I have just about narrowed it down but I could still use some help. I know the Zuk C50T would be great for 90% of my driving. My concern is w/ saddle bags, 2 ppl and a mountain trip will the Zuk have adequate power? The V Star 1100 Silverado is a little bigger and has more power but the power ration between the two is about the same. THe Zuk: less expensive, better for everyday driving, fuel-injected and liquid-cooled... The Star is $2k more, seems to require more maintenance??? It has a carb and is air-cooled but is hands down the best-looking cruiser to me. I'm reaaly torn. The sales guys I've talked to all recommend the V Star but they are salespeople. Your help and knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.  

Hi,

I have a c50t I bought home the first week in Oct. 2007 with 0 miles.  I have 7k on it now.  My wife used to ride two up with me a lot but she is avoiding it now.  She weighs about 100 and I weighed about 230.  We rode into the mountains up to about 9,000 feet but they were narrow and winding mountain passes.  The bike really wanted to accelerate on those slow rodes.  We could easily do 60 at around 5,000 feet.  The turns slowed us down and not the bike.  I think you won't notice any problem in power if you are talking about day trips and only throwing clothes in the bags.  I think I would want something bigger if I were to load down the bike.  Then again, I probably wouldn't enjoy those winding mountain passes the same with a heavier bike that may be less maneuverable.

My bike has always started in the winter the first time in temperatures down to about 30 degrees.  That is something that still amazes me because I used to kick start my bike for 15 minutes or so in the winter without any effect (that was 20 years ago).

A lot of people here swear by the v-star 1100.  I suspect you'd be happy with either bike...

Good luck and have fun.  

I just bought an 08 C50 but opted to not go full dress since I was also buying a Honda Rebel for my wife. I did have them put a windshield on it since it was part of a free accessories package. If you will be using it for most of your local travel then the C50 is the way to go, even up and around mountains. If your pleasure is flat highway driving with some winding curves get the bigger bike. On the highway the mpg should be close while the 1100 will give you additional passing power. My major concern would be how well the V-Star will handle the heat. In Oklahoma it gets hot, 105 - 120 is not out of the norm and a air cooled engine will need a lot of rest and shade to keep from burning up in heavy traffic.  

HI; I bought a 05 C50T new. I have 15K on it and have had no trouble. I carry a back pack loaded with stuff,25lbs. The bags are full of stuff also another 30lbs or more. I have had guys up to 230 lbs on back and have had no trouble keepin up with the big boys..1100 and up . I don't even try to keep up with the rocker guys.
This bike will maintain 60-80mph with  two up with ease. The thing handles the corners very well. I drag the floor boards alot.  I have noticed that when you really push the bike in the corners it has a soft supension and tends to bounce. The shock is ajustable. I have it set at 3rd spot. I should set it up a little tighter. I don't get that squrilly very often.
I get around 45-50 mpg. Most of my driving is in town. To and from . I do get out on the weekends and run about 250-400 miles with friends. We run from 450 - 4500 above sea level. It has made the altitude transion with out any problems. Some of the bigger carbed bikes tend to get lean and start to run out of fuel. I have noticed a lean pop when behind them (only in the mountains).
The C50 is very manuverable in town and in tight traffic. I like the way it handles in parking lots and the gas stations. Very easy to handle. The wind does not seem to bother it much. Itmovwes around but stays where you point it. Big rigs also don't have that much effect on the bike. You move around alittle but not so much that you feel out of control the bike stays planted.
I just like the way it handles the every day riding and stopping. I have a friend that has a 1200 sportser and she always just laught at me and my zuki untill I I had her ride it for a while .NOW she is looking at an 08 C50T. Now I been ribbing her about the HD.    
I hope that this helps. Either bike will serve you well.I think that you will really like the C50.
GOOD luck ...scruffy  

I have a V Star 1100 Custom and my buddy has a C50. We ride together a lot and to me there's not a lot of difference except he has floorboards and EFI and I don't.
Of course we don't do a lot of hot rodding but there's really not that much difference in the performance.
If you want a V Star but don't want to go the freight for the Silverado package you might think about a regular Classic model, then add the extras that you need. (bags, windshield, etc)
The classic already has the floorboards and heel and toe shifter and is quite a bit cheaper than the Silverado.

I think you'll be very happy with either one.