I'm looking at used bikes right now and I can't decide if I should go for the Yamaha V Star 1100 or the fuel-injection power of the 805 on a Susuki Boulevard. I'm currently riding a 1973 Honda CB750 (in exc condition and for sale btw ;-) so either bike is a pretty big jump for me from a standard to a cruiser. The Yamaha is a little roomier for my size (6'5") but I'd be interested in anyone's experience with either of these bikes. I like the price of the Suzukis but I like the size of the Yamaha. What Say You?  

I too am currently shopping around for a bike and have recently come to a decision, Over the past 2 months I have researched several bikes mostly Cruisers around the 650cc to the 800cc range and drove quite a few of them myself but what really made the decision easier was an article I read that compared Kawasaki,Honda,Harley,& Suzuki in the mid-sized cruisers the Result was a little unexpected but what I was leaning toward anyway.  Here is the article if it helps.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2006-lightmiddleweight-cruiser-comparison-3972.html

Even though I am probably going to go for the M50 the C50T is almost the same exact bike with only differences in appearance.  I have heard nothing but great things from people in different forums and friends in the biking world about Suzukis Boulevard Family.  I don't think you can go wrong with the C50T

I would really have to say if you want a bigger bike and are probably going to do alot more touring on it maybe you should get a bigger bike around the 1100cc range but even then Suzuki has wide range of bigger bikes as well like the C90T great bike for touring.  

One of the guys here works for a dealership and he had mentioned in past posts that power wise, the 1100 and the C-50 have basically the same power ratios.  You may want to look at the features of the bike to make your decision such as Fuel injection...

I don't think either bike is bad.  I like my c-50t and sports bike riders who have ridden it have been surprised by the maneuverability.

Personally, my wish is for a 1600 nomad or a gold wing that gets 100 MPG and that can maneuver on a dime.  The C-50t meets all my motorcycling needs for now, which is basically commuting.  No mechanical problems, OK power, and OK gas mileage.  

I really doubt that you will find either an 1100 or a c50t much of a jump after a month.  I rode a suzuki 400 in college over 20 years ago and then bought this bike in October.  I was scared and thought I couldn't handle it.  Not a problem at all.  They look big but really aren't that big at all.  It's done with smoke and mirrors.

Good luck and have fun  

I bought my Vstar 1100 Custom last fall - my first bike, new rider and I am female. I was looking at 650's and everyone told me to get something bigger. After getting the riding down - 6 months later I am so happy I listened. If I had gone with a smaller bike I would be trading it in at this point. My bike does require the valves and oil be done every 3000 miles so if you are going to ride hard you will want to consider this or learn to do it yourself. I can keep up with the big bikes on the highway and have not problem with it in the city, mileage is good and the ride is comfortable.  

I agree with jkecycleman just go out and ride several bikes and see what feels better.  I personally like the M50 better especially around town  

having ridden both and owned one i would say hands down the vstar is a much better bike! Those who have ridden them both know there IS a big power difference. there is also an almost 300cc engine size difference and only a 30 lb weight difference. The star handles better, looks better, in easily tunable by someone who knows their carbs, is faster, and way more customizable. It is well worth the $1900 difference! Oh btw i'm 6'4 and it fits me pretty well. You may want some forward controls to be really comfy but it's pretty good. I also rotated the bars forward just a little bit for my monkey arms    anyway, i hope that helps.. i'll attach a pic of mine if it works.. good luck!

Gashole

 

My first bike was a V-Star 650 Classic.. It was a great bike for my first one and looked good, too.  I should've listened to the dealer (of all people!) and gotten a bigger bike.  I traded up to the C50T after a year and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  

The bike's FI was one of the biggest things for me.  I'm not that great mechanically and was kind of intimidated by the carbs (I'd have to take it to a shop to get it rejetted).  The FI is MUCH easier to deal with.  The C50 is bigger and it does handle pretty well.

Topazdog is right.. It's all done with smoke and mirrors, though.  It's very comfortable!  

Seems kind of funny to reply to this when the original poster has probably made their purchase by now (April).  Still I bought my bike in October with these same questions in mind and now that I have my 1100 VStar, I'm still not sure.  I keep looking back at the Boulevard group and wondering if I should have gotten one of those.  I think the best thing to do is test drive lots and lots of bikes.  If you can find a dealer that will let you, just drive everything.  You may even find that a cruiser isn't right for you afterall and maybe something a little sportier could surprise you.  If you are only going to buy a bike every 5 - 10 years, make sure it is one you are going to be happy with.  Also check out resale value in the event you do have to off load it.  Some bikes keep their value, others don't.