Another Bike Recommendation Needed Thread

[OSXFreak]

Well this past weekend I completed my BRC classes and actually Passed.
I can only imagine how my Big Body looked on that small Suzuki DR 200cc bike. Fortunately is was only a couple of days.

So this brings me to my question. What kind of bike would you recommend?

My stats are 5-10, 280lbs.

My Ultimate Goal is to get a HD FatBoy Lo. But that's a foolish first bike to buy. Not only because of the upkeep on something like that,
but also the cost. I'd hate to use a bike like that to learn on for a couple years.

So my best option was to get a Suzuki M50. It would be used, and an older model 2007-2009 version as I hate the new front end and look of the newer ones.
So is this bike too small for me?
Would I look like the Hippo Riding an Ant on this thing?

Any other recommendations that would be a good fit for my BIG BOY body? I also was eyeballing the Victory motorcycles, but unsure which would be comparable or best fit for my body and being a new rider.

Thanks

Chip

[Motorcycle Forum]

[slozomby]

if your buying a victory you might as well buy a harley.

a used m50 will move you around just fine if a little whiney at freeway speeds. 2005-2008 and 2009 are styled the same the 2009 has some gotchas ( different air filter, injector connectors.....).

6'2 260+ ( been a while since i bothered to get on a scale) noone has ever commented i look funny on it.

[OSXFreak]

Slozomby,

Thanks for the information, it was very informative, and I think 'll be going in the M50 direction. I was unaware the costs of a used Victory, but do see them in the 7-8K and up for the cheap ones. Must be that US Built that drives that cost.
So you mentioned that the 2009 has some Gotcha's.. are these good or bad gotcha's? The Sound bad. I'm pretty sure I'd want to change out stock air filter for a cone style, as well as possibly do a custom rear fender, as I'm not a huge fan of the stock one, but I do like the seat forward look

Anyhow thanks for the info, and since your an owner, if you got some good tips when looking for one, please feel free to pass them on. I'll probably be ready to jump this winter/spring.

Chip

[mnrider]

maybe consider a c90. nicely streched out for us bigger fella's and well powered. i loved mine. but i changed up to increase passenger comfort and hauling capabilities.

[slozomby]

the gotcha's arent bad. you just need to be aware of them since your planning on replacing the air filter w/ a tornado style. thus you'll need to make sure the fuel processor ( pretty much required for a new intake) is for the year you own.

if you plan on doing pipes the 09's ( at least in cali, and overseas) have o2 bungs and thats something else to be aware of. most everything else is pretty common between them.

[Quazievil]

You can't go wrong with the M50 for your first bike. It's lite (570ish lbs) great seating position, (the stock seat could be nicer) very maneuverable or nimble. Decent low end power and it can still handle the highway. Just got back this weekend from a run to Moncton N.B. with a group to see the CFL game. I led the charge there on my M average speed would be 130Km/h and that's with me, the wife, and some gear. Though I do find myself wishing for a sixth gear.

[OSXFreak]

maybe consider a c90. nicely streched out for us bigger fella's and well powered. i loved mine. but i changed up to increase passenger comfort and hauling capabilities.

I was looking at them, but not a FAN of the headlight cover. Plus the cost of a used one is a bit more then a M50, and for a first bike wanted to keep budget as low as possible, while still getting quality.

[VTPADawg]

I stand 6'3" and run about 225-230. I've never seen a picture of me on the bike, but have been told by riding buddies that I look very comfortable and fit nicely on the bike.

[OSXFreak]

Thanks for the info Slozomby.. I foresee an airfilter change, and a rear fender change... I fell in love with Blue Reapers Bike, but not sure he has it anylonger. Also liked what MAD50 did with the Jesse James rear fender. Some things to think about for the future.. First thing is first.. Get the bike

Thanks for the info Quazievil and VTPADawg, I think the best bike for my size, build and being new is going to be the M50.

[Easy Rider]

I foresee an airfilter change, and a rear fender change...

That might be a mistake......for a couple of reasons. Just throwing a different filter on it will probably make it run WORSE, not better.
Also, a stock bike is easier to sell......usually.....than one that's been tinkered with.
If you do that kind of stuff, at least save all the stock parts.

A rookie should be concentrating his time and efforts on riding practice and not "mods". Just my opinion.

[OSXFreak]

Good Point Easy Rider, might be putting the cart before the horse there. I think the excitement of getting a bike has me thinking of all the things I want.
I'm still on the fence with Bike Model... I guess I just have to go to a dealer and see what I feel most comfortable on. So far I'm looking at the M50, as it seems sporty, but now eyeballing the C50's. They seem like they would be a comfy style bike.
oh well thanks for everyone's input. the Brain is now hurting from all this looking online and wanting.. lol

Chip

[TampaBaySean]

Hey man I just got a 2007 c50t with 2k miles for a great price. I'm 6'1" 280 and think it's a great fit . Wife hops on the back and we have no problems with comfort or power . Hope this helps

[BlackM50]

Reading this thread made me also think of the c50. I have an M50 and have riden a c50 a few times, and would definitely agree that the c50 would be more comfortable for bigger/wider guys. The c50 just feels like a bigger bike than an M50, and definitely more comfortable for longer cruising.

That said, if you like to POWER cruise, meaning running like you stole it, the M50 is your cup of tea. Seating position is a bit more forward and ready for action, plus the bike is a good bit more agile. I love mine! It dares you to do something naughty...

Either one will make a great first bike! Decide based on the kind of riding you like to engage in! But if your ultimate goal is the fatboy, than you are more likely a c50 kind of a guy...imo