New-to-me Drifter Wish List

[Donkey]

Thanks Pastor...  I'll check it out!

Rat...  I know right?!  Still not convinced that it didn't have one...  the big steel bracket I took off the side makes me wonder...

[CDNRatMan]

  ok so there is such a simple solution to your dilemma about the boys. One simple word and your issues are completely done........

SIDECAR.......

buy a side car and you can move both boys around and have fun doing it

[Donkey]

Took a minute to grab some air and a few pics...

[pcarrell]

You can reach under the back of the seat and in the middle of the back there's a small bolt that attaches to the seat through the bracket.  If you feel it there, you've got it.  No need to disassemble anything.

[Donkey]

Sad when you don't have the time to take two bolts out of a seat to see if there is a horseshoe barcket under it...

Either way, so glad to have met this group, already have a line on a seat!  My boys will be thrilled...  at 11 and 13, they'd be crushed if the couldn't go for rides any more and I'm just not sure I can keep the 800 Classic in the stable (my only option for 2 seats at the moment).

I'm already resigned to removing and replacing the seat back and forth as needed, because the Corbin is comfy and I have nothing but bad experience with the stock seat on the 800, but that's ok... it's about my boys.

Rat, I have no doubt there are awesome roads up there...  and now I have an excuse to find 'em!

[moosewing3]

A saddleman tail bag straps down nice to a two up and has the added benefit of becoming your backrest.

[CDNRatMan]

There are some awesome riding roads this way, and even over on the QC side there is a few really good rides. 105, 117 to New Liskeard would be an awesome ride. I was stationed in Petawawa for 5 years and so have covered a lot of the roads between there and Ottawa, a lot of nice back road riding. 6 hours from Ottawa to New Liskeard, the Freedom Ride is something you have to experience in your life time........check out the link down in the Canadian section.

[Donkey]

No kidding on strapping to the rear...  I think the days of picking up a dozen eggs are done...

I contacted Mike at Wompus, he replied right away. Looking like that's the surest bet.

Sounds like an invite RatMan!  And sounds like an awesome ride too...  Haven't been much past North Bay in that direction but no reason why not!

[pcarrell]

The prioroites are shifting to a luggage rack, and a way to fix that deep gouge in the rear fender...  I know some trips are going to come up this summer and the saddlebags just won't cut it!

Lashing anything to the rear fender is just not possible with how unique these things are...

I don't think you'd want to strap things to the rear fender.
Since the rear fender is plastic it'd only hold maybe 10lbs of weight anyways, besides, it'd be well shaken!

As for the luggage rack, Wompus Rack's has you covered: http://www.wompusracks.com/kawasaki-rack.html

I had scratches on my rear fender too, right on top like you have.  I had these guys make me a fender bib and a matching tank bib and it solved the problem real quick.  https://www.chilhowee.net/fender-bibs.html

[CDNRatMan]

  Ah in the big city of Ottawa.....are you going to make New Liskeard?

[Donkey]

Yes...  "if it ain't broke don't fix it" applies, big time.  I have all the parts to "scooterize" and "grampsize" my 800 too but could never do it...  just runs too damn well.  Same with this Drifter...  not worth messing with a perfectly tuned bike for a little more grumble.  And it seems every day the sound grows on me to the point of not wanting it to be anything else...

There's a place here in Ottawa that will make and form windshields...  I'm debating having one made rather than cutting it down...  I've done that before and though it's relatively easy, it's finding the time that's a challenge.

The prioroites are shifting to a luggage rack, and a way to fix that deep gouge in the rear fender...  I know some trips are going to come up this summer and the saddlebags just won't cut it!

Lashing anything to the rear fender is just not possible with how unique these things are...

[CDNRatMan]

    if it is not broken why change it, and if you like it then leave it alone, does not matter what others say or think it is your bike. As an opinion here and you will get a lot of really good honest answers but then you have to do what you want and can afford.......or like some lads like the Missus says you can do......lol.....

[Donkey]

Under the persons avitar pic is something that looks like a word balloon.  Click on that and you can do a private message.

Thanks!  Blind,  stupid or tired but I see it now!

[Donkey]

So far...   Some decisions...

Exhaust...   I've grown to really like the subdued but deep note of the 1500 burble.   That combined with the varying noise restrictions in some provinces and states means the baffles are going to stay as is.

Since she runs perfectly,  and I won't be changing the backflow pressures with exhaust alterations,  a power commander is off the list.

More soon but just checked in and love the time you've taken for replies... Thanks gang...

[pcarrell]

Interested for sure!   Not sure how to PM in this forum,  or if I am allowed yet...

Under the persons avitar pic is something that looks like a word balloon.  Click on that and you can do a private message.

[Donkey]

Welcome to the forums.I have a stock two up I am looking to sell if your interested.

Interested for sure!   Not sure how to PM in this forum,  or if I am allowed yet...

[Troll]

   Few things to keep in mind. The 1500 is based on a Classic. There are differences, but a lot of the parts are interchangeable, or almost so. Some of the Nomad bits will work, too. Places like Partzilla and Bike bandit will give you part numbers and diagrams. Partzilla also has an "also used on" function for part numbers. Sometimes that helps, sometimes not. example would be fuel tanks. Because of the paint scheme differences, the same 5 gallon tank, that would bolt on any of the Vulcans is not listed because of the colors....Personally I like making or adapting parts rather than just a bolt on...

[Donkey]

THANKS GANG!!!  Lots of exaclty the kinds of insight I was looking for and I'll answer in a bit...  I've been doing more research...  and have more clarity...

And I REALLY have to take some pics!  I took ONE the day I got it and she needs a bath first before I take any more!

The guy I bought the bike from is a good freind and still full of insight but the forums are global...  can't beat that.

[49Reo]

Welcome to the madhouse. Always fun to read of others first passion when they finally get the bike of their dreams. Now the fun begins. Making it yours. When it comes to these Drifters, creativity is the key. Most of the trinkets and baubles you see on others Drifters are adaptations from other bikes. or scratch built, thus a lot of individuality emerges. No two are the same. Have fun, and keep us all up-to-date with pics and stories! We'd love to see it!

[pcarrell]

-It has a Corbin 1-up...  I want to keep that but I'd also like a stock 2-up to swap on/off for the kids...
-Any other 2-up opinions welcome (I understnad the brackets are as expesive as the seat)

There are a few options for 2up seats, but the brackets are a must.  These are some of the seat options offered over the years: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/drifterseats.html  Some of them are no longer made, but might turn up second hand.  You might find this page interesting: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?action=links;cat=33  Also, besides looking on Ebay for the brackets, you can try here: http://www.ronayersmotorcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=389864&category=Motorcycles&make=KAWASAKI&year=2001&fveh=8987

-It had a heavy duty custom steel bracket on the right side...  sidecar or trailer?  That's gone.  Those are my guesses what it was.

No tellin'.........most trailer hitches I've seen on Drifters seem to attach to the passenger foot peg mounts and to the frame under the seat, as the whole rear of the bike moves too much to mount to.  As for a side car mount, maybe look in that section of the forum and compare to what you see there to determine if that's what you have.

-Has a windshield.  Too high for what I like.  While I debate a quick release batwing (opinions welcome), I will cut it down to about 14"

Your shield should come up to about your chin or so at it's highest.  You can go lower, but I'd not recommend higher.  As for the batwing, there are a few options.  Some good info has been gathered here: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?action=links;cat=35  One thing to remember.......Drifters use the same front forks as a 1500 Fuel Injected Classic, so while there are some subtle differences, most fork related parts for those bikes fit ours pretty well.  That means stuff like this is on the menu: http://www.recklessmotorcycles.com/classic1500.htm

-I'm a big fan of the "way it was supposed to look" for this bike.  The colour stays, there will be little mods to this one. 

Other then stock Drifters, I don't know if there are any two that are alike!  Make it "right" in your eyes!

-But I do like the V&H Longshots.  I'm used to a little more bark with the 800 and V&H Cruzers and debated removing some baffling...

Check local laws reguarding this.  Also keep in mind laws of states you might want to visit.  I know for example that Colorado has very strict noise level laws concerning motorcycle exhausts.

-I'm worried removing baffling will affect backpressure and run reliability.  Opinoins, again, very welcome

Can't help ya there.....sorry!

-Anyone have a power commander?  If so, reviews and why?

With just the V&H pipes you don't need it and probably don't want it.

-Rear luggage...  it has bags, and a modified rack over the fender but something has to change.  The rack is too low and has contacted the fender and rubs against the seat...  and I'm a little bit of a perfectionist.  Any "removable" or OEM luggage rack options welcome

Yeah, that rack sounds like it has to go.  There was the Kawasaki Fire & Steel rack, but the only one of those that I've seen mounts to the 2up seat bracket, so it's no good for a solo setup.  Other then that, it's pretty slim pickin's!  Wompus Racks used to make a solo rack, but I'm not sure if they still do.  Then you can always make your own setup.  I did, using only basic tools (an angle grinder with grinding and cutoff discs, and a drill) when I wanted to mount an old Shovelhead tour pack to my 1500. ( http://s83.photobucket.com/user/pcarrell/library/Drifter/Tour%20Pack?sort=3&page=1 )

They say that the bike is just the downpayment on the accessories, and truer words were never spoken!

Welcome to the forum!

[moosewing3]

Welcome to the forums.I have a stock two up I am looking to sell if your interested.

[bambam0099]

This whole experience is going to be a LOT of fun...

The two-bit bakcground...  I still consider myself a new rider...  first bike came along in '07.  The love affair with the THOUGHT of riding really started in the early 90's, but there was always an excuse...  no time, blah blah...  so the trigger wasn't pulled for years.

In '99, I won a jacket that said "Indian Motorcycles" on the back, so I looked them up on my dial-up internet connection...  And fell head over heels with the newly recreated Indian Chief, but it was out of reach.  I still didn't know anything intelligent about anything at that point, and by the time I finally realized that the excuses were just that, Indians were no more, and the used ones were rare and expensive and I just wanted entry level to see if I would even enjoy riding at all...  along comes my 800 Classic.

I know and love that bike inside and out, but a friend introduced me to a friend a couple of years ago that rode this thing that had me picking my jaw up off the ground...  everyone saw it in my eyes...  what IS this thing?!  A Drifter?  WOW...  MUST HAVE.  Match made in heaven.  Indian looks and style, Kawi reliability that I had grown passion for.

Fast forward to this past fall and he finally agreed to part with it when he went to HD, and I am in SUCH a happy place!!

Now I need to do what it will take to make it "mine"...  and that brings me to the wish list.  Feel free to add, subtract, explain, offer, or review any or all of it as you see fit...  opinions welcome.

-It has a Corbin 1-up...  I want to keep that but I'd also like a stock 2-up to swap on/off for the kids...
-Any other 2-up opinions welcome (I understnad the brackets are as expesive as the seat)
-It had a heavy duty custom steel bracket on the right side...  sidecar or trailer?  That's gone.  Those are my guesses what it was.
-Has a windshield.  Too high for what I like.  While I debate a quick release batwing (opinions welcome), I will cut it down to about 14"
-I'm a big fan of the "way it was supposed to look" for this bike.  The colour stays, there will be little mods to this one.
-But I do like the V&H Longshots.  I'm used to a little more bark with the 800 and V&H Cruzers and debated removing some baffling...
-I'm worried removing baffling will affect backpressure and run reliability.  Opinoins, again, very welcome
-Anyone have a power commander?  If so, reviews and why?
-Rear luggage...  it has bags, and a modified rack over the fender but something has to change.  The rack is too low and has contacted the fender and rubs against the seat...  and I'm a little bit of a perfectionist.  Any "removable" or OEM luggage rack options welcome

I'll read as much in here as humanly possible because I know the drill...  most of this is probably in here somehere...  It's the time I lack to read like I once had.

Thanks gang...  nice to be here!

1st off, welcome aboard and second...pics!  Would love to see your bike.

When I read your post, I smiled because I felt the same way.  I picked up a 2001 Drifter last year as my 1st road bike and love it.  I always knew I would enjoy it but never thought this much.

I've added alot of "bling" this year and really enjoy the looks even more.  Franks leathers makes some incredible products.  I get complimented on the mud flaps and rear fender bib all the time and of course, mentioning the emblems and front fender ornament produced by Donna Zambini goes without saying.  When I stop for gas, I literally have people walk up to me asking about them.

The one thing I didn't like about the stock bike was the exhaust.  It was just too quiet and from a safety standpoint, dangerous.  I routinely saw people jump or get scared when they realized I was along side them; they had no idea I was there.   I bought a set of Vance and Hines and can't say enough how much it has made riding more pleasurable and, safer.  Yeah, I guess they're loud but I really enjoy it.  No more guessing on my rpm's and again, from a safety standpoint, other drivers know I am in the area and are never surprised.   The other huge safety thing I did was throw on a Signal Dynamics headlight modulator.  Watching the reaction of other drivers is incredible.  People would routinely pull out in front of me in the past; no more.  I can't count how many times I have seen a driver start to move forward then immediately stop to wait for me to go by.  From a safety issue, it was the single best purchase I have made.   I plan on buying another one for my brother.
You mentioned cutting the windshield; good idea!   I cut mine so it was the same height as my nose while sitting.  What a difference and again, makes the ride so much more enjoyable.  Last year, I hit a fog area while riding into work in the dark morning hours and I was literally blinded for a few seconds and hit to sit up as straight as possible to see over the windshield.  Dangerous lesson learned...

Keep us updated and would love to see your progress!

[Donkey]

This whole experience is going to be a LOT of fun...

The two-bit bakcground...  I still consider myself a new rider...  first bike came along in '07.  The love affair with the THOUGHT of riding really started in the early 90's, but there was always an excuse...  no time, blah blah...  so the trigger wasn't pulled for years.

In '99, I won a jacket that said "Indian Motorcycles" on the back, so I looked them up on my dial-up internet connection...  And fell head over heels with the newly recreated Indian Chief, but it was out of reach.  I still didn't know anything intelligent about anything at that point, and by the time I finally realized that the excuses were just that, Indians were no more, and the used ones were rare and expensive and I just wanted entry level to see if I would even enjoy riding at all...  along comes my 800 Classic.

I know and love that bike inside and out, but a friend introduced me to a friend a couple of years ago that rode this thing that had me picking my jaw up off the ground...  everyone saw it in my eyes...  what IS this thing?!  A Drifter?  WOW...  MUST HAVE.  Match made in heaven.  Indian looks and style, Kawi reliability that I had grown passion for.

Fast forward to this past fall and he finally agreed to part with it when he went to HD, and I am in SUCH a happy place!!

Now I need to do what it will take to make it "mine"...  and that brings me to the wish list.  Feel free to add, subtract, explain, offer, or review any or all of it as you see fit...  opinions welcome.

-It has a Corbin 1-up...  I want to keep that but I'd also like a stock 2-up to swap on/off for the kids...
-Any other 2-up opinions welcome (I understnad the brackets are as expesive as the seat)
-It had a heavy duty custom steel bracket on the right side...  sidecar or trailer?  That's gone.  Those are my guesses what it was.
-Has a windshield.  Too high for what I like.  While I debate a quick release batwing (opinions welcome), I will cut it down to about 14"
-I'm a big fan of the "way it was supposed to look" for this bike.  The colour stays, there will be little mods to this one.
-But I do like the V&H Longshots.  I'm used to a little more bark with the 800 and V&H Cruzers and debated removing some baffling...
-I'm worried removing baffling will affect backpressure and run reliability.  Opinoins, again, very welcome
-Anyone have a power commander?  If so, reviews and why?
-Rear luggage...  it has bags, and a modified rack over the fender but something has to change.  The rack is too low and has contacted the fender and rubs against the seat...  and I'm a little bit of a perfectionist.  Any "removable" or OEM luggage rack options welcome

I'll read as much in here as humanly possible because I know the drill...  most of this is probably in here somehere...  It's the time I lack to read like I once had.

Thanks gang...  nice to be here!