Longevity

[rob f]

Thanks for the info and as it seems with any bike, there are always a few design flaws.
Holidays were nothing spectacular and everyone looked at me strangely when i said that i was looking forward to going back to the land of ice and snow.
After going through my mail upon returning, I had my yearly invoice for my bike insurance. Kinda enforced my wife's idea that I don't really need another bike. May have to get rid of one or two before I pick up another drifter.

[drifter-paul]

Hi Rob f,

I have a '99 from new. The '99 & 2000 models are blacked out and quite unique - more period original IMHO. Black chrome handlebars, black sidecovers/headlight/indicators panels etc.
The rocker covers and engine cases are a natural looking metal colour, the cylinder fins are black.

From 2001 , there was more use of chrome, the speedo became electronic and rear bumpers were incorporated (welded tabs) in the metal bracket holding the rear mudgaurd - sand these 2002 units back and used zip tyres and double sided tape to "retro" fit them - pun not intended - project is listed by someone else in the Mods section and is easy to do, if you want it.

The speedo cable is also listed in Mods or maintenance or the 1500 section on this forum. I get  40 -60,000K out a cable.

The diaphragm sping plate in the clutch should be replaced with the Mean Streak 3 piece unit , which is a direct retro fit - You must specify Mean Streak  parts by fiche number, when ordering - don't ask for the Drifter parts. This will probably be towards 60- 80,000K (from memory) - or do it as soon as you feel acceleration lagging behind the throttle wind on - 1st starting to slip.  If you use the Mean Streak parts, you shouldn't ever need to do it again.

The Automatic cam chain tensioners (again -  info on this forum) can be checked without full removal of each unit. If fully removed they HAVE to be reset. If left too long, you may hear the chain rubbing a hole in the screw-in tubetunnels that surrounds the forward spark plugs - this is a sure sign that you need to get new tensioners. I did mine at 126,000K but replaced chains, a cam, sprockets and a split plastic guide. There are extenders for the tensioners (see Mods/Maint), or you buy whole new units. I would check the tunnels when you do the clutch plate above, or at 60-80,000.

The catalytic converter (goat bladder where the exhaust pipes converge) is a California requirement, that we all then suffer from visually. Australian ones have no internals.

How were the hols? I only check this Forum every couple of weeks or so, now. 

[rob f]

Quite a coincidence for me that you are started this post recently. i am an 800 owner and have been on VDR for about a year and a half. Been toying with the idea of picking up a 1500 as they are a little rare around the same parts. One just came up for sale about 2 days ago only a 3 hour drive from here. 1999 with 45,000 kms and looks to be in good shape. The present owner only has has it since September 2018 and has put very few kms on it since.  He claims that he is looking for a bigger bike( 1900cc) From what i can see from the ad pictures the previous owner had done some work to it. New paint, hypercharger, risers, added headlights,new seat, also comes with extra parts. I personally would like a bike that is all OEM but in my neck of the woods I can't be real choosy.
I will be running a post in the 800 forum as some of the boys have both, but while i have your ear Drifter-Paul just would like to ask some questions.
Sounds like you have had this bike for a while so is there some things i should know about maintenance or weak points. Any mods you recommend?
Not sure what year your bike is, but was wondering if the 1999 first year of production differs much from the newer ones.

Thanks for any info and i am heading on vacation for a week so my replies will have to wait until I get back. That should give me some time to figure out how to tell my wife I am thinking about getting a 4th bike.

Rob

[indue]

Nice going Paul. Did you grease everything up to last the next 100,000 km? You know, do it once, do it right and you will be riding into the sunset...

[drifter-paul]

Kilometers , yes. That's about 105,000 miles now. It's my keeper 

[basilbug]

Life of parts -

Replaced the shaft drive at 161,600 K - should have been sooner - came apart in my hands, when I took it out.

The starter motor shorted out at 167,300 and took the battery with it.

Still going strong. More reliable than a BMW.

Impressive.. You put all those miles on the Drifter?

[drifter-paul]

Life of parts -

Replaced the shaft drive at 161,600 K - should have been sooner - came apart in my hands, when I took it out.

The starter motor shorted out at 167,300 and took the battery with it.

Still going strong. More reliable than a BMW.