First Purchase

Message

TroubledMind · Sun Feb 22, 2009 11:25 am

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the site and new to motorcycles in general. I'm looking to purchase a motorcycle in the upcoming months. I've already looked into a local MSF course and plan on taking that soon. I have between 3000-5000 to spend on a first bike (most likely used). For a little background information I'm 22 and have a pretty weird body style. I'm about 5-7 and about 250 pounds. I have very large shoulders and upper body. I'm thinking about a cruiser for my first bike because I doubt I would be comfortable on much else. I would think the wider the bike better for me. I've been looking quite extensively at bikes and I really like the looks of the VRSC night rod but it is way out of my price range and too powerful for me. So I've been looking at bikes like the Honda Shadow and Suzuki C50. My riding will mostly be done in the summer both for enjoyment and maybe for commuting to work. I have about 40 mile commute that is mostly rural, there is a mix of curvy roads around hills and long straits through farming area. I'm a person who will spend 3 months researching a purchase and gathering information. So any suggestions you guys could give me would be really helpful. Thanks!!

jstark47 · #2 Unread post by **jstark47** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 12:08 pm

Go to a dealership and sit on some bikes. Background reading is fine, but you will benefit from feeling the physical dimensions of various bikes - e.g. seat height, reach to the bars, location of foot controls, etc. Even though you're probably buying used, many bikes don't change much from year to year. As far as cruisers go, there are many that would make a fine first bike, but sit on some standards, dual sports, even sportbikes. You might surprise yourself.

RhadamYgg · #3 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:23 pm

I'm a lot like you with the researching things to death. But what jstark said, the only way to really know if a bike is going to be right for you... Is to sit on a bunch and feel it out.

Even so, I've found that comfortable sitting on a bike is a lot different than comfortable riding it. And comfortable riding it is a lot different than comfortable riding it for a couple hours.

RhadamYgg

Lion_Lady · Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:56 am

You need to set aside at least $500 of that for protective gear. Don't skimp on your skin.

A lot of dealers will cut a deal on gear with your bike purchase. But you need to have an idea of what you want and will fit.

P

TroubledMind · Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:28 pm

Thanks for the input. I have friday off and plan on going to local dealerships and checking out some of the bikes there. I think I'll also get my motorcycle operator's learner permit friday. Read the state manual a couple of times already

. I've already factored in the extra money I'll need for equipment, registration, MSF course and insurance. Money isn't a real big deal for me, I'm mostly looking to have an enjoyable experience.

#6 Unread post by **Wrider** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 6:38 pm

Cool! As for the C-50, it's the newer version of the Volusia I used to own, and I'm a big guy at 6'2 280. It sat me comfortably with no problem, so I can't see any problems with you. My 5'4" sister had problems sitting on it but my buddy your height had no problems at all.

I also agree that you should go sit on the bikes before anything else. Sit on the bike while talking to a friend or the sales guy and make sure you can handle the seating position for 30 minutes. Just sitting on a bike is much different than sitting on it and realizing it's uncomfortable 20 minutes later...

TroubledMind · Fri Feb 27, 2009 5:35 am

Had a terrific week. I signed up for the Safety Course, taking it in May. I got my Motorcycle permit and I went to a couple of dealers. I found a 2006 C50 Suzuki with 6000 miles. It's in really good condition, never dropped. They are asking $4995 for it. That's comparable to the KBB value but I'm wondering if I could get some input from you guys. Also If I pay in cash do you think I could get him to come down a couple hundred? Thanks for any suggestions!!

#8 Unread post by **Wrider** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:03 pm

Yeah that's a pretty decent price for it. And you'd actually probably be better off negotiating with them to finance it because the interest is a money-maker for them. Then your sneaky self goes and pays off the financing in cash!

Also try to get them to throw in gear such as a jacket/gloves/helmet. They usually go with the bike to sweeten the deal

Let us know!

NNYrider · #9 Unread post by **NNYrider** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 3:30 pm

The Suzuki C50 is an excellent bike. It's a true middlewieght cruiser. It may seem a tad large or heavy initially, but as soon as you have completed the MSF course it will be near ideal. I owned the slightly older Volusia model of that bike(same bike but carbed instead of EFI). Expect mid to high 40's for gas mileage. It's a very capable cruiser. I weight 250, and the bike hauled me, my daughter and saddlebags full of gear with no difficulty. I did sell mine but had NO problems with the bike in any way shape or form. I'll admit that I initally was resistant to buying a Suzuki (I was a honda man) but after comparison shopping, looking at features, etc I simply could not top the volusia as far as middleweight cruisers. The new c50's are even better.

With 6000 miles check the tires carefully. If they are not done now, they will be soon. The price is okay. If its got new rubber its decently priced. If its original rubber, get new tires as part of the deal. The bike is shaft driven (Hurray!) so chains are not an issue.

I don't remember the maintenance schedule with any real degree of certainty but I think the recommend valve adjustment is 7500 miles. If this is the case, I'd be keeping this in mind with the dealer. He might not want to knock $600-700 of the price, but sometimes you can find middle ground: Take the bike at his price, but throw in the new rubber and the valve adjustment. You save $700-800 but it costs him substantially less than that .... win-win.

If you want parts and accessories its kinda hard to beat oneidasuzuki.com. I have no affiliation with them, and have not bought from them in about 3 years but their prices were the most reasonable I could find.

I did mount a Memphis fats 19" windsheild on my Volusia. I was NOT happy. Wind buffeting was extreme, and I eventually ordered lower shields for it too (which helped a whole lot).

TroubledMind · Sat Feb 28, 2009 4:13 pm

NNYRider thank you very much!! I'm pretty much set on this bike and I'll see what I can do, money really isn't a big worry to me. Thanks again!!