Newb after 30 years

[greenbarn]

Rlearmont,  glad you found an issue that's helping out the handling.. ....    I'd like to "second" most of the other comments on here already mentioned.  The riding course is really good...

Tire dates very important-  The date code should be 4 digits (unless the tire is very old, then it will be 3 digits).  The date will follow the DOT  number on one side of the tire or the other  (but probably not on both sides), and will be something like 2512  -- where the year built is the last 2 digits (2012 for 12) and the week of the year is the first 2 digits (25th week of 2012 in this example).   GET NEW TIRES if they are old.

One thing I didn't see mentioned --  the steering stem bearings are notorious for going bad on the Drifters, and they will give you bad low speed handling issues.  Check out the neck bearings really well.

Happy trails.

[Pete]

I recommend that you check the age of the tyre - the date code is mouded into the sidewall.

Manufacturers variously specify tyre life in terms of age in the range 5 - 7 years. When I got my Drifter the tyre was 10 years old. I put new ones on and the handling was significantly better.

If you haven't ridden for a long time, like me, the thing that you will probably notice most is the improvement in tyre technology.

[Rlearmont]

Problem solved!!!!!
I finally checked the pressure in the tires.  Both of them were below 10 lbs!!!
Once I aired them up to the proper pressure, I am having NO issues with the bike and now I see what everyone is talking about.  The drifter is a super easy to ride comfortable cruiser!!!!!!!!

Thanks again to everyone that commented.  I really appreciate all of the support.  I will sign off now, it's time to go for a ride...lol

[Lucky]

funny parallel to my own story -- mine was a kz400 as the last full time ride, other than a weekender here and there.

1 take a MSF course -- second best money i spent on my 800 --
2 first best was michellen commander II tires - totally changed how the bike dealt with low speed and cornering
3 drag the rear brake, OFTEN --
4 get a cheap digital tach, and maneuver at around 2200 RPM, using clutch control for speed ..

welcome back

[Rlearmont]

Thanks again for all of the replies!!!
I do agree it's probably just me having issues with my bike.
When I went down it was simply my lack of clutch and throttle control.  I haven't taken the time to get used to the friction zone and throttle control on this bike.
I also have found that I use the front brake too much at slow speeds.  Right turn from a stop, a little too much throttle, clutch engaged too much and grab the front brake...bad mix.
I'm waiting for the sore ribs to ease up before I get back to practicing.  I want to be close to 100% before I get back to practice.  No need to rush.
I also have a bike mechanic coming over to check the bike over for me.  Checking cables, tires, clutch, etc.  I'm pretty sure it's just my lack of experience and practice.  But I'll rule out anything mechanical.
I am really looking forward to gaining saddle time on the most beautiful bike ever designed (in my opinion).
I really just wanted to start this thread to encourage anyone else that hasn't ridden in a long time or never at all.  If I can learn (relearn), anyone should be able to, and don't be afraid to make mistakes, ask for help, and be careful.  Before we know it, we should be proficient and out enjoying our Drifters. 

[Tush]

I highly recommend a refresher course as well.  I just got back into bikes this year after not riding for about 35 years.   I took a 2 1/2 day riding course with 1/2 day being classroom oriented and the other 2 riding classes.
Well worth the money.

Cheers,
Tush

[OR Seedman]

my 2 cents here as well....I hadn't ridden for 16 yrs when I bought my 800 in 2016.  Even though I had been riding motorcycles since I was 10, I immediately signed up for an intermediate/advance level instruction course to get certified for my endorsement.  I trailered the 800 there (I was the only one in the course with my actual motorcycle).  it was 7 hours of continuous riding through various courses laid out in a large parking lot.  by the time I was done, I felt super comfortable on the bike.  Loved the way it was so easy to handle around town and in traffic....two years later, I have sold the 800 and moved up to the 1500.  Yes it's heavier and less nimble, but for a big bike, it handles really well, too.  So, I would definitely take a refresher course if you can find one locally....and take the bike you are going to be riding.  Never made any sense to my why someone would take a course on a provided bike (usually small - 200-250cc) and then think they can handle a 900lb full dress HD just the same.... 

[rob f]

I"ll chip in some comments also.
I agree with T &M about the bike being easy to handle. The Drifter is a deceiving bike as it looks bigger than an 800cc should be.
A lot of us learnt how to ride without a course and although i have never taken one , i hear that they are beneficial even to experienced riders.
Oddly enough I have been learning a lot through You-Tube videos. Check out some of these and maybe get an insight on your issues.
Still may be a bike issue. A low front tire will give you a wallowing situation. Try raising the idle a bit. You may have partial stalling going on. Most of my slow speed falls were due to a stall. Maybe your clutch lever needs adjusting?
Also could be in your head. You  may have psyched yourself out that this is a tipsy lug of a thing and has hurt you already. Gotta get that outta your head. I know it's easier said than done. Took me a month of riding to get back up to hyway speeds after my deer collision.
Just keep telling yourself that "others can do it, so I can too"
R

[Tfrank59]

Ouch I'm glad you're okay. Yeah take it easy and do sign up for that course you won't be sorry you did

[Rlearmont]

Thanks for the replies
I think my best course of action is to forget that I have ridden before and learn from scratch and sign up for a training course.
I already had it come out from under me once while I was practicing turning from a stop and luckily all I got was a few sore ribs.  At my age, I don't bounce as well as I used to.
The drifter I bought already had a few dents and scratches so I didn't do any more harm to it.
I was surprised at how easy it was to stand it back up by myself. 

[mittico68]

I agree with TFrank.
The Drifter 800 is a good handling bike, due to its low weight and center of gravity.
Just go on with your training and you'll be soon able to ride her even at low speed.
If I can give you advice, try also this exercise: while ridin' in 2nd gear and at a really slow speed, close the bike's speed throttle, pull the clutch lever and try to keep the bike balanced as long as possible.
But remember to put a foot on the ground, as soon as the bike stops! 

[Tfrank59]

I thought they were right around 500 lbs .  You have the right idea, to take it slow and easy in an empty parking lot, maybe set up some cones or something and work on turns and other maneuvers, including soft and hard stopping.  The Vulcan Drifter is a very easy bike to maneuver--not to offend--and you should be able to handle her in short order.  I found the center of gravity to be fairly low, along with the seat height, so that turns and other maneuvers at slower speeds weren't an issue.  One thing for me is my other bike is an 800 lb Valkyrie, so my reference for comparison makes the Drifter seem like a light-weight.  since you've been out of the riding scene for 30 years, it might pay to take a course in motorcycle safety, as pretty much EVERYTHING (you, bikes, roads, other drivers, laws, etc.) has changed dramatically since the 80s.

[Rlearmont]

I just purchased a 2000 800 and am having trouble getting it to go where I want it to go at slow speeds.  Anything above 25 mph and she handles like a dream.
Maybe its because the last time I owned and drove a bike was 1989.  Or maybe I'm not used to throwing around a bike this size, my last bike was a kawasaki LTD 440 that weighed less than 380lbs.
I am taking it slow and practicing in the back yard and empty parking lots before hitting the open road.
Any advise or others that had issues when first riding a 600lb drifter?