FNG here, wanted to say hi, and ask a few questions

T

The Jabbawock

New member
Hello everyone.

I have been on a search to find a bike for awhile now. I've been to Honda dealers, Harley shops, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc. I think I really like the Boulevard M50.

All I'm looking for is a bike to get me riding, that is going to be comfortable (I'm 6'3" 200lb, those smaller 500s and 650s are too small). I'm going to be running around town, a little bit of cruising around/touring, and taking my lady out. Comfort and ease of controls is important to me, riding 2 up, and just having fun.

My local shop has a 2006 used M50 basically stock with 8,000 for $4,999. I am looking at the new ones for $2k+ more. I'd add some bags, sissybar/backrest and that would be it.


What are your thoughts on buying a used bike from a dealer. It comes with no warranty, where a new one comes with a factory one. They have checked it out, changed the tires and oil, and got it a new inspection sticker.

I'm torn on the used and add stuff, or just go new and get what I want up front, and know I am the original owner.


Any advice?

Thanks!
 
as a starter bike, the M50 is just fine... it's a very very forgiving bike.
i learned how to ride in a course on a little 200cc dirt bike. then i bought my M...

you might be a bit cramped on the M50, but many have put on forward controls and they love that...

i'm a bit surprised there is no warranty from the dealer at all... they can't even kick in 30-90 days? hmm...

personally i bought new because i didn't know squat about bikes and didn't want to inherit someone else's problem...

i'd say buy new, just for the peace of mind! :)
 
Surprisingly, the M50 was not cramped at all. It felt much better than a lot of the other bikes I sat on.

I have a bit of experience, learned to ride on a Nighthawk 750, and have ridden a few of my friends bikes. I also have a 125 scooter. I have not taken the class, but I fully plan on it.

Jmal, you say it sounds high, what do you feel it should be?
 
Well it is a dealer so high is the norm. There's another thread on here mentioning a lower miles bike going for slightly less. Closer to 4k flat seems like a better price. But availability and condition are always issues.
 
I looked at used in June this year and bought new. I figured why take the chance there is an issue that could cost me more money anyway or hurt me. Plus I love the fact that all those miles belong to me and nobody else.
 
:plus1:
my thoughts exactly... :)

and bikemike, good choice on taking the course... even the experienced riders that decided to take a course found it very very useful :)


btw, if you get an M50... make sure it's grey.. it's the fastest :lol4:
 
I bought a used (from original owner) 05 M50 with 4800 miles on it from craigslist.org. You can almost always find a good deal on a bike from a guy who bought one on impulse then never actually rode it. It mostly sat in his garage. Also, most guys that are selling theirs have put hundreds if not thousands of $$$ in upgrades on them already for you. Unfortunately when you sell a bike with loads of goodies on it you don't really get your money back on what you've put into it. But the second owner really benefits plus saves himself alot of money. If you've decided on the M50 you won't be dissappointed. Be patient, look around, search your local area and you'll find one that you want for the right price. Personally I drove 275 miles one way to pick up mine and it was well worth it.
 
I went to the dealer thinking I wanted something new, but by time they get you for tax, title, set up fee, and then accessories, I walked out and decided to look for something used. A lot of people selling bikes in my area on craigslist, but I actually found my bike on Cycletrader. I bought a 2007 M50 with just 600 miles on it plus a transferable service maintenance agreement good for two more years for $5,400 he wanted $6,000. I just had it's service done last Saturday for free! The guy also bought floorboards, saddle bags and a shield. I did not care for the shield that he had bought so I ordered and just got a memphis fats 21" with the black tinted on the bottom half of the shield.
 
The M50 is a fantastic cruiser around town. Really fun to ride with the way it handles and corners. If I was riding a lot of 2 up, I probably would be looking at the C model, maybe the VTX1300 (Honda)... and if I planned on doing some longer road trips, proably the C90 or VTX1300 depending on how well you feel your motorcyling riding experience is.

For mostly local riding shorter freeway trips, and twisty roads, the M50 is great for a cruiser.
 
:welcomes: to M-J Mike! Please fill out your profile. :bluethum:

If money isn't a huge issue then I would get the new one. :) New or used you'll love the M50.
 
Now I'm looking at new again. I've narrowed it down basically to an M50 or a Vulcan 900. The Vulcan is heavier, and I am leaning toward the M50. I'd probably want some saddle bags and a backrest for my wife. I keep having to stop myself from going out and buying one, I have to get a new job first! I have an interview on Monday, so if things go right, I might have one in the next few weeks..... :D
 
Good luck with the interview. A brand new M50 would be a great way to celebrate your new job. Will keep fingers crossed Monday :bluethum:
 
Vulcan 900s have all the bells and whistles, disk brake at the aft, belt drive, FI, positive neutral finder, etc. I guess it boils down to how it feels when you set on it and ride around a bit. Have you ridden a Vulcan900?
 
I haven't ridden any of them, that's the problem! Stupid insurance not letting moto shops do test rides!

From what I have read, the M50 is better than the Vulcan for around town commuting, and the Vulcan is better for longer highway rides, but each bike can do either.

The M50 is also cheaper, and gets better mileage, so that is a pretty big consideration...
 
two things to consider... if she's gonna be on the back of it long... which one will she prefer?

also... that little pillion (passenger seat) on the M50 looks a tad small...

I did 467 miles in a day trip a few days ago... it's fine for highways :)


belt vs shaft
i believe the vulcan has better braking overall (not just because of the rear disc)


just ask the wife to pick one... :)

even if you flipped a coin, whichever you'll get, you'll love :)
 
OK, lets throw a big boy in the mix. Here I am thinking I had it narrowed down to two, and along comes another!

I may have a line on a 2004 Suzuki Marauder 1600. I think it's new, but it could be pre-owned. I'll have to look into the details of it, it's at a dealer around me. What do you all think of this bike? I know it will be bigger and heavier than either bikes, but.... whoah.
 
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