'05 Suzuki M50- first bike

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riverboat_red · Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:11 am

Is an 805cc cruiser too much bike for a beginner? I have taken my MSF course and feel really confident, but don't want to do something stupid. I am told that the fuel injection makes for a forgiving powerband. I don't want something that I'll get tired of in a year and thought this cruiser looked like a good compromise. Anyone riden one of these or its cousins the S50 and C50?

basshole · #2 Unread post by **basshole** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:22 am

I'm starting my MSF course tonite and I'm planning on buying an M50 this weekend so from my perspective go for it? What color are you gonna get?

riverboat_red · Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:01 am

I am getting the black one. I like the look of the gray '06 but am getting a deal off the MSRP on an '05. I plan on commuting back and forth to downtown. Luckily Houston allows motorcycles on the HOV lanes, so I will get to pass up most of the gridlocked traffic. I am planning on getting mine Tuesday.

Scott58 · #4 Unread post by **Scott58** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:27 am

I bought the S50 a few months ago. The only reason i'd consider it a good beginner bike is due to low weight and seat height. It is however very fast and has no problem kicking the back end out if your not careful. Ride safely and you shouldn't have a problem.

riverboat_red · Thu Oct 13, 2005 7:52 am

I also considered the S50, but I thought it might be too light on the freeway. How does yours handle with the wind and drafts caused by the other vehicles?

Scott58 · #6 Unread post by **Scott58** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:44 pm

Right now it is still bone stock and the wind can become an issue. My Rebel with a flyscreen actually handles wind situations better (about 135lbs lighter). Once i get a screen that will make it a bit more aerodynamic I don't think it will be much of a problem. What I like about the S50 is the performance. You pretty much have to have a 1000cc cruiser or better to touch it in 1/4 mile runs. This comes in very handy around people acting ignorant in cars. It only takes a small amount of throttle to pull you away from almost any situation. the light weight also makes it pretty nimble when manuvering at slow or high speeds. I mainly purchased this bike for 2-up touring and i see more interstate on it then anything else. With a passenger it is better in windy conditions (but more weight will do that). You really have to consider everything you want out of your motorcycle. My main issue was how much weight I was willing to throw around all the time. I wanted something light and the S50 fit the bill. I didn't really appreciate the performance until after I had a few hundred miles on it. Sacrifing some comfort became very acceptable after i realized the performance advantages, but if your looking for an easier ride you may want to consider the C or M 50.

Relapz · #7 Unread post by **Relapz** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 7:03 pm

I got my M50 about three weeks ago. I only have about 1000 miles on it. It's not a bad bike at all. It's quite a bit faster than I expected. The throttle is really responsive. You could use it as a starter bike, but you really should get a used bike for the first couple thousand miles. Not because the M50 is hard to learn on, but because you'll probably drop it doing something stupid... slow speed manuvers can do that to ya. Better to drop something that you don't care as much about than your new M50. I rode an '80 KZ550 LTD for the last six months and while I could have started on the M, it was better to have problems on the old bike because I don't care about the looks of it.

Uhhh.. this is really incoherent. Sorry about that. But I think you may be able to get my point.

brbolin · #8 Unread post by **brbolin** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 3:01 am

I will be picking up my Blue, 2005 M50 tonight or tomorrow morning...depends on how the day goes.
This will be my first bike ever...at least one not labeled "Murray" or "Schwinn".

I took the MSF class a few weeks ago on a Kawasaki Eliminator...which has a mini-cruiser styling and loved the class. It was a blast!!!
I was struggling between the M50 and the V-Star 650 Custom. Decided on the M50 due to styling and such.
A little nervous about riding it, but 97% is just excited to get on that puppy! Who cares if I'm riding 25 mph on the way home.

I'll get home eventually, and in one piece. It'll turn a 45 minute ride into an hour-and-a-half one. That's alright. The longer I'm on the bike, the happier I'll be.
I talked to a lot of people, and they didn't see much of a problem with the M50 being my first, since I took the class and all. It's mainly a matter of, if you're comfortable with the weight, can touch the ground no problem, and are aware of the power of the beast you're riding on. Take your time, and be careful and all should be well.
I'm 5'11", 185 lbs., if that helps for any compare/contrast.

#9 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 4:24 am

Having ridden the C50 quite a bit, and knowing the M50 handles even better, you should have no problems. The engine is strong but lays down smooth, predictable power and will forgive you for being in the wrong gear at times. Just take your time with it and enjoy.

Craig7220 · Fri Oct 14, 2005 6:41 am

Yep, what Zoo said. I have a C50 and it should be fine for you. Just be patient and enjoy the ride.