour then complains they aren't as good as they should be! What was wrong with the S50?

Oh yeah, I buy cellphones if they are the right colour too but I always get Nokia phones as they are idiot proof

[Edbear]

Oh yeah, I buy cellphones if they are the right colour too but I always get Nokia phones as they are idiot proof

I like the Nokia and got an E63, but the LG was pink... :facepalm:


I got my full license on a GN250 and sold it to get the S50. I rode it up the road..... the back wheel locked as I wasn't going fast enough to change into 2nd gear (apparently I should have known that would happen as it is shaft driven), I couldn't put my feet down as my boots had jammed in the pegs, and I fell downhill onto my husbands bike and wrecked his bike (CBR1000)
I found it too top heavy for me and I never had the nerve to ride it again.

Ouch! Shame though, as I quite like the S50 and had you had a better experience you may have enjoyed it.

[sinned]

Just not very happy on my cruiser... don't enjoy scraping pegs, want to corner a little faster and tighter, and very keen on some track days. Thought I was a cruiser girl, but just love the twisities too much

When are you going to share with us what bikes are on your shopping list?

[duckonin]

I got my full license on a GN250 and sold it to get the S50. I rode it up the road..... [QUOTE]the back wheel locked as I wasn't going fast enough to change into 2nd gear (apparently I should have known that would happen as it is shaft driven)

Nothing at all to do with shaft drive, you must of been going real slow with a cold motor..Same as a car it will do the same or Kangi hop if it is not an auto....:innocent:

[tinytoolmans274]

cough cough !!!!! rocket 3 is the perfect mid size cruiser , perfect 2 up cruiser with plenty of power .

[hellokitty]

[QUOTE=hellokitty;1129889434]I got my full license on a GN250 and sold it to get the S50. I rode it up the road.....

Nothing at all to do with shaft drive, you must of been going real slow with a cold motor..Same as a car it will do the same or Kangi hop if it is not an auto....:innocent:

Yes, you would think that the person with 40 years experience riding motorbikes would have had more advice to give me than just saying "get on and ride".
The bike was warm as he had been riding it........ I probably was going really slow as it was on a narrow street with cars on both sides, and the road had a wicked camber. I wanted to go somewhere easier for the first ride.....

lesson learnt here - insist on doing things the way you want to and don't succumb to peer pressure.


but apart from my crap experience - the S50 is a good looking bike that apparently was really nice to ride!

[O2R]

I couldn't put my feet down as my boots had jammed in the pegs...

I had that with shoe laces back in the day, they got stuck in the gear lever, was real close to falling over, but boots jammed in pegs, thats just dam unlucky ! :facepalm:

[sinned]

I got my full license on a GN250 and sold it to get the S50. I rode it up the road..... the back wheel locked as I wasn't going fast enough to change into 2nd gear (apparently I should have known that would happen as it is shaft driven), I couldn't put my feet down as my boots had jammed in the pegs, and I fell downhill onto my husbands bike and wrecked his bike (CBR1000)
I found it too top heavy for me and I never had the nerve to ride it again.
Boots need to be chosen with care; the underside of the heel should have a sloping bit towards the toe to prevent boot lock to peg. A lot of street or fashion footwear is unsuitable to wear while riding for this and many other reasons. Not saying you were wearing inappropriate footwear - were you? :shutup:

[hellokitty]

Boots need to be chosen with care; the underside of the heel should have a sloping bit towards the toe to prevent boot lock to peg. A lot of street or fashion footwear is unsuitable to wear while riding for this and many other reasons. Not saying you were wearing inappropriate footwear - were you? :shutup:

My boots are Gaerne boots that I have worn on many bikes before and after that incident. The rubber on the footpegs on the S50 was very thick and spongy with deep tread lines, whereas the pegs on all the other bikes had thin hard rubber. I wouldn't wear inappropriate shoes lol.
I am a true geek ATGATT. I have a lovely black scrape on the elbow of my armoured jacket to remind me of that day.

[skinman]

well the S50 was too small sooo
Pick up a C50 tomorrow avo :yes:
nice to ride, thought it might be too big till actually rode 1 but its just right

[O2R]

Pick up a C50 tomorrow avo :yes:

I am sure you will be very pleased with the C50, we just loved ours ! :yes:

[skinman]

yes its nice to ride
How can I reduce the buffeting from the screen?
have tried sliding it down due to the top edge being right at eye level which did help a little.

[Rhubarb]

How can I reduce the buffeting from the screen?
have tried sliding it down due to the top edge being right at eye level which did help a little.

Firstly, congratulations on your new bike. I'm sure you'll love it.

I have exactly the same buffeting problem on my C50T. There is only about 25mm of vertical adjustment and no angle adjustment.

I have been told there are deflectors you can buy that attach to the front forks. These apparently change the air flow thereby stopping the helmet buffeting. At around NZ$250 it is alot to pay if it doesn't work. http://store.valueaccessories.net/wheelsairdeflectorsforkaccessories-2.aspx

I have also heard of someone replacing the factory screen with a Givi A660. Once again, it's $200 to find out if it works.

Another person had the factory screen professionally cut down to solve the problem. I want to keep mine original.

I am thinking about making a different screen mount so I can change the angle and have a bigger vertical adjustment. Fortunately I can do this for next to nothing.

Here's a thread that has some idea's. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/126026-Boulevard-screen

[O2R]

yes its nice to ride
How can I reduce the buffeting from the screen?

I found the only way to get rid of the buffeting, was to get rid of the screen !

We has one fitted when I bought the bike, I rode down the motorway and back to the bike shop and had it removed, after that, the ride was awesome. :yes:

There was also a feeling of total freedom not having it on. My advise, take it off for Summer, put it on for Winter, youll gain warmth and wind protection, at the cost of buffeting. :blink:

[Rhubarb]

I found the only way to get rid of the buffeting, was to get rid of the screen !

Here is an alternative screen mount I made for my C50T.

The longer vertical slots allow greater height ajustment (more up & more down).

The addition of the horizontal slots enable the screen to be tilted to change the angle - this couldn't be done with the factory mounts.

Instead of getting them chromed I made them out of stainless steel that can be polished to a mirror finish.

223862

[Edbear]

Firstly, congratulations on your new bike. I'm sure you'll love it.

I have exactly the same buffeting problem on my C50T. There is only about 25mm of vertical adjustment and no angle adjustment.

I have been told there are deflectors you can buy that attach to the front forks. These apparently change the air flow thereby stopping the helmet buffeting. At around NZ$250 it is alot to pay if it doesn't work. http://store.valueaccessories.net/wheelsairdeflectorsforkaccessories-2.aspx

I have also heard of someone replacing the factory screen with a Givi A660. Once again, it's $200 to find out if it works.

Another person had the factory screen professionally cut down to solve the problem. I want to keep mine original.

I am thinking about making a different screen mount so I can change the angle and have a bigger vertical adjustment. Fortunately I can do this for next to nothing.

Here's a thread that has some idea's. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/126026-Boulevard-screen

Got the VA Lowers, bit of experimenting with screen adjustment plus the lowers, no more issues! :yes:

[Rhubarb]

Here is an alternative screen mount I made for my C50T.

The longer vertical slots allow greater height ajustment (more up & more down).

The addition of the horizontal slots enable the screen to be tilted to change the angle - this couldn't be done with the factory mounts.

Instead of getting them chromed I made them out of stainless steel that can be polished to a mirror finish.

Just went for a ride with the new screen mounts. Fantastic.

Changing the angle of the screen has stopped the helmet shake. It has also improved the slower riding vision, e.g. slow winding roads where you don't look so far ahead (the top of the screen is no longer in my eye line), without increasing the wind on me when riding on the open road.

New brackets - success :yes:

[O2R]

look at option #43
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Japan&daddr=China&hl=en&geocode=FRhxKAIdfJI9CCkvGX_XD05nNDFEUmZ81HVC9Q%3BF Zw0IwIdReU1BinBQsblZI5QMTFvNp80fKodlQ&mra=ls&sll=36.204824,138.252924&sspn=21.810146,36.386719&g=Japan&ie=UTF8&ll=29.190533,139.96582&spn=28.447191,56.90918&z=5
Did doesn't tell you what size to get, maybe a medium cruiser ?

[skinman]

Have reduced buffeting to acceptable levels. Got longer bolts for bottom screen mount to forks & packed out about 20mm. Had to also get longer bolts for headlamp mount & pack that up 15mm to clear light bar.
Screen position much improved, at max height top of screen just below eye level.
Next stage would be to try those additional lower screen things but will probably look for decent luggage first as mine came without bags.

[Pogo2]

Have reduced buffeting to acceptable levels. Got longer bolts for bottom screen mount to forks & packed out about 20mm. Had to also get longer bolts for headlamp mount & pack that up 15mm to clear light bar.
Screen position much improved, at max height top of screen just below eye level.
Next stage would be to try those additional lower screen things but will probably look for decent luggage first as mine came without bags.

Might have to do the same with mine!

[skinman]

Here.

I used a black plastic spacer to pack screen bracket & ali flat bar to lift headlight bracket

[Pogo2]

Experimented on the motorway this evening as I thought I was starting to feel the buffeting that everyone talks about. Usually ride with my visor up, but when I lowered it there was a distinct drop in the buffeting that I felt. Perhaps the turbulent air was coming off my screen then getting caught under the lip(or bottom) of the visor which was contributing to the buffeting feeling.

Finally I get to put my pilots aerodynamic theory in to practice!

More aerodynamic exercises tomorrow as I go up to Orewa in the morning me thinks!

[Edbear]

Experimented on the motorway this evening as I thought I was starting to feel the buffeting that everyone talks about. Usually ride with my visor up, but when I lowered it there was a distinct drop in the buffeting that I felt. Perhaps the turbulent air was coming off my screen then getting caught under the lip(or bottom) of the visor which was contributing to the buffeting feeling.

Finally I get to put my pilots aerodynamic theory in to practice!

More aerodynamic exercises tomorrow as I go up to Orewa in the morning me thinks!

I'll be home if you want to pop in.

[RentaTriumph]

the 2 up part of the OP pretty much rules out the Speedmaster (not much of a pillion seat there really), but the America def a nice option.

You can get Gel touring seats for both the Speedmaster and America that are very comfortable for the pillion.