Lady riders (and guys too) - your advice please

**Solly** · 13th August 2008, 19:48

I currently have a Yamaha Virago 250 and at this stage have my restricted licence. Going for full licence in 3 months. My husband and I are going to do a road trip in Feb next year around the South Island. The bike is great but I am looking at upgrading to a bigger bike. I like the cruiser style and will probably stick with it, so am thinking about a Suzuki Boulevard S50. The reasons for that is I want something more powerful especially when needing to pass also a lower seat and not too heavy. I would value your opinion on this bike or others that you would recommend. Thanks, Solly's betterhalf!

**Trudes** · 13th August 2008, 19:58

Hi Solly, sorry I can't help with the bike choice, but have fun on your trip!!

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 13th August 2008, 20:06

The S50 is an okay bike or first bigger bike... it does have its limits, small fuel range, No fuel gauge or trip metre for that matter) while it is bigger than the 250 and more poweful... the S50 will keep up but you won't have the same passing power as a bikes in its class.

Personally I would go see if there are any in the various shops here in Dunners and see if you can take one for a test ride. You may like you may not... you may want to change the bars...

On saying that we had a friend who had one and she loved it and went every where on it, till she upgraded.

**Nagash** · 13th August 2008, 20:09

Yeah, they don't have the acceleration to pass cars and easier, that bastard single cylinder engine makes sure of that..

They'll go faster than the 250, and sit there all day but they really are a beginner's bigger bike.

Something like the Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan or Yamaha Dragstar are all nice cruisers that'll do the job. They're a wee bit more expensive than the S50, but you'll definately know where your money went.

**Solly** · 13th August 2008, 20:16

The S40 is the single and the S50 is the V Twin (simular version to the S83). All the same thanks for your reply.

**shafty** · 13th August 2008, 20:22

Originally Posted by Nagash

Yeah, they don't have the acceleration to pass cars and easier, that bastard single cylinder engine makes sure of that..

They'll go faster than the 250, and sit there all day but they really are a beginner's bigger bike.

Something like the Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan or Yamaha Dragstar are all nice cruisers that'll do the job. They're a wee bit more expensive than the S50, but you'll definately know where your money went.

Nagash, the S40 is the single - formerly known as a Suzuki Savage - and they were/are a right dog, in my opinion.
The S50 is the V Twin - a well proven bike indeed I believe.

GoGal has had a 650 Dragstar which she loved - shaft drive, then "went big" to a Kawa 1500 Meanstreak, which proved too heavy for her @ 5'2" so traded on a Honda Shadow 750. She wrings the neck off it to keep up with me on the 1300, but is only ever a few moments behind - even if I go for a fang. Only draw back is chain drive, and thats not really a bigie, but as my name suggests, I'm a lazy prick and prefer SHAFTIES

**dino3310** · 13th August 2008, 20:31

plenty of 700cc-900cc cruizers around, test ride test ride test ride
you'll find the right one for you.

**1 Free Man** · 13th August 2008, 22:28

Why don't you have a look at the C50.
805cc 4 stroke
liquid cooled.SOHC 45Degree V-twin
Fuel Injected
9.4:1 compression Ratio
Electric start
Transistorised Electronic Ignition
Drive shaft
5 Speed constant mesh transmission
246kg
15.5 ltr tank.
The C50T comes with all the blingy bits of a tourer.
Comes with driving lights, windscreen, saddle bags, sissy bar, studded seat and white wall tyres.
"A great two up machine if you want to share the experience with someone special. Or you might prefer to keep it all to yourself."

Quoted from the Suzuki boulevard catalogue

**Griffin** · 13th August 2008, 23:24

I think the S50 would be an awesome bike for you to move up to. It is a V twin (as stated above) and is an 800cc (805 to be exact) motor which would be more than powerful enough for NZ Cruising. If my partner wanted to get a Cruiser of her own I would certainly recommend this bike.

I have the C50T - its more classicly styled and as such is a little larger than the S50... an awesome bike to ride and very solid on the road. I moved up to this from a Yamaha XVS250 Dragstar (Viragos better cousin) and havent looked back. Sure there are plenty of Cruisers worth a look see and you should take the time to check them out... but you wont go wrong with a Zuke

**Nagash** · 14th August 2008, 12:06

Originally Posted by Solly

The S40 is the single and the S50 is the V Twin (simular version to the S83). All the same thanks for your reply.

Bah! My mistake.. The S50's a MUCH better bike.

I'll sit in the corner now..

**fLaThEaD FreD** · 14th August 2008, 13:09

QUOTE=Nagash;1688276]Bah! My mistake.. The S50's a MUCH better bike.

I'll sit in the corner now..[/QUOTE]

Consider yourself told off LOL....

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 14th August 2008, 13:34

Originally Posted by shafty

Nagash, the S40 is the single - formerly known as a Suzuki Savage - and they were/are a right dog, in my opinion.
The S50 is the V Twin - a well proven bike indeed I believe.

My bad...

now that I am thinking of the right bike... ummm I'll go join Nagash in the corner double

Nagash move over... you got a beer...

**magicfairy** · 14th August 2008, 13:58

I have the S50, I upgraded from the single cylinder S40 nearly 2 years ago and love it. I use it to commute to work each day as well as longer rides.

It has quite a small fuel tank, open road going on to reserve at about 160k, I have gone 210k without running out but it was close. But you should be fine on NZ roads.

It is a great bike for a small person (I am 5ft 1") as it is low and narrow. But at 200kgs you may find it feels heavy at first, you soon get used to it.

I have been up to 500k in a day on mine, was very comfortable, the seat seems to have just enough back support for me.

Pros - small, low, cheap, super reliable, shaft drive so no chain to worry about. Easily sit on 110-120 k all day. Lots of tourque, easily drags off Harleys at the lights

Cons - small fuel tank, no fuel guage but does have a trip meter. No windscreen, limited instrumentation e.g. no tach. Not as chrome covered and "blingy" as the C50 and other cruisers but I like that minimalist look.

I have added a clock, bar heaters (www.warmfit.com) and a ventura pack frame.

I think it will be a very good choice coming from a 250...powerful enough without being scary.
Check out www.intruderalert.com under the Vs800/ S50 forums for more info.
Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me with more questions.

**Imbray** · 15th August 2008, 10:28

Good luck on your tour of the St Island, am looking at the same in march/ april.

I have driven hubby NUTS

looking at what I want to move up to, finnaly I chose the M50, am 5'3 with a hip that jams (normaly when I'm half way thu getting off the bike

) so wanted low seat & not to wide once panners where on, tryed the C50T with panners

nearly had to call for help to get off

was great without the panners.

I didn't feel secure or somthing on the S50, just wasn't right for me, hard to define.

I found for me the M50 was a good balance, weight, height, width, I felt secure & comfey

My new baby is in bits waiting to be put together at the shop, looks so sad with no front wheel, handlebars ect

.

What ever you choose hope you enjoy