C50 vs. M50 (First Bike)

:welcomes:

The key to giving advise or making suggestions, is information.

Have you taken the MSF course?
Do you have any dirt bike experience?
How old are you?
How tall are you?
Have you done a search here for new riders?

We recommend new riders start on a smaller bike, used, so it is easier to learn and lowers the cost factor if you decide it is not for you or, worst case, you wipe out.

Having said that, both the C50 and M50's are mild bikes, that if treated
with caution can be a great first bike.

If you read the threads on new riders you will find an abundance of info on books and video's that will help you become a good rider.

MSF is the best tool for a new rider!!!
 
The C50 and the M50 share the same frame, motor, and drivetrain, so the only real difference is style. The C50 is heavier but more comfy, while the M50 is a bit sportier. Buy whichever one you think looks better.

There is some wiggle room in the price, but not nearly as much as with a car. Your best bet is to call several dealers and get an out the door price from each on identical bikes. Don't expect more than a couple hundred dollars difference. Often the price is the same but one dealer will give you some accessories, a helmet, a jacket, etc.

Aftermarket add ons are cheaper than dealer stuff. Don't buy anything until you ride the bike for a while and figure out what you want and what your bike needs to do what you wnat it to do.
 
I lean towards the M50 and don't expected to get more than 300-550$ off the list price. Some dealers will give you a discount on the extra's if your firm on the price. I got my M50 for about 6400$ OTD, so good luck.
 
I just purchased a 2007 M50 Limited (just rode it home today!). Both the C50 and the M50 have great features, but personally I liked the M50 a little better. I'm a pretty big guy, so I suspect I'll want to upgrade in a couple of years, but for now, it's perfect.

I went to CycleBuy.com - Accessories for Motorcycles-ATVs and Dealer invoice information and purchased a Dealer Invoice Report and used that when I started shopping seriously. Since the bike I got was a 2007, I don't think they were as willing to negotiate as much. Two dealers wouldn't go lower than 12% above dealer invoice. The second dealer accepted 6%, so that's who I went with. I think it helped that I bought on the last day of the month, so he could reach his quota.

Good luck. Whichever ride you choose will be great!:biker:
 
Thanks for the information all. I didn't see a section for new riders, but I will look closer.

Blackie, to answer your questions: I am due to take the MSF in about two weeks. I want to finish that before I buy (One reason is to make sure I like riding before I buy a bike, but I am trying to do a lot of research up front). I am 6'1"; 48 years old; and never rode a dirt bike.

R.
 
:welcomes: Rob
I chose the M50 because I like the sportier look. Having said that, I find I'm looking into saddlebags, possibly a windshield, small floorboards etc. You see where I'm going. If you want all these goodies, you'll save $$$ in the long run going for the C50. For me, I happen to like a bob styled fender and sportier look.
Try to narrow down what you're looking after...comfort/ sport.
Both bikes are tame enough as first bikes IMO, if you've taken a safety course. Also, my dealer deducted $550 from the listed price when he found out I took a course. I'd put that suggestion to any stealer and see if they bite. You may get one who's big on safety.
 
Roblaw

I never rode a dirt bike ever and started riding at the age of 50.
You have a few inches on me.

At 6'1" you will not have to worry about being flat footed.

If 2up riding is in your future plans a C50 is more practable, an M50 for some has a seat issue. But 2up on a C50T has all the equipment you will need, although most here never seem to have enough Bling.

Up here we have what is called a SE, it comes with the same equipment as a T but in other colors without the whitewalls.

Either of these bikes are great and the choice is down to styles and riding needs.

There is not a section for new riders but throughout the threads is info.
Use the search funtion on the top bar, key in new riders.

Ask any questions, but whatch out you may not get the answer you are looking for.
:P
I hope to see you around. Enjoy the course.
 
The '50's are great bikes. If you could go either way, you'll be open to more possible good deals. Same way with color or year model. If you're OK with a leftover model or perhaps one that has accessories, that may be the one the guy wants to sell you that particular day...
 
Here in Mexico, there is only the M50, so I bougth this 3 months ago, I didnt ride a lot yet, because Im out of town since 2 weeks ago, but Im happy of my choice until now...:D
 
Rob,

I am 50 years old, never rode before, have taken the MSF course (and loved it). When my wife and I decided to take up biking, we looked around for a bike that would fit both myself (6ft, 185lbs) and her on the back (5ft 4in, 140lbs). We found that the C50T worked best for the both of us. We bought it about 6 weeks ago and we have put over 5400 kms on the bike, over 4000 kms with my wife on the back. It has very smooth shifting, is a dream to handle, has plenty of "guts" for hills and highway, even "two-up". The only modification I had the dealer do at the break-in service was to raise the widshield to it's highest. Wind buffet on my helmet has been significantly reduced, but not eliminated. We have been on two weekend overnight trips, staying at inns overnight and have found that the saddle bags are more than adequate. Hope this info helps.

G. :D
 
I started riding 6 weeks ago - took the MSF class and had a 1986 Honda Rebel 450 ready for when I got my license.
I think I would have been a lot more nervous starting with a newer more expensive bike.
I bought a new 2007 S50 last Wednesday so apparently I think I've outtgrown the Rebel.
I'd definitely wait until you've taken the MSF class before you buy a bike - there were plenty of people on my class that just didn't get it - and they were riding sub 300lb 125cc bikes.
 
Im a small guy, 5'8" 140, and the M50 is very easy for me to handle so I think it will be fine for a first bike. Although I personally learned on a 2002 Rebel 250. Its strange but I actually feel safer on the M50 than I ever did the Rebel.
 
I went for the sportier look myself...because let's face it...it's a chick magnet. You add the luggage and side bags & it starts looking like a covered wagon.

LOL...just kidding. It's really a matter of taste, if you've narrowed it down to these two bikes.

You have to ask yourself...."What do you like?"
 
Certainly a POS bike is great...if you can get one.

But being older, you should also be a little wiser & you might just stay careful enough where your "new" bike won't get hurt during your training sessions.

On the other hand...squidly behavior can still happen at any age...so be on the look out!
 

Hello All...
I am new to riding and this forum. I completed the MSF class about 12 weeks ago...I'm 53 yrs old and had never riden b4 the class. Before, during and after the course I was dead set on buying the Yamaha Star Classic but while at the Yamaha dealership I spotted a lone 2005 M50 Black with 943 miles on it, needless to say I am now the proud owner of that bike.
 
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