• What the Z means in VL800ZSEK3?
• The special features of the Z
• Birth history of my personal Volusia
• The current look of my Suzuki Volusia
• The story of how I got into Motorcycling and the Volusia

What the Z means in VL800ZSEK3?

Suzuki's website picture of the 30th anniversary (Canada) / 40th anniversary (États-Unis)

The model shown here is the VL800ZK3, a Volusia (VL800) limited edition (Z) of the year 2003 (K3).

The model I own is a VL800ZSEK3. What's different in the SE model?  It's a Canadian exclusive model. It is equipped with a full rider windscreen, studded leather saddlebags and a billet backrest.

In Canada for 2003:

  96 VL800ZSEK3
 105 VL800ZK3
 915 VL800K3
------------------------

1116 total Volusia, where 201 (18%) only are limited edition.

The special features of the Z

There is the list of special features of the Limited Edition of the Volusia
versus all other Volusia of 2003

Studded seats

White speedometer face with red needle and orange backlighting

Special ignition key with emblem

The United States 40^th also had:

40th Anniversary emblem
mounted on upper triple clamps

Key chain and fob with emblem

Birth history of my personal Volusia

• Born (assembled) on March 6^th at the Toyokawa plant near Hamamatsu, Japan
   
• Left Japan on March 19^th on the Westwood Anette (WSL) cargo
   
• Arrival at Suzuki Ontario on April 15^th
   
• Canadian SE package was added on April 23^rd
   
• Left Ontario on May 5^th
   
• Delivered to my dealer on May 6^th

The current look of my Suzuki Volusia

This was the 1^st picture of my Volusia.  The SE kit was not installed (except windshield).
I find the solo look different and very beautiful!



As you can see, there are some differences with the original Suzuki picture at the top of the page.
Visors are on headlamp and also on every turn signal, the back was lowered 2" and finally, for a very retro look, wide white walls!

Now let's see how she looks like as of now...



Wheel hub cover and engine guard were added.
I also put my own personal touch to all turn signal!

Let see from another angle...

And this is how it looks for summer 2009, I removed back seat and finally installed a good looking licence plate.

Your comments are welcome!

The story of how I got into Motorcycling and the Volusia

When I was in my mid twenties, I knew one day I would like to ride a motorcycle.  I thought it would happen around 40, but it came earlier!

While pausing at work, a coworker and I started speaking about motorcycles.  He owned a few in the last years.  That summer I decided to take my MSF.  I also began checking what was available in the motorcycle market.  Since the first day, I knew I wanted a cruiser/custom style bike.  I liked the both the relaxed look and the sound of the engine.  Since I would be a beginner, I decided to look for a 750-805cc engine which are not that expensive and would be perfect as a first bike.

While lurking here and there I began to learn a bit more about motorcycles.  A chain driven bike was becoming less attractive because of the dirt it splashes on the bike.  I looked at Honda and Yamaha, but when I saw the new Suzuki model, I felt in love.  It was called the Volusia (code named VL800).  Introduced in 2001, it had everything to please: shaft driven, liquid cooled, an electronic fuel gauge and one of the largest fuel tank in its class!  That was it, love at first sight!

And that's not all!  Since I was looking on the Internet for information, I discovered a web site that is tailored specifically for Volusia owners.  You can see plenty of pictures of bikes and their owners.  You also can ask any question and get a quick answer.  This site is now closed but was called the Volusia Owners League.  I haven't yet found anything else that can compare for any other motorcycle.  Many ex VOL members are now on the VolusiaRiders website which is similar.  Then someone decided to took back the Volusia Owners League website but using a different forum software.

January 21^st, I was at my dealer signing for a Volusia.  My color choice was the silver and white.  Then, back home, I took a look at the Canadian Suzuki web site and found out about a new pearl-white limited edition bike (code named: VL800Z).  The limited edition was in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Suzuki, in Canada.  The following day I visited the store and informed my dealer about this limited edition Volusia.  That same evening I was in again to cancel the previous contract and begin a new one to get the one I now own.