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Posted by --Jerry S--
- March 15, 2017, 23:10:26 PMThanks 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. 
Posted by greenbarn
- March 15, 2017, 21:41:18 PMWelcome 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!!! 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- March 08, 2017, 22:54:40 PMI remember that sound from this summer.......
Posted by Indian_fan
- March 08, 2017, 21:52:37 PMThis 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!
Posted by DC
- March 08, 2017, 20:32:13 PMAnd here are the more complete specs if you ever need them:
Posted by --Jerry S--
- March 08, 2017, 19:28:03 PMQuote from: DC on March 08, 2017, 12:51:46 PMWell, 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 meet1500
- 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.
Posted by DC
- March 08, 2017, 17:57:05 PMQuote from: CDNRatMan on March 08, 2017, 16:35:28 PMIf only it were so.
DC you are so articulate......
Posted by CDNRatMan
- March 08, 2017, 16:35:28 PM DC you are so articulate......
Posted by DC
- March 08, 2017, 12:51:46 PMWell, 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
Posted by CDNRatMan
- March 03, 2017, 22:17:53 PMok 1500 guys time to pony up with some answers.......
Posted by --Jerry S--
- March 03, 2017, 21:55:08 PMI 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.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- March 03, 2017, 17:17:30 PMHey I used to know Mike and Monique they lived in Zepherhills every winter.......did you know them...lol.......
Posted by --Jerry S--
- March 03, 2017, 16:29:11 PMQuote from: Old Drifter on March 03, 2017, 15:25:09 PMJerry, 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!
Posted by Old Drifter
- March 03, 2017, 15:52:19 PMQuote from: CDNRatMan on March 03, 2017, 15:42:48 PMThe '99 & '00 in the 1500 had the blacked out treatment.If you want it blacked out then be looking for a 99........
Posted by CDNRatMan
- March 03, 2017, 15:42:48 PMIf you want it blacked out then be looking for a 99........