2005 Vulcan classic 1500 or 1600????

[jdunn1]

I selling my Vulcan 800 and upgrading to a larger one. I have 2 that I'm looking at, both are 2005 models, both classics, similar mileage, one is a 1500 the other 1600and the Same price. I read some reviews and comparisons, but want to get others two cents on is one better than the other. I'm leaning towards the 1500 because of the additional upgrades, but if the 1600 has more positives I can always add teh upgrades myself.

[skewterdewd]

One big difference is the front brake- the 1600s have dual disks. Very nice for wet weather and heavily-loaded touring days. Or if you live somewhere hot, Like, say, Texas. I think the 1600 also has a cartridge-style fork where the 1500 does not. (not 100% certain on that, but it only matters if you want to re-spring the front end).

[DanL]

Also tubeless tires on the 1600. The newer 1600's have a little bigger gas tank too, not sure about that year though.

[9511234]

As far as a visual appeal, don't know if it was a difference in 05, but my 07 doesn't have shiny metal fins... they are painted black. Kind of a turn-off but it still works. The 1600 has nice shiny jugs.

[jeffs99vulcan]

There is a carb'd 1500... is the one you are talking about injected?

[jdunn1]

Originally Posted by jeffs99vulcan

There is a carb'd 1500... is the one you are talking about injected?

Good question! Just sent an email to the seller. Are all the 1600 FI?

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by jdunn1

Good question! Just sent an email to the seller. Are all the 1600 FI?

Yep... and the 1500 carb is the WORST bike in the Kawi lineup on fuel mileage, if that matters to you...

[Duffy]

I had the same choice and chose the 1500 because it "fit" me better and they wanted about $1600 more for the 1600. If the price is the same I would opt for the 1600 (more goodies for the buck as folks have pointed out).

[wynnbricky]

It will be hard to talk to many that have had one of each. I ride a 1600 Classis and I really love it. The only thing about the 1500 that I like oddly enough is the spokes. I like the look but I know I’m better off with the cast wheels and the tubeless tires ect. You would like em both, But I think the 1600 is more bike for the money. Good Luck - post some pics when you chose

[Wicked96SS]

For me I would choose the 1600 (even though I already have, but wasn't comparing at the time I purchased the 1600)... but, all personal preference... cast rims, shaft drive, bigger tank... but, there is nothing wrong with the FI 1500! If you dig the spokes (tube tires I imagine? Don't know for sure) and not into shaft drive (I myself am a fan)... then in my mind it's a coin toss...

I am sure that there are more differences, and I am anxious to read from the more experienced posters on what they are.

EDITED TO SAY: 1500 is of course shaft drive as well... brain bug... sorry.

[DanL]

We have the 1500 FI, an 07. It's a shaft drive to so no choice there. Spoke wheels with tubed tires. It's a great bike and I really enjoy riding it.

I'm going down to sign papers on a new 1600 today. They also had a leftover 1500 and I was torn because I like our other 1500 so much, but I opted for the 1600 for the advantages mentioned earlier in the thread.

[artz]

I would think that would depend upon the answer of a few questions. Cost difference ? How does it fit you ?
Just make the jump to a v2k ! Its gonna happen one day. Just get it done with !

[Jake '53]

Different stock seats. You might find the difference significant.

[Tendofreak]

my 08 1600 has automatic valve adjustment. dont have to take it into the shop....one less very important maintance I dont have to worry about

[Jake '53]

Originally Posted by Tendofreak

my 08 1600 has automatic valve adjustment. dont have to take it into the shop....one less very important maintance I dont have to worry about

Actually it's hydraulic lifters similar to most modern push rod car engines. 1500 has them too.

[9511234]

Not trying to start something here.... but are there some 1500 owners on here that see some things that 1600's have and say, oh we have that, too, no big difference.; and on the other hand there are some 1600 owners on here saying we have this and that, but they don't have this.

It seems 1500s are looking up and 1600s are looking down. I'm not saying it condescendingly in any way, just an interesting thing I've been seeing.

Both bikes are darn close together. I could have chosen a Meanstreak 1600, would've loved the bike, it was sportier looking... but I knew I was born to ride the open road and that mean bags, windshield, and a seat for the wifey poo. It was a struggle, but there was also a price difference.

What kind of prices are the sellers/seller looking for? I would seriously look at a V2K if it is anything close. There were some things wrong with the 05 model year, but to be honest with you, the V2k is probalby going to be my next bike. It is VERY popular.

[Jake '53]

Originally Posted by 9511234

Not trying to start something here.... but are there some 1500 owners on here that see some things that 1600's have and say, oh we have that, too, no big difference.; and on the other hand there are some 1600 owners on here saying we have this and that, but they don't have this.

It seems 1500s are looking up and 1600s are looking down. I'm not saying it condescendingly in any way, just an interesting thing I've been seeing.

Both bikes are darn close together. I could have chosen a Meanstreak 1600, would've loved the bike, it was sportier looking... but I knew I was born to ride the open road and that mean bags, windshield, and a seat for the wifey poo. It was a struggle, but there was also a price difference.

What kind of prices are the sellers/seller looking for? I would seriously look at a V2K if it is anything close. There were some things wrong with the 05 model year, but to be honest with you, the V2k is probalby going to be my next bike. It is VERY popular.

True - very little difference. Personally - 1500 felt right, 1600 didn't, it's that simple, or complicated.

[Duffy]

The 1600 has a longer wheelbase than the 1500 which makes it ride a bit different. I just liked the way the 1500 rode and fit me. Both excellent bikes.

[gwvulcan]

I like the 1500, but both are great bikes. I am hurt that someone would think my carb'd 1500 is bad on gas mileage. It is just a little bit of a pig, but I am still getting 38 mpg. The problem with the 1500 is the small gas tank 4.2 gal. That means stopping every 140 miles.

For me the carb fit, easier and simpler to fix than FI. But I also recognized I would be working on it.

Figure out what fits you and you won't be disappointed.

[RdRnr]

I sat on a 07 1600 and the seat felt awfully uncomfortable for the 10 seconds I sat on it compared to my 06 1500 stock seat, which I dearly love BTW.
You might think about what mods, if any, each bike has, i.e. windshield, pipes, bags, risers, backrests, etc.