New Owner from Central Florida

[Troll]

That would be because his 40k Harley is the same as all the others....

[Ken Wolkens]

He was ok with it but did dismiss it as people being attracted to the novelty of my bike.

[moosewing3]

Welcome to the forum

[greenbarn]

You should always just say "done for now".... 

...  After that I'm done.  Famous last words right?

So how did your friend take the blow??    Don't ya just love it???

[Ken Wolkens]

Yep, that trip hurt the pocketbook.  It also got dented today when I bought a set of saddle bag mounts.

However, I did enjoy two very priceless moments today while out for a ride.

First one was I pulled into the local Indian Motorcycle Dealer and the salesperson commented that it was a nice bike and wanted to know if I was looking for a new one.  I had to explain that it was a Kawasaki...

At lunch I parked next to my friend's $40K Custom Harley and my $4K "Metric" got just as much if not more attention.

So for now I'm still below $5000.00 but I can say that the bags will surely put me over.  After that I'm done.  Famous last words right?

[greenbarn]

Since I have no time I took the Drifter to Frank's Cycle in Melbourne for a full maintenance.

They changed all of the fluids, gave it some fresh plugs and I bit the bullet and had them put on a new set of Michelins while it was there.

I've burned a tank of gas since picking it up and can say that I'm very happy with the Drifter so far.

Now to find a set of saddle bags for it that won't break the bank. 

What's the saying.... "the initial cost of the bike is just the down payment for all the add-ons required..." 

[pcarrell]

Welcome Ken!  Can't wait to see a pic of your ride!

[Mr.Hanbar]

Welcome to the forum Ken!

[Ken Wolkens]

Since I have no time I took the Drifter to Frank's Cycle in Melbourne for a full maintenance.

They changed all of the fluids, gave it some fresh plugs and I bit the bullet and had them put on a new set of Michelins while it was there.

I've burned a tank of gas since picking it up and can say that I'm very happy with the Drifter so far.

Now to find a set of saddle bags for it that won't break the bank. 

[Mr. P]

Welcome Brother.   

[Elmo Hayride]

Welcome Ken.

[Troll]

If you're really serious about a pump and filter, you'll be surprised at a bill for around $700 for the parts. If the pump checks out ok, I'd leave it...you can always spend the money later...you have enough to do right now. Here's a link to bikebandit for the pump and other necessary parts. The check valve will need to be changed, too, since they superseded the old pump number. http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-kawasaki-vulcan-1500-drifter-vn1500r/o/m149439#sch67395

[Ken Wolkens]

Good point.

[greenbarn]

Ken, If I were you I would look very carefully at the tires.  Check the dates on them.  If they've been sitting 4 years, who knows how old they could have been before storage...     Especially in your hot climate- heat and old tires are extreme enemies and more often than not, heat wins....

[Ken Wolkens]

Troll,  The Pump Carrier Gasket seems to have sealed.  I was really surprised that it came out looking as good as it did.  Not deformed or squished and when I laid it back on the flange all of the holes were perfectly aligned so I figured I'd give it a try and it seems to be good.

I'll be heading to the Kawasaki shop in Cocoa tomorrow so they can stare at me like a deer in headlights when I start asking for parts for this beast.

My plan is to get a pump, the gasket, a fuel filter and a few more maintenance items.

This bike has been sitting for at least 4 years so it needs everything done.  Even the tires are flat spotted.  They seemed to round out after a couple of minutes of slow riding.  We'll see how they do.

[Troll]

https://web.archive.org/web/20140829013504/http://www.gadgetjq.com/ff_replacement.htm
Check out this page....

[Ken Wolkens]

I just saw these helpful hints after I did one that I was taught quite a few years ago:

Emptied all the fuel, pulled the fuel pump assembly, hosed out all of the initial scale, add crushed Ice and vinegar.  Shake the snot out of it in every direction.  Add more ice.  Shake some more.  Rinse out the ice and keep rinsing until water is clear.  Shake out the last bit of water and let the tank dry in the sun with the cap open.

Needless to say I put her back together and already went for a slow putt around the subdivision.

I'd forgotten how cool it was to ride....

[Troll]

The fuel filter is in the tank, and is supposedly not available, but there are a number or automotive filters that will go right on. Still going to have to go to the parts store. REPLACE the fuel pump carrier gasket...don't try to reuse it.

[49Reo]

Welcome to the funny-farm, Ken. Don't mind the Ratman, I think he is overdue for his meds. Or maybe his cage needs cleaning.....lol

My cousin would put coarse sandblasting sand in motorcycle gas tanks, (after draining and drying of course) then mount it in his pneumatic pain shaker for a couple of hours. Drain all the sand, blow it out real good, then put a gas tank sealant, usually a 2-part epoxy type, slosh it around, then drain, let dry, back on the bike and a happy customer. I was one of the happy.....brand new tank, he looked in it, rust. So lost a day "painting" the inside of the tank before painting the outside of it.

Point being, the sand and shaker worked very well for removing all the scale. Keep us posted; there is something for someone to learn from every job performed on these beautys...

[CDNRatMan]

  ok I was close......lol.....put it through a filter and remove the rust and you can have the left over for fish and chips..........

[pcarrell]

That's nasty stuff!

Maybe this will help! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUYr_7SwGms

[CDNRatMan]

 Why would you want that in your tank? Me personally I would like my tank nice and clean inside. I did read someplace about a product you buy and put into your tank slosh it about an remove it and it descales your tank, lots of white vinegar might be the answer to.

[pcarrell]

Root Canal.........nasty!

[mittico68]

Welcome from me, too!
And nice ride!

[pcarrell]

See Ken, I told you these guys know their stuff!