Choosin Confusin

[ZooTech]

For my first bike (after many years without one) I've narrowed it down to a:

Yamaha V Star 650 - too small

Honda Shadow Aero 750 - weak and carbureted

Honda Shadow Spirit 750 - little more powerful w/ two carbs, but not great for 2-up

Suzuki 800 Boulevard M50 - How 'bout the C50 or C50t? Fuel injected, water-cooled, shaft drive, and inexpensive accessories and exhaust mods. The Suzuki studded gel seat, pillion pad, and sissy bar pad are only $215.00 and drop the seat height 1.1" lower and make the bike way more comfortable. And for $40.00 you can debaffle the stock pipes and save a lot of money over aftermarket.

[storysunfolding]

I've been thinking about the m50 as well

Is the m50 sufficient for two up riding?

I've also heard that she doesn't cruise well at high speeds because of high revs and lots of vibration. There's also the rumor that she doesn't accelerate well from 70 up and that she maxes out at 105. The speed might sound extreme but traffic around here can get up to 80-90 mph and if you aren't close to their speed it gets dicey. I'd like the ability to zoom out of trouble if need be.

I'm seriously looking into getting one of the 07's but concerns about a lack of an aftermarket, being a horrible ride for a pillion, and it not being much more than a city or slower cruising bike have me wondering. I take 200 mile trips with my g/f on back. I know the c50 is probably better setup for that but I like bobbed fenders, it's a selling point for me.

[ezybass]

One other bike that was brought to my attention is the
Kawasaki Vulcan 900; electronic fuel injection, belt drive, front & rear disc brakes and a lower seat than the Suzuki Boulevard C50 & M50. I sat on one in the dealer's showroom and it's a beautiful bike! Anyone have any comments on the Vulcan?

[ZooTech]

One other bike that was brought to my attention is the
Kawasaki Vulcan 900; electronic fuel injection, belt drive, front & rear disc brakes and a lower seat than the Suzuki Boulevard C50 & M50. I sat on one in the dealer's showroom and it's a beautiful bike! Anyone have any comments on the Vulcan?

T-bonee' has one. I had the pleasure of riding it last weekend and it's an awesome bike! Superb handling for the class, very comfortable, and quite powerful for a mid-size.

[t_bonee]

Yes. I've had my vulcan 900 for a month now and it is a pleasure to ride. I've only sat on the M50 and C50, so I have no road comparison. But it does sit lower than both and it handles great. Turns with ease, plenty of low end torque to pick you up with, rides smooth. I would recommend it.

[ezybass]

Finally signed up for the 4-day Motorcycle Rider Safety Course in Nanaimo, BC (Pro-Line) and begin Sept 4th. Once I pass (hopefully) the skills test, my beginners' licence will allow me to daytime solo without any supervision during daylight and without a passenger. This is the time I'll probably buy my new bike. Much to my wife's dismay, I visited the Nanaimo dealer again today and sat on the Honda 750 Aero and the Suzuki Boulevard M50 and although the Honda feels more comfortable (lower), the Suzuki is probably the best "bang for the buck" in terms of features. I'll make another visit to the Kawasaki Dealer in Parksville, BC (closer to my home) to look again at the Vulcan 900. Then it's decision time! Thanks to everyone for their imput.