I'm getting ready to purchase next week.  Can you guys tell me what you gave for your C50T?  I just want to make sure I get a good deal.  Thanks.  

Like everyone says, TAKE THE MSF SAFETY COURSE! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

I started out with a Yamaha V star 650.  I had it for about 6 mos. and put 3K miles on it (street and slab).  I knew right then that I wanted a bigger bike so I bought a used Kawa Nomad (1500 cc).  It's the best decision I made!  

I've rented Harleys (Road King & Heritage Classic) to see if I would like one of those, but the Kawa Nomad is more to my liking.  The Kawa fits me better, rides smoother, has better brakes, doesn't wallow in turns like the Harleys, and is a little quieter than the stock Harleys.  This is a good thing when riding on the slabs for any length of time.  Loud pipes get real old after about 5 miles at 75 mph!

Good luck with your bike & keep the shiny side up!  

Just a suggestion.

Think about more than just how it feels when you get on.  To me there are alot of factors to consider.  I would much rather have a water cooled engine.  Right now, I don't have a bike and it's been ages since I rode, but I'm in the market now.  I'm 58 and 5'10" and weigh 185 lbs.  I would love to have a 900, but the reasonable choice would be be the 750.  Decissons, Decissons.  Good Luck!

Robert  

I think it depends on your size and your fears.  I started a year ago with absolutely no experience in motorcycles or anything like them, not much assertiveness in sport activities.  I am quite small at 5'2 and about 125 lb... and oh, yeah I am over age 50.  I took the MSF class; didn't pass so I was determined to learn and show them!  I bought a Rebel and practiced and practiced (lots of parking lots, early mornings, all kinds of roads). I could reach the ground easily and balance it and hold on to it easily.  Those were all important factors at that point.

But at 800 miles and wanting to go on longer trips, I needed a bigger bike and felt that I had some confidence and had learned the basic skills.  So I sold the Rebel to another new rider and bought a Suzuki C50 Boulevard.  I have absolutely loved the bike and put over 9000 miles on it this past year (yes, in about 6 months since we only had a 6 month riding season due to the snow!).  Again, I practiced and practiced (parking lots and lots of weekend trips).  But this month, I moved up again and just bought a Yamaha 1300 and it is great.  So, I am a believer in three things: a bike you can ride easily to gain confidence, determination to practice and practice and a friendly, patient co-rider who can give lots of encouragement and continual feedback.  Good luck!!  

Hi, I have the same issue.  I will take my MSF soon, and then get me a bike.  I as eying the Honda Shadow VLX but just didn't want to settle on 600cc's.  Then I started to look at the 750 Shadow, it was really nice.  Just this weekend I discovered Triumph motorcycles.  I sat on an America brand and it was nice, though I think my friends VLX was lower.  I don't what to get:  Shadow 750 or Triumph America.  The triumph is like 2k more where I live and just a few more ccs.  I think I will have to sit on a 750 and get a more up close opinion of it.  Any opinions?  

I'm married with 3 kids and I am 37 years old. 7 months ago I was in the same spot as you and bought a 2005 c50 limited edition. It had a windshield and bags. I added a sissy bar and in essense it is a C50T. I am 5'6" 165lbs and find it to be a great bike. I looked at many bikes and read all of the mags and still think it was a perfect choice. For an 800cc bike it is full sized and yet light and easy to turn. I ride 2 up with my wife more than solo and it goes 70plus with no problems. At first I thought I would never go that fast but I am very happy I did not get a smaller bike. the operation has been flawless and I get complements every time I ride.(mine is red with ghost flames) Don't get a small bike, you won't keep it long. At your size the C50T would be easy to handle.  

Hello. I am starting out with motorcycling and look for an inexpensive used standard or cruiser bike that is not too uncomfortable for my 6" frame. I have fairly long legs and weigh 175 pounds. Power is not  that much an issue but i do want to sit comfortable. I felt very squeezed on the Rebel 250 when taking the MSF beginners course.
So far I am considering the Vulcan 500 and potentially the Ninja 250 although it's more of an sportbike. I am 40+ years old and by no means a daredevil so I do want to take it slow and not starting out with a bike that is overpowering my abilities. I would appreciate all suggestions.  

hi been reading your post and nobody has mentioned the XL 1200 N or the harley davidson "nightster". Had mine for about a month just made my first payment and boy was it woth it...1200cc extreamly low seat like under 25'' and handels like an overgrown dirt bike and is fast as *** It is the first bike I have ever owned and the first one I ever have sat on...a real first bike. Picked it up from the dealer and me and pops and brought it home. I had told pops earlier that I wanted to already have the bike when I took the bike saftey class so when finished I could jump on my bike ready to burn it up. We got it home and I was determined to abide by the rule I had set for myself plus I was a bit scared of the bike the guy at the dealer told me it was real fast... Pops and I sat it in the garage and after looking at it for about 10 min. he said well we can at least fire it up and hear the engine after that he said I bet you could drive it really slow up a back street in our neighborhood as long as I staved in first gear...I tried it about 2 times up and down the street then he said see if you can change gears and so the next time I did it I got it into 3rd gear and after about a week of this kinda driving around the neighborhood I got comfortable enough to hit the streets...rode a lot at night first because the streets were empty. As far as the class goes take it if you are worried or if your wife and mother worry the *** out of you and I'm sure they will otherwise use that money for some nice upgrades on your bike, or buy some gloves or a nice helmet or riding boots because motorcycling is an expensive hobby and the class cost about $300 around here and I can make that go along ways and with a little late night lonley street practice you'll be just fine just go slow and start looking for some gear it is just as important as any other attempt at saftey (the class) and if your are like me I save where ever I can.  

I read lots of books, took the MSF and bought the C50T.  I'm 6'1" and 230lbs and it's just the right size for me as well as matches my limited skills.  I don't think you would want to get anything smaller if you're as big or bigger than I am.  Very well balanced bike and easy to handle.  

My 1st bike was an 800 Drifter, a little big, even though I'm 6' 240lb. I bought it in 2001. Just swapped it out for a 2003 Goldwing(ABS). I rode the Drifter every night for a month when I got home for about 30 miles.

My wife's 1st bike (she bought it 2 months after me) was a Suzuki Savage (650cc thumper).  I rode it to get it home, and damn if it wasn't a fine ride up to 70 mph. Seat is a little small for distance.
Wife sold it at the beginning of the next season, to replace it with a 1400 Intruder (SERIOUSLY.. I would not recommend that as a 1st bike).
Year after that, she went for the 1500 Mean Streak.  

Greetings, all.

After riding a Honda Rebel back in the 80's as a teen and later (stupidly) selling it, I only recently got back into riding again.

I acquired a Boulevard C50 a couple of months ago, and except for bad weather (ice, sleet, etc) I commute some 22 miles to work one way.

Of course, on the weekends I do make it a point to take a leisurely ride, if only to get outta the house.

Anyway, as a 1st time rider (after 20+ years) of a bike in the 750~900 series, I can say that the balance, weight, center of gravity, and overall responsiveness of the C50 is more than ideal for anyone getting a "1st bike".

My 2nd choice would be the similar contender: Kawasaki Vulcan 900.

A slightly smaller engine may be less intimidating as you break yourself into riding, but it is my humble opinion you will be looking at the bigger bikes before long and find yourself wishing you had gone ahead and chosen the extra cc's.  

I started riding last year, after taking the MSF course. In VA it's not free. But was tired of being the passenger. Bought a used Yamaha 650 Classic and was riding it around my neighborhood before I got into the course. By then the 250cc bike they assign seemed a lot less scary. Highly recommend this class as it gives you a lot more confidence.
Put on about 4500 miles last summer and loved it. I'm ready to move up to bigger and am looking at all the cruisers I can sit on or test drive. There are lots of used bikes out there, and as someone already mentioned, for a lot less than a new one. Something I learned from being 5' 3" is aftermarket accessories are great! You can replace risers,handlebars and/or seat etc. to make the bike of dreams a lot more comfortable for you. Oh and I'm over 50 as well. Go girls!! Keep the shiny side up and be safe.  

Ok, where is the MSF course free? In Oklahoma it's $150.00.  

The MSF course cost $225 in my area. I'm going to pass. I paid $19 for an online study course based on motorcycle DMV test across the nation, then studied the state guide for a couple days then tested. The national study guide has tons of safety info.

My bike will be here today. Last night I read the Street Survival-On the Ride article on this site with 50 Ways to Save Your Life.  Reading isn't going to sub for riding, but the info is about as good as it gets.  I would suggest saving the page to your favorites and read it until you memorize it. http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/0702_crup_motorcycle_safety/index.html

Now to take it one step at a time as the gentleman posting earlier with a ride to the local college.  I plan to do the same on some farm roads used very little in my area until I gain my confidence back.  

In the military the MSF course is offered on base and is free.  Also, from what I understand, if you take the course and buy a Harley they will credit the cost of the course to your cycle purchase.