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I haven't read every reply here but I own both and have about 25k miles on my 1300 since 2020 and about 2k miles on my 1800 since going darkside only about 4k miles on the 1800 before darkside.

My 1300 has progressive rear suspension and racetech gold up front with thick oil and stiff springs.

My 1800 has original (2003) rear and clapped out/blown front suspension.

The 1300 is extremely nimble. The 1800 on a mc tire is far more powerful and a lot heavier. I feel less sure of myself when scraping floorboards on the 1800 regardless of tire. I think the required speed for stability in such an aggressive lean is a bit higher on the heavy bike. I've rarely scraped the boards on my 1800 but my 1300 I've gone too far in roundabouts a few dozen times. So far that I'm actually riding on the sidewall and feeling the rear tire slide free. Feels like I'm literally milliseconds from watching it slide away from me as I get run over.

I've never done close to leaning that far in the 1800. Due to the previous motorcycle tire shape and dilapidated nature of the rubber, I did have the rear break free a few times when leaning to a moderate degree and accelerating. It has so much power that it can quickly get away from you.

I've ridden on a few bikes with a ton of combined mileage. I'm no expert but far from a beginner. The 1300 feels like a sport bike compared to the 1800. As far as handling goes.

 

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I will respectfully disagree with two important aspects of this post. The 1800 does NOT "provides better mileage". I am sure that this poster means fuel miIeage. The 1800 provides substantially WORSE fuel mileage and a shorter range than the 1300.

The second point on which I disagree is the statement that the 1300 is an "older version as compared to 1800". They were produced at about the same time and, if you want to be exact, the 1800 is a bit older. According to Wikipedia (yes, I realize it is not always accurate but I looked at other sources as well which confirmed the Wikipedia info), the 1800 was first produced for the 2000 or 2001 model year (both years are cited in Wikipedia) while the 1300 was first produced for the 2002 or 2003 model year (again, both years are cited). Thus, the 1800 model is 1-2 years older than the 1300 model but the real key is that they are both about the same age - very early 2000s.

Lastly, I have no clue what this poster means by, "on the other hand, 1300 is also much better". Better than the 1800 I suppose but at what?

I could see them meaning the 1300 is an older design in that it is carbureted, utilizing older technology. In my opinion carbureted can be better at everything except power delivery when comparing identical engines.

I agree with vinish on mileage though. I can only get my 1300 down to about 30mpg and my 1800 has only gotten me up to 30mpg. So if you drive like a bloody psychopath everywhere on the 1300 and drive like a scared Grandma on the 1800 then maybe you'll get better fuel economy inn the 1800. Only someone truly insane would ever do that long term.