You'd probably get 1-2 hp more. No one does it because it's not worth the cost.
Has anyone ever . . . slapped a turbo on a C50/M50?
I get there's a ton of reasons why not to do this, need to upgrade braking, probably cheaper to just buy a bigger engine, etc. But you know, in the world of people doing all sorts of mods on everything for no reason or any reason at all, I'm surprised I couldn't just slap "turbo C50" in google and come up with anything. So, I'm wondering if anyone has done this and if so, how the results were once it was tuned up?
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It has been discussed before, on several occasions.
In reality, like the V-twins of the '40's and '50's, this is almost an agricultural engine in character -- moderate horsepower with a large dose of torque, designed to chug-chug along all day. You can push it various ways and gain a couple of horsepower. Push it a little more, and you break it, or go broke, with no more return.
As far as i know, only one turbo charged M50 was ever built. It was absurdly expensive (close to $20,000 ) and they had to fabricate a custom intercooler and new radiator.
If you feel the need to produce 100hp, may I suggest buying a bike with a better suspension and adequate brakes, rather than turning the C50 into even more of a death trap..
If you feel the need to produce 100hp, may I suggest buying a bike with a better suspension and adequate brakes, rather than turning the C50 into even more of a death trap..
This makes alot of sense. I grew up on a family farm and worked in mechanical engineering as a tech, so I get this quite a bit.In reality, like the V-twins of the '40's and '50's, this is almost an agricultural engine in character -- moderate horsepower with a large dose of torque, designed to chug-chug along all day. You can push it various ways and gain a couple of horsepower. Push it a little more, and you break it, or go broke, with no more return.
I'm a rather large guy at 6'7" and 315-320 lbs, so my C50 ain't exactly got a whole lot of vroom to it while carrying me, I was wondering if it was possible to get more out of it, however, I suppose the normal route of tires, intake/exhaust, and tune is probably about it.
Matt, there's an old saying -- "There is no substitute for cubic inches". And that saying really applies here. It is a good engine for its purpose -- a pure cruiser -- but high performance, it ain't. Like me -- on a good day, I can lift and carry 50 pounds all over the room, and do it pretty much all day long, but on no day can you expect me to move 200 pounds very far or very fast...
Yeah, you are a big guy. I see a 1500+ in your future. The Kawasaki Vulcan is a good alternative to a Harley when you're ready.I'm a rather large guy at 6'7" and 315-320 lbs,
seen a few VL800's fitted with turbos. a draw through rig shouldn't be all that hard to fabricooble if you got the tools and a cheap turbo or two....if it looks promising from there you could always up the parts quality.
As ridiculous as it is, my first bike was a Honda Rune. I went with a buddy to buy a bike, I'd never ridden before, I realized really quick that I couldn't comfortably fit on small or medium sized bikes then I saw . . . it. I ended up getting spine damage and couldn't ride for many years and traded it in for a car for my wife at the time. While I know it was the right choice, I do really miss it. That said, no bones about it, the C50 is actually a bit more comfortable than the Rune. But yes, probably after about two years of good riding experience and a few classes I plan on upgrading if the money allows. Or since I'm retired, I may do the old "build your own" thing. I know it doesn't save any money to do that, but it's a great way to really know your bike, know the parts and how everything works, and build it around the rider.Yeah, you are a big guy. I see a 1500+ in your future. The Kawasaki Vulcan is a good alternative to a Harley when you're ready.
The Rune is an awesome bike, but it isn't built for comfort. Do whatever is best for you, bro. As long as you're riding and enjoying it, that's all that matters.As ridiculous as it is, my first bike was a Honda Rune. I went with a buddy to buy a bike, I'd never ridden before, I realized really quick that I couldn't comfortably fit on small or medium sized bikes then I saw . . . it. I ended up getting spine damage and couldn't ride for many years and traded it in for a car for my wife at the time. While I know it was the right choice, I do really miss it. That said, no bones about it, the C50 is actually a bit more comfortable than the Rune. But yes, probably after about two years of good riding experience and a few classes I plan on upgrading if the money allows. Or since I'm retired, I may do the old "build your own" thing. I know it doesn't save any money to do that, but it's a great way to really know your bike, know the parts and how everything works, and build it around the rider.
No replacement for displacement.
If you just bought the bike and you're already looking for more power, you are better off trading it in for something better suited to your needs. You may be tempted to go the pipes, processor and intake route thinking that will resolve some issues. It won't. The relatively low engine compression does not respond well to modifications and you will net a whole 4 hp for the effort. Fabrication of a turbo can be done but reliability goes out the window the minute you lay the wrench on the engine. I already highlighted the non-functional rear brake and barely functional front brake that is going to struggle to bring the stock bike to a controlled stop. Do what you want, but you get a better return on your investment with a bigger displacement bike than the c50.
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