I want to buy a drifter this winter, but I can't figure out if I want an 800 or 1500, and I don't know which year. As a first-time bike owner, shouldI only consider an 800? I've ridden several friend's bikes over the years, but never owned one. I don't think I really "need" the extra CC's, but on the other hand the fuel injection, shaft drive look attractive, and I REALLY LIKE the white speedos, which were (I believe) only on the early 1500's? I realize it's a personal choice, but any advice anyone could give would be appreciated.
Second decision: Which year/years?? Obviously, lower miles is better depending on condition, of course. But are there any other considerations as to what year(s) are better or any problems with some years, or anything like that? I already mentioned, I really like the analog speedo better, but maybe the analog can be retofitted on a newer one??? Are the 99-2000 models, with the blacked out forks worth more for collector's value, or anything like that???? Any big advantages to getting a later model (aside from lower miles/better conditoin???)
I know these decisions are different for each rider, so I need to add some other info: Like I said I'm a first time bike buyer. I plan to ride this to work in the summer, and I only live 3 miles from work, so I don't need to put huge amounts of miles on it. I don't usually have a huge amount of free time in the summer, so I don't have any allusions of doing huge amounts of riding. The wife doesn't have much interest. I would like to spend as little as possible on the bike. Also, there's a good chance I'll do some custom work, and probably paint it over the winter (I have a red/ off-white two-tone scheme in mind). Also, I have an auto repair shop, and we're capable of doing any repair maintenance required - but I don't necessarily really want something that will require a lot of continuous maintenance down the road, either.
Thanks in advance for any input - There are a lot available and if I could narrow it down a little it would be great!!!
800 vs 1500 - these are really VERY different bikes... 800 = chain, carb; 1500= EFI/Shaft - If lower CC's, chain and carb are what you want... 800, otherwise 1500.
Years - 99/00 - blacked out, smaller gas tanks, other cosmetic differences. 01 and later - 5 gallon tank, cosmetic updates, some internal improvements. I think 2004 1500 had an oil filter recall, so you have to have to use a different oil filter setup - more expensive to change the oil. If you like blacked out look and don't mind the smaller fuel tank... 99/00... otherwise a later model is what you want.
Cheers.
Chief thanks for taking time to reply. I hear what you're saying about the differences in the 800 vs 1500. I guess the bottom line is I don't know enough to KNOW which one I want. I mean as a first time bike buyer, would it really be smart to just go with the smaller 800? I know I don't "need" the bigger CC's, but is the 1500 a huge deal to handle, vs the 800, size and power wise? I realize the carb and chain = more maintenance, but honestly not having owned a bike (I've owned numerous quads, all carb and chain over the years, all the way from racers to utility) , I don't know if the advantages of the shaft/FI far outweigh the disadvantages??
I wish there was a way to test drive a couple dozen... If I were shopping for an F-250 vs. a Ranger, I'd just go check out a couple local Ford dealers and look at a few. But there are so few Drifters around for sale, I'm planning on needing to drive quite a ways to look at any, so I thought if I could at least narrow it down, I'd be way ahead.
The 800 is a bit smaller - weight wise at least. But, in all honesty, I'm not sure there is a significant difference in the "feel" - the 1500 is a heavy bike, especially after 8 hours on the road!
If you are going to ride two-up most of the time, or if you plan to do long distance riding - I'd go with the 1500. If none of that is in your future, the 800 will work fine.
If you have never ridden a bike before, a smaller bike is likely the best to start with and move on from there... but that is a matter of choice, obviously.
Some of the earlier Vulcan engines (which the 1500 Drifter has, not sure about the 800) had an oil pump problem; they had a plastic gear in them which could fail; Kawasaki was doing a recall on them for awhile if my memory serves me correctly. Chief, do you have any more info on that issue?
Regards and such,
49Reo
P.S. Happy hunting!
Hmm Possible oil pump problems? I'm going to guess you might have to split the case to replace the oil pump? Sounds like a big job. Maybe I should look into that... We work on cars (at work), and although we're not "bike mechanics", I think we could handle it, but nobody ( or not many) wants to do a big job like that on their bike unless they have to.
Right now I don't have a lot of plans for either two-up riding or long trips either one, so maybe I'll maybe look towards the 800s. I think I like the looks of the rear shock on the 800 a little better (or lack of looking at them) than the 1500. But I really like the white analog speedo SO much on the 1500 (I've only seen it on early 1500s, anyway). I wonder if it's easy to switch over white speedo on an 800?
I guess bottom line, I'll keep looking for a good deal on one fairly close, so I can at least go look at it and finally see one up close. BTW, obviously with two identical machines, the one in better condition with lower miles should be worth more, no question. However, in realistic terms, should I consider much difference in say 10,000 miles or 20,000 miles?? A couple friends have said up to 20K is still really low miles for an asian bike. Obviously, there are a some 5000 mile bikes out there for sale, but a lot of times at a premium, or 'not in my neighborhood'.
Sorry about all the questions, but I tend to over-analyze stuff when I go for a big purchase...
Tracy.
I don't believe any year drifter had the plastic oil pump gear, that was restricted to the carbed 1500 models. There are kits to replace the gear without major surgery. I've been riding my 1500 for 2 years, and 22,000 miles, now, and I can say that the issues I have faced have been minor, compared to the H-Ds I have owned over the last 45 years. I would suggest that you take an MSF rider course, either beginner or experienced, just to refresh your skills, ans improve your riding habits. Since you state you've never actually owned a bike before (do you own a bike, or is it the other way around?), any skills you have are probably self taught...you, and indeed most riders could benefit from continuing education.
A friend of mine recently turned over 60,000 miles on his 1500 Nomad (same engine as the 1500 Drifter) no issues; oil changes and spark plugs, clean the air filter once in a while. Personally I think the Kawasaki Vulcan line of bikes to be bullet -proof; you could do a lot worse with other "non Asian" bikes. (See Troll's comments on HD's)
I ride a 1500 Drifter, ('02) it is plenty comfortable on long rides, (I'm 6'3") my father (6'1") tried an 800 Drifter and found it too "crowded" felt like he was sitting too close to the handlebars; however, everybody is different in their comfort zones; best thing is to try both. Good luck and happy hunting.
Regards and such,
49Reo
P.S.
In response to Troll's comment on rider safety courses, I for one agree; they are good even for long-time riders as a refresher course; when nothing goes wrong, and the skills learned are not used or needed, learned skills can become rusty; a fresh look at them just might save a life.
Nope, NO DRIFTER HAD POGs... let's "nip it in the bud"!! We were fortunate in that no model drifter had a pog. We did have the one year where the bike would dump oil by rupturing the oil filter... that recall is in the archives.
We have a section in the MODS/TIPS area of the web site where we've posted known recalls... there are only 2!! If you are aware of any more please provide the source and url.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.comr/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/50 (http://www.saftek.com/drifter/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/50)
Thanks for all the good info. It's greatly appreciated.
Troll: You were right that this would be my first 2-wheeled vehicle I've actually owned. Ridden several over the years, but very infrequently. Lots of hours on ATVs in the dirt, racing and trail riding, but it's a lot different. I think you have a good idea about the MSF class. There is a Harley shop about a half hour from me that I think offers something like that. I believe (?) completion of this class makes it easier to get the bike endorsement on the driver's license??
49Reo: I'm just 5'8, so I'm guessing I would't be too crowded by the smaller framed 800. 60K? That's a lot of bike miles. So I guess I shouln't be put off by anything with 30K, then. Is this opinion widely held? There are a lot available with 20-30K, but I was thinking to stay under 10-20, but I guess I should not shy away from the 20-30 crowd. Might get a better deal.
Chief: thanks for clearing that up. good to know. on "oil filter recall": then does just putting a new oil filter on the bike fix the problem? I couldn't really tell from the recall notice.
BTW, I love the forum. I'm looking forward to getting a bike and leafing through the "mods" pages.
THANKS.
I'm 5'8" too, and the 1500 fits me like a glove. Look for a tech school in your area to take the class, the H-D sponsored "Rider's Edge" classes cost more, and throw in a lot of propaganda. What state do you live in/ I've been a RiderCoach for over 30 years in Wisconsin, and I can probably steer you to a class that can save you money and provide the SAME curriculum without the "H-D Experience".
No they had to fit a different system - costly and difficult to change. Some owners did the recall - didn't like it and took it off again. In any event be aware of the models impacted and ask about it.
Troll, I'm in Ohio, home of the worthless nuts (buckeyes). I live about 45 miles NW of Columbus.
Chief, according to the recall, it's 03 only on Drifter, and it's only 1500cc. So if I look at anything older or newer, don't have to worry about it, right??
SO you guys both have 1500s - how much harder is the 1500 to handle, due to it's slightly larger frame and weight, than the 800? Let's say on a scale of 1-10, 1 being a 125 dirt bike, and 10 being the worst-to-handle bike you've ever ridden - what do you rate the Drifter 800 and 1500? This seems like a good way to look at it.
I'm really thinking hard about the 1500 - I really like the features of the FI and the shaft (looks like a pain in the butt and kind of expensive to put on a belt drive), and I'm really partial to the white background speedo. looks old, to me. But I guess in the end, it might depend on what I can find for a good deal within reasonable distance. There are 2 listed in Columbus CL now, but they're both 800s.
Thanks again for all the input - you guys are great.
Happy trails
Ok, then, let's start here: http://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/ (http://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/)
Now, a comparison...certainly it's no dirt bike, but compared to my TourGlide, it's almost sporty.....I also have a W-650 which I replaced my 78 SuperGlide with. Once you are moving faster than a slow walk, all the weight disappears. I use my Drifter to demo ERC exercises, and if I had to compare it to a Harley, it reminds me of a RoadKing...Don't know how the 800 feels, since I never had a chance to try one, but I would have to imagine it's going to be like a middle weight Honda, but better than a Sportster, since the weight is lower.
Thanks, Troll. I checked out the website and bookmarked it for future use. Yes, $25 sounds a little better than "Our class is only $295" (from local harley shop)... And I see there's one held in Deleware, about 25 miles from here- a nice little ride.