No more S50s in NZ?

[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/List...x?id=103468089
2. Magna 750:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=101544626
3. Another M50:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?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!

[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 ?
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

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

[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.