800 vs. 1500 Classics

[rbentnail]

hi all, I'm back from vacation and without taking too much time away from golfing, I was able to make it through the break-in miles of the new 1500 classic. Some folks have asked for a comparison between the 800 I traded in and the 1500, so here ya go. Please remember that these are MY opinions and in no way are meant to spark debate or to encourage anyone to "move up" <legal cya>.

1) once you get the suspension right, the comfort of the ride is about even except the stock seat on the 1500 is WAY better than the 800. It's a lot easier to adjust suspension on the 1500 for varying conditions because of the external shocks. Shaft drive on the 1500 makes for a smoother ride, too.

2) handling on the 1500 seemed a little sluggish at first, but #1 helped alot. Also the 1500 is about 110 lbs. heavier so it took a little getting used to, and the 1500 seems to have a slightly higher center of gravity but again once you get used to it it's ok. The 800 is a little more agile or quicker to respond to commands, but again the 1500 is heavier. Also I used to skrape footpegs on the 800 fairly frequently but couldn't skrape the floorboards on the 1500 so I think you get to lean over more on the 1500.

3) the increased power on the 1500 is to be expected, but 2 things really stand out: acceleration in 2nd & 3rd gears, and the hydraulic clutch/shaft drive combo. I think the 800 will easily leave the 1500 at the line, but from about 55 mph & up, the 800 doesn't stand a chance. The torque provided by the 1500 between 35 & 60 mph is fabulous. I was a little concerned about riding in heavy traffic at 35/45 mph, but not any more. The hydraulic clutch makes for less fatigue in city driving & the shaft drive seems way more efficient at transmitting power to the rear wheel especially at takeoff from a stop.

4) the 800 smoothed out at about 60-65 mph, this seemed to me to be the optimal speed for the bike on the highway. Any faster and the vibes started and I started looking for 6th gear (a common comment). You get the same "smoothing" sensation on the 1500, except it's at 70-80 mph. This bike is looking for some serious highway speed to mellow out. She seems very happy humming along at 90. I haven't gone above 90 yet, but I also haven't been looking for 6th gear yet either.

5) the stopping power and distances on both bikes is comparable, but the rear disc brake on the 1500 (vs. the drum on the 800) makes it alot easier to lock up the rear wheel. I'll look at rotating the break pedal down a little to prevent this and I'll let you know. BTW, I did have the same problem on the 800 with the brake pedal being too high and locking up the rear wheel & rotated that pedal down too.

Sorry about the long post, but I will now take questions from the audience....LOL. Good news? I'm back from vacation . Bad news? I'm back from vacation . Know what I mean?

Russ

[rwrighter]

Thanks for the comparisons Russ. I found it interesting reading as I ride the 800, and might someday upgrade... but i'm in no hurry to do so. BTW welcome home from vacation, and sorry you have to get back into the old grind.

[centerpunch]

Good post Russ, I went from the 800b to the 1600 Nomad and found many of the same traits you describe. The onlu thing I would like to add is that if you have a passenger the stopping ability of the dual disc front and single rear of the big bike is by far superior to the 800. With a passenger at speed the 800 had to work to stop where I can shut it down right now with Thor.

I also love the high cruise speeds you mention, big difference. Either way I really liked both bikes wish it was nice enough to ride today.

Good post and welcome back
DJ

[saxman]

Read with interest your distinction between cruising speeds - 800 vs 1500 and I agree that the 800 is optimal at 60-65 on the speedometer (which I believe on mine to be ~4-5 mph higher than actual speed). I was wondering about changing the sprockets to accomodate a more leisurely cruising speed. What are anyone's thoughts about this.

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by saxman

Read with interest your distinction between cruising speeds - 800 vs 1500 and I agree that the 800 is optimal at 60-65 on the speedometer (which I believe on mine to be ~4-5 mph higher than actual speed). I was wondering about changing the sprockets to accomodate a more leisurely cruising speed. What are anyone's thoughts about this.

I cruise on the interstate at 85 to 90 mph all the time,The vulcan speedo's are know for reading 10 percent higher than the actual speed (all of them). As far as the sprocket change I'm running an 18/40 set up which lowers the rpm quite a bit.Helps to eliminate feeling like you need a 6th gear.(look under the FAQ forum at the sprocket change thread an you'll see the rpm differences) The bigger bikes have a cruising rpm around 2800 while the 800 has it around 4000 ,thats why these guy's think its reving high, which it is ,but thats the nature of the beast an it's disigned that way 4000 to 5500 rpm's is where the 800's power band is.

[Phatboy]

Thanks for the post man. The longer the better.

I went from a 440 LTD to the 1600 with a few years in between.

1) Suspension: The bigger bike gives you a smooth ride like a caddie. The 440 reminded me of a dirtbike as far as suspension goes. I'm going to try to respond to each of your numered points.

2) Handling: The lighter bike will be more nimble. Heck I'd take the 440 offroading and don't like to drive the 1600 through gravel =( I'd s****e highway pegs on the 440 but I only occasionally s****e floorboards on the 1600. Not sure the difference in lean angles though.

3) Performance: The performance of a 1600 outshines my 440 or any other bike I've ridden (but makes we want to ride a 2000 ). I love the torque on the 1600. Going from belt to shaft really hasn't been much of a difference.

4) Ride: The 440 sucked on the highway. The 1600 provides the same smooth feeling from 70 all the way up to 110 (done for testing purposes only =P)

5) Brakes: The brakes on the 440 sucked. I rear ended a car once on that bike. The brakes on the 1600 never fail to amaze me.

Different bikes but looks like the experiences were about the same.






Wait until next year and I'll do my 1600 vs 2000 comparo

[BRlawman]

Originally Posted by centerpunch

Good post Russ, I went from the 800b to the 1600 Nomad and found many of the same traits you describe. The onlu thing I would like to add is that if you have a passenger the stopping ability of the dual disc front and single rear of the big bike is by far superior to the 800. With a passenger at speed the 800 had to work to stop where I can shut it down right now with Thor.

I also love the high cruise speeds you mention, big difference. Either way I really liked both bikes wish it was nice enough to ride today.

Good post and welcome back
DJ

Welcome back Russ, hope u had a nice vacation. Centerpunch, I hate to do this to ya, but it is supposed to warm up to 71 degrees here today. Yesterday was cold and rainy, today its 71 and sunshine. What a difference a day makes.

[vulcanrob]

I went from an 800 Classic to the 1600 Classic. What I don't agree with is the off the line excelleration even though the you were talking 800 vs 1500. My 800 had pipes, jet kit, and K&N, which was pretty much everything but a hypercharger. My 1600 just has pipes and off the line I'm not sure there are many 800's out there that I couldn't smoke (not saying there's not). The 800 was truly a great ride but everything it did well my 1600 does better. Power, handling, stopping it's got it all.

[vulcanrob]

I'm with Phatboy though my 1600 does make me long for the 2000.....

[Kenny]

Hi Russ,you got back,did ya? Russ,i was up at Bearfoot Honda/Kawasaki and i'm thinking i saw the 800 you traded. Was it dark red(burgundy) with saddle bags,a tank bib,passenger floorboards,gold and maybe black stripping on the fenders/tank? Anyway whose ever it was,it was a good looking bike that somebody traded in! Speaking of the beach,i reckon i'll be going down during bike week(spring rally).The band i play in is playing at HB Spokes at North Myrtle on hwy 9 on friday and saturday night. But i'm going down the first of that week so i can do a "lil" riding!!

[The Vol-can]

I enjoyed reading your reviews. Keep on 'riding' them!

[rbentnail]

Hey all, you're welcome. Some side notes to the original post:

Because I didn't plan on keeping the 800 for long I didn't spend much on mods- just some bolt on stuff. The comparisons I observed are for a stock 800 vs. a stock carb'ed 1500.

The auto-canceling turn signals on the 1500 is a nice addition. I usually have trouble remembering them in extremely heavy traffic, like Myrtle Beach at Easter.

kenny, the 800 I traded was a black one, but you are right the dark red is beautiful.

And getting back to the grind really *sucks*. But it's gonna be ~72 degs. and sunny today: vroom, vroom.

[2WheelFun]

Russ...I think you need more time off to find some more new things to post about your 1500...why don't you forget work and go do another review!

Good job and thanks for your feedback. I love my 1500 classic also and hope it keeps taking a licking.

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

Russ...I think you need more time off to find some more new things to post about your 1500...why don't you forget work and go do another review!

Good job and thanks for your feedback. I love my 1500 classic also and hope it keeps taking a licking.

LMAO! What a great idea! Lemme call the boss right quick.....

Actually, I've just completed about 90 miles of interstate, big city stop & go, and winding country roads. So add to the post:

Combined mpg: about 34, but about 50% of the miles were in the city. Normal highway speeds yields about 40 mpg. Handling on country roads at 65-90 mph is comparable to an 800, but I still haven't thought about 6th gear while on the interstate. What a fine machine- I'm now convinced I've made the right choice by moving up. I'm really starting to luv this bike !