I have had a c50T and a rode 950 tourer for a couple years(buddies bike).The c50 is a better bike,has a little less power but both are gutless.The 950 has horrible clearance with huge factory floorboard skid plates just to illustrate the fact.If they know you are serious and wont let you ride they bike or similar models don't buy it.Only buy what you can test as every bike I have ever bought has it's compromises to live with and some you can't depending on who you are.These are things you don't want to find out after you pull out of the dealership with an empty wallet.
Another piece of advise is go to the Volusa Riders and the 950 forums and search for common issues and problems.
C50's need to have the shaft drive INBOARD splines checked and re greased early into ownership (1yr) or they can rot out as there is a build (condensation)issue where it was not done properly in the factory and the 950 can have bad bearing and belt issues.The c50 motor is good for about 60000 miles and the 950 is a 100000 mile motor.I know both bikes very well and would pick the c50 if I had to choose.A little buzzier on the highway than the 950 but it can take it.Load limits are tied to the brakes,not the motor so do not go by them and test them two up.I had my c50 at it's weight limit a few times from Windsor to Toronto (115kph to 150kph), it handled it well and was more comfortable than the 950 but neither are neck snappers,im 230lb and girlfriend is 136lb.The Vulcan special is nice,has a little more power but the skinny front tire turned me off even though they say it doesn't matter.I really liked the murdered out flat black with the red valve covers though.
C50
suzuki paint isn't the greatest,could see runs on the tank if you looked closely
plastic fenders,i actually liked them but you may not
accessory chrome bubbles quickly factory chrome was ok
back rest studs kept falling out and impossible to put back and chrome issues
backrest back plate where it's engraved is bad for chrome $40 for the part but you will be back for another in two years
If you buy a backrest have them put it on and never remove it,The bolt holes don't line up on any of them and you may lose your ****.I did and it's well known with every bike
Shaft drive issues if you don't pm it
buzzy on the highway
A loud pop every once in a while on start up,they all do it
A little too gody for my taste,paint sparkles like mad in the right light.
top speed 110 mph
0 to 60mph forever and a day
55hp
950
the space between the down tube and motor bugged me very badly
the rear brake reservoir sitting out front in the wind bugged me
was always in the shop for shredded belts and bearings
dragged the floorboards if you even looked left or right
not as comfortable as the c50t
rims finish seemed rough looking compared to the c50t
plastic valve covers i think?
have to get the touring bags $1000 nothing else looks right
top speed 115mph
0 to 60 mph forever and a day
60hp
Just my opinion but if your coming off a sport bike,boy are you in for a shock with the lack of power.With all that said they are as good as any Harley.I say that because the c50t is in fact based on the fatboy just smaller.The 950 is an all new bike design and base on some old car.I actully liked the c50t and should have kept it.
so I got her a pilon cushion, now I don't hear any complaints, bike runs great and smooth. Either way I think you will like either bike, now lets just pray for an early spring!
