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Posted by DKtime
- June 25, 2013, 21:00:36 PMOk, I do have both models, I rode the 800 for about a year before my wife took it away, then I got a 1500 and I've been riding it for a year now, so 2 years on drifters, one year each, about 7000 to 8000 miles on each. That being said I am far from an expert, but I'll do my best to give you my perspectives of each.
Handling... IMHO the 800 actually handles better at speeds under 65 mph. It's more nimble on curvy roads like the "tail of the dragon" which we ride at least twice a year. The 1500 just feels heaver and takes more effort to ride on twisties but is more stable at higher speeds and causes less fatigue 'for me anyway' on long hauls.
seat height.... this depends more on the seat you have installed. If I have both solo seats on the bikes the width of the 1500 makes it feel just as high if not just a little more as the 800.
power... yes the 1500 has a lot more power, probably not twice as much but maybe a third again. The torque on the low end are similar, the 1500 is a little longer winded though.
ride comparison... the shocks are adjustable enough on both models to get the ride you want if you ride solo, my wife and I don't ride 2up as she has her own bike.Is shaft and FI better than chain and carb?... Short answer Yes, but if you keep your fuel fresh and your chain lubed and adjusted you'll have few problems with the chain and carb combo.
The fule guage is a big plus for me as is the clock I like having these.
There is no answer in my mind as to which bike is better you have to decide which bike is better for YOU. What kind of riding do you do and just what do you want out of the bike.
I ride and will continue to ride my 1500 mainly because it fits my body type better I'm 6'1" and 240 lbs.
If the 800 had just a little more power on top end and a little more leg room I would still be riding an 800.
Posted by greenbarn
- June 25, 2013, 17:38:21 PMYea, if we can get some expert feedback here, from those who have handled both models. Like PILGRIM, or I believe I saw that DKTIME had a 1500 and his wife a 800.
Posted by Gerhardberger
- June 25, 2013, 00:53:22 AMInteresting post. Will keep an eye on it. I've read oppinnions of all kind. Let's see...
Posted by greenbarn
- June 22, 2013, 08:43:22 AMPilgrim, since you have the distinction of being one of the few to have owned both an 800 and 1500 (well, 2 1500's now), I thought it would be nice to see a comparison between the two. A new post would be good perhaps.
I'm thinking of more of an owner/rider perspective, an "subjective" comparison - the "objectives" have already been covered: FI vs carb, shaft vs chain, fuel ga. vs. not, etc. I've always thought that I wanted to move to a 1500 eventually after riding the 800 a bit, but some insight here would be helpful. What I'm looking for (and maybe others?) is more from your perspective, what do you like better on the 1500 vs the 800. (I'm going out on a limb here, thinking you must like the 1500 twice as much since you sold yer 800 and bought 2 1500's 
)
Handling? Longer wheel base make any difference?
does the 1500 actually sit lower, like the specs would have you believe? (~1" lower seat height)
power: 1500cc + FI = 2X power??
how's the ride comparison, mono vs the dual shocks?
in theory the shaft and FI are perceived as better than chain and carb - how about your user's perspective??
How much better does the 1500 handle loads, for example 2up riding?
There are probably other comparisons you might be aware of that someone that hasn't owned both would even think of...