My little Suzuki Boulevard c50

I don't know about you, but two of the best things that God ever invented have to be motorcycles and mallomars. So I'd urge you to hang out with me if you're into soft-core and hard core cruisers, as well as the fluffy, sweet, chocolately things that go with them - and that can be anything from big fat foot pedals to the great technology (even the dangerous technology that bikers should stay clear of - like cel phones in your helmet). But what about windshields and sissy bars for those of you who who love the lean back experience? I'm sure there's tons of you baby boomers out there who grew up watching truckloads of television; and I know the lean back experience is part of your DNA.

Anyway, I want to know what those of you who are new to bikes think of "getting started" cruisers? And what do you consider to be getting started cruisers - whether it be HD, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph, BMW and the rest? My first bike (purchased last August - 2007) is a Suzuki Boulevard c50.

For those of you who are not familiar with the bike, you can get some background in this discussion group: http://www.bikez.com/msgboard/msg.php?id=21391&type=bike or you can visit the Suzuki site for more about the c50 http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/C50K8 (and bear in mind this is one of the best selling Japanese bikes ever, so they've extended this brand into the Long Tail with all kinds of choices, engine sizes, etc. with more than 10 different models.)

Now so far I've had a grand time on the bike - and for less than $7000, I'd considerate to be a good investment for my introduction to cycling. However, I'm bugged by a couple of things that many of you are probably grappling with yourselves, including:

• Getting knocked around by heavy winds on interstate 78 in the great smelly state of New Jersey
• Feeling every small and large bump in the road, and as a result slamming hard on my seat when I come back down to earth. And boy, that smartz.
• Feeling like the bike is sometimes not locked to the road, especially if it starts to rain. Not fun.
• And what about the shaft drive? I've heard that shaft drives, or maybe just the one of this bike, is only about 25% efficient in terms of transferring the power from the drive train to the rear wheel? If anyone knows more about this - please, by all means ;-||
  

Now I'm sure I'm only scratching the surface - and I'd love to hear more about the upsides and downsides of other like bikes - whether it be a Honda Shadow http://powersports.honda.com/current_offers/current_offers_category.asp?Category=Motorcycles&SubCategory=Cruiser+Standard (which I didn't buy because the Suzuki Boulevard gives you a bit more creature comfort for the $). Or perhaps what you can get from Yamaha or Kawasaki? Speaking of Yamaha - their Stratoliner and Roadliner product looks and feels incredible - however I haven't taken either out for a spin yet? I'd love to hear from someone who has? And specifically - since these are heavy cruisers (close or over 700 pounds with a longer wheel base), I'd love to know if they provide a better riding experience in terms of smoothness, less wind knock around, better feeling of being locked to the road - you know where I'm going.

In my next post, I'll delve into more of the mallomar aspects of cruisers - without consuming too many calories. Check out this guy's black c50 with some rear leather saddlebags (I wanted one in black as well - but saved $1000 by getting a grey pinstriped model).