New guy here... Florida

[lukeee]

Hi all,
I guess until I officially own a bike, this is the forum for me. Damn, it's embarrassing to be a 62 year old rookie
I've owned a couple of small bikes when I was a kid, but nothing since. I used to really enjoy tinkering and tuning just about anything with a motor in it. Cars, boats, whatever. Recently however, technology advancements have soared beyond my ability to stay current. Having said that, I love what technology has come up with. Example: I've got a Suzuki 4 stroke outboard that is an absolute dream. I'd quit fishing before I'd go back to those old tempermental 2 strokes. I drive a 2003 'vette that is also amazing.
Here's my dilema: Do I buy an older carbureted bike that I can wrench on or do I buy the latest and greatest technology and just enjoy the ride?
Honestly, I'm leaning towards swallowing my ego and buying the latter.
Opinions?

[dewaine]

I have yet to get a bike, either, but I have done a lot of looking and comparing. It seems like you get an awful lot for your money in buying the latest technology. The old bikes are continually improved upon without an equal price increase (except for inflation).

Also, because I am not a mechanic, I think what I would save in buying an older used bike I would lose in paying someone to maintain it. But that doesn't sound like it would apply to you.

I still like the new bikes. Have you decided what manufacturer or style (sport, street, etc.) you are likely to end up getting?

[lukeee]

dewaine,
I really like the Suzuki Boulevard cruisers. I'm concerned that 50 cubic inches may be smallish after a few months. The 90 cubic inch sounds about right. I think I'll go with a cruiser. If I find I do more touring, I'll probably move up to the big 109 incher. Talks cheap though.
Anyone who wants to convince me to look harder at Yamaha or Kawasaki... I'm all ears. I'm sure they all build good stuff.

[DjWags]

Welcome to the forum!

I think the best thing you can do is go to a honda, suzuki, kawasaki, yamaha dealership and sit on all of the bikes that are equivalent of the Boulevard 50 bikes. Ask a salesperson which bikes are in the same class. Then, have the salesperson steady the bike so you can get in the riding position with your feet on the pegs. Those four motorcycle companies are so competitive that their products are are very very similar. At the end of the day, whichever bike floats your boat is the one you should go with. After that, go look for a used version of whatever bike you pick. I'd recommend that is less than 10 years old. new technology has higher fuel economy and will be the most dependable ride you can get.

Also, check out a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. it is never too late to start riding, and never to late to learn to be a safe rider. Please feel free to post any and all questions you may have!

[dewaine]

dewaine,
I really like the Suzuki Boulevard cruisers. I'm concerned that 50 cubic inches may be smallish after a few months. The 90 cubic inch sounds about right. I think I'll go with a cruiser. If I find I do more touring, I'll probably move up to the big 109 incher. Talks cheap though.
Anyone who wants to convince me to look harder at Yamaha or Kawasaki... I'm all ears. I'm sure they all build good stuff.

I know someone who just bought a Boulevard. It is really a beautiful machine. I have been looking at a lot of Yamahas and the V Star looks similar to the Boulevards. I will look at more cruisers in a year or two.

[C50-Blvd.]

dewaine,
I really like the Suzuki Boulevard cruisers. I'm concerned that 50 cubic inches may be smallish after a few months. The 90 cubic inch sounds about right. I think I'll go with a cruiser. If I find I do more touring, I'll probably move up to the big 109 incher. Talks cheap though.
Anyone who wants to convince me to look harder at Yamaha or Kawasaki... I'm all ears. I'm sure they all build good stuff.

Welcome to the Forum. I bought a Suzuki C50 last year and upgraded to the C90 this year. I just wanted something a little larger than the C50 for riding two up with the wife. I have not had any problems with either of these bikes. If you're looking for a good solid reliable cruiser, you can't go wrong with either of these. Frankly, I really haven't heard much bad about any of the metric cruisers though. All of the major manufacturers - Suzuki, Kawi, Honda, Star, seem to build solid, reliable machines.

[lukeee]

C50 Blvd,
Thanks for your input. How long did you have the C50 before you decided to move up to the C90? How'd you make out financially trading up? Enjoy that ride.

[hsartteacher]

Welcome Lukeee! You may pick it up quicker than you think, it's kind of like riding a bicycle... thought it's still a good idea to take the course and refresh your skills. Still makes sense to start out a little smaller, but you might sit on both bikes to see what you think.

Are you planning on riding 2-up?

[C50-Blvd.]

C50 Blvd,
Thanks for your input. How long did you have the C50 before you decided to move up to the C90? How'd you make out financially trading up? Enjoy that ride.

Lukee - I bought the C50 in June of 2007. I traded it in on the C90 in Feb. 2008. The dealer actually gave me what I paid for the bike, minus the taxes and prep. Of course I made the deal on a new C90 that was a 2007 leftover so I made out a little better than if I would have bought a 2008 model.

I had owned a bike when I was in my early 20's - a Suzuki GS500E. I bought that bike new in 1989 and kept it for several years. I got married, bought a house and the bike was a casualty. So after a 16 year hiatus, I decided to get back into motorcycling last year and bought the C50. I really liked the bike, just wanted something a little bigger for the occasions when I rode two up. The C50 is a lighter bike and is a little more nimble than the C90. Of course you're comparing a 800cc bike to a 1500cc. For my purposes, the C90 suits my needs a little better. But you can't go wrong with either bike.