Would you buy a M50 with no test ride

J

Jill S

New member
I have found,what I think,is a very good deal on a new 08 Boulevard M50
for 5995.00 out the door.Tax,title etc...........
I have been looking for a month and reading reviews.
Including all the raves about the M50.
I am 54 and have not been on a bike since I sold my 76 Snortster in 1983
and in no way do I want another Harley.Thanks anyway.
The local dealer knows my lack of cycling saddle time and said I couldn't test ride it saying his insurance coverer wouldn't like it.
I said I understand and I really can't blame him.
I am in a small town and this dealer has been in business
for 35+years.
The father has sold to the son and I know him well.
In other words I do trust him about the quality of the bike.
I am really right on the edge of just saying DO IT and just take my time getting the riding skills back up to pace.
With a menopausal wife and a 14 year old daughter cycling
seems the program to peace and quiet.
Thanks
SNB
 
Some folks complain about having to reach too far forward to the bars. It all depends on if it is comfortable for you. I would at least sit on it in the riding position before deciding, if there is no other dealer in the area.
 
OK.
After checking the search engine I see that test rides are most always not allowed.
I still think I'm getting a good buy and am on the verge of pulling the trigger.
I have sat my bony butt in the saddle frequently over the past week.
The reach for the bars seems OK.
I'm 5'10" and 155 pounds and the bike will be more than powerfull enough to haul me around.Probably for the first month in total fear till I get my road legs back.
With all the comments I've read on the net regarding the ride of the M50 to
be unanimous I don't have the doubt I did when I first saw the bike.
Shaft drive,WTF is that about???It's been awhile ya know.
Oh yeah it's the bumble bee yellow one and I do like the yellow.
Thanks.
If purchasing I'll post up.
SNB
 
Follow your heart!

Like the other poster said...there is a bit of a lean to the bars, it kinda bugs me after a while in the saddle...but you can always change/adjust them.

You won't regret it...the M50 is a great bike!
 
I wouldn't buy any vehicle without a test drive. Seems pretty silly to me that you can't test drive it. Let the dealer know that you are interested in buying, not just out for a joy ride. The stealer I bought mine from looked at me funny when I asked if they allowed test rides. "Why wouldn't we", was his reply. Didn't even ask if I was endorsed either.
 
Do you have a current M endorsement, and auto insurance? I use State Farm and I am covered when I test ride a bike, or test drive a car. Check with your agent, and if you are covered I would go to the dealer and tell him you will not consider buying his bike without a test ride.

Here is the rub, you do not have to buy a bike, but he does have to sell them. :)

I personally do not like the M50, I like the C50. The C50 was right for me, where the M50 riders feel the M50 is right for them, and that is why both are offered.
 
The M50 is a great bike. If you're not into the "classic" look and want a bike that stands out from everyone else's, it's a wonderful choice. I picked mine up right after getting my endorsement. They are easy to ride, pretty forgiving, and there is a ton a aftermarket stuff you can do to them. If the reach is too long for you, you can always rotate the handlebars towards you slightly to gain a couple of inches. You can also swap out the bars for ones from the C's if you like them more swept.
 
Whoops...didn't mean to post that yet....The downsides to the M that I have found are that the brakes are kinda weak and sometimes it feels like it needs another gear for freeway speeds.
 
I've got nothing but good things to say about the M50. I'm 6", 300# and it's taking me all over the NW with no problems. As for brakes, I've had to do a number of emergency stops and had no problem. The reach for me is perfect. Ok, the seat kinda sucks, but what oem seat doesn't on a long ride. Does seem odd that no test ride. I would think at the very least you could throw down a credit card or sign a loan form incase you trash the bike. I know I was looking at a Hyosung before my M50, but walked away (and glad I did) when they said I couldn't ride one. That same day I rode the M50 (it was used) and bought it 4 days later.
 
From dealers, I've gotten everything from "no" to "i need to copy of your license" to signing the break it, buy it paper"...and one dealer required my ssn...that was shady, I thought.

I can say there is a big difference in sitting on it and riding it. The bars are way too forward for me which I felt on the 1st ride, confirmed on the 2nd and solidified on a 3rd ride...which by that time, I owned it but already knew I would have to swap the bars.

Of the Vulcan 900 Custom, Vstar 950 and M50, I went with the M50 b/c it seemed I would only have to change the bars to get the comfort I wanted. Not the pegs/boards as well. Plus it is a little lighter than the other two and the scale just felt better for me.
 
I bought my M50 without riding one. However, I had ridden the C50 and was pretty happy with that. My only concern was the handlebar position, but no more - I find it more comfortable than the C50 :)
 
Option #1: Go to another dealer and ask for a test ride.
Option #2: Test one private party that you find on craigslist.
If not comfortable with 1 or 2: have a trustworthy friend test ride it for you.

PS: Although I'm 19, I am 5' 9" about 155 and I fit very comfortably on the bike.
 
Bought mine without riding it and have no regrets. Best thing I've bought in a long time!
 
My policy became that I must ride for 30 minutes before buying a bike however I will tell you my first bike ever was the 2007 M50 and I just went out and bought another one a 2008 Model because I got stupid and sold my first one.
Bottom line is the 800 will be better than the Sportster, I know cause I just sold my Nightster 1200.
You should be just fine.
If you want to keep it and make it fit you by changing out seats, put our riser blocks on it perhaps and other nice things to fit your body you will be just fine.

What can we tell you about handling?

I'll tell you all you want to know. I have put about 6,000 on M50's.
Put 16,000 miles on a Vulcan Nomad 1600.
I can compare the M50 to other 800's, 1600's, 1200's and 1900's and do it all in the last 32 months!
Glad to help.
Call me if you want 217-621-1158.
Ken
 
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