800 vs 1500: decided (?)

[chief]

Check the MY MESSAGES link at the top of the page, and your junk mail folder.

[greenbarn]

I sent it through the email link on your profile.  'Puters are great...when they work.  'Course, it went from the VDR site, not from my email, so I have no record of any sent file, nor could it have bounced back if there were any issues...

Anyways, I figured new air deflectors are about a buck-and-a-quarter?   Is $30 plus actual shipping too much? (my zip is 43344, and I'm guessing they weigh 5 lbs)  They're too long, I think, for a USPS flat rate box, - but wait, I think maybe they make an extra long one they might fit in- what is that, about $12???

I'll look at them again, but I think these are about like new.  If you don't want them, they'll most likely end up on ebay sometime in the future.  just send me an email or reply back here.

[49Reo]

Hasn't shown up yet.

Regards and such,
49Reo

[greenbarn]

Btw, what do you need out of the deflectors you removed?

Regards and such,
49Reo

REO, I sent y ou an email.  Let me know if you don't get it.

[49Reo]

Sweet! VERY nice bike! How many miles on it? Btw, what do you need out of the deflectors you removed?

Regards and such,
49Reo

[greenbarn]

the other 2 pics.....  couldn't get all 4 to load...

[greenbarn]

Lets try this again....  pics haven't been loading this week for me.

Here are some pics I took of the new toy.  Er, I mean "gas-saving-transportation-device".  This is pretty much how I got it.  I just removed some chrome air deflectors on the forks (does anybody want them?), cut off some long fringe from the grips, and changed out the spotlights to amber....  so far....  Of course there are a few parts in transit as well. Amazing how that works.

So far I really like it, but the pipes seem a little loud for my liking and it seems to need an extra gear - I've been following the sprocket thread, and I think I'll look for a 18/38 or 18/39 set.   And, I want to do something with the tank badge, but just haven't decided what yet.  I REALLY like the old enfield indian tank badges,
(((  http://www.ebay.com/itm/290681070701?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649  )))  but I'm about 90% decided I don't want an "Indian" badge on it.  (I originally really wanted an old indian to restore, but calculating the time and money and rideability factor, made me decide on a drifter).

Decisions, decisions...

[49Reo]

Good luck with your pick, and be sure to post some pics so we can all drool....

Regards and such,
Fred

[greenbarn]

Yea, the one in southern Kentucky was my top 1500 pick, if I hadn't decided to get the 800 in MI.  They were both 150 miles - in opposite directions.

[49Reo]

Just to confuse the issue, there are a couple of 1500's in ebay today..... 

Regards and such,
49Reo

[greenbarn]

Troll:  Thanks - Good advice - We (my boys and I) plan to get scheduled for a safety course as soon as we can.  Unfortunately, the close ones are full through the forseeable future.

Reo:  more good advice - I kind of like the idea of a "beat-around" bike.  Something to ride on rainy days to keep the Drifter clean....

[49Reo]

By all means, buy the Drifter;however, IMHO, I would recommend buying a "clunker" say, a 650 of some kind, cheap, to learn on. If you are a new rider, chances are you could have an "oops" or 2; it would be better to do that to a $500-$1000 dollar bike that a Drifter. Good luck, and ride safe.

Regards and such,
49Reo

[ratze]

AMEN ta that troll, safty first. as for me, my attentions ar now focused on my 1500. hopeing to make daytona run, if not drift in fer shur. parts ar jes now starten ta trickel in, tins an tires.(lil paint work). saddel mite be a few mor weeks tho. the weather here is great, the boys hav all but run the wheels off the 800. thats a great lil bike.   RIDE ON AN B BLESSED.

[Troll]

Decisions can be trying at times, but this one should be easy...since it's your first bike TAKE A CLASS FIRST! Even if you "know" how to ride, a refresher can make all the difference in the world.

[greenbarn]

The white speedo reason still cracks me up but the FI and more power are valid.

Yeah, I know - Sometimes it's the little things....    That white-face speedo just screams "buy me"....
Thanks Gerhardberger and alamogeorge for the feedback and reassurance.  I had concerns about power for long-term a year or two down the road, but It's good to know somebody rides 2-up on the 800 and still doesn't want to go 1500.

I guess I'll know more in a few hours, as I've planned to take the afternoon off and go look at this bike. 

[Gerhardberger]

Agree with your decision. I also own a '800. My wife also told me that the Bike was for me alone, although after realising the amacing "attraction" the bike creates wherever we are, now she is my permanent co-pilot  I own it for 1 Year and i tested my wife with a phrase like: "ok, now we will haed for a bigger bike"...and her answer was "no way" !!!!!
I'm so happy with my Drifter !!!!

[alamogeorge]

I think your thinking is right on.

I totally agree with #1. The 1500 is fairly heavy though not as heavy as some. For your first bike it is much easier with a lighter bike.

You may be planning on short trips and your wife may not have an interest RIGHT NOW. Mine went from having no interest to buying her own bike. The bug is strong and it does bite.

The white speedo reason still cracks me up but the FI and more power are valid.

1500's are more scarce this season than last when I was looking for mine and they will be even scarcer next season, I'm sure. People grow out of 800's but not 1500's. I know this may sound bizarre to you and it was when I bought my first bike but it is true and it is not a macho thing.

To summarize, I don't think you are making a big mistake but I'm giving you a heads up to things that will come. There is no way that I would put a new rider on this 1500. It is 100 inches long and close to 700lbs. It would be nice to buy the 1500 right away but the learning curve would be much harder. Some 1500's you would be able to get away with. My friend just bought an HD Heritage Classic and although it is heavy it doesn't feel heavy and is not too big.

You'll want a 1500 later, probably, but we can deal with finding you one then.

[greenbarn]

Well, after much agonizing and debating I think I've made up my mind.  I am often guilty of analyzing an issue to death, but I usually do a LOT better on decisions than this, but this has REALLY given me a hard time.  I attribute it to the fact that I have never even seen a drifter up close, either 800 or 1500 - there just aren't many around - and the fact this is my first bike, so I guess I don't know what I really want.  Add the fact there are not many around to go look at.

So finally I've decided on a 800 for the following reasons, not necessarily in this order.   I found the one I think I want, an 02, and I am planning to go look at it (about 150 miles) maybe as SOON AS TOMORROW AFTERNOON...

1) new bike owner - smaller might be better to start with
2) short trips planned - I live 4 miles from work, which will be the primary use, at least at first, plus trips to town (15 miles)
3) The wife doesn't seem to have much desire to ride with me, at least not yet
4) Price difference of about $1000 - 1500, thinking I don't even know how much I'm going to ride,
5) At first I was leaning 1500 (FI, more power, white speedo) but right now, the only 1500s available within 500 miles I don't really like as well as 2-3 800's.  I know patience is a virtue - but it's really getting nice out and I'm getting that itch...
6) I found a couple 800s I really like (in the pics at least) - I'll find out soon...
7) If I decide later, in a year or two, to ride more, farther, 2-up, etc, I can trade up to a 1500 (or maybe just add one)

Please someone tell me if I'm making a big mistake!  (I know- there are no bad drifters....) and it's all preference, but I just know a lot of you have a better perspective than me and might see something I don't.