M50 vs. 109R

F

Fawnish

New member
I have had my heart set on an M50 for a few months, and now I am actually going to be getting a job. I'll be buying in a month or so I hope, but I want a big bike. I'll be commuting 2 miles when i don't ride my bicycles, and then I want something I can take around town, up to DC from Richmond, Over to the mountains and ride the blue ridge parkway, etc.

The M109 is soo alluring that I want it! Is it too much bike? I already have planned mods on the M50, forward controls, debaffle, new saddle, sissy bar, etc. Would I have to go through the same type of stuff with the 109, and would it be more expensive?

Right now I'm looking for a deal on either, but trying to find a good quality 109 in the sub-$9500 range.
 
The 109 is a BIG bike. Unless you've been riding cruisers for a while I wouldn't recommend it as your "getting into riding" bike. Especially if you want to go through the twisties. The M50 is much more nimble and will not work you as hard.
Just my 2c.
 
Sat on a 109 on the weekend, it was very hard to lift it off the kickstand, it's a giant of all boulevards. Many members here agree that 109s are a different class of boulevards and I think it takes a lot of experience and some physical strength to operate that bike.

From a different perspective, if one rides a 109 so soon, what will be the next one to ride? I think upsizing with smaller increments is the way to go and enjoying the variety of bikes available out there. I'm almost certain once you ride a powerful bike, it's difficult go back unless you change the type of bike you ride (e.g. from cruiser to sport bike).

Good luck with your decision and purchase.

Just my 2 cents.
 
My brothers got a 109 so I know what this beast is capable of. If this is your first bike, then the 109 is too much bike for you. It's bigger, heavier and way more powerful than the M50.

I suggest you get the M50 and consider getting a bigger bike after you've gained some miles and experience. It's a great bike and will do everything that you mentioned.
 
i have been seeing used 109s in my area for around 8k, but i agree with the others that if you are just getting into biking the 109 is too much too soon. getting a big bike off the bat will ruin a big part of the biking experience for you. the M50 really isn't a small bike either, its just that the 109 is HUGE. i feel you will enjoy biking more if you start with a well built easy handling bike such as the m50 and get a thrill each time you upgrade throughout your lifetime. if you get huge right off the bat, everything else will fail in comparison and you will miss out on a lot of good bikes. thats my €0.02 (its worth a little more with the exchange rate) =0)
 
I went by the dealer today. On the floor they had 6 M109s, 2 C50s and, of course, no M50s anywhere.

The C50s are actually fairly big bikes, at least they are bulky. If you look at one sitting next to a VTX1300 you'd swear the C50 was at least a 1800cc or larger bike. It's definitely bigger than a VTX1300. But neither come close to the mass of a M109.

The only M109 I've ever ridden on though is better known as a Howitzer.
300px-M190_houwitser.png
 
The 9 does wonderful in the twisties. It is bigger than an M50, but once you ride one you will never want anything else.

I would say it is not short rider friendly unless its lowered. I rode mine to Myrtle Beach this last month with no issue. I also hammer the twisties with my street bike buddies with minimal issue's. Just just have to learn the bike.


.02
 
I've owned both so here goes: everything stated about the 109 so far is true. It is big. It is heavy. Is it hard to ride? No. It's a very well balanced machine. I lowered mine about 2 and a half inches, and it REALLY became easy to handle then, as I could flat foot with both feet. I felt more in control. That being said, it does have a very twitchy throttle. Some of this can be remedied with a TRE. The rear tire takes some getting used to, as it wants to push you into a corner, instead of letting you ride through it. At any rate, you get used to it, and hell I even put a bigger tire on it than stock, lol. I would go for the 109. The M50 is also a great bike, but I "outgrew" it as soon as I saw the 109. Even though it's only an 805 cc it is plenty of bike in an awesome looking package. Easy to throw around corners, great mpg, great short commuting bike. You really have to ask yourself which bike to get, and if possible, ride each before writing the check.
 
It's funny to read that because it's written about alot - how twitchy the throttle is.

Initially I'd agree, it WAS very twitchy, but I found that with putting more miles on it, breaking in the engine and basically just getting used to it, the throttle kinda smoothed out.

Now - I've got the C109, but it's the exact same engine, drive train, etc
 
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