Modify message

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

Main Menu

Vulcan Drifter Riders
► DISCUSSIONS
► Drifter 1500 only
► Modify message ( Re: 800 or 1500 )

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

Welcome to the forum, Kevin!  Hope you get a lot out of it...

I also bought my first bike in my mid 40s - my 2002 800 Drifter.  Then after riding it for a couple years, I got my 2003  1500.   I like them both for different reasons.

I don't find the 800 to be lacking for power.  I've seen one guy on this board, on his 800 that was loaded down pretty good with a bunch of luggage and such - not to mention he's not a real tiny guy - and he scoots right down the road!!    However, I found the 800 small for 2-up riding.  The seat is bigger on the 1500 and the suspension more capable for 2 people.  Of course you can upgrade the shocks on the 800 (or the 1500 for that matter).

The 800, to me, is, to me better for short trips, solo riding, tight maneuvers, and such.
The 1500 is better for long trips, interstate and freeway speeds, 2-up riding, etc.

Not that either bike can't do BOTH- they are both capable - just that each is more suited for some tasks than the other.

So, basically, you should buy one of each....   I decided to keep the 800 as a solo bike, and use it for short trips and such.  The 1500 is set up for 2-up, and although I have a solo seat, haven't had it on there.  for long trips, I'll most likely use the 1500 as well.

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 aralph

- November 10, 2015, 19:15:30 PM

Hey Kevin, welcome to the forum. I didn't start riding till my late 40's. My 1st bike
was a Suzuki 650 Savage. I had this for 1 season and then went right to a 1500 Drifter
with no problems. There is only about 130 lb weight difference between the 800 and 1500 Drifters.
There are also several other differences between the 2 bikes that you should consider.
But you have to feel comfortable on what ever you choose.

Ride safe
aralph

Posted by Kevin B.

- November 10, 2015, 18:37:25 PM

I have always loved the drifter and want one. My biggest question is I'm not sure if I should get the lighter 800 or the more powerful 1500. I have limited experience on a Vulcan Classic 1500. Mostly just been riding Honda 750. I'm thinking if I go with the 800 I'll regret not having the power of the 1500. What are your thoughts?

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk