Newbie question re 2004 Classic Carb versus 03/05 Classic FI

[scharfg]

Hi there folks, I am new to the cruiser world and started last year by purchasing my first bike, a 2001 Honda 750 ACE. I did a road trip from BC Canada to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley etc last June and had a great time! Well, as with most things motorcycle I'd like to move up to bigger bike power.

Why did the green machine make a 1500cc Classic FI in 01-03 and not 04...?

I've read some of the bike reviews on Cruiser Magazine and they are all very impressed with the Kaw 1500 Classic FI. I'd like the FI over the Carb as there is more power, more reliable starting, bigger fuel tank and better fuel economy (longer range).

Should I also be considering the 2004 1500 Classic Carb or not at all because it's not FI...? What is different about the 2004 Carb model when compared to the 2003 and 2005 FI 1500 Classics...?

Is there really such a big difference...? I can save $2000CND if I buy a new 2004 carb over the 2005 FI should I be considering the 2004..?.

What are your suggestions.....?

Thanks very much with your patients and I look very forward to your help with these questions!!

[jukief]

Hey, scharfg. Welcome to the forum!

I just bought a 1500 Classic FI tonight! I've only ridden it home (about 15 miles), so I can't really comment too much. But I have to say that I'm really looking forward to having fuel injection. My Vulcan 800A was really a cold starter. I had to pull the choke, start her up, and let her warm up for a good five minutes. The 1500 I bought tonight had been sitting in the dealer's showroom for a couple of weeks without being started, but it started right up tonight, in the Colorado cold. The bike handles a lot more smoothly than my 800. I know part of that is the engine size difference, but I think the FI has a lot to do with it, too. My ride home was pure heaven. Can't wait to take her out tomorrow for a nice, long ride. (Just in time before the snow we're expecting this weekend.)

I bought a used, late-model bike, so the difference in cost wasn't really a consideration for me. But I think I'd be willing to pay the difference for a new bike. It's worth it.

Julie

[VNgeezer]

Hello Scharfg, I own a 2001 1500 classic FI. I think the cold start and driveability is better than a carbed bike. According to Kawasaki.com the specs for the 2005 1500 Classic are identical to the 2000-2002 FI's. The only thing different is the colors. I'm glad they brought back the FI model.

[ispeed77]

personally i would take FI over carb any day just for the reliability and starting. if this is going to be a bike that you hope to keep for a while, then it might be worth the 2000CDN that it costs you. i think it really comes down to a personal choice. there is really nothing wrong with a carb bike, you just have to do a couple things a little differently. either way you will have a good bike.

[PickYourPockets]

Jukie, so you finally decided to go with the 1500? Congratulations on your new purchase. I hope you didn't trade in your 800. Something that well tuned and customized would have been a welcome treat for someone here on the forum. Of course, I imagine that it knocked down the price of your 1500 if you turned it in. Have fun out there. Now it's time to start modding your new toy... just in time for winter!

[jukief]

Yeah, I did trade it in. They offered me a price I couldn't refuse. I have to admit I was sad to part with it. I thought about giving it to my son so we could hang onto it. But I needed to bring down the price on the 1500.

So far I'm really happy with the new bike. Took her out on the Interstate today. What a difference! My 800 felt like it was straining at 70 mph. On the 1500 today, I got up to 95 without even noticing. That engine is fabulous. Nice and comfy, too.

I just ordered risers and highway bars, and I picked up some new grips at the dealer today. I'm on my way with mods.

[woodchucks800]

Damn Julie your not wasting any time on buying the accessories are you. <G>. You'll have that new ride all tricked out before spring won't you ? I told you this morning winter was expensive. haha Well merry christmas. Give your husband the bill, That's what my wife does.

[Ken]

Congrats on the new ride. You'll be very pleased with her. It's a great bike, and the Fi is the way to go

[scharfg]

HI folks thanks very much for all your help with this!

I'm still in the research mode and still looking for the "rest of the story" so to speak.

I was speaking with the Kawi dealer via email and he said the 2005 does have some differences over the 2004 besides the FI. In 2005 it has a seamless tank, digital trip meter, larger seat, rear air shocks and a different frame, all for only $500CND over the MSRP price for the 2004.

Too bad this was not the end of the 2005 season then I could get the 2005 for just $500 more than the end of the season price he wants for the 2004 ($10499CND), I'd go for the 2005 in a heart beat if that was the case, getting all that for just $500 more but alas it is not the end of 2005 season so here I am still with the delema.

He also said the reason Kawi came out with the 04 carb model was to better compete in the 1500cc cruiser class from a price point perspective. I wonder what else they may have "cheaped out" on with the 04 over the 03 to shave the price down, anyone have any ideas....?

You are right this bike will be with me a long time so I want to make the right choice, which would be easy if I had the extra $2000 to spend, but I'd rather not so that's why I'm asking for the help in order to make an informed decision!

I have the Honda 750 ACE now and after a trip to the Grand Canyon etc from BC Canada I realized it's too small for me (power/performance wise). I have done almost every trick in the book short of going to a Dyna 3000 programable ignition and getting into serious motor work and still the dyno only gives my ~39Hp. I was on that trip with a bud who has a 2003 Nomad and with his girlfriend on the back and all their gear for our trip I still used more gas than he did!.

Anyhoos thanks a bunch for all your assistance and I eagerly await your responses....

[ispeed77]

well, as i am sure you know, no matter how many mods you make to your 750, it is still a 750. there really is no replacement for displacement. i was in a similar boat as you. i had a honda magna 750. even though it was a V4, it was a high revving bike for a cruiser and too light for long comfortable rides. it made all the power higher in the revs so that meant downshifting to go. granted it was quite quick, but like i said no touring bike. there are so many upsides to going to a bigger engine, heavier bike for long distance. sorry, i don't have any input for you on kawi going cheap on the 04 carb model, but good luck with your purchase.

[VNgeezer]

I don't think they cheapened up the 04 models. It is pretty much the same as it has always been. My dealer told me they dropped the FI model so it wouldn't be competition for the 1600 and 2000. Now that suzuki has gone to fuel injection on all of their big cruisers Kawi probably felt the need to bring back the FI Classic.

[ispeed77]

sorry to go off topic, but nice truck VNgeezer, would LOVE to see more pics of that !

[fsmelton]

Hi, Sharfg (?). I bought a 2001 1500 FI a little over two months ago and I'm really glad I went with the FI. I came up from a 750A Vulcan, another great bike to this one. I've put 5000 miles on it with my wife sitting behind me and just being able to not worry about your bike on a long run is wonderful.
Love my FI. Hope you'll love yours.

[scharfg]

THanks again folks for all your insights and experiences!

That $2000 is a big draw for me as I could do a great deal with it to improve the 04's carbed performance and looks. I heard that the 05 FI weighed quite a bit more than the 04 carb. The US Kawasaki web site puts the 05 at 644lbs (same as the 04) and the CND Kawasake site puts the 05 at 659lbs, any idea what is what...?

How are the Kawasakis for ease of working on for general maintenance and parts add ons....?

Thanks again and ride safe!

[bikeaholic]

heck-just go ahead and get a 1600 classic or a meanie whichever
kind of riding you do and get to ridin'

you just turn the key and goooooooooooooooooo