First cruiser.

[Splineman]

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

[awa355]

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]

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]

Boulevard: bloody brilliant bike (biased)

Edbear has a good un for sale.

[awayatc]

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

[Jerry74]

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]

Boulevard: bloody brilliant bike (biased)

Edbear has a good un for sale.

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

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...), done on a closed private road under supervised safety conditions of course... ). 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/List...x?id=342560393

[munster]

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]

and plain walks away from the Harleys without even trying.

Thats some fighting words right there Mr Bear 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]

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]

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
Head into a shop & try one. You know you want to.

[Smifffy]

Triumph America, low seat, great handling for a cruiser (I am biased too, having owned one). They don't leak like the old Trumpies
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]

Thats some fighting words right there Mr Bear 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. 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!

[Splineman]

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.

[AD345]

How much do you want to spend?