No more S50s in NZ?

[rainman]

Went down to Colemans today and was looking at the stock (better than doing what I was supposed to be doing... :innocent: ) and was looking (again) at my favouritest candidate for a GN upgrade - the Boulevard S50 - and trying to work out whether I can afford one and how much "domestic selling" would be required to get the deal over the line... when the bloke there told me that they're not bringing any more in on account of them not selling well.

:gob:

Has anyone heard the like from other dealers? If so, I'd be gutted - that's really the bike I'd set my heart on when I finally get to upgrading. (I'd also be keen on a second-hand Intruder 700/750, but the only ones I see on Trademe are 20 years old and around $5k or so, so it pretty much makes sense to buy new and finance). Alternatively, any other suggestions for similar bikes I should look at? Rough criteria are:

Cruiser
650-900 (900 is a stretch)
Bit more grunt than the GN (well, that should be easy)
Not a Harley (unless it's cheap and I think that's an oxymoron)
Preference for V-Twin
Preference for shaft drive
Did I mention it has to be a cruiser? :)


One obvious candidate is the M50 but it looks a bit big, and although I'm sure I'll settle into whatever I buy over time I don't really want to overextend beyond my capabilities - must of my riding experience not on the GN recently has been sub 500cc, lighter bikes (and that was a while ago). The M50 is 50kgs heavier than the S50.

[Edbear]

If you're looking for a bit of grunt, then the M50 is probably the best choice. MY C50T is 46kg up on the old GSX-F600 but feels lighter due to the lower centre of gravity. The Boulevards carry their weight low and well balanced so are pretty easy to maneuver around and don't feel heavy.

Longer wheelbase means stable and steady, (like a rock!), on open road, but the T can be a bit ponderous at low speeds when two-up, so lanesplitting is to be done with a bit of care.The M50 should be better in this respect.

Check, my review in the Bike reviews, section. The only fault I can think of with the M50 is they are too quiet for a performance cruiser! My T is fine as it's a tourer, but the M50 needs the sounds to go with the looks! Take one for a ride, you'll like it! Closest bike to the M50 would be the Kawasaki Mean Streak but it's a 1600 and twice the price. Only the new Vulcan 900 is closer, but it's more like the C50 and heavier.

[KoroJ]

Just go to the S83.

I haven't ridden the smaller ones but there's not much difference in size (Very slightly longer, higher & heavier), the S83 has a dainty littly cooler as opposed to that ugly great radiator and the economy is probably better due to a better power to weight ratio if you don't push it.

It's got better ground clearance for the corners and a couple of extra litres in the tank.

Being a cruiser, it's not like the power is going to sneak up and bite you....Go Big my son.

[rogson]

The S50 is just a renamed VS800 Intruder. The VS Intruder line was first introduced as the VS700 in 1985. This was superseded by the VS750 in around 1998 and subsequently by the VS800 in 1992. The VS800 has not been significantly changed since then. It was renamed the S50 in 2004 (or 2005?) but it's the same bike as the VS800. There are plenty of good low mileage VS800s around.

The VS800/S50 is quite a bit smaller/lighter/faster than the M50/C50.

Owners site here: http://www.intruderalert.com/cafe/index.cfm

[magicfairy]

I went for the S50 because it was smaller, lighter and especially lower than the others, and I like it being very narrow for city traffic. It will be a real shame if they don't sell them anymore as it is a great little bike. the M and C models had way too much bling for my liking.
The newly rebadged S50 is different than the old Intruder in that is has flat bars, no sissy bar but not much else.

[Blueskies]

Only the new Vulcan 900 is closer, but it's more like the C50 and heavier.[/QUOTE]
I find the weight of my Vulcan 900 is not a prob at all due to the really low centre of gravity . I am neither tall nor strong yet have had no problem lifting it off the side stand in any situation I have come across.
It handles easily and of course with the weight combined with low C.of G. it is very stable.
I went straight onto it from my GN 250. No problems. It's a whole new riding experience and knowing what I know now after 9000 km on it - would I do it again ? Yes, definitely. 100% YES.
Whatever bike you settle for, give yourself plenty of time to get used to the bigger bike. Your safety is up to you at all times.
Best wishes and enjoy.

[Edbear]

Only the new Vulcan 900 is closer, but it's more like the C50 and heavier.
I find the weight of my Vulcan 900 is not a prob at all due to the really low centre of gravity . I am neither tall nor strong yet have had no problem lifting it off the side stand in any situation I have come across.
It handles easily and of course with the weight combined with low C.of G. it is very stable.
I went straight onto it from my GN 250. No problems. It's a whole new riding experience and knowing what I know now after 9000 km on it - would I do it again ? Yes, definitely. 100% YES.
Whatever bike you settle for, give yourself plenty of time to get used to the bigger bike. Your safety is up to you at all times.
Best wishes and enjoy.[/QUOTE]



Glad you're enjoying it! They're a nice bike and same comments apply about the low CoG as the Boulevard. The "heavier" remark was with comparison to the M50/S50 as I think the weight of the 900 is close to the C50. The features that swayed me in favour of the C50T was price with extras - couldn't beat the onroad price I was offered with everything standard whereas the Vulcan had to be specced up. Saw the new LT though at Spectrum in Takapuna the other day, sweet!

Rainman, if checking out Suzuki's, have a word to Matthew at Bikesport in Helensville and tell him I recommended him to you. Might get a good deal... For the Kawasaki, try Spectrum. Don't know them as well, but they seem good people in there.

[Mr. Peanut]

You'll be surprised how light modern bikes are. Go sit on a few big cruisers.

[jafar]

you have a few choices out there, cruisers are slowly becoming more popular. look at:
Vulcan 900
Vulcan 1600
Vulcan 2000 (power cruiser)
Suzuki S40
Suzuki C50
Suzuki C90
Suzuki M109 (power cruiser)
Honda vt2 750
Honda vtx 1300
Honda vtx 1800 (power cruiser):love:
Hyosung 650 cruiser
Yamaha road star
Yamaha road warrior

That should keep ya busy test riding that lot :dodge:

[Blueskies]

Looks like a busy and happy time ahead, rainman, checking out all those possibilities.
I bought the Vulcan from Spectrum. Nothing but good to say about them. Helpful and ex service.

[rainman]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll add some of the bigger bikes to my test riding list (well, not the M109R, the Vulcan 1600/2000, Rocket III, vtx 1800... but maybe up to the 1100/1400 level). They just look a bit scary, is all. My preference list is probably: S50, decent condition recentish Intruder, M50, Vulcan 900, ?

The S40 is off the list - I sat on one and it's just too low - I'm a bit over 6". Also, I don't think they have the looks right. S50=beautiful, S40=not, at least to me. Sorry if I've just offended all the Savage/S40 riders out there :)

I'll make that trip out to Helensville, thanks for the tip. I'm always keen for a ride, anyway. Wonder if they're open Saturdays...?

Anyway, thanks again. I'll be sure to post here first when I finally upgrade.

[s8306]

Rainman,if your a little over 6' then you may find yourself felling a bit cramped on the S50.If you like that style of bike then the S83/1400 would be better suited for someone your height and the weight difference is only 100lbs.My wife and i each own a 1400 and at 5'7" she has no trouble moveing her bike around, plus very easy to ride.Good luck.

[zuk]

I just traded my vl800(2003) intruder on a M50 and have found the difference very marked, the M50 feels a lot lighter, handles way better and has a shit load more response than the Intruder.
As an idea, I got $7000 on a trade on my bike, which had done 50000ks and was in average condition, needed a new front tyre and a tune up, I think they have it on the floor for $8500 now.

[markl]

As an idea, I got $7000 on a trade on my bike, which had done 50000ks and was in average condition, needed a new front tyre and a tune up, I think they have it on the floor for $8500 now.

Wow, thats a good deal. I have a 700cc 1988 intruder and was offered a measly $1500 trade in on an s83. I guess it's the age thing!

[sheddy]

Hey, dont forget the V star Yamahas they are good bikes. The 1100 would be worth a look. Remember as previously noted the mid size v twins are not a handful unless you reaaly give them death and then you will just have trouble cornering without grinding bits off. good luck.

[Naki]

I know where you can get a near new 06 V Star 650?

[Hitcher]

Don't buy a cruiser smaller than 800cc unless you only ever plan to ride it around town. Almost without exception they are gutless wonders, not the sort of thing one wants to take out on the highways and byways.

[rainman]

I've been a bit slack about that test-riding, letting silly things like work get in the way. Hope to fix that tomorrow. In the meantime I've been keeping the Trademe servers busy. What does the combined KB intelligence and wit think of the following options:

1. M50:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=103468089
2. Magna 750:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=101544626
3. Another M50:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=102528424

I think the Magna could drop a few $$$, but it's purty. I've googled around for rider experiences for these and the news is not all good. Not sure how easy it is to get parts etc, too? Me likes no 1.

[rok-the-boat]

For the same money I'd have a Harley 883. They are not really the best bikes out there but they are fun and they hold their value quite well. They feel good to ride slow, but then, you have to.

[rogson]

The VZ800 Marauder is the predecessor to the M50. The Marauder is chain drive and carburetted, while the M50 is shaft drive and fuel injected. The Marauder has the same two carb set-up as the VS800/S50, but the breathing is strangled in stock trim. The air intakes/airboxes (there's two) can be opened-up and the carbs can be rejetted to the VS800/S50 spec, which should significantly improve engine running and performance (the VS800/S50 is a strong runner).

The main problem with the Marauder (along with many cruisers) is the limited size of the petrol tank - only 13 litres.

Owners site here: http://www.migcruisers.com/

[limbimtimwim]

I think the Magna could drop a few $$$, but it's purty. I've googled around for rider experiences for these and the news is not all good. Not sure how easy it is to get parts etc, too? Me likes no 1.The magna is a V Four, not a V Twin. I would guess it would leave most smaller v-twin cruisers in the dust once it has few revs on. The engine characteristics may not be what you want. Or it may open your eyes to other things.

I know you are not looking to spend so much money, but don't be intimidated by the M109R. It's extremely easy to ride once off the stand and moving.

[Machiavelli]

Hey Rainman,

I don't know whether this is old news for you now, but there ARE some S50s at Sportzone Suzuki in Christchurch. I saw at least one and maybe two today when I went there. I was eyeing up the S83 next to it... hey, an L-Plate can dream!

[Toaster]

I agree with Hitcher, 800cc+ to provide a reasonable power to weight ratio.

[The Pastor]

crusiers are so cool :)

[rainman]

I don't know whether this is old news for you now, but there ARE some S50s...

Yup, I noticed that the latest Suzuki catalogues still had the S50s in too. Maybe they changed their mind about discontinuing them, or were just trying to drive up demand earlier. I'm glad - I think the Intruders are great bikes and should be available. A mate has the 1400 and it's v. nice.

Of course, since I wrote this thread, I went off and bought my Marauder 800 (in my profile pic), which I'm very happy with. Dunno what I was thinking about being nervous of bigger bikes, mine now feels as much part of me while riding as the GN did. My next bike I'll probably go bigger again (unless it's getting an off-roader/mixed purpose as well as my crusier :) )

Keep on dreaming and when you shed the L go test-riding! :2thumbsup

[markl]

I've been looking around for an s50 too and found one on trademe which i followed up on only to find out that the chrome was bubbling and peeling off after only 500km! Apparently the korean and chinese made suzukis are renound for this. Doesn't fall under warranty as chrome is only warranted for 10 weeks! Made me think twice about the new suzukis....

[magicfairy]

I've been looking around for an s50 too and found one on trademe which i followed up on only to find out that the chrome was bubbling and peeling off after only 500km! Apparently the korean and chinese made suzukis are renound for this. Doesn't fall under warranty as chrome is only warranted for 10 weeks! Made me think twice about the new suzukis....

I have a 1 year old S50. Made in Japan... no chrome problems at all. Had the S40 before it, no problems with that either. The S50 has been a great bike, haven't had anything that needed to be fixed under warranty.

[jafar]

I've been looking around for an s50 too and found one on trademe which i followed up on only to find out that the chrome was bubbling and peeling off after only 500km! Apparently the korean and chinese made suzukis are renound for this. Doesn't fall under warranty as chrome is only warranted for 10 weeks! Made me think twice about the new suzukis....

10 weeks warranty on chrome ? :clap:
Suzuki C50 lists @ $12,990.00
Suzuki C50C lists @ $13,995.00
Suzuki M50 lists @ $11,495.00
Suzuki M50Z lists @ $11,995.00

Vulcan 900 lists @ $13750.00
Vulcan 900 c lists @ $13750.00
Vulcan 500 lists @ $ 8490.00

Honda VT750c lists @ $10,995.00
Honda VT750c2 lists@ $11,995.00

Lots of choice in the market for mid size cruisers, I would have put in Harley & Yamaha but their websites are too hard to work.
Also of note is Honda register your new bike for 12 months + 2 year warranty:clap:

Kawasaki & Suzuki dealers are in the habit of registering your new bike for only 6 months, warranty is also 2 years.:bash:

[limbimtimwim]

Doesn't fall under warranty as chrome is only warranted for 10 weeks! Made me think twice about the new suzukis....The warranty card says that excluded are "Change in appearance of paint, chrome, trim and other appearance items after 90 days". I'd try and argue it that if the chrome was falling off it wasn't appearance, but function; as the chrome is there in part to protect the steel underneath.

I'm no fan of Suzuki's metallurgical skill, but I have bought two brand new Suzukis, so it doesn't bother me too much.