Modify message

Welcome to Vulcan Drifter Riders. Please log in or sign up.

Main Menu

Vulcan Drifter Riders
► INFORMATION and LINKS
► Introductions
► Modify message ( Re: Looking forward to my Drifter )

Modify message

The message has the following error or errors that must be corrected before continuing:: Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 180 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic.

Subject
Message icon
Reason for editing

I'd agree with Ratman, the 800 is a fine bike.  I also think I like the look of the 800 slightly better, although both are great looking bikes.  I would echo Ratman - how much 2-up riding and Interstate riding are you going to do?   I have never had a stock 2-up seat on either bike, but had Corbin 2-ups on both bikes.  There is a LOT more seating room on the 1500 (at least comparing Corbin to Corbin). So for 2-up riding, I think the 1500 has the edge.   Also I think the 1500 is better at interstate riding.  It's heavier, and obviously more CCs, so if you're going to do a lot of interstate +70 MPH riding, the 1500 has the edge.  Other than that, the 800 is a great bike.  Like Ratman said, nothing keeping it from being a distance bike.  It's a more "nimble" bike, and if you are doing mostly short day trips, like you said, (especially solo) you mike like it better.

As far as the fuel injection and shaft drive being "better" than the chain drive and the carb--  Yes, I suppose they are "better", but really the carb and chain don't cause problems, so the "improvement" doesn't really get you that much.   A little less maintenance.  Also, the 800 does't have some of the same problems that the 1500 is prone to,  like the clutch problem and timing chain issues.   Not that these are big issues to steer you away from buying a 1500, just to say there are pros and cons on both sides.

Attachments: (Clear attachments)

Restrictions: 6 per post (6 remaining), maximum total size 64.00 MB, maximum individual size 29.30 MB

Uncheck the attachments you no longer want attached

Click or drag files here to attach them.

Insert width (px):

Insert height (px):

(Clear attachments)

Other options

Lock this topic
Return to this topic
Don't use smileys
Move this topic

Shortcuts: ALT+S post or ALT+P preview

Topic summary

Posted by CDNRatMan

- August 26, 2017, 14:54:14 PM

Well I'll take the corner for the 800 surprising no one.
Big issue really is how much 2 up riding are you going to do? How far are you going to 2 up ride? I have run my bike all day at 120 to 130 km not an issue, runs like the fine piece of equipment it is. I can honestly say I put on as amny kms as a lot of guys on their 1500's, if you run the speed limit and are not in a rush then the 800 is great, it does look a lot nicer then the 1500 but that is just my opinion.
I have no issues with the carb, nor the lack of a fuel gauge. I have adapted and overcome this issue. As for chain maintenance it is like having WWW tires, it is something you chose and you make the time to keep them clean and you take pride in having a nice bike. I have heard all the hero's who claim never to clean their bike because they need to ride. I love to ride but the time in cleaning and looking after my bike is my therapy also. Picture is my bike in Prince Edward Island today....

Posted by Rlearmont

- August 26, 2017, 10:16:53 AM

Hello
I have been reading the forums here for a few years. I decided to join because I am going to buy a Drifter soon. I'm still torn between an 800 and 1500. There is so much I like about both, but things I don't. Now I know this is just from my research and not actual time riding either or both for comparison.
Any and all advice is appreciated. I've ridden since the mid 1980's but it has been a few years without my own bike.
Okay here's my wish list.
1. I prefer the look and weight of the 800. Mainly short day trips and occasional 2up rides.
2. I prefer the shaft drive and FI of the 1500.

Unfortunately there aren't many around that I could test drive both to see how one feels to me.

My questions arise from my lack of information on how much difference in maintenance and reliability the drifters with shafts vs chains and their carbs vs FI.

I've ridden belt and chain drive bikes before but never a shaft. Never owned a FI bike but think it would be better than a carb?

My last bike was a 1980's Kawi LTD 440 and rode 2up with no problems. Sure it was a little slow getting up to speed, but after my GPZ1100 drag race bike I have no more need for speed. Rather a relaxed back road cruise.

Thanks for all of the great info on here and I will keep reading and post a picture once I find "my" Drifter.

Rob

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk