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Posted by OR Seedman
- October 28, 2016, 12:33:13 PMmy 5 cents worth here as well...In Oregon, you have to take a safety class to get a motorcycle endorsement...I took the intermediate class as I have been riding since I was 12, but had let my Oregon endorsement lapse...when you take the 5 hr class (which is mostly riding around in a big parking lot to learn proper riding technique), you have the option of using one of the bikes provided or your own. The provided bikes were all small (200-250cc) enduro types or single cylinder road bikes... I was the ONLY ONE who brought my own bike..my newly purchased 800 Drifter...I learned a lot about the bike that day...
Stopping - I stopped in shorter distance than anyone else in the class..period... EXCELLENT BRAKING
Handling - I was able to run the second fasted time of the day on the multi-obstacle course....lost by 1 second Very nimble at low speed maneuvers...low center of gravity
Looks Factor - EVERYONE (including the two instructors) loved the looks of the bike...including two Harley owners...
Only one negative that I found was the higher speed cornering.....my last bike was a touring bike, not a cruiser, and it cornered tighter. I hit the floor-boards multiple times...but I haven't had that issue now that I am aware of it in my daily riding
In conclusion...I have owned multiple off-road and street bikes since I was 14 (40 yrs ago)....This Drifter is by far my favorite one....looks, comfort, power (plenty) and handling....perfect for me.
And....I found a GREAT website that offers tips and ideas and stimulating conversation about these unique bikes.... 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- October 28, 2016, 12:02:28 PMI will have to add to your story.
Sadly I also have an 800 and it is nice and light, easy to handle, you forgot to mention the narrower then big tires. I know what it is like when we pulled out of Deal's Gap parking lot and Troll took off and I was hitting and hard, but I still lagged a bit behind as his 1500 (almost twice the size engine) (also half the weight on his bike vice mine) but I got up to him as he could only go so fast. We rode the Tail of the Dragon and it was fun.
I can remember and so can a few others when the "big" bike was a 750 Honda and then Kawasaki came out with the huge 900.
I ride my bike for pleasure, and I am not in need of the speed because I am in no hurry to get there, I do not have a phallic issue either in that mine is bigger, mine is faster, mine is longer then your bike, I am really happy with my bike, I really like the looks of it. If you goggle 99 Drifter 800, what do you see a picture of my bike right there. So what more can I ask for.
As for trips my good friend, I have done 2 nice long trips on my little 800, and have enjoyed ever moment of them. Yes it takes me a bit longer to get there, but I get there, I also get lots of looks of admiration on such a fine looking ride. Power what more power do you need.
I live in an area were the speed limit is 90 km (55 mph)for the most part I cruise along at about 110 km (70 mph) for the most part and have never been stopped, so why do I need that huge weight between my legs to get me to the speed limit.....ok there I am with you, and so I get a free meal when I come to the truck.
Posted by Zoar
- October 28, 2016, 09:50:26 AMOkay I need to vent here.
I have an 800. I get about 50 MPG. It has plenty of torque and power and it is comfortable and puts a big smile on my face. It feels nimble and I can maneuver it easily on hills, in parking lots, on bumpy hills leading out of some parking lots where you need to go up a steep incline and stop as you enter a 55 road, etc., etc..
I have had it on multi-hour rides and I love it. I have had it on windy roads, and in cities and towns in stop and go traffic, and I love it. All of it.
So many bike forums and threads on forums go on and on and on and on about the biggest motors and high horsepower, and the general consensus is --- more is better and more is the way we all should go and more is really what you "need"; you and I need big engines and you and I need this high horsepower.
Why?
I do not see why it is endlessly lauded: This BIG BIGGER BIGGEST argument.
To me it seems like they are getting sucked into a hole. If x is good then 2x is better and then 3x has to even better! And the result is you "need" a 1600 or 1800 cc bike!
All the while MPG and that nimble, light, easy to move around from stop or in stop-and-go suffer.
Our culture and the bike culture overall seems to place a much higher priority on POWER and BIGGER than on all other characteristics.
Almost every time I tell someone I have a Drifter and they ask me how big is the engine and I tell them their FIRST response is--'Well, that is really not a long distance bike, or, you'll never be able to use that to go on any trips or you wish you had more power, you'll be sorry with that small of a motor.'
Well, I am NOT sorry!
(end of vent)