That cheap starter bike of mine has 68k miles and going strong. Sure, a 1500 is smoother and has less vibration than a bike 1/2 it's engine size... But for the money and size, it's a winner all day.Seriously, it is the harmonics from this type of motor, the only real way to get rid of it is to get rid of the bike. I couldn't stand it any longer and sold mine and upgraded to a VL1500 and will not look back. So much better is so many ways. Smooth, even at 95 MPH. This bike is barely idling at 70. I love it, and the engines are bulletproof and go for 200K miles. Get rid of the failure prone VL800 and upgrade to a better bike.
The VL800 is a good bike for what it is, a cheap/ starter bike. Nothing else.
I get it. Im responding to the OP as an current owner of a Boulevard. Apples to apples, not oranges. IDK about anyone's else's engines so I will only remark about mine. I spent $4500 for a bike 4-1/2 years ago that had every accessory possible expect the DJ mod. After that addition, I've put 55k miles and coast to coast.I would bet I have less money in my 1500 than you have in your 800.
Answer me this, how many engine problems have you seen on this forum? Way too many. It NEVER happens on the VL1500 forum.
Anybody have any idears on how to cut down the engine and drive train vibration on 03 vl800 when riding highway or do i just have to live with it?