Some say the 800 looks better

[CDNRatMan]

   Ah Juan......now to hammer on you my fine friend......

[--Jerry S--]

As far as a model, I can't argue that one LOL,  I kinda look grumpy too. But I think it was just the Florida sun.  Just changed oil, filter, clutch handle sleave, clutch handle ferrule and tightened the battery terminals on the "Hot Rod".  Meeting a bunch of goons on motorcycles tomorrow and riding up to Tavares FL for an antique boat show. 50 block, as the sun index will be high.  Soon we will have to be back at 10:20am or we will melt.  On the Drifter front, I will look for a 1500 first then maybe I will get an 800 as well seeing they are everywhere for sale down here!! I have been using an alias on FB of Juan Valkyrie as I just don't want my name there. I guess I will have to change that soon.  Dakota Drifter.       

[greenbarn]

Great looking bikes, Jerry.  I especially like the 2-tone (as usual )  I'll have to say, though, you need to get a better looking model to show them off, LOL

I'll agree the 800 is a "better looking" bike (slightly).   Ratman thinks so too, LOL...    The hard tail look, and the chain drive..  just a little more "retro" looking.  But I'll still take a 1500 over anything else!!! 

[Bucko]

As a 1500 owner, which I love, I have to say, I think the 800 looks better.   Seems like the proportions are better and the 'hard tail' look is suite (I wouldn't be caught dead on a real 'hard tail').  I would have bought an 800 but for me the shaft drive and fuel injection were the deal makers for the 1500.  I also really liked the notion of the 'self adjusting' hydraulic valves on the 1500 (I believe the 800 have Shim over bucket??) although the lash is so noisy on my bike, at this point I would prefer swapping shims to get a quieter motor.

[CDNRatMan]

  I have said that on numerous occasions, I had the chance to follow my bike one day because a buddy wanted to try it, and wow does the back fender on the 800 move a lot......I was laughing so hard I had to stop......it can hypnotize you .....

[jmbo]

To the original question, I agree the 800 looks better without the rear shock hanging out like the 1500.  Add a set of saddle bags and there is't as much visual difference.

This is a bit off topic but have you ever watched another rider on a Drifter?  I showed my bike to a friend. He said I know those bike.  They are like an inchworm going down the road. i suppose it is because the fender traveling up and down with the tire. i  followed a guy on a 150l like mine. I admit is was odd looking. Looked like the bike was broken in the middle.

[Trall]

Very nice collection and options for riding on the road.  Sweetttttt

[DC]

VERY NICE!     Definitely like the two-toned one and the blacked out one.

[--Jerry S--]

Pics? You want pics?  Ok--  The black standard is 1998 with 56,000 miles I call my hot rod.  The black teal (2003)  is only 8,000 miles with way to much stuff.  And the 2014 has 12,000 miles and is going up for sale most likely July and will be my gateway to a sweet 1500 and who knows you all will rub off to the point I also get an 800 as the more I look and study the worse I get. I have a motorcycle problem.  LOL.   And yes I run a car tire on the black 1500.

[greenbarn]

So let's see some of those Valkyries, Jerry...  We like pics.

On the 800 vs 1500, I had the same dilemma. I ended up getting the 800 first, because that was the first one I found in my price range that had the stuff I wanted on it.

[--Jerry S--]

Welcome Jerry, don't feel bad about not knowing of the Drifter bikes it was the same for me. I was riding a Honda for 6 years and looking for my next bike not knowing what I was looking for when a friend told me he knew a guy who was selling a Drifter that looked something like an Indian but made by Kawasaki. I had a look and was hooked. Vintage styling with Japanese quality. The perfect combo.

Thank You RR,  I have always loved the retro look and I enjoy good solid technology.  Eureka!   

[RockinRollin]

Welcome Jerry, don't feel bad about not knowing of the Drifter bikes it was the same for me. I was riding a Honda for 6 years and looking for my next bike not knowing what I was looking for when a friend told me he knew a guy who was selling a Drifter that looked something like an Indian but made by Kawasaki. I had a look and was hooked. Vintage styling with Japanese quality. The perfect combo.

[--Jerry S--]

Thanks GREEN,  I will list the 1800 in July and should get me enough coin to get both a 1500 and an 800 and I can get a 1500 for me an an 800 for my wife.........  did you get how I worded that?   Emphasis (in theory) she has a bike license but just rides on back.   But serious. I know some have a massive love for the Indian and for me, I will just be true to Kawasaki - I want the Vulcan Drifter and Kawasaki badges. So the 1500 will most likely fit me better.  And nope, I can't give up either of my 1500 Valkyries.   

[greenbarn]

Welcome Jerry, and glad to see another Drifter Convert, LOL...   As to the differences and advantages of the 800 vs the 1500:  I always wanted a vintage Indian, but couldn't find anything I could afford, then stumbled across an "Indian Drifter", and I was hooked.
I found and bought an 800, largely because the price was lower than the 1500s I was finding.  Then a couple years later, I added a 1500 to round things out.  They are both great bikes, and I would have a real time deciding which one to get rid of.  They are both great - but there are differences.  You can read the specs for yourself, so I'll try to give you some examples of where one is a little better than the other.

To me, the 800 handles a little better in tight curves and parking lots and such.  A little easier to throw around.  It's somewhat more nostalgic - more true to the vintage "Indian" style, perhaps, with the monoshock and chain.  It's quite a bit closer from seat to steering stem.
The 1500 of course has more horsepower and is a bigger seating area.  If you are riding 2-up, it will handle the load better.  It does a little at higher speeds, such as 70 MPH than the "stock" 800 (that is much improved with a gear swap).

As far as accessories -- they are all getting harder to find, especially the Kawasaki parts.  As for dual exhaust - I've never seen one done on a 800- I don't think there is room for the crossover pipe (at least not easily) for the left tailpipe.  On the 1500, I think the Nomad exhausts will fit with a little modifications.

So either way - you will have a great bike.  Or better yet, sell TWO Valk's and get a 800 AND a 1500!!!   

[CDNRatMan]

   I remember that sound from this summer.......

[Indian_fan]

This is a video of the bike I bought. I'm a fan of the 1500 - probably mostly due to familiarity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HMBIqzvjS8
I am thrilled that it's March and I will be breaking it out of winter storage soon!

[DC]

And here are the more complete specs if you ever need them:

Specs for Drifter 800

Specs for Drifter 1500

[--Jerry S--]

Well, there are few basic differences.  These are some, but not all.:

800
- Hard tail look
- Carbed
- Chain Drive
- 584 lbs.
- Fuel capacity 4 gal
- Will be the center of attention at any meet

1500
- Dual external rear shocks
- Fuel injected
- Shaft drive
- 716 lbs.
- Fuel capacity 5 gal
- Will be the center of attention at any meet

Thank you, I am spending time learning from things found on the Internet and going on you tube rides on both cc flavors, LOL.  The 1500 is going to be the solid answer for me as I am used to big bikes. I understand the 1500 to be 65hp and that is perfect.  I'm contemplating selling my 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie 1800 to make this move.  Going on two road trips this summer so maybe July after the trips are done I will list it and see what happens.  These bikes are pure art. A group of us will be going to the DeLand FL Bike Rally this Saturday and you all know what I will be looking for and if I find some the rest of the group can be down the sidewalk as I will be spending time if I find one.   

[DC]

DC you are so articulate......

If only it were so.   

[CDNRatMan]

  DC you are so articulate......

[DC]

Well, there are few basic differences.  These are some, but not all.:

800
- Hard tail look
- Carbed
- Chain Drive
- 584 lbs.
- Fuel capacity 4 gal
- Will be the center of attention at any meet

1500
- Dual external rear shocks
- Fuel injected
- Shaft drive
- 716 lbs.
- Fuel capacity 5 gal
- Will be the center of attention at any meet

[CDNRatMan]

  ok 1500 guys time to pony up with some answers.......

[--Jerry S--]

I do not, I have been with the Valkyrie group here for close to 5 years. We welcome all bikes on our rides but mostly a F-6 Honda of some flavor and a few HDs come around.  However there is a sweet ride I see for sale on Craig's list here in Zephyrhills it is an 800 black with gold stripes.  There seems to be lots to choose from in the area.

I did think of another question. Exhaust, I like the stock levels, not loud, is there a true dual system that is relatively quiet available for the 1500? Is there even a dual exhaust system available anymore?  What items are hard to find for the 1500s?  Thanks.

[CDNRatMan]

  Hey I used to know Mike and Monique they lived in Zepherhills every winter.......did you know them...lol.......

[--Jerry S--]

Jerry, you may not like owning a Drifter if you don't like attention. They always seem to attract lookers.

I can see why, but they might have to stand in line behind me! 

Still feel somewhat perplexed, how did I not know about these bikes? It took no time at all once I locked on. Well I have a nice ride planned tomorrow and only one up,   Cheers!