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Good to see a new member on the forum, welcome Kevin, you will enjoy it here. I think the major differences between the 1500 and the 800 are that the 1500 is Fuel injected and has drive shaft, the 800 is chain drive and a carb, now Troll will correct me if I am wrong on this. 
   GB I thought Pilgrim had a 1500, and he is not that big really. Now big thing is what type of riding are you going to do and what do you plan on doing with it. I can only talk about my own reason for buying an 800. I have major issues with my left leg, and knew it was going to effect my right leg eventually. I took a Valkyrie for a test ride, I have ridden my Brother in Law's Electra Glide Classic, I knew that I could not hold the weight up in heavy stop and go traffic or if my leg was not 100%, so I opted for the 800, now everything I really like about the 800 is reason not to like it. The tires are a bit narrower, so super easy to manage and steer when at slow speeds, hell on MI highways when under construction. Very nice and light weight wise compared to a lot of bikes. This plays havoc with you on highways and in wind. 
    I do know that this summer I put on just under 5000 km on one trip, I had no issues running along with the big boys if they were riding with in reason and following the speed limits close. I put on a couple of 8 hour days in the saddle and not an issue. Of course you will feel the machine but it is doing fine. I ride solo on most of my rides so that takes care of a lot of issues. I also do not pack a kitchen sink like some people do, but I can carry a lot of stuff for people.
  You will be happy with either bike, I just think the 800 is just a nicer looking bike, but then I am partial to them....lol....

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Posted by greenbarn

- November 10, 2015, 21:19:13 PM

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.

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?

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