Time to change the fluids

[chief]

I strongly suggest you get the Kawasaki service manual AND the Clymer Manual (look under books on the website for info).

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

[lumper]

Thanks again for the info.
I am going to order a manual so I can delve into the things I have to do and have a better illustrated understanding of things.
Thanks again,
Lump

[pcarrell]

Just to throw one more ray of sunshine on this, another big job not mentioned is lubing the drive shaft and rear end.  Yeah, you can find all sorts of fun things to do if you look around!  http://www.gadgetjq.com/gadgetsfixitpage.htm#maintenance

We'll have ya broke in no time!

[chief]

There is a Manuals and References category over on the web site in the accessories area.

http://www.VulcanDrifterRiders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/26

Also a listing for where you can download owners manual... and buy service manuals.

http://www.vulcanDrifterRiders.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/583/cat/26

[lumper]

Awesome thanks again, and thank you too Marshall I appreciate it man.
Lump

[Troll]

No problem, just want to help. I got mine on eBay...it's the factory manual for the '01-05 models. These cost like $65 from the dealer, but I think I paid like $25

[marshalldoll]

Hey lump here you go"
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SERVICE-MANUAL-1999-2000-VULCAN-1500-DRIFTER-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b8442573QQitemZ170595198323QQptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature
Dan
dwclocks@aol.com

[lumper]

Hey Troll,
Thanks alot for the email with the pics, I know it was a hassle for you to do that.
Is that a manual I can just buy?
I need that and may as well get one.
I still have my harley one and it is huge, but I am thinking it would answer a lot of my questions and allow me to read up on stuff that i want to learn more about and tackle next.
thanks for the info again, let me know if you know where I can get a good all in one for this bike like a haynes or whatever the equivelant would be for a motorcycle.
Thanks again,
Lump

[lumper]

Thanksd so much for the info.
If you want to send me the pages that would be awesome!!
lumper@snet.net
I am just a little intimidated.
I want to start with the oil, crank, clutch, etc..  and go from there I guess.
Maybe I should just buy a manual do they make like a haynes or something that covers all this for these bikes?
I have the original manual but I havent looked at it very closely yet.
Anyway thanks again and if you want to send those pages I will definitely read them.
Talk to you later,
Lump

[Troll]

    Changing the fork oil is a big job. you will need to remove the legs and drain them through the top. There are no drain plugs on the lowers, like on your H-D. On the bright side, you will not get slapped in the forehead by the spring removing the fork caps. The preload is pretty light, and they pressed in and are retained by a circlip, rather than by screwing them in.  You will need a fork oil level guage, which you can fabricate using a long 1/2" dowel and a metric ruler. The fork oil level is given in mm from the top with the legs fully  compressed, and without the spring...it's 169 MM. If you are going to have the front end apart, I would suggest you pack the neck bearings while you are in there. The final drive uses 80-90 GL5 gear oil, not a big deal either. I ran 85-140 GL5 in my H-D transmissions, both 4 speed and 5 speed.  The engine oil takes care of everything else. Brake fluid and clutch fluid changes are best done by the book, as is the coolant change. If you want, I can scan the pages in the service manual and email them to you, or post them here. I am a little set in my ways (for good or ill) so I used dexron 3 automatic transmission fluid in my fork, as I have done in all my hydraulic forks. The manual specifies a 10w20 fork oil... good luck finding that.

[lumper]

Hi all,
I have only had my Drifter for a few weeks.
As I look closer at it and read up on things I am looking for a comprehensive how to on all the fluids.
In my Harley I was able to use one oil, amsoil 20/50 synthetic in all three holes, crank case, clutch, and oil.
On my drifter I am planning on going with Amsoil synthetic as well but I am looking for instructions on how to with the Drifter.
I want to go all through the bike, oil, clutch, crakcase, fork oil, radiator fluid, etc.. anything else I am missing.
I am looking around but it is hard to find a single page or breakdown on handling all the fluids.
I want to order everything I need this week to go through it.
I was thinking since my bike has 5700 miles on it and it is a 99  dont know how many times if at all the fluids have been done in 12 years so why take any chances, I am just going to drop and refill everything.
Any suggestions or places I can refer to to get all the info I need?
Like a step by step for each fluid and fill hole and drain.

I would also like to do the plugs and anything that is recommended for a basic tune up and fluid change to get me on the road for this season.

Any tips or advice would be gretly appreciated.

I prefer Amsoil after reading about the 5 bearing tests that are done every year and seeing the wear from these tests, I have always found Amsoil to be superior to Mobile 1 and other locally available synthetic oils and fluids and my Harley always ran a bit cooler when I went with Amsoil
Thanks in advance for any help.
Lump