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I just got a very slightly used Blue 2005 M-50. I absolutely love this bike. I love the way it looks and handles.
I also get the positive comments. The bike had 2300 miles and I added another 500.
I looked at many new bikes before this and was considering a Yamaha V Star 650 Custom. I was working a deal at a Yamaha dealer when I noticed the blue M-50 sitting with the used bikes. It was love at first sight. The instant I sat on it, the V Star was playing second fiddle. I wanted the M-50.
Hi folks.
I've been looking at bikes (my wife wanted a sport bike, but eventually came to her senses :p) and I'm definitely a big fan of the M50.
I'm only 5'6, so I'm a little concerned about reaching for the handle bars. What can be done about that?
Also, anybody found an aftermarket seat for it other than the one by Corbin (it's too pricey for me)?
Thanks!
My boyfriend and I just purchased a new 2006 M50 leftover. We love it. Great ride for the passenger and good positioning for the driver. If you are looking for a great first bike for the money - this is it! We got it in blue and it is a beautiful machine! We get looks everywhere we go. With some new pipes we will be all set!
As for a comfortable seat... I heard that the mustang seat is your best bet for something really cushy.
Living in the desert, I needed a bike that could withstand the heat. The M50 lives up to the challenge. I have been riding sport bikes all my life, and this one rides and feels like one. I had no doubts when buying this machine.
I have a 2007 Blue (looks Violet) and have put 1000 miles on it in two weeks. I commute 40 miles each way to work, and have yet to be uncomfortable.
If you are looking for a great rider, look at the M50...
I just bought a Midnight Blue/Violet 07 M50 yesterday, and am picking it up on Wednesday. I'm a bigger guy (6ft, 220lbs), and I love how I fit on the M50 over its competition.
This is my first bike, so I'll be racking up the mileage in a parking lot for a while.
It's great to read all the positive posts about the bike, I thought I made a good choice.
Keep the rubber side down,
Brian.
I just got my M50; it's my 3rd bike and I LOVE IT!!!
It rides great, it handles better than the Harley I rode, and I am about and 5ft 11, and I have no trouble reaching the bars.
As far as power goes, it has plenty; I weigh about 230lbs and my wife weighs about 130lbs, and we go up steep mountains, and also ride the "Great Blue Ridge Parkway", so you know there are plenty of hills to pull, and it goes up them without a problem!
When I go up a mountain, I either go the speed limit or I bust it. I know it will do more, but I don't want to push it in the break in period, and get another ticket... LOL...
Justin
I keep reading reviews on the M50, and invariably I come across the "great starter bike" comments and similar thoughts... OK people, a Honda Rebel 250 (a great small bike, by the way) is a starter bike. The fastest non-sportbike under 1000cc's is NOT a starter bike! The only reason it can be passed off as one, is because the M50 is so easy to ride and handles so well. Anyone who complains about not having enough power should be riding a sport bike -- or better yet, go for the M109R to keep it in the family. :)
I also love seeing the comments saying, "It needs a 6th gear..." EVERY BIKE NEEDS A 6TH GEAR! And every 6-speed bike needs a 7th. I've never ridden a bike that hasn't had me looking for the next higher gear even when there wasn't one -- it's just the nature of a sequential shifter.
I've also seen comments from people who've said the bike doesn't really have the power to carry a passenger on the highway. Again, seriously? Try running up a hill or two with a 200-lb passenger on a 250, then tell me the M50 doesn't have all the power it needs.
Anyway, I just wanted to add a few cents into this discussion. I haven't purchased my 2007 M50 Limited yet, but it's coming up in the next few weeks. I've ridden several of them, and I have to say, I love the bike even more after riding it than when I fell in love with the looks in 05. There's not a Harley out there that excites me, but I feel the hair stand up on the back of my neck when I picture myself on my new M50.
I'm also 5'3", and feel like the bike was actually made just for me. The forward lean feels like the perfect position to avoid back problems on long rides, and the foot pegs were exactly where they should be for the seating position. From the reports other taller riders have given, I'd say it seems like a good match for just about any size rider.
Just my two cents -- who cares what you ride -- it's only THAT you ride...
I purchased my 2006 M50 2 months ago. It has obviously been broken in, I've added my own modifications here and there (not that any were needed, I just like to have something different).
I have ridden all kinds of motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, so I do know what is good/bad performance, or comfortable/uncomfortable. This bike is just fine in the comfort category.
I have heard a couple complaints of the seat being a little hard on the rear after long trips. Which I can see being the case for some.. I realize it's a motorcycle, so I don't expect to feel like I'm on a comfy couch at home. For a bike it is comfortable.
As far as the bars being too far forward.. I never heard this complaint until looking on here. I am between 5'8" and 5'9".. I have absolutely no problem with the bars; they feel very comfortable where they are, even after I added the forward controls to put my feet out even further, which forces me to set up straighter.
Performance... absolutely no complaints. As others have said, it's a cruiser, not a crotch rocket. If you want 7,8,9 second quarter miles, then you need to go to a crotch rocket (and if you call this uncomfortable, then try sitting on one of those for an hour LOL).
This is the best bike I've ridden and I had a Honda 600CBR, a Suzuki GSXR 750, a Kawasaki Vulcan 750, and a Harley Sportster 1200. Not to mention I've ridden many other bikes. The M50 overall takes the cake. I have been on faster, I have been on more comfortable, and I have been on bikes that may handle better on turns (obviously the racing bikes)... but none that I would say I'd rank over average in every category, until I purchased my M50.. Not to mention it looks like a beast.
Happy riding all
I have a 2006 Suzuki M50 that I purchased about 3 months ago. So far, I'm really happy with the bike.
I've done a number of modifications including a chrome radiator cover (the stock plastic grill looked cheap), clear signal lenses (just my preference), a Back-Off chrome license plate bracket with additional LED running/brake lights, a Back-Off brake modulator (more visibility), a light bar with 2 additional H4 headlights (really changed the looks, but make sure you install a headlight relay and separate power line for the additional lights so you don't fry the stock wiring), a Signal Dynamics headlight modulator (again more visibility), Cortec tail bag and saddlebags (use when I need them), a Suzuki luggage rack (looks nice, but doesn't have many places to attach bungy cords) and strap-on wrist rests on the bar ends (really reduces cramps in my wrists on longer rides).
I also stripped all of the badges off the bike, including the chrome Boulevard badges on the tank (it looks much better without them).
Although I liked the sound of the stock pipes, I wanted a little more punch, so I drilled 8 x 1/2" holes in the baffle plate of each pipe, and it really enhanced the sound of the pipes. They're pretty quiet at idle, but have a nice growl when it's revved.
Regarding the ride, I'm really pleased. It has plenty of power, and it corners well and rides smoothly.
I've heard many complaints about the seat, but I don't have any problems. I think any seat will get uncomfortable after a few hours, since you really can't adjust position much.
I also hear complaints about the handlebars, and I too found them to be a bit far forward, so I adjusted them by rotating the bars ends downward, and that really made them feel better as it brought them closer and lower. It was necessary to also adjust the clutch and brake lever positions after rotating the bars.
After all of these modifications, the bike has a unique look and it rides, feels and sounds great. The most important thing I installed is the headlight modulator. It works great and I really feel more visible as I approach traffic.
If you're considering an M50, don't hesitate. It's a great bike, especially for the modest price. Happy riding!!!
I don't understand why numerous reviews of the M50 state how they are unhappy with the positioning of the bars and the seat etc etc etc. Of course a motorcycle is going to come from the manufacturer in one single set up; then it's up to the individual to alter and slightly set up the bike for their riding.
Also as stated in a previous post, it's a cruiser with sufficient torque and power for what it is. If you think it is underpowered, then why buy it in the first place?
The M50 is a top bike, with superior ride ability and handling characteristics, compared to other cruisers within the range from other manufacturers.
The seat certainly is rigid at first, but shift around on it slightly as you ride, and like the engine, break in your seat before deciding to spend unnecessary money on a new after market piece.
I've read a lot of persons complaining about various aspects of the bike; IE the peg position and bars etc. Did you not take it for a decent test ride, or did you simply just say hey I like the cut of that bike, I want it?
In conclusion, a top machine at a right price, with up to date and future designing quirks, all wrapped up neatly in one fine package.
The seat, for me, is uncomfortable as heck. I'm 6'2", and 225lbs. After 30 minutes, my tailbone aches like nobody's business.
What makes this a good "starter bike" is that it's road manners are quite polite. It handles well, it has enough power to handle any situation, but is mild enough that you won't tend to get in trouble (like with an M109R or a Yamaha Warrior). And, it's almost maintenance free. Check your fluids, tires, and gas. That's it. It's a wonderful bike. Just get a new seat.
Hi to all the other M50 owners and prospective buyers. I've put over 14,000 miles on my 05 Suzuki M50, and all I can say is that this bike is an absolute dream! It has given me no problems since I first bought it. Only had two tune up done, at 4K and 9K miles. Most of the driving I have done has been on highway roads, so any complaints about not being able to keep up adequate speeds is just hogwash. Also, the lack of a 6th gear is a moot point, this isn't touring bike folks.
It's not hard to see why there are so many Harley and Honda cruisers on sale at eBay, but so few Suzuki Cruisers... I mean, who wants to give em up?
The one thing I love is the torque. I've ridden in other bikes (Harleys, Yamahas, Hondas)... and this bike is by far the smoothest of them all. The sealed shaft drive makes for troublefree riding in dusty poor conditions like here in Arizona.
Some customizations others might want to consider include adding a PowerCommander to get some more high end power & torque, might lose some gas mileage... but worth it. Some exterior lights and a voltplug for use with electroheated clothing for cold driving is a big plus. In all... this bike is a pleasure to drive, and will pay for itself a hundred times over.
I would just like to say that for not riding a bike since I was 8 years old, and then at 30 purchasing a 06 M50, I don't think I could have made a better decision! It is by far the best bike I have ever sat on ridden or looked at.
Since I bought it, I have installed a Power Commander and Cobra strait shots, so now my bike, looks, sounds, and rides RAD!!! Thanks Suzuki for making the perfect bike for the starter, re-starter and experienced rider!
And as for the bars not being comfortable, just move them, it's not very hard. And as for the seat being hard, it's a bike, not a couch stop! Take a rest if you need to!!!
Thanks for letting me post.
Justin in Bellingham Wa.
JB
I've had my 06 M50 for two years. It's a great bike.
I have been getting 50 MPG ever since break in.
The bike handles great; plenty of power, and looks good too.
If Suzuki made any improvements to it, I would like to see a rear disk, brushed aluminum rims, and more aftermarket stuff.
First day out on my new 07 M50 yesterday, bit nervous after not riding for many years, loving it so far.
I have already removed all the stickers and badges; I think it looks really tough in black without them, just wondering now when to debaffle. Should I wait till it's broken in or not?
Cheers from Adelaide Australia.