Faults:

Creeping corrosion on the handlebar risers and clamps, but that's all.

General Comments:

I have owned: Honda 550, Yamaha 850, Suzuki GS1000S, Moto Guzzi 1000, Honda XR600, Honda XR250 AND Laverda 1200.

After my last accident I swore to stay off bikes, but my blood is red so I bought the M50 thinking it would be an underpowered, calm and collected cruiser. Hmmm, for a bike that weighs 247kgs, it is no slouch.

OK, stock it can be a little boring. Since I eyed those skinny headers with suspicion, I threw the whole exhaust away and replaced with bigger bore straight thru pipes, much like the Vance and Hines Straight Shots.

Result was an increase in top speed from 174km/h to 200km/h, snappier acceleration and a free revving engine. I also opened up the airbox and now have a small power band, which is fun.

As a commuter it is great fun, as a tourer it is very capable. Need to replace the rear foot pegs as my wife complains of numb feet after a while. But other than that, a surprisingly comfortable ride, especially on my back which often ached when riding my other bikes.

A little too plasticky, but, hey, it goes very well, is reliable, reasonable on fuel and easy to maintain. Oh yes, handles very well, considering it's a cruiser. Overall, I would never get rid of this machine. I want another bike for the sheer fun of it, but this one stays as well.

Faults:

No faults.

General Comments:

The only thing wrong with this bike is that it is too quiet. I drilled out the baffles, drilled 6 10mm holes in the end plate, and added a Power Commander. It now scares all the wild animals - four and two legged alike - off the road ahead of me.

The only pains I have after a long ride are my sore cheek muscles from grinning like an idiot for so long.

The handling is great for what it is, and scraping the pedals is not what this bike is about.