suzuki m50 brakes

Hi!

I currently ride a Honda VLX and really like the Suzuki M50 for my next bike. Its got all the goodies I want but am surprised at what seems to be undepowered brakes. I am okay with drums in the back... I figure well... that will just make the risk of locking up the rear that much less but a single disk in the front? c'mon! The bike is 100 lbs heavier than the VLX and while it has a larger disc than the VLX, by eyeballing it I think it has the same caliper size and so the brake pads are probably no bigger.

Seems ridiculous... I know its not a sports bike but the braking system is not better than a lower class bikes (v-650, vlx, kawi 500, s40).

And while I'm on the subject, its the same thing for the other metrics as well until you get up into the liter+

Am I wrong on this? And also... can anyone let me in on the secret of why a kawi 750 had dual discs and none of these monsters have 'em?  

I ride a Suzuki m50 and I love it.  Best bike I've owned, but you're right, the brakes are underpowered.  I've never had an issue with them.  Allways stopped in plenty of time but I do wish they were better.  Other then the brakes - love the bike, plenty of power,  great handling.  

I put 10,000Km on my C50 so far this year.  The C50 has given me trouble free riding and is lots of fun.  I agree with your observation about the brakes, I would be more comfortable with more powerful brakes up front.  But the brakes and the bike is up to the task.  Recenty I needed to brake quickly as a unaware motorist pulled onto the road in front of me without checking.  I had no problem braking and avoiding what could have been a nasty collision.  Defensive and alert riding is always a must.

I can also say that during normal riding in town or in the hills of Quebec I haven't had any issues with the brakes. They work fine even with two up riding.  It would be nice if the bike had a 6th gear for highway riding.  

HI; I have over 20K on my C50T .I have no issue with the brakes. I use em. It has stopped every time with out getting me nervous. Just this morning I had to stop hard cause some guy in  a Pick up had to pull out without looking. I stoppped withing 3 ft. of the guy.  NO sliding or lock  up just streight. I was doing around 40-45mph.
I haven't ridden the ones with duel disc. but This bike stops better than anyting I have owned in the past.. scruffy  

While a lot of people complain about the braking with a single front disc, quite frankly I've never ridden a bike that a single disc wasn't able to lock up the front wheel fairly easily. If yours won't, I suggest you flush your brake system. That solves most brake problems.

Two discs are for improved heat dissipation on race bikes. On cruisers, they're just being stylish.

regards,
Joe  

My 2005 M50 has dual disks up front but I wondered too about the smallish drum in the rear.  Seems to stop ok, had some moments so far but have always been able to stop or avoid them so far.  My 1977 KZ 750 twin had disks front and rear, seems like in some aspects we are going backwards at times but the M50 is generally a better bike, shaft drive, fi, smoother.