I went with the C50T after weeks of reading reviews and looking at bikes.  I'm glad I did.  Cost, looks, options, etc cannot be beat.  

Wow everyone is 6 feet. I am 5'4" 160 pounds. I have been away from riding for 20 years and I am over 60 year in good shape. I just purchased an 1100 Yamaha vstar silverado and it scares the **** out of me. I am taking the course very soon before I get back on what feels like a monster to me. The question I have is after taking the course on a small er bike like they give you will the 1100 still fell like a monster or will it feel more comfortable to handle? If anyone can share some light on this matter it would be appreciated, A personal is ok too.
Thanks  

I bought a C50T as my first bike the week after taking the MSF course. I don't think I could have picked a better bike. It's got plenty of power once you run the RPM's up a bit. Now I'm riding it to work everday, and every chance I get on the weekends. I was looking at a Victory Vegas, but after a test drive I decided it had way too much motor for a first ride. I'm 6'3 180 and the Suzuki's comfortable around town and on the highway. Getting about 52 MPG in daily driving too.  

Hello. Most of us who returned to biking after being away several years (40 years for me) have the same concerns: What is the best bike? My choice was made easier by reading the reviews on this site and other bike sites. After reading a comparison between the Suzuki C50 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, I opted for the Kawa. I sat on both, talked to owners of both, read the reviews, and considered the features that I wanted: fuel injection, belt or drive shaft, cost for service (asked dealers how much for an oil change and important maintenance schedules), warranties (Kawasaki offers 24 months), and standard equipment on each model (I wanted a windshield) as well as the cost for optional equipment (e.g., a light bar to make the bike more conspicuous, a luggage rack, and platforms to replace the passenger pegs).

I also considered how far away each dealer was, how the salesperson reacted to my questions, what the shops looked like, and how recently the mechanics were trained by the manufacturer.

Each of the concerns I had was answered by various people or articles that I read, including commentaries in these forums. One of my concerns was the Kawa's tube tires, but my concern was addressed by some of the folks right here.

In any case, choose the bike that you feel you can handle. I at first thought about a Gold Wing or one of the big HDs, but their weight concerned me. I did not, however, want an underpowered bike that I would be looking to sell after several months. That's where the 800-900cc bikes fit--both the C50 and Vulcan 900. My Vulcan weighs 600+ (with fuel), which is managable, particularly when doing slow-speed maneuvers. It is also peppy, doesn't get goosey on the Interstates when trucks pass, and handles twisties with ease. All in all, it was the bike that I felt confident I could enjoy for several years because it would meet my needs. I am 65, six feet tall, and weigh about 200.  

Hello, another complete newbie here. No previous bike experience, just decided that I wanted something that would allow me to go cruising in town and on the highways. Trips will be mostly day and weekend, but I do plan on doing 1 and 2 week tours. Good handling, sufficient power, good gas mileage, quality construction, easy maintenance are things I'm looking for.  Now in the process of getting the necessary safety equipment and once that's done, take an Alberta Safety Council beginners motorcycle course and get my bike licence.

I'm a 48 y.o. guy, 5 foot 10 inches, 270 pounds - built like a muscular offensive lineman, 30 inch inseam who decided that cruisers  are the way to go. I've had the experience of sitting on my brother in law's stock 2007 Honda Shadow VT750C2 and it felt good. I haven't checked out other bikes yet, but will be doing that when I get a couple weeks off soon. The  Suzuki C50 and  Kawasaki Vulcan 900 will be on my check list, but would welcome suggestions of any other bikes to also check out.

Thanks for any tips, suggestions.  

I bought the V Star 1300 Tourer last year.  I now have 10,400  miles on it and could not be happier.  The clutch noise you talk of seems to go away with miles driven.  I would suggest riding the bike before buying if possible.  One complaint with the 1300 is the handlebars.  They are a long reach for some.  I ended up adjusting mine back just a touch and they now fit perfectly.  The V Star 1300 is a great bike, not as big as the monster V Twins but more than enough power tog et you wherever you want to go.  

When I took the MSF course, we used little Honda 250's.  That was no comparison to the Vulcan 1600 I eventually bought.  There is a big difference.  Even so, I'm at ease with my beast.  Time spent in the saddle leads to confidence and comfort.

You should buy what feels right and looks cool to you.  Also, you can spend hours sitting on bikes at the dealer and that helps to decide, but I wouldn't spend $$$ without a test ride.  

I just bought an M50 and my riding experience included dirt bikes when  was like 12. I'm 38 6'1" and I bought this bike because the honda and the yamaha in the same class just didn't fit. After the first day of killing the damn thing trying to get the use of a clutch back to automatic again I have to say this bike is going to be a lot of fun. I was really thinking "cheaper than a prius and the same mileage". I know that's likely blasphemy but I got up the nerve to ride it into town and fill the tank last night. I was very comfortable at highway speed and the bike seemed to know what I wanted it to do. Of course this is all just me. I'm signed up for our states safety course in October. We can ride without a passenger during daylight on a permit in this state. I'm sure I'll be using the bike for commuting the straight shot of highway miles to work. From what I've seen so far I'll likely become fanatical about this bike.

Thanks!
CT  

I just bought a used maurader 800.  It's a 1997 but besides needing a new rear tire according to the bike shop I took it too, it's in great shape.  I did ride it some just to get the feel of it and I felt like part of it.  I'm six, one and kicking 220 lbs and I felt like I had been molded to the maching.  I see a lot of riders don't like the big tank but I don't even notice it, and with some foward controls I can comfortably stretch my long legs out.  It has all the power I want or need.......It's a good bike.  

I too am new again at riding I am 47 5'-8" 185lbs. I looked at several cruisers and narrowed it down to the c50 and the Kawasaki vulcan 900. I selected the c50 because of the shaft drive and several reviews I read here and other publications. I am very happy with it. My c50 handles well and is so comfortable to ride. I have only had mine a couple of weeks and I use to commute to and from work. it holds the road real well and has plenty of power. It also gets a lot of compliments most people think its a harley. My wife was apprensive about me getting a bike but she has ridden with me and feels real secure with the big bike feel. I would highly recommend the c50.  

I took my MSF basic rider course a couple of years ago but didn't start riding until last Sept.  I purchased a Suzuki 650cc (s40), but withing 750 miles I traded up to a suzuki m50 (805cc) wich is very similar to the c50 - same size.  If I had to do it over again I would have started with the m50  It's very comfortable to learn on, and very easy to control and both slow and faster speeds.  I'm 6ft and 210 and the m50 fits me really well  

Also a returning rider here!  After 32 years being away from dirt bikes (125 cc) and an old Honda 350 street bike, at 50 years of age, 5'9", 210 lbs, and 30" inseam, I decided it was high time to get on a bike again (a benefit of having an "Ex") and set into the market just a year ago now.  I looked at bikes under 1100 cc (I didn't feel it would be wise to re-enter riding on anything larger until I had a few thousand miles of current experience under my belt) and finally took the leap with a Kawa 900 Vulcan Classic LT.  For me, the combination of specs and features in one package could not be beat.

At first even this "small" bike scared me....it has enough power for most rides and such an experience reminded me that I need to always respect that power.  Now, a year later, I am beginning to eye the bigger bikes (like the Mean Streak 1600 or even the monster Kawa 2000 -- experience boosts confidence!) and may very well make that move upward in size in another year or so.

All the bikes in the 650 to 900 cc range that are mentioned throughout this thread are great "return" bikes that can be retained for years as they will suffice most riders' needs or can easily be resold to other "return" riders (a market that the current economy is boosting).

Choice of bike is a personal one...find the complete "fit" that's best for you and enjoy the sense of liberation that awaits you!

KSVulcan900  

To all you souls who are new/getting reacquainted with biking, I'll just stick in my two-cents worth: had a 91 H-D Sportster for 13 years, recked up 93K miles and it was time for a $3k+ rebuild, Sooooo, a buddy of mine with a V-Rod let me take it for a test ride -- lust at first sight.....sexy, FAST, new-tech, the H-D for the 21st century.....If it were a woman, I'd MARRY it!!....So many good cruisers out there.......BUT, if you're considering a Harley (is there really anything else??), DO NOT commit to anyone before taking a V-Rod for a test ride.......The machine, with its Harley-Porsche engine, does EVERYTHING well.....Just over a year old, and already have 21K miles on it......Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, nothing comes close.....BTW, I'm 65, 5'4", 120 lbs and only had to go to FXPR handlebars -- now, the ergos are perfect.....Can't say enough about the bike's characteristics.........Beat 16K I ever spent......Steve in Las Vegas.  

I too am introducing myself to the motorcycle cruising world and fit many of the same scenarios, 6'1" 210 lbs, and new to riding, besides the little honda 50 and 125 cc I rode as a kid, and trying to decide what to ride. Thanks for the info on the insurance increase above 1100, I will have to consider this. I have been looking at the Honda Shadow 750, Suzuki M50, and possibly the Honda VTX 1300. Any suggestions on how well any of these might perform in wet conditions, as I live in Hawaii and you might drive to work in the morning with sunshine, and find it raining on the way home. Looking for an all around, everyday and weekend cruiser.
Aloha  

cgblaze, I can speak to the Shadow 750 and the Suzuki M50 as I have riden both this summer.....I own a Suzuki M50. They are both outstanding bikes, but what sold me on the M50 was better power and better handling. The M50 just goes wherever you want it to go. The balance is outstanding. Now if you are looking at the Shadow Aero, that would be similar to the C50 from Suzuki which both will give you the pulled back bars and classic styling. Hope this helps and enjoy your liquid sunshine.