C50 trade up to 90 or 109?

J

Junior 79

New member
Ultimately it's a personal choice and decision! Congratulations, Halford, best of luck with your purchase.

If you're going to become a 9'er, this is a good forums site. Also, if you're in the States (although you use Canadian currency, your profile doesn't show your location) you can check out local riders here.

Looking forward to seeing the photos!

Safe and enjoyable rides.
 
I bought a C50 just over a year ago after completing the MSF course. It is my first bike. Like you I considered a larger bike but am glad I started where I did. The C50 provides size, power, and comfort at an overall weight that is managable for a new rider. After 5,500 miles, like you, I have been considering moving up to a larger bike. I have been talking to the GM of my dealer about the C90 and C109. He rides a C90 himself. His advice to me is it's too soon to move to the C109 because of the power. Although the C90 offers more power he thinks the overall C50 package i.e. power, fuel capacity, ride, and look compares favorably to the C90. He advises me to stay with my C50 for a while longer as he doesn't think I will be satisfied that the additiional power of the C90 is worth the additional money. I will add I have been very happy with my C50, its look and, it's performance, when I ride with buddies who ride a variety of large bikes.
 
Halford, when you ask for our comments about something like a move up to a larger bike, we tend to say what we feel.
There members here who have traveled a lot 2 up on the C50, with combined weights close to 400 lbs and enjoyed it.

So should we tell you to go a head, no.

But the choice is yours and yours alone.

If you make the deal we only hope you will feel good enough to continue being a member of this forum and enjoy your ride for years to come.

:bluethum:
 
Excellent advice bones. The fiddy is a great machine!! On our last trip I really wanted to switch bikes and ride the fiddy but it did not happen. Oh well..
 
I had a C50 and then my wife wanted to start joining me. That is a good thing. I live in Colorado and ride in mountains. So the 90 is better for two up in my area. It felt good, I enjoyed the extra power and leg room. Sometimes I really miss the "fiddy". It was lighter and you could throw it around town. Also, unless you are kinda tall, the 109 is a monster. I felt stretched at 6'1". Just my humble opinion.
 
if you didnt want others opinions, maybe you shouldnt have asked? i really could care less what you do, and i think deep down you have probably already made your decision. just do what you want and forget everyone else's .02 cents....................
 
I do want opinions of others, otherwise I wouldn't have asked. Sorry if one of my replies sounded to the contrary. I just was somewhat surprised at the unanimous position against a move up. I have been getting a lot of very reasonable and convincing advice so I appreciate the forum.
 
My turn. :)

I waited 1+ years for the C109 to come out. I was disappointed. It's a freakin' huge beast. I am a small guy, though, at 5' 8". My legs are just too short (inseam of about 29") to comfortably fit on the bike (not holding it up...just ON the bike).

The M109 fits me much better..but there's a lot on it I don't like as well. I'm "holding out" until something else comes along.

But...hey, if you want the C109, go get yourself a new ride! Just be careful, it is a whole different machine that that C50. Completely different class of bike.
 
I rode smaller bikes for years, 25 or so and the one thing I have learned by trading up to the C90T is that is just does not have that crisp and quick handling of a smaller bike. Wish I still had my RD400, now that was a fun bike. I cannot throw this monster around in the twisties like I could have my old GS850 or the RD400 or the CB750. It is a trade off, going from lost of fun to lots of testosterone. The only advantage is that the 90 and the 109 will have more power on the superslab. The 50 is nearly identical as far as the seat, wheel base and accessories you can add. If you intend to tour then you would need to go with the C109RT or the C90T but then basically you are back to simply spending more money for a bike that still has to do the same speed limit, still has similar cargo space, most likely the same amount of comfort but will consume more gas to travel the same distance.

I like my C90T but honestly if I had bought the fiddy I think I would be just as happy, probably happier since the mileage is better, the bike is lighter and most likely handles better. I ride every single frickin day I can so I do believe that I can speak with some authority. [well maybe not, my rep is not the greatest] Stick with the fiddy and take a chill pill.:mrgreen:
 
Your post, Frosty, reminds me of my old Virago 535. It had 42 hp stock (almost what a stock M50/C50 does) but with the weight of a S40. That was a fun bike. I did the most cross country riding on that bike with a full duffle bag strapped to the sissy bar. Bigger is not always better. The M50/C50 couldn't keep up with it.
 
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