Radical Idea (if it hasn't been done yet)

[chief]

Me too... but with the Drifter you have to eventually come to grips with the seat issue. The rear fender is unique.. or was until the HD rocker... and you have to take a unique view of it. If you want a traditional looking seat... and that's at the top of your styling list, don't buy a drifter... IMHO.

Make sure you have a look at the SEATS page on the website.

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/drifterseats.html

[topherloaf]

Heh, in that case, I'd rather keep the drifter and deal with the seat.

[chief]

Problem areas... suspension mod, frame mod, cost of new fender - custom designed to work with the modified suspension and drifter frame.

In reality, you are likely better off selling the drifter, buying a classic 800 and adding the big fenders instead of re-engineering the drifter itself. IMHO.

I think the overall cost may be about the same, depending upon sale/purchase of the base machines. The latter would be a LOT easier and quicker.

[topherloaf]

are you talking about my idea or lupee's idea?  I haven't figured out brackets all the way because I don't have another rear fender to work with.  I don't have all the skills and stuff like a neat shop!  I'm a shade-tree kind of guy. 

[elroy]

thats not such a bad idea at all,i think after i get off here im heading for the garage. THANKS for the idea i will lrt you all know if i come up with something

[Lupee2u]

I actually used two brackets that come off the frame and built a "platform" that I can mount a seat or luggage rack on. It is raised up just enough to allow the rear wheel to float but lower than the standard two up.

Also it keeps the weight of the passenger off, which is much more comfortable when braking.

i use this same bracket to mount my over sized saddle bags.

good luck with your idea!

Lupee

[topherloaf]

So we all know the rear seat idea doesn't really look that great.  Not awful but it seriously messes with the idea of the floating fender which makes the 800s so neat.  BUT IF you must have the rear seat for the lady or extra space for your gear you deal right?  The double seat has mounting brackets etc to hold the weight of the extra person.  My idea is this albiet not simple in the beginning, just preplanned; how about mounting a rigid rear fender to allow it to look like say an Indian Roadmaster and seat options would be a bit more friendly???  My thinking is this: if we know we're basically riding a softail motorcycle but the entire fender moves with the wheel...and you need extra brackets to make a double seat safe, I think you could buy/find/fabricate a valenced rear fender and treat it with the same idea, brackets to make it stable and safe, (attached) yet more and easier seat options.  Anybody thought of this before or am  I just some crazy from Texas???  I think it could work personally.  Along with a plethora of other ideas I have for the 800 Drifter.  Discuss amongst yourselves...

Chris