800 or 1500

[bambam0099]

I started riding last year.  The 1500 Drifter was my 1st road bike.  I went thru the same thing and several people convinced me to go with the power of the 1500 ... glad I did.

Get the 1500

[TS Tinker]

I found this 1500 one day when I was looking at some Drifter stuff.  This is one of the most sexy bikes I've ever seen.  Judging from the tag, it's not in the States.  There wasn't any info, just an picture.  Obviously a 1500, duals, and killer paint job.  Love the look of the exhaust. Not sure of the markings on the side.  Anyway,  when I find my Drifter, this is how I want it to look.

Now that's a show stopper.

[CDNRatMan]

 One of the lads on the UK Drifter forum. Troll hit it....

If I had GB's money I would even own a 400 no matter the cost of importing it to 0hi0.
I am not large I am rotund, and cute so he could jot think it was me......
Again the 800 is an awesome ride and I have no issues in any long rides, yes sometimes you need to think about that pass, but you can do it, if you are in need of all the speed and power because you are in a hurry then buy a Ninja, but if your like a lot of us and want to tour and smell the roses then an 800 is perfect.......

[Troll]

That's one of Mak's

[Kevin B.]

I found this 1500 one day when I was looking at some Drifter stuff.  This is one of the most sexy bikes I've ever seen.  Judging from the tag, it's not in the States.  There wasn't any info, just an picture.  Obviously a 1500, duals, and killer paint job.  Love the look of the exhaust. Not sure of the markings on the side.  Anyway,  when I find my Drifter, this is how I want it to look.

[pcarrell]

Deb rode her 800 from Alabama to Alaska and back along with Hillbilly before he passed.

[Pilgrim]

Dang it Rat..and here I was thinking he was referring to you. 

They are both good bikes... if I had GB's money i would have one or two of each.

I know this one guy that rode his 800 all the way from Antartica to Kentucky and beyond..and he had alot of luggage.

[gdrudd13]

Having taken my 800 on several 300 mi+ daytrips, and one trip of over 3100 miles in 7 days, the 800 is a great bike. There are a few caveats in that, as has been mentioned before, it is a bit small for two up riding. It's still perfectly capable of doing that, but for long trips I'd want something bigger (I'd probably skip the 1500 and go to a full blown touring bagger if that were the case). For solo riding, the 800 is fantastic though. Good size, good power, comfortable, pretty good all around. The carb isn't anything to be worried about unless the bike has been sitting and then there are usually other, bigger, problems.

All that being said, I would have preferred the 1500, but the ones in my area were stupid expensive. I still probably would prefer one, but now that I have my bike how I want it, I have no desire to upgrade. My advice is to look at the 1500's first, but don't count out the 800's. They're still a good option.

[kw-retrorider]

Kevin: I have a 2002 800 I bought 3 years ago. Have driven it 14,000 miles in that time and never touched the carb. Don't know how old you are...perhaps this is a generational issue...nothing wrong with a carb.
The carb and the chain give the 800 a little bit of an old school feel, but they are easy to deal with. Looking around the forum, seems there are more issues with the 1500...perhaps because it is a little more high tech.
As has been stated, you should try them both. Aside from the weight and a little more wheelbase, the seating positions are a little different.
In the end, to each his own. I'm very happy with the 800. I ride one-up and don't feel the need for any more power.
Good luck and welcome to the forum. Post a photo when you land what you are looking for.

[Kevin B.]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I didn't realize the 800 is carb.  Think I'll stick to looking for the 1500.  I plan on mostly day trips and afternoon rides but may take a few over nights here and there.  I also want to take some trips with my dad.  He has a Nomad 1700.  I just don't want to get left behind.

[CDNRatMan]

   Good to see a new member on the forum, welcome Kevin, you will enjoy it here. I think the major differences between the 1500 and the 800 are that the 1500 is Fuel injected and has drive shaft, the 800 is chain drive and a carb, now Troll will correct me if I am wrong on this.
GB I thought Pilgrim had a 1500, and he is not that big really. Now big thing is what type of riding are you going to do and what do you plan on doing with it. I can only talk about my own reason for buying an 800. I have major issues with my left leg, and knew it was going to effect my right leg eventually. I took a Valkyrie for a test ride, I have ridden my Brother in Law's Electra Glide Classic, I knew that I could not hold the weight up in heavy stop and go traffic or if my leg was not 100%, so I opted for the 800, now everything I really like about the 800 is reason not to like it. The tires are a bit narrower, so super easy to manage and steer when at slow speeds, hell on MI highways when under construction. Very nice and light weight wise compared to a lot of bikes. This plays havoc with you on highways and in wind.
I do know that this summer I put on just under 5000 km on one trip, I had no issues running along with the big boys if they were riding with in reason and following the speed limits close. I put on a couple of 8 hour days in the saddle and not an issue. Of course you will feel the machine but it is doing fine. I ride solo on most of my rides so that takes care of a lot of issues. I also do not pack a kitchen sink like some people do, but I can carry a lot of stuff for people.
You will be happy with either bike, I just think the 800 is just a nicer looking bike, but then I am partial to them....lol....

[greenbarn]

Welcome to the forum, Kevin!  Hope you get a lot out of it...

I also bought my first bike in my mid 40s - my 2002 800 Drifter.  Then after riding it for a couple years, I got my 2003  1500.   I like them both for different reasons.

I don't find the 800 to be lacking for power.  I've seen one guy on this board, on his 800 that was loaded down pretty good with a bunch of luggage and such - not to mention he's not a real tiny guy - and he scoots right down the road!!    However, I found the 800 small for 2-up riding.  The seat is bigger on the 1500 and the suspension more capable for 2 people.  Of course you can upgrade the shocks on the 800 (or the 1500 for that matter).

The 800, to me, is, to me better for short trips, solo riding, tight maneuvers, and such.
The 1500 is better for long trips, interstate and freeway speeds, 2-up riding, etc.

Not that either bike can't do BOTH- they are both capable - just that each is more suited for some tasks than the other.

So, basically, you should buy one of each....   I decided to keep the 800 as a solo bike, and use it for short trips and such.  The 1500 is set up for 2-up, and although I have a solo seat, haven't had it on there.  for long trips, I'll most likely use the 1500 as well.

[aralph]

Hey Kevin, welcome to the forum. I didn't start riding till my late 40's. My 1st bike
was a Suzuki 650 Savage. I had this for 1 season and then went right to a 1500 Drifter
with no problems. There is only about 130 lb weight difference between the 800 and 1500 Drifters.
There are also several other differences between the 2 bikes that you should consider.
But you have to feel comfortable on what ever you choose.

Ride safe
aralph

[Kevin B.]

I have always loved the drifter and want one.  My biggest question is I'm not sure if I should get the lighter 800 or the more powerful 1500.  I have limited experience on a Vulcan Classic 1500.  Mostly just been riding Honda 750.  I'm thinking if I go with the 800 I'll regret not having the power of the 1500.  What are your thoughts?