Hey all! Been viewing the forum for awhile now and just joined. Seems like a nice place youve all got here. Been riding for about 20 yrs. been out of the scene for about 4 yrs, but am seriously looking at the 800a. I like the look of it over the classic style, single pin crank, and the accessory list is appealing too. I know theres a few of you out there who have the 800, my only concern is 2 up on interstate riding. Can it ride all day at 75- 80 mph? I have had 2 goldwings, 1100 and 1500, 1100 shadow, so im just wondering about the 800 in that area....???
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If your going Kawi, go with the 1500 or better. Besides, you said 2-up and interstate at 75-80.
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First off welcome Waydawg you'll like it around here. I don't think any of us have run anbody off yet! Now to answer your questions. I've got the A an it also appealed to me for the looks over the classic. Just not ready for gezzer status yet,but close :grin: . I cruise around at 70 to 80 mph most of the time when on the highway's out west ,the roads are pretty much wide open with very little traffic. I cruise down the interstate out here at 90mph's all day long with out any problem(it's like the engergizer bunny it just keeps going an going) Riding two up on the interstate ,the bike could handle it but if your planing alot of two up riding I'd suggest getting a 1500 or bigger(just for the room an power). Some will say that the 800 sounds like its rev's out when cruising at these speeds but thats where the power band is so don't worry about it. You can regear it an lower the rpms quite a bit with out it feeling like you lost any power.(check out the faq forum for the rpms difference's with gear change) I like riding solo over two up so I got the wife to take the msf course an now she rides a 500 which took care of the two up problem but she doesn't ride near as much as me. There are time's when she would prefer two ride with me instead of riding her own so in time I'm thinking about getting a 1500 or 1600 for that purpose maybe even a nomad if we plan on traveling more(only time will tell on this plan) but I'll keep the 800 for around town an in the twisties(the 800 is just too much fun in those regards) My actual plan is to get the wife good enough to want to ride the 800 an then I can upgrade an get rid of the 500 that way I'll have both to ride.(time will tell on this as well) Again if your planning to do alot of two up riding on the interstate i'd go with something bigger for the comfort level. I'm waiting for Maw Kaw to come out with a 1500 or1600 A look now that would be cool (probably won't happen though).Waydawg said:
When I ride on the highway to work (65 miles roundtrip, vast majority highway), I ride at 75, it is perfectly comfortable although I seem to always be trying to find sixth gear when upshifting to highway speed, but nevertheless, the vibration is not too bad. The seat is another issue on rides over around an hour.
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Hey Doc have you changed the gearing? If you haven't, it's a must do . Atleast the front to an 18th. Changing the back will help too. With the gear changes , that looking for 6th gear feeling will disappear.Doc2003Cobra said:
Welcome aboard! Glad to have you. You will find these guys very helpful....sometimes.Just kidding. I have the 1500 and I am a loner for the most part. I like the extra weight and umph the 1500 can give you on the interstate. I think you could get by with an 800 but why. Buy big now and you wont be looking to move up in a couple of years.
Woody has covered it well. What I got from his post is he's going to enjoy two motorcycles...the 800 and the 1500. LOL 
Good post Woody and kidding aside....he will always give you an honest opinion. I would agree that if your going to ride two up....you'll be glad you bought a 1500. While both bikes can handle it...there are some differences that show themselves quickly. Since your familiar with bigger bikes....you'll easily enjoy a 1500.
Good luck on your decision and purchase.
Good post Woody and kidding aside....he will always give you an honest opinion. I would agree that if your going to ride two up....you'll be glad you bought a 1500. While both bikes can handle it...there are some differences that show themselves quickly. Since your familiar with bigger bikes....you'll easily enjoy a 1500.
Good luck on your decision and purchase.
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I rode my 800b to the coast and back with my daughter on the back and sidebags loaded. I was probably at the max on weight limit, I weigh 210 and she is 125 and the bags, windshield and backrest made up the rest. I noticed the bike had to work a little to pull the hills and the vibration was a little more. I had the 18 tooth front sproket on it. It did the job. Now I ride the Nomad, there is a huge difference riding two up and cruising. Lots more torque and it doesnt even work to pull hills. If you can afford it get the bigger bike. You will be glad you did
DJ
DJ
I originally wanted the 800 classic but opted for the 1500 because friends and others told me that i'd get used to it and want something bigger and to save the cash now and loss of value on the trade, I went bigger and love every second of that decision. I don't do much 2 up riding, wife won't even consider tossing her leg over with me, mostly its my kids who go. None the less I love the extra torque and power.
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I ride 2 up with my wife a lot. We don't take really long trips though, just around South Ga. The 800 does fine. For long touring trips 2up, the 1500 would be better. I haven't changed my front sprocket yet, but I'm thinking about it.
Thanks to all of you for your input. I appreciate it. You all know how it is trying to make that decision of do i want to go with the look and sacrifice a little power or go with the comfort and power! The 1500 classic 2nd choice over the 800a. The wife wouldnt dream of riding her own but likes to ride w/me. I found a thread from december on the 800, of course after I posted this last night! and it answered alot. Anyway thanks again and looking forward to enjoying the forum, and of course will let all know of what I go with...
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...and it's wearing hard bags and a windshield. hehehehe :wink:whistle clean said:Waydawg....this is your 1500 calling you...calling you...calling you...calling you...
Good luck on whatever you buy!
Welcome to the forum Waydawg! :grin:
Scott
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It's a 30 min. project, Doc . The front sprocket nut is a 27mm you'll have to get one of those. The hardest part is getting the nut to break loose, Some use an impact wrench,I used a 2' pipe with a ratchet. It's a bit*ch for sure but well worth it. When you get ready to do it I'll get more into detail. The 18 th. sprocket can be bought from www.sprocketspecialists.com. for about $16. I got mine from my dealer for $12. Go over to the faq forum an look under sprocket change you'll see the rpm difference's from stock. One thing I noticed,it seemed I'd ride around in 4th because I got use to the rpm sound at a certian speed. Nice thing was I still had 5th to go. Doc it won't void your warranty either. Do it you'll like it I promise. You won't notice loosing much if any power on the lowend put you'll pick some up on the top end. The forty on the rear will lower it even more. Just stay away from an alum. rear sprocket there junk on longivity . with the 18/40 you'll also stretch it out a bit between the gears(you won't seem to want to shift as quick)Doc2003Cobra said:
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