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Brakes and Clutch
Classic and Drifter Rotors Interchangeable The brake rotors are interchangeable between the Classic and the Drifter. Difference is drilled and "spoked" on the Classic vs smooth and solid on the Drifter.
Clutch Part Numbers Part numbers for clutch spring replacement.
Clutch Drags after Clutch Replacement OEM Clutch Drags after Clutch Replacement
Sticky Clutch Fix Sticky clutch fix
Brake Fluid Change - Video How to Change Motorcycle Brake Fluid
Clutch Spring Replacement Clutch spring replacement. Includes info on improved OEM springs, Judge's washers, and MS spring. *
Brake Pad Replacement And Bleeding If needed Brake Pad Replacement And Bleeding If needed. Pads are the same for the 800 and the 1500. *
Motorcycle Brake Fluid grades explained. Motorcycle Brake Fluid grades explained.  Motorcyclist Magazine off-site video.
Lighting
Caddy Tail lights on 800/1500 A couple of examples of adding caddy tail lights to the Drifter 800/1500.      
Mr. Bill's Amber Spot Light Mod Want amber spotlights in your Kawasaki F&S lightbar? Here are a few tips…      
Chochise Cheap Spotlight Bar Wanted to add spotlites to my "new" 01/800 .      
Lightbar install Drifter 800 Installation of a Kawasaki Light bar (PN-K32001-003) on a 2003 800 Drifter.      
HD Nachelle on Vulcan #1 Time2Ride's installation of an HD headlight nachelle on a Vulcan.      
Indian Headlight Mod Ridermike has transplanted a headlight meant for a Gilroy Indian Scout or Spirit onto his 800 Drifter… and it looks great. parts from J&P.      
Integrate Front Turn Signals and Spots This mod integrates the front turn signals with the spots.      
LED Turn Signal Conversion LED Turn Signal Conversion.DrifterDon's install of EC's kit. NO LONGER AVAILABLE.      
Light Bar installation Installation instructions for the Kawasaki, Fire and Steel, light bar. PDF File Auto download.      
Light Bar - No Bar Explains how to add spots without adding a lightbar,*      
National Light Bar Instructions for installing National Cycle's light bar pdf file.      
Replacement RED Turn Signals Replacement Red Turn Signals      
Turn Signal Bracket 49Reo turn signal bracket.      
Fender Light Install Installation of fender lights, specifically the Indian fender light.      
HD Nacelle on Vulcan #2 Jobear's Nacelle install on Vulcan.      
Indian Headlight Install for Dummies Leonardo's take on Dave's Indian headlight install.*
Battery and Charging System
Check the Charging System You can replace the battery, but if its the rectifier you will run fine for a while until the battery discharges then the bike will quit.
How to Maintain your Bike Battery Watch Joe Conry of J&P Cycles as he teaches you how to properly maintain your Motorcycle Battery. Video
How to Winterize your Bike Battery How to Winterize your Bike Battery. Video
How to Check a battery How to Check a Motorcycle Battery. Video
Motorcycle Battery Maintenance The humble battery is often over looked on a motorcycle. Video
Motorcycle Battery Tip In this off-site Tip of the the Week. Video
Motorcycle Battery Maintenance J&P Cycles shows you how to maintain the battery in your motorcycle. Video
Starting a Motorcycle with a Dead Battery Starting a Motorcycle with a Dead Battery. Video
ELECTRICAL AND HORNS
Signal Visors - cheap Came up with a cheap visor solution. *
1999-2000 Drifter 1500 Wiring Diagram 1999-2000 Drifter 1500 Wiring Diagram. *
Automotive Wire & Wiring Guide Automotive Wire & Wiring Guide from TESSCO - Link to off forum site.
Electrical Fault Finding Diagram How to Diagnose Electrical System Issues on Motorcycles. Electrosport.com. PDF File
Head Light Rattle Fixes Several fixes for the headlight ratte problem noted on many drifter 800 and 1500.
Thunder Switch ignition Relocation JoBear's relocation of the ignition switch using the thunder switch. *
Ignition Relocation Mak's ignition relocation mod. *
Rectifier relocation Relocating the rectifier/regular. *
Wire and Wiring Information Wire and wiring information for electrical and audio projects.  -Offsite page
Speedo Cable Problem Fix Early Drifter speedometers were analog with a cable. Many folks reported broken cables. Here's the info.
Install Drag Specialties Tach Description of Drag Specialty Tach install. No pics. *
Garmin c550 Vehicle Power Cable Mod How I modded my Garmin c550 vehical cigarette power cord to plug into my motorcycle battery. VIDEO
Accessory Power Accessory Power outlet installation. *
Accessory Switches Accessory switch information. *
Air Horn Install General info on air horn installation.*
Main Fuse Location Locate the main fuse on 1500/1600 Vulcans.  *
ENGINE, DRIVE TRAIN, AIR, FUEL
Gas Cap Topper Curt Taylor's gas cap topper.
Alternator Cover Alternator/Generator Cover. Simple way to change the look of the left side alternator/generator cover.
Vulcan Classic Shaft Cover on Drifter Vulcan classic Shaft Cover on a Drifter. Yes it will work but you have to do some trimming.
Info on Temperatures - Thermostat/Cooling Fan The thermostat opens and closes to keep the coolant within operating range. The thermostat starts opening at 136-144F (58-62C) and is fully open at about 167F (75C).
Flushing Radiator w/o Removing Tank Method for flushing radiator without removing fuel/gas tank.This is a shortcut for the tank portion. Actual coolant replacement etc is not discussed.
Flush and Fill Radiator How-to flush, clean and fill your Vulcan drifter radiator.
Flush and Fill Radiator - 2 Radiator Flush and Fill.
Adjust Chain - Drifter 800 Adjust Chain - Drifter 800.
U-Joint Repair/Replacement - Drifter 1500 Vintage gadget mod, replacement of the u-joint in a 1500. Typically you have to buy more than just the u-joint. This is a mod that shows how to acquire a usable u-joint and replace the existing.
Starter Motor Removal - Without Draining Radiator You don't need to drain the radiator to get the starter motor out. Remove the starter motor wire, and the single-wire switch on bottom of radiator.
Cam Chain Tensioner Extender - Kawasaki 1500 This repair tip is intended for Vulcan 1500/1600 models. We do not know if this tip will work with VN800's.
Cylinder Plug Leak Repair Describes how to repair oil leak from cylinder plugs. *
JR's Drifter 800 Engine Rebuild Rebuilding and restoring a basket case 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 800.
Oil Leak Detection Find oil leaks the first time. Simple process for finding source of a leak
Location of Engine Number The engine number on most Kawasaki Vulcan engines will be on the left side of the crankcase. Under the bike close to the oil screen plug.
Drifter Oil Filter Listing Oil filters for 1500 Drifter and most other Vulcans
Spark plug color chart Spark plug color chart
Drifter Spark Plug Cross Reference Spark plug cross reference for the 800 and 1500 drifter.
Kawasaki Final drive filler cap and Engine oil filler cap 1999 and 2000 1500 Drifter models use the same cap for both the final drive filler and engine oil filler. P# - 16115-10692001 and later the engine oil filler cap is chrome plated.
Stripped Oil Plug Repair How to fix that stripped oil plug.
Fuel Tank Vapor Lock - 800 Vapor lock fix
Pet Cock Positioning The pet cock on the 800 drifter has 3 positions
ECU Fault Codes ECU fault codes and how to extract them.
Gas Gap Leak Fix - 800/1500 Vulcans suffer from leaking gas caps more often than one might imagine. Here's the solution if it happens to you.
Which Grade Gasoline to use in a Drifter The Owner's manual indicates the following:"Use minimum of 90 octane gasoline only to prevent severe engine damage"
Auxiliary Fuel Tank Auxiliary fuel tank mods/tips
Carb Jet Number Comparisons Comparison of mfg'r carb jet numbers.
Gas tank removal Gas tank removal instructions.
800 Carb clean and rebuild video Video for cleaning and rebuilding a video.
Air Filter and Brake Maintenance Video maintenance tips.
Engine "Coasters" EPA Mod Adding coasters when removing EPA stuff on 1500.
Remove Smog Stuff - Marbling Marbling of smog control "stuff" to reduce or prevent popping.
Remove Smog Stuff - Coasters Remove Smog Stuff 2. This is the more involved method involving use of coasters.
K&N Filter Cleaning Tips Most K&N OEM replacement air filters will normally require cleaning and re-oiling every 50,000 miles. Off Site page
Caddman Air Intake Mod - FI Mod for improving intake.
The Grampsized Air Flow Control System - 800 Air intake modification for the 800. This is a PDF file and will auto download.
Cold Idle Fix Reduce the noise of the cold idle solenoid after removal.
EXHAUST
1500 Classic Pipes on a 1500 Drifter 1500 Classic Pipes on a 1500 Drifter. This couldn't be any simplier. Just buy the right side peg bracket intended for the 1500 Classic. Then buy pipes designed for the Classic.
Afterburner Removal - Drifter 800 Afterburner Removal. For 800 Drifter, equivalent to coaster fix for 1500.
Roadhouse Dooley Exhaust Installation Sheets Installation sheets for Roadhouse Dooley... Classic, Drifter, Nomad. These are PDF files which will autodownload on most systems.
Exhaust Bracket Rubber mounted Classic exhausts on Drifter -
Gut your Goat Bladder Gutting the "goat's bladder" (catalytic converter) properly is a good alternative to the Dutch bypass at a fraction of the price.
Rok's Custome Exhaust Rok's Custom Exhaust
VH Longshots to Duals Converting V&H Longshots to Dual exhausts for your Drifter.
FENDERS, WHEELS and TIRES
Homemade Patterns for Front and Rear Mudflaps for Drifter Patterns for Front and Rear Mudflaps for Drifter. NOTE: Clicking on this URL will download the zipped file to your computer.
Drifter Fenders 800 and 1500 front fenders are interchangeable - so go for it!
Rear Fender Bumpers - 1999/2000 1500 Easy install of rear fender bumpers on 1999 and 2000 1500. *
Install classic rotor cover on the drifter Install classic rotor cover on the drifter. *
Mak's adaptation of Meanstreak wheels to the Vulcan Drifter Mak's adaptation of Meanstreak wheels to the Vulcan Drifter.
Removing Rear Wheel and Fender Removing Rear Wheel and Fender - T-Stan and Troll.
Motorcycle Industry Council Tire Guide All you ever wanted to know about motorcycle tires. This is a PDF which will auto download for most users.
Tire Size Conversion Tire sizing and reading sidewall information. Sizing Conversions and tips.
Tire Upgrades Metzeler has recommendations for upgrading OEM tires. This includes some radial/bias ply mixes which Metz has tested and recommends. Includes Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrades. This is a PDF file.
Discount Tires Calculator Tire/Speedo Calculator The results of this calculator are based on the mathematical equations of the sizes entered, not the actual tire specs provided by the tire manufacturers. *off-site web page
Wheels compatible with Drifter Various wheels which are compatible with the Drifter
Hoss' Bumperette Mod Hoss' bumperette mod.
Hub Cover Installation CDNratman's installation of hub cover on his Drifter 800.
FOOT CONTROLS, PEGS and FLOORBOARDS
Floorboards 800 and 1500 The floorboards for the 800 and 1500 are NOT compatible. The boards are the same but the brackets etc are very different.
Add Vintage Brake Pedal Pads Fitting found vintage (looking) brake pedal pads to the drifter.
Add Vintage HD Shift Pedals to Drifter Add Vintage HD Shift Pedals to Drifter. Fairly easy project. Parts are needed.
Floorboard Adapters Universal floorboards which are clamp mounted onto various engine guards etc can be used as passenger floorboards on a 1500 Drifter. Sledhead has provided us with the following mod.
Kickstart NOT mod This is MAK's version of the fake kickstarter.
Left Peg Mod Rubber mount mod for LEFT side. If you are mounting duel exhausts you might consider this mod.
Anti Swivel for Highway Pegs Anti Swivel for Highway Pegs
FRAME and SUSPENSION
Unbind Progressive Shocks How to improve ride with Progressive Shocks.
HD Tool Box Install Installation of a left side HD toolbox on a duel exhaust bike.
Steering neck zerk fitting Installation of a zerk fitting in the steering neck of a drifter.
Drifter 800 Zerk Grease Fittings The grease fittings for the Vulcan 800 swingarm are 6mm 1.0. They are available as of this posting from Bike Bandit at $1.80 ea.
Adjusting 800 Monoshock How to adjust the 800 monoshock.
Air Shock Balancer I like my air shocks on my Vulcan Drifter, but keeping them balanced and charging them up when going from 1 to 2-up was a bit of a drag. AFB1 Air Shock Balance Kit is no longer available.
Air Shock Compressor Retro's Air shock adjuster. No pic. Saved from old vdog site, pics not saved.
Air Shock Pressure Gauge Air shock pressure guage used in conjunction with air fork balance kit.
Greenbarn's Fork Spring Replacement and Fluid Change Front shock project.
Vulcan Drifter - Installing Progressive Springs Installing Progressive springs in front forks.
Oil in Air Shocks Oil in Air Shocks
1500 Air Shocks Pressures and info Its important to set up the suspension properly.
800 Rear (mono) Shock Removal / Reinstallation This is Tripwire's walk-through for removal, replacement, and/or re-installation of the mono-shock on the Drifter 800.
Progressive Suspension Street Fork Spring Installation Instructions Instructions for installing street fork springs. This is a PDF file which will autodownload for most users.
Vulcan Suspension Heights OEM suspension heights for Vulcans
Knobs! Make your own knobs for various parts of the bike.
Lay Down License Plate Mod Lay Down License Plate Mod
Remove Swingarm Swingarm removal.
Swingarm Zerk Fitting Installation Swingarm zerk fitting installation.
Steering Stem Nut Adjustment Steering Stem Nut Adjustment
HAND CONTROLS, HANDLEBARS and RISERS
Invisible Vista Cruise Mod Invisible Vista - how to make the universal vista cruise nearly invisible. *Off-site web page.
Handlebar Cross Reference This is a chart with handlebar measurements for all major bike manufacturers courtesy of Flanders Handlebars.
Install Chrome Switch Housings Install of Big Bike Parts Chrome Switch housings (not covers) on Drifter 1500.
Motorcycle Cables and Maintenance discuss the function and benefits of properly maintained stock as well as aftermarket cables. *Video
Motorcycle Grip Tips Kyle Bradshaw of Cruiser Customizing discusses the most popular grips and the reasons people add them to their bikes. *Video
Kawasaki OEM Riser Height Vulcan Drifter riser height is 2" from centerline of bar to mounting base.
Replacing Grips The threaded caps are left hand threads so turn it to the right to remove. Grips are glued to bar on clutch side and throttle sleeve on throttle side.
Risers and Beach Bars Risers and Beach bars - video
Roll your own Suicide Shifter Roll your own Suicide Shifter
Stock Handlebar Measurements This is a listing of stock handlebar measurements.For drifters, in inches: Dia=1 ; H=5; W = 33.5; Pullback = 14; Center = 6.5; Clamparea = 2x5
Throttle Cable Replacement It wont take longer then 30minutes to replace / exchange the cables - ignoring taking the tank off, loosening the cables and all that stuff to work easy and freely!
Hose Lengths for 1500 Drifter Hose Lengths for Drifter 1500. Clutch - 72.5" Front Brake - 53.25" Rear Brake - 43.25"
PAINT, FINISH and CLEANING
Vulcan Tank Badge Removal Tank badges, taking them off and putting them back on. Every now and then (quite often it seems) people ask about the removing of tank badges. The following is the tried and true method.
How to Clean Plexiglas Windshields on Motorcycles Cleaning Plexiglas on a motorcycle is a delicate procedure that requires the proper type of scratch-free cloth and chemicals to keep the surfaced polished. *Video
SEATS, BACKREST, RACKS and SADDLEBAGS
Drifter 800 Saddle bag mod - You Can Use The OPTIONAL STOCK SADDLEBAG MOUNTS & SUPPORTS on a SOLO SEAT on the 800 DRIFTER:
Nomad Hardbags on 1500 Drifter NOMAD BAGS ON THE DRIFTER 1500 for SOLO and TWO-UP RIDING. PDF
Saddlebag Bracket Adaptors for the Corbin Solo Saddlebag Bracket Adaptors for the Corbin Solo (KD8-S) on a Drifter 800
Rickalloway Saddlebag Bracket Plans Plans for making your own Vulcan Drifter saddlebag brackets.
Saddlebag Mounting Setups and Hardware Sources Information on various saddlebag setups and mods
Vulcan Drifter SaddleBag Setup Pics Shows how the kawasaki saddlebag mounts with seat bracket, kaw solo, rack and backrest.
Vulcan Drifter Backrest for OEM Seat Hoss's approach to the oem seat backrest problem. No text, just pics.
Converting from Solo to Double Saddle Additional parts you will need to go from an solo saddle to a double saddle.
Installing a Nomad solo seat on a drifter Installing a Nomad solo seat on a drifter
Mustang Seat on a Drifter This mod illustrates you can put a mustang seat on a drifter with a little work.
HomeMade Seat Bracket This is the seat tab bracket that is not available except with a new seat.
Vulcan Drifter Seats This page has pictures and info on all known Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500 and 800 seats.
TOOLS, LIFTS and TABLES
John Abbott Vulcan Center Stand Homemade center stand for Vulcans, from John Abbott.
Using the Mityvac Greenbarn's tips for using the MityVac to replace brake fluid.
WINDSHIELDS, FAIRINGS and LOWERS
Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic – National Cycle Windshield Demo See why you should be using a Motorcycle Windshield made out of Polycarbonate instead of Acrylic. *Video
Adapting National Cycle Lowers N764 Heavy Duty Chrome Lowers.
Plastic Windshield Cleaning and maintenance Here is some info from Kawasaki which may be of value concerning cleaning and maintaining plastic windshields...
Cutting your Windshield This article provide information on cutting your bike windshield. *Off-site web page
Install a Fairing on a Drifter Install a Fairing on a Drifter.Chuck, Virg and Woodcarver tell you how they mounted FLH fairings on their Drifters. *Downloadable PDF
Kawasaki INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS P/N K46001-038 VN800 and VN1500 Drifter Windshield INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONSP/N K46001-038VN800 and VN1500Drifter Windshield, Chrome Trim. *PDF File will autodownload for most people.
Patterns for making your own lowers. Patterns for making your own lowers.
MAINTENANCE
PM Chart for 1500 Drifter Drifter 1500 periodic maintenance chart .
Kawasaki Drifter 800 PM Chart Preventative maintenance chart for Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 800
How To Winterize Your Motorcycle Tech Tip Maintenance How To Winterize your Motorcycle Tech Tip – J&P Cycles has put together this video to show you how to get your Motorcycle ready for winter. Tires, Fluids, Battery, Security and more. community.jpcycles.com *Video[
Vulcan Drifter Maintenance parts and products Parts and products for Drifter maintenance.
Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500 Torque Specs Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500 Torque Specs - PDF file.
Drifter Vulcan Parts Cross Reference These parts are reported by Drifter Riders to be compatible with the Drifter. We have NOT confirmed all of these, so use your own judgement.
MANUALS
Kawasaki Owner Manuals and Service Manuals - 1500 Part numbers and information for Kawasaki Drifter 1500 and 800 owner's and service manuals, including free download of Owner's manual. *PDF File.
Kawasaki Owner Manuals and Service Manuals - 800 Part numbers and information for Kawasaki Drifter 1500 and 800 owner's and service manuals, including free download of Owner's manual. *PDF File
Service Manuals Service manuals for 800 and 1500
Kawasaki Vulcan 700/750 & 800 '85 to '04 (Hayne's Automotive Repair Manual) - 800 This repair manual covers Kawasaki Vulcan 700 1985, Vulcan 750 1985-2004, Vulcan 800 1995-2004, Vulcan 800 Classic 1996-2002, and Vulcan 800 Drifter 1999-2004.
Clymer Clymer Repair Manual for Vulcan 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, Drifter, Nomad Repair Manual 1996-2008
RepairManual.com Repair Manuals Online Repair Manuals Online
Automanuals Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter Owner's Manual This manual provides safety information, operation instructions and maintenance and storage recommendations for your Vulcan 1500 Drifter.Manual that came with new Drifters
MISC
Indian Motocycle Company 1953 Indian Chief Catalog This is the OEM parts and accessories catalog for the 1953 Indian Chief.
How to lift a dropped bike A short video and info on lifting a dropped motorcycle.
Drifter Recalls
Drifter Recalls:

1) Kawasaki Vehicle Down Sensor 2) Oil filter
Member Pages Member's Web Pages
mods/tips info photodocumenting a nomad bobber project, but there is good universal info on the site. Have a look.
Motorcycle Insurance Article on MC insurance some my find helpful.
VDR INFORMATION
About VDR General Info on the Vulcan Drifter Riders
VDR Registry Lookup VDR members, numbers, locations etc.
VDR Facebook Page VDR Facebook Page
VDR Registration Get your VDR #
VDR Blog VDR Blog
VDR Pinterest Page VDR Pinterest page
KAWASAKI VULCAN DRIFTER HISTORY
Original 1999 Drifter 1500 Ad Original 1999 Drifter 1500 Ad
Super Chief Pictures Super Chief Pictures
Drifter Pictoral History Drifter Pictoral History
The (Re)Birth of a Legend Here's how the Super Chief and Drifter were born... Denny Berg
Drifter Q&A with Denny Berg (06/2008) Drifter Q&A with Denny Berg (06/2008)
Drifter Magazine Articles Drifter Magazine Articles
1999 Drifter Press Kit 1999 Drifter Press Kit
1999 Drifter Fire and Steel Accessories Brochure 1999 Drifter Fire and Steel Accessories Brochure
Wikipedia Article Wikipedia Article
NBC Promo of Drifter NBC Promo of Drifter
Denny Berg and Cobra Special Projects Denny Berg and Cobra Special Projects
Drifter Info Page Drifter Info Page
Drifter History Page Drifter History Page
MOTORCYCLE PARTS and ACCESSORIES
Air, Fuel, Radiator and Cooling For intake, fuel, radiator and cooling related parts and accessories.
Apparel Motorcycle apparel, boots, helmets, gloves, leathers
Bells, Pins, Patches, Decals, Leather Parts Biker and Drifter Gremlin Bells, biker pins and patches; decals, emblems and tank badges. Also leather working, conchos and leather tools.
Brake and Clutch Brake and clutch related parts
Chemicals, Cleaning, Lubricants, Engine Treatments All chemicals, lubricants, cleaning materials and related.
Chrome Covers, Accents, Dash Panels Various chrome covers, replacements, fender ornaments.
Engine and Performance Engine related
Electrical, Electronics, Horns and Lighting Anything related to the electrical, and lighting systems and electronic accessories.
Exhaust Bike related exhausts and related parts.
Foot Controls, Pegs and Floorboards Footpegs, controls and floorboards.
Frame Parts Engine guards, Fenders, Mudflaps, Mirrors
Hand Controls, Handlebars and Risers Clutch, brake, switches and handlebars.
Lifts, tables, Chocks, Tools and Fasteners Bike lifts, tables, chocks, tools and fasteners
Saddlebags, Racks, and Hardware Saddlebag and luggage related.
Seats and Saddles Seat and saddle related
Trailers, Hitches and Sidecars Trailes, hitches and sidecar related.
Suspension, Tires and Wheels Suspension, tires and wheel related.
Windshields, Fairings and Lowers Windshield, fairing and wind control products.
Misc. Related Other interesting stuff
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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