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You didn't mention your height which has a bearing on seat height in a sticky post toward the top.

Also the riding positions mentioned above are all great points. Riding a crotch rocket for a few hours vs a crusier makes a big difference on your back. I have some back issues so I have a cruiser (to be delivered this week but drove both) . So short trips or long most of the time and riding postion as mentioned above.

Also don't assume everyone trades up after a year or two. If you get the right size to start and the right type, you may stick with it for much longer.

sharpmagna wrote:

Dragonhawk wrote:Then I took the MSF course and learned to ride and the lumbering, slow-turning characteristics of a cruiser scared me. I wanted something more manuverable.

You sure it was the cruiser or the fact the fact that you were still learning to ride? Not trying to pick a fight, but seriously asking a question here.

Sharp, I was wondering about this too. I started riding my wife's Marauder last spring just to keep it going until we sell it. Compared to my Bonneville, it seemed clumsy as a farm tractor. Low speed steering is its worst point. But after riding it a while, I now realize at any speed above 5mph, it's quite agile.

sharpmagna wrote:

Dragonhawk wrote:Then I took the MSF course and learned to ride and the lumbering, slow-turning characteristics of a cruiser scared me. I wanted something more manuverable.

You sure it was the cruiser or the fact the fact that you were still learning to ride? Not trying to pick a fight, but seriously asking a question here.

I think there were a number of factors. Ergonomics was a big one. I've ridden bicycles all my life. Many motorcyclists have not. Many motorcyclists ride bicycles as kids, and then stop, and get a motorcycle years later. But I've been on BMX bikes and freestyle bikes and 10-speeds and mountain bikes all my life. So, a standard-seating-position on a motorcycle feels familiar and comfortable.

Cruisers are indeed a lot more manuverable than they appear to be. But I still find it awkward to be sitting in such a reclined position and having curved handlebars and that long fork rake.

I really like cruisers. I think they are cool. I often think of getting one. I just find standards are still a lot more comfortable and responsive for me.

Ok, I'm with ya now. That feet forward position which a lot of cruisers have does make a difference when riding. It is great when you just want to do a long haul, but isn't that great for total control.

I guess since my bike was built/designed in the 80's the riding position is slightly different than cruisers of today. The foot pegs are ohly a little forward so it is very close to a "standard" seating position though your feet aren't right under your hips. When I'm cruising on the slab I have my feet on the highway pegs that are further forward and slightly higher so I can lay back and just ride. When I get to the twisties though I change my feet to the regular foot pegs and go from there. I have greater control with those foot pegs than the highway bar.

flw wrote:You didn't mention your height which has a bearing on seat height in a sticky post toward the top.

Also the riding positions mentioned above are all great points. Riding a crotch rocket for a few hours vs a crusier makes a big difference on your back. I have some back issues so I have a cruiser (to be delivered this week but drove both) . So short trips or long most of the time and riding postion as mentioned above.

Also don't assume everyone trades up after a year or two. If you get the right size to start and the right type, you may stick with it for much longer.

Im 5'6 and approx 135lbs
I do actually have a problematic neck so thats another reason im leaning towards cruiser(we plan to ride back to our home town next summer aswell-about 700miles -.......which would probably be murder on a sport )
And I know if I got the M50(or the Ninja 650-which I still may concider)I would be very happy for quite a while... but if I got a 250 I know I would want to trade up

edit: well, i went and sat on the M50 today..and ohhh man! that is one NICE bike!!! so comfortable- nice natural seating position...the weights distributed very well- it seems so light! the one on the showfloor had a significant sale on it too...ahhh sigh....too bad im not ready to buy right now..and besides..it was blue-i want black

*Tara*,
You are the same height/weight as I am. I bought a C50 because of many of your concerns. On the highway it has all the weight and balance I need for the highway or in the city. I was also steered to the M50 by the salesman. I found the dry weight of the bike in the showroom was doable, but add a tank full of gas and have to maneuver it it tight places...good luck, girlfriend! I've always considered myself to be very physically strong, but picking up a bike is a rather embarrassing and humbling experience!
I also have had more than a few injuries that made me choose the cruiser ( horse trainer) and being a rather aggresive driver...a sportier bike would just get me into alot of trouble

I had the same delima between sport and cruiser. Actually, I was dead set against any sport bike at first, and was very close to buying the M50. Then I decided to shop around a bit to make sure I knew what I wanted. I'm glad I did, because I couldn't be happier with my sports-tourer.

Just decide what fits your needs best. The M50 is a great looking bike, but keep an open mind.

Check out the Ninja 500-R. It is an incredibly reliable bike, and comfortable. No slouch in the speed department either. It's only 45(ish)hp, but you won't be disappointed by it.

My first two bikes were cruisers, and after the 500-R (and the new ZX-6R) I will never go back

--David

Funny thing, I just went over the exact same dilemma!!!...I went in looking to get a Ninja 650R (black), but they were out of '06 and the '07s only come in red and blue, then,,,I sat on a black M50....well, I bought it and could not be happier!!!!

It's VERY easy during slow speed maneuvers, the clutch/throttle engagement is VERY smooth, the engine is plenty powerfull for highway cruising and it's handling seems to be very benign.

And the looks, it looks AWESOME!!!, I had a guy in a CBR1000RR pull a u turn and come up to me in the next light, just to look it over and tell me how good it looks!!!

P.S. I didn't really care for all that space between the handlebars and the front fairing of the 650R, then again, I almost bought one!!!(till I saw the M50 + the insurance on the M50 is almost HALF what I was quoted for the Ninja!!)

heyyy!
soooo, change of plans, hahah... im working at kawasaki now... so im getting a kawasaki probably a vulcan 800 or 900 since i work there ill be getting wicked discounts on the bike, accessories and gear.... not to mention my sweet discount on the motorcycle training program!! booyah!!! this is gonna be a painfull winter watching all the sweet new stuff come in!!! trying to decide what to buy will be hard