My Dilemma

[Mr. P]

Here are some pic's.  Pretty much bone stock except for the Harley shocks.
Hope this finds you well,  P. 

[pcarrell]

[chief]

Here's the link to the Cam extender mod... (Links- Engine )

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

[pcarrell]

Keep it!  It's an easy fix!  http://chucksterscustoms.com/product/kawasaki-cam-chain-extenders/

[Zoar]

I did the timing chain check and added the extenders to the tensioners as your lovely and well documented tech tip pointed out.  It was a much needed repair.  The front cylinder was right on the line and the back was within 3/16 of the limit.  And this certainly did make a difference.  Years ago I removed the heads rubbers to hear more valve noise; this was done during a attempt to fix the leaky rear cam plug.  I always loved the mechanical sound of the valve gear at speed.  Yea, the covers rang a bit at idle, but I did not mind that.
So I have pulled the engine before and besides the fact that it weighs around 200 lbs, it is not all that hard.  But she does need others things that 68,000 mile of use has done.  Rear shocks were shot 30,000 miles ago, seat foam is broke down, front forks need to be rebuilt, exhaust needs to welding to repair to seal cracks.  Troll helped me out a couple of years ago when my original muffler broke off at the big turn.
Over the years I have dreamed of adding the Peace Pipe, lacing a set of aluminum rims and adding a set of Progressive springs to the front to tame the busy front fork action.   A lot of things to do.  Of course my lovely wife cannot see the reasoning behind any of this.
Well I see the sun is finally coming out and it looks like a good day for a ride.  Me thinks it good to take the Drifter out for her weekly walk and think about all that you have said.  Thanks again, P.

I would fix it.

How much would that cost, anyway, to deal with this engine issue?

(lets separate that from the other repairs & enhancements for now)

[Mr. P]

I did the timing chain check and added the extenders to the tensioners as your lovely and well documented tech tip pointed out.  It was a much needed repair.  The front cylinder was right on the line and the back was within 3/16 of the limit.  And this certainly did make a difference.  Years ago I removed the heads rubbers to hear more valve noise; this was done during a attempt to fix the leaky rear cam plug.  I always loved the mechanical sound of the valve gear at speed.  Yea, the covers rang a bit at idle, but I did not mind that.
So I have pulled the engine before and besides the fact that it weighs around 200 lbs, it is not all that hard.  But she does need others things that 68,000 mile of use has done.  Rear shocks were shot 30,000 miles ago, seat foam is broke down, front forks need to be rebuilt, exhaust needs to welding to repair to seal cracks.  Troll helped me out a couple of years ago when my original muffler broke off at the big turn.
Over the years I have dreamed of adding the Peace Pipe, lacing a set of aluminum rims and adding a set of Progressive springs to the front to tame the busy front fork action.   A lot of things to do.  Of course my lovely wife cannot see the reasoning behind any of this.
Well I see the sun is finally coming out and it looks like a good day for a ride.  Me thinks it good to take the Drifter out for her weekly walk and think about all that you have said.  Thanks again, P.

[greenbarn]

BTW, any chance the noise you're getting is just the infamous timing chain noise?  Seems like there's a fairly quick/cheap fix for that somewhere.

[greenbarn]

Well, Mr. P, My thoughts on the matter are - you sound like the Drifter really has a soft spot in your heart.  I don't think you will regret keeping it - but there is a very good chance you will regret selling her.   If you fix it and keep it, you can always sell it anytime down the road.  If you sell it now, you can't get it back, likely.    I guess if it's a money thing, or if you're really just over it, then I'd sell it --  but if you keep it you likely won't have any regrets.

And, BTW, where are those pics of the new Indian.   How do you like it, compared to the Drifter ---  Care to give us a comparison??

[chief]

I am sure you can ride 2 bikes for the different types of riding you can do.

Yeah, that is really the case. That is why we bought the Goldwing. The Drifter isn't as good for those long range rides.

[CDNRatMan]

  I am sure you can ride 2 bikes for the different types of riding you can do.

[Pilgrim]

What all is involved in repairing it? is it that bad or just a ticking noise.
Post a pic of that Indian..

[chief]

I have multiple bikes and I have looked at the Indian models. I am tempted, but looking at my Drifter next to a Chieftain, I honestly prefer the look of my Drifter. BUT, of course the Indian is a lot newer and if I buy another bike it will be an Indian.

Back in 2001 I had a HD RK sitting in the garage. I wanted a new bike but nothing HD had did the trick... then I found out about the Drifter. After a lot of looking I bought one in Jan 2002. The RK stayed sitting and finally was sold.
The Drifter needs to be routinely ridden and maintained or you should sell it. It is a shame to let it sit. It will make someone very happy.
Let me know if you want to donate it to ME!   
Oh, and you are always a member here regardless of the bike you are riding. We aren't defined by the brand of our ride.
Cheers.

[mittico68]

If money is not a serious problem for ya, if your wife doesn't roll her eyes each time she looks at the Drifter, well I suggest to keep it with you and fix that problem!
Drifters are Always Drifters... and that's why I still own mine since 1999!
Just my 2 cents.

[Mr. P]

Last summer my 99 Drifter of 17 years developed a lifter tick in the rear cylinder exhaust valve.  My bike has 68,000 miles and over all those miles has delivered trouble free service and many happy memories.  I have kept her all original with Kawasaki original parts and a steady diet of high quality oil.
I have had bike lust before; my first real case of the "gotta haves" was my Drifter.  But I got it again when Indian rolled out their new line of bikes.  I've always been a swoopy fender sort of guy!  And after 6 demo events and a 100 miles of test riding various models, I settled on a red 2015 Indian Chieftain at closeout prices.
The Chieftain is really a joy to drive, smooth, powerful, good fit/finish and bags to haul all my shit; which, by the way, always seem to be full.  It truly lets you experience the ride instead of battling the wind and rain, bugs or crappy roads.  It has a great visibility factor in the LED lighting which makes it standout in heavy traffic.
And it is amazing how far motorcycles have come in 17 years.
So now my "clacker' sits in the corner gathering dust and not out of the wife's vision.   She knows it still means a lot to my but I need to do SOMETHING going forward.
I still take her out for short rides, putting around town, keeping the gas from getting stale and generally taking it easy on the valve system.  It is considerably lighter than the 830 lb. indian and in a lot of ways a more visceral ride.
Now you guys and gals have always been a source of great camaraderie and a wealth of technical information, so I bring the question to you first; what should I do?  Fix it or sell it?