First cruiser. [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

Splineman

31st March 2011, 15:46

awa355

31st March 2011, 18:15

Hi fellow riders,
I am looking for a bike for day rides and possibly 3 to 7 day trips, with a pillion. I have been on and off bikes for 30yrs...mainly off for the past 15. Rode mostly 750 Suzuki, 83 model.
I am vertically challenged (165cm 65kg) and so bigger/higher touring bikes don't fill me with confidence.
I have very limited knowledge of "cruiser" type bikes.
My question. How suitable would say a Boulevard C or M 50 be for the missus and I to day trip / tour on? Mainly I am concerned about the ease of handling on twisty roads and comfort for missus.

Thanks for any input...Cheers

Splineman, I have just moved into the cruiser ranks after 40 yrs riding. Mine is a Yamaha XVS650 and its fantastic.

The cornering ability and slow speed stability has supprised me.

The C50 seems to be loved by all those who have owned them. Haven't heard too much against them. I dont know how good the pillion seating on them is.

http://rides.motorcyclecruiser.com/index.html This website has heaps of reviews on cruisers.

I have found that tight turning on gravel, wet roads brings out my biggest fears. The front feels quite light and doesn't give a lot of feedback. can give the impression of wanting to slide out.

Just takes practice and time to get to grips with the cruiser style.

Rosso

31st March 2011, 18:52

Hi, your post was timely for me , this morning my wife had her first ride with firstly a local motorcycle instructor as a pillion , then i took over after her saying she was happy with it all and got a good report .
I have had all sorts of bikes over the last few years including the triumph Thunderbird 2009 and the same model Heritage softtail HD, and now have done the full circle back to the Suzuki C50T of which i rode the 08 model down to the SI and and more . Now i ride the 2010 C50T and loving it .
These bikes are so reliable and smooth to ride they are low to the ground and very comfortable , You can alter the handle bars and raise them as I have done to suit your riding position though most find them great as they are.
I was a bit worried about the power of the bike with a pillion but it proved that my mates who take their partners riding were speaking the truth that they handle the extra weight with ease.
Value for money this 8005cc bike is unbeatable in my opinion.
Test Ride one and lets know what you think ...
Good Luck
Rosso

Smifffy

31st March 2011, 21:51

Boulevard: bloody brilliant bike (biased)

Edbear has a good un for sale.

awayatc

31st March 2011, 23:44

cruiser and twisties?....
fine
Sportbike and twisties?
faster.
Buy a sportsbike to go as fast as you can
Buy a cruiser to cruise............

Jerry74

1st April 2011, 09:55

The M50 is a very capable bike, I owned a 2008 one prior to having my harley.
Chch to Springs Junction on a tank is more than possible, good range about 300 kms.
Pillion comfort is not bad either Givi do a very good sissy bar and pad for about $200 cheaper than Suzuki ones.
Big bonus is the shaft drive and ulta reliable.. go for it or you could buy a harley not that I'm biased..

Edbear

1st April 2011, 10:58

Boulevard: bloody brilliant bike (biased)

Edbear has a good un for sale.

And he's absolutely gutted to have to sell it... :bye:

I bought it with the intention of keeping it forever and but for the small matter of a car accident and broken back I'd never sell it! In my 40 years of motorcycling it's the best bike I have ever owned or ridden if one can only have one bike! Mine id the genuine NZ spec 'T' and comes with Givi backrest, screen, lightbar and the Kentucky Drive bags. I've added the excellent VA Lowers and can't honestly think of anything else it needs.

My wife finds she slides forward a bit on the pillion seat, but I suspect that she is actually sliding within her bike pants but this is an easy fix. The bike has enough power that a mate with a GSX1400 asked if it was a thou, and when I assured him it was only 805cc he asked if I'd worked it! They have plenty of grunt and only fall behind on the hills if two-up and keeping up with bigger bikes, but then you only need to change down to fourth and you're away laughing, whereas the bigger bikes can stay in top.

At 27,000km and serviced from new, mine is still on the original brake pads/shoes and tyres and still has the original battery.

Top speed two-up indicated is 170km/h and steady as a rock, (my wife's fault, she wanted to know...:innocent:), done on a closed private road under supervised safety conditions of course... :facepalm:). Fuel economy in the old money is an easy 60mpg and nit handles the twisties better than most cruisers and plain walks away from the Harleys without even trying.

If you get the idea I'm gutted to have to sell it, you're right, and I do want it to go to a good home. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=342560393

munster

1st April 2011, 12:07

Gotta agree with the Boulevard M50 or C50 reccomendations. Not to big, not too small, fuel injected, shaft drive, I can two up the Bombay's in 5th no worries.

Though if you are concerned about size, try several different bikes out for size, with and without the missus. I avoided the Honda VT750 due to the seat being too low for me (I'm 6'3" 105kg's), but I have no issues with my M. Might even look at a forward control kit at some stage.

wysper

1st April 2011, 12:16

and plain walks away from the Harleys without even trying.

Thats some fighting words right there Mr Bear :ar15: hehehe

But yes the C50T gets some pretty good wraps as a cruiser. Was on my shortlist too.
That and the M50. That was until I rode the sporty.

Pogo2

1st April 2011, 15:26

Can only endorse what everyone else has said about the C50. Although I have never had a pillion yet!

I really enjoy the power and loved the relaxed feel when cruising.

No contest really!!

ukusa

1st April 2011, 16:39

Boulevard: bloody brilliant bike (biased)

Edbear has a good un for sale.

Triumph America, low seat, great handling for a cruiser (I am biased too, having owned one). They don't leak like the old Trumpies :woohoo:
Head into a shop & try one. You know you want to.

Smifffy

1st April 2011, 16:45

Triumph America, low seat, great handling for a cruiser (I am biased too, having owned one). They don't leak like the old Trumpies :woohoo:
Head into a shop & try one. You know you want to.

Yeah, I was looking at them in Hamilton Motorcycle Centre today, after being ignored at Boyd's.

Good friendly team, with a bit of banter. Funny how things get one's attention. I didn't much like the exposed battery. I liked the thunderbirds though. I've always been rather keen on the street triples too, but the new one they have there didn't do much for me looks wise.

Oh well a good day for a ride anyway.

Edbear

1st April 2011, 18:06

Thats some fighting words right there Mr Bear :ar15: hehehe

But yes the C50T gets some pretty good wraps as a cruiser. Was on my shortlist too.
That and the M50. That was until I rode the sporty.

LOL!!! Sorry I didn't think about the Sportster's they are a different kettle of fish. :yes: I was in company with a Low Rider 1450, Softail 1340, and the new 1600 and a C90 and the two Suzuki's just left the others behind once things got twisty. When we went touring with my mates on the GSX1400 and a 1200S Bandit, all two-up, we were well able to keep up with the 1400 and left the Bandit behind. So a lot to do with rider ability as well. Have to say my Missus is the perfect pillion! :love:

Splineman

1st April 2011, 19:03

Thanks for all the viewpoints guy's. I think I'll seriously look at the C50. Must admit that shaft drive and FI are a definite plus for me.
Cheers for the input. Great forum. :yes:

AD345

2nd April 2011, 18:43

How much do you want to spend?

Splineman

4th April 2011, 19:24

How much do you want to spend?

Price is probably behind pillion comfort in the grand scheme. No pillion comfort no touring..

Edbear

4th April 2011, 19:34

Price is probably behind pillion comfort in the grand scheme. No pillion comfort no touring..

That's why I sold the GSX-F and bought the Boulevard, the Missus said if I wanted her to come with me again I had to get a more comfortable bike.

You and your pillion are welcome to test it out if you'd like.

AD345

5th April 2011, 19:52

Price is probably behind pillion comfort in the grand scheme. No pillion comfort no touring..

Well then...

Pillion comfort like you would not believe, power you have to experience to credit and a "wow!" factor not able to be replicated by any other bike...

<IMG SRC="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ntd36rvA3s0/SxOlj2cVGnI/AAAAAAAABVI/0_gK7d1tN_Y/s400/river2.jpgf" ALT="Arlen Ness Victory Vision">

Photo stolen from Big Dave

Edbear

5th April 2011, 19:57

Well then...

Pillion comfort like you would not believe, power you have to experience to credit and a "wow!" factor not able to be replicated by any other bike...

<IMG SRC="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ntd36rvA3s0/SxOlj2cVGnI/AAAAAAAABVI/0_gK7d1tN_Y/s400/river2.jpgf" ALT="Arlen Ness Victory Vision">

Photo stolen from Big Dave

And not much change from a zillion bucks...

bluebird

5th April 2011, 20:47

Beauty is most definitely in the eye of the beholder here.:scooter:

AD345

6th April 2011, 18:55

And not much change from a zillion bucks...

Ride away for 29 K

phill-k

6th April 2011, 19:03

Splineman

7th April 2011, 12:19

That's why I sold the GSX-F and bought the Boulevard, the Missus said if I wanted her to come with me again I had to get a more comfortable bike.

You and your pillion are welcome to test it out if you'd like.

Thanks for the kind offer Edbear....but we are in Palmy... and there is a decent Suzuki dealership here as well.
I really do like the look of the C50T. It has all the good bells and whistles on it.

Funny how that comfort thing works. I had an '83 GS750E, bought it new in Canada, and the good lady used to fall asleep on the back of it on long trips :facepalm: Yeah we were in our early 20's but still.
I think she would rather the Cruiser pillion accomodation these days :yes:

Edbear

7th April 2011, 12:32

Thanks for the kind offer Edbear....but we are in Palmy... and there is a decent Suzuki dealership here as well.
I really do like the look of the C50T. It has all the good bells and whistles on it.

Funny how that comfort thing works. I had an '83 GS750E, bought it new in Canada, and the good lady used to fall asleep on the back of it on long trips :facepalm: Yeah we were in our early 20's but still.
I think she would rather the Cruiser pillion accomodation these days :yes:

Yeah, understand. Still, if you do decide to buy one, keep mine in mind...

The Lone Rider

16th April 2011, 20:09

With a pillion, you need 750cc twin and up, minimum. I was say for full comfort with a pillion, you need to get something 1000cc and up.

If you are short, you may want to shop around for a low bike. The dragstars are quite low.

Festo

28th April 2011, 11:54

Can endorse all those comments for the Boulevard C50. Took mine round the s.i. last year 1up real comfy and plenty of power to keep up with the harleys in the group. Run up 25000 on it now and only bought it in Jan last year. Handles like a dream when i throw the 75kg grandson on the back. Good machine.

Gregonz

28th April 2011, 21:19

my 2c......Owned a m50 for 18 months...loved riding it solo...found it lacked power 2up on the hills. Sold it and brought a M90 off TM with 1200 ks on it and find it way better all round machine, plus a lot more comfortable on long trips. Take one for a spin and I think you will be hooked. Actually find the m90 easier to ride due to the better handling and more grunt and there are some good deals about at the mo.

Gregonz

28th April 2011, 21:53

Thanks for all the viewpoints guy's. I think I'll seriously look at the C50. Must admit that shaft drive and FI are a definite plus for me.
Cheers for the input. Great forum. :yes:

opps just read another post and saw you got a hd sportster 1200C....decided to go non shaft drive and 1940's technology.......:facepalm:

Nah just joking...enjoy and I hope you love riding the Harley. And before all the Harley riders flame me...the only reason I settled on the M90 was because I didn't have enough cash to buy the Harley I wanted....:not::not:

I love the look of the Rocker C

HEMA

28th April 2011, 22:28

glad to realise there are so many of us in Palmy: my neighbourhood seems to be all teenagers on little race bikes and girls on scooters :scooter:

Gregonz

29th April 2011, 11:08

glad to realise there are so many of us in Palmy: my neighbourhood seems to be all teenagers on little race bikes and girls on scooters :scooter:

Hi Hema..good ride tomorow..great to see you there....:scooter:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/134653-Ride-for-Cruisers-leaving-from-Freedom-Suzuki-Palmerston-North-(Sat-19-Feb)