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Posted by jmbo
- December 07, 2014, 19:53:34 PMYou've hit a good number of the differences. I have ridden both and while I prefer my 1500 Drifter, I also realize that it is not for everyone. Harleys are good bikes. Parts are available everywhere. Tons of guys will work on them. They hold their resale value. You can bling and bobble them with more trinkets then a dog has flees. and then there's the "botherhood". Living where I live in Harley country, that's huge. There are no biker bars in this part of the country. There are only "Harley" bars.
Harley's downside is also they upside, tradition. Their customers are so enamored by the tradition that Harley is reluctant to make changes to their bikes. They have the knowhow and the resources to build a cutting edge bike but their customer base won't buy it. The V-Rod is a classic example. They shake, they rattle, they are hot and relatively under powered for the size of the engine.
Drifters are different animals. During their time they where technologically and mechanically a better built bike than a comparable HD. Water cooled makes it ride much cooler. For its weight it has a good balance. Until HD switches to the six speed, the Drifter cruised at a much lower RPM and so it rides smoother at highway speeds. And as you mentioned, the look is distinctive.
Drifter's downside is the lack of replacement parts. Few accessories were available when they were new and even fewer now. You might just as well ride a Ural when it comes to getting work done at the neighborhood bike shop. The rear suspension design causes seat, rack, and saddle bag designs to be somewhat unusual. And, the look isn't everyones cup of tea.
To me a Harley is more of a fan based purchase and not so much a personal choice bike. Drifter is with out a doubt a personal choice bike. You have to go out of your way to find one and owning and maintaining one requires some research and patents. I spent five years looking for mine. Glad I did.
Good luck with your choice. If the Drifter wins then congratulations.......and send photos.
Posted by holycow
- December 07, 2014, 18:52:54 PMHello,
I have been lurking here for a while. I love the aesthetics of these bikes. I currently have a 2005 Harley Road King with the 88 ci engine, and was curious if anyone here had ridden a road king and could compare it with the 1500 Drifter. I ride solo and I love the looks of the Drifter- I think the Harley is a bit dull in combination with being needlessly mechanically complex, also shakes like washing-machine at idle in traffic when it gets hot. I'm also not in love with its belt drive. They gave it fuel injection... Why can't they make it shaft!? Heritage!!??
Plus it will be 5 years or so until I can get my hands on the new Indian. By the sound of it I may not want one after having one of these Drifters. So anyone have experience on both a Road King and the 1500 Drifter to give me a good comparison?
Thanks.
-Jeff