[seau]

I am hoping that someone can help me decide between to bikes. One is a 2004 800 Valusia and the other is a 2005 C50. The Valusia is carburated and the C50 is FI. My problem is that I love the white/silver two tone paint on the Valusia and the C50 doesn't come in that color. The Dealer tells me that the Black/Silver two tone on the C50 is sweet. The picture that they showed me on the computer screen doesn't do much for me but three different Salesman have told me that the picture doesn't do it justice. They are going to assemble one in the two tone that they just got in today. Everyone says I'll regret the carburator over the FI. The only other difference that I can see is that the C50 has the running boards, which doesn't matter one way or the other.
My question is can anyone tell me anything about how the 2004 Valusia is with the carburator. Is it a cold blooded machine? Does it need to idle long before it can ride?
By the way the difference in cost is about $500.00. The color is what's even got me thinking about the Valusia, but since I will see it everyday, color means quit a bit.
Any ideas or oppinions will help.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[ion54]

I'll get the one that I like how it looks. The carbs are not that bad when cold. You do not have full performance from the engine but you can ride.
And $500 can be used for something else you like or need.

 

[jasonA]

You can always get a custom paint job later. I love having the FI. I had a Katana with carb....it was cold blooded. I could have gone with a used on, but FI made the difference for me. Its pretty easy to change your color scheme...cant say that for carb to fuel injection.

 

[mr_resistible]

I love my C50. No choke, no fuel valve. Just start it and go. It will idle fast when cold and idle down after it warms up. I also have the balck and silver one. I have some decent pics scattered arround this site. I've never seen the white one in person, but I have seen pics of them. And they do look classy.

check for pics on the C50 getaway

 

[stp1971]

I have to say I don't mind waiting a minute or two for mine to warm up,, I have the carbs and the way I looked at it was the carbs have worked well for a LONG time. I know FI is the new thing and more efficient,, but I also like the fact that I can re-jet, modify, etc without having to buy new computer modules.

Both have there perks and their advantages,, as far as the waiting period to warm up,, well it isn't good to crank and go on any engine,, whether it be a bike, car, or whatever. Plus I can ride my bike with the choke on also,, just push it in a little at a time.

 

[mr_resistible]

I usually start it...get my gear on...then go.

Motorcycle have had chokes and fuel valves for a long time. That is part of there charm. What apealed to me was... the C50 was the first time I saw technology and style come together. Plus I like the way the fuel pump sounds right before you start it. eeeeeee

 

[Zoe Dotes]

I am by no means a mechanic, so FI is a good thing for me. I have no need to change anything on the machine so stock is fine. You do have to live with the color, unless you want to waste the time & $$ for a paint job. That is why I am waiting for my C50 limited to come in. It has been on order since Jan. I think it is that important...

 

[v0lusia]

Floorboards, heal-toe shifter, different headlight and Fuel injection are the major diferences.

Also the 05's do not have a gas gauge.

The Volusia is a cold blooded bike but not too bad. Depending on where you live (I'm in Mass) you'll need to let her warm up. In the dead of winter here I let it warm up about 5 mins, that is with the temps around 32.

I would push the dealer for a lower price on the '04 if you can get the difference down to 1000 or so I would definatly go for the Voluisia. Oneida Suzuki (upstate NY) still has '04s for $5799 and this is for the limited (Black with Grey ghost flames)
http://www.oneidasuzuki.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=19241&cat=0&page=3

 

[jasonA]

In regards to oneidasuzuki, they are great to get accessories from. I just got my OEM passenger floorboards today and put them. Oneidasuzuki was about $40 to $50 cheaper than anyone else.

 

[seau]

Thanks for the replys and information. I finally got to see the 05 Black/Silver C50 up close and personal. It is also a very classic looking ride. I think I will forgo the color difference in the 04 and get the 05. One Dealer in Baltimore gave me a price of $7,200.00 out the door. The price includes no accessories or extended warranty. Does the price sound okay?

 

[md2lgyk]

No, it doesn't. If it's not too far for you, check out Valley Cycle Center in Winchester, VA. I got a great deal on my Marauder there last year.

 

[stp1971]

When I bought my 1500,, I originally went in to buy a C50T,, but after looking at the '04 Intruder 1500LC I decided to go that route.,,,,, But back to my point,,, I had called about twelve or so dealerships and asked about the C50T,, I asked their baest price, then called another dealer with that price and asked what was the best they would do. I kept doing that,, luckily I found on dealer which told me he'd beat any price.

That is the dealer I bought mine from. I was going to get the C50T with all it's bells and whistles on it for $7500.00 out the door. I was under the impression that the C50T was about a thousand dollars higher than the C50 due to the touring package.

Try the "Best Price" method and pit the dealers against each other,, worse case is you get the bike you want at maybe a lower price.

 

[mr_resistible]

That seems high. I got mine for $6999. And we just had a new Suzuki dealer open up and they sell them for MSRP which is $6799. I was talking to the parts guy where I got mine and was asking about price differences. And he said one place he worked for actually charged a few hundred bucks for final assembly of the bike once they took it out of the crate. Sounds like they might be adding some "hidden costs" I agree with stp1971 tell them you found one for $6999 and see what they say.

 

[seau]

I just talked to the Salesman at the one shop and he told me that the $7,200.00 out the door includes a back rest. Based on this I am thinking about $7,000.00 without the bar. This doesn't seem as bad.
What do you think?
By the way you all are great!

 

[JLM3rd]

I bought my grey/black C50 in late February, and it was $6600 total. They also included a Memphis Fats windshield too. Next closest dealer was $6750, and third dealer as (I think) $7200-something.

 

[jasonA]

If you are looking to put a lot of accessories on it, you should consider the C50T, windshield/bags/sissy bar that swivels/whitewalls. I paid $7600, which was a tad less than MSRP. Only thing I added was a light bar and recently put passenger floorboards on.

 

[seau]

Thanks again for all of the advise and information. I went last night and did the deed. They are bolting on the back rest today and I am supposed to pick it up at noon. I ended up paying $7050.00 out the door. I took your advise and pitted 4 Dealers against each other. I think I hit the buy or walk away point at $7050 because three of the four couldn't meet the price. I think I got a good deal for the beautiful bike that it is. I can't wait to "get her home". Now I have to wait for the good Lord to help me out and stop the rain. Iv'e had my cycle license since I was 16, which was 30 years ago (unbelievable) but haven't ridden for about 10 years so I don't want to take my maiden voyage in a downpour. I'll be spending all day watching the weather. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice so I've got to pick it up today or wait until Monday. That would be pure torture.
I really appreciate everyone's help and I'm sure I'll have other questions in the future. The only thing that I can say is that the Internet rocks!

 

[jaw5279]

Congrats on the new bike!!

After a ten year hiatus you might want to consider a riding course just to get back in the swing of things. :smile:

 

[Trapper]

Good Luck seau

 

[seau]

I picked the bike up in between rain drops. It is now home in my garage. Even though the roads were wet, the C50 handled great. Plenty of power and excellent braking. All that and great looks. I think it was a great decission to buy the Boulevard.
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their help. I can't wait until tomorrow because it is supposed to clear up, and I am riding even though my women tells me I need to get the boat ready to put in the water. I think she's worried that she won't get her tan this year because I'll want to go riding instead of boating. But then again as my bumper sticker says " only boaters get blown offshore" I'll be riding to the boat and back on two wheels this year.