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Posted by Tfrank59
- February 20, 2019, 00:35:48 AMQuote from: Corsacreek on February 19, 2019, 20:01:05 PMdoes a Vulcan 1500 have that much uumph? My six cylinder Valkyrie 1500 has around 100 HP, and believe me that's a muscle bike170'sh horse power
Yeah for 170 HP you must have been talking about a different motorcycle than a 1500 Vulcan:
https://cruiser.mototribe.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-vulcan-1500-classic/specs
Posted by Corsacreek
- February 19, 2019, 20:01:05 PMThere really isn't much comparison between an antiquated 800cc engine that's carbureted against a modern fuel injected 1500cc engine. Power delivery via driveshaft versus chain is a no brainer.
I just bought an 800 Drifter & I can assure you that going from 170'sh horse power down to 40'sh is excruciating in the highway. Getting passed by a Dodge Neon is right down embarrassing. However, moving/pushing her around in my garage and the ease in which she rides makes up for raw torque.
I almost bought the real deal (2016 Indian Chief Black Horse) at a super discount price. However, 1800cc got a lot of junk in the trunk & pushing her around in my small garage wound't have been practical for me.
Posted by mittico68
- February 13, 2019, 12:25:41 PMI've only got the 800, so I don't know much about her bigger sister.
But I do agree with Chief, totally (even though I must admit that I LOVE ma-deuce... 
)
Posted by chief
- February 13, 2019, 12:21:52 PMThey are two very different bikes. Having one of each makes sense. Each has its own use and appeal.
Posted by OR Seedman
- February 12, 2019, 19:24:48 PMhad both...sold the 800 and kept the 1500. the 1500 has substantially more power for hills, shaft drive vs chain on the 800, self adjusting valves, FI, plus heavier and more solid feeling. Nothing wrong with the 800 at all...but I had trouble keeping up with guys on bigger bikes. didn't need an "around town bike"...I really wanted more of a longer ride type cruiser. being fairly big and heavy, the 1500 just works better for me...it's not just the bigger motor...the 1500 is several inches longer than the 800 and is smoother overall on the highway.
Posted by Tfrank59
- February 11, 2019, 13:29:51 PMYeah I would say both too, although I'm not technically qualified to answer because I don't own a 1500 Drifter. But I do own a 1500 Valkyrie and know the benefits of a big bike when you're taking a big trip. I love the 800 which is light and easy to maneuver when I want to bop around town. Just my 1.5 cents. FYI 3 bikes is also my wife's limit 
Posted by Bucko
- February 11, 2019, 12:36:42 PMQuote from: rob f on February 11, 2019, 08:40:03 AMYes.800,1500 or both?
Posted by rob f
- February 11, 2019, 08:40:03 AM I need some opinions from the guys that own both versions of the Drifter.
i presently have a 2001 vn 800 and have stumbled across a 1999 vn 1500 for sale that i am thinking of getting. I do know the aesthetic and mechanical differences and am more interested in the psychological aspects.
Which one gets ridden more? Which one has the best dependability on a long haul. I am assuming that the 800 is more about show and tell around town and the 1500 is the hyway cruiser. Hypothetically, lets just say that your wife was only letting you keep one,( because you already own 3 other bikes and how many do you really need?). Which one would you get rid of ? The 800, the 1500, or the wife?
Thanks for any input. I will be gone from this site Feb13-21 and will read your posts when I get back.
By then I will have figured out a way on how to spring the news to a wife I may, or may not, have.
Rob