Indianized Drifters

[drifter800]

When i first got my drifter i realy didn't care for the Indian decals and such. But realy, what's the big deal. When Indian didn't have a home, a few overseas manufactures made Indians under their
own names like Royal Enfield. Enfield Indians.They didn't look that great and never took off. They did however make some great tank badges. Do a google search. I'm surpirised no one has them on their bikes yet. I left my Kawi name plates on. People are surprised it's a Kawi and i like to give Kawi the credit for building a better 'Indian.' than Indian did. I understand the folklor of Harleys and Indian. They gotta lot of soul. Kawi just hasn't got that mistique. I love the old brit bikes as well. Gotta lot of soul especialy in old school chopper form in my eyes. Reliable? They are junk compared to the modern bike but cool.

[Iron Indian]

The Kawasaki Drifter is patterned after the Indian Chief. I think it is already "Indianized" These are already a lot closer copy than the Gilroys or  the New producers of "Indian." Are the new ones still in business?
Fact is the '99 black out Drifter 1500 models were really the closet to the original.
I bought a new 2000 Chief back then and it was a chrome belt driven beauty with the tear drop headlight and all the stuff Other than fenders and badges I don't think it was very close copy to the oldie.. but Jeeze, like I said the 1999 Drifter was a lot closer visually to the real antique Chief.
So it's only a natural for some to go ahead and put the Indian ornaments and markings on a Drifter, After all the KAWA factory did 99.5% of the Indianization.

[Chris]

Just a funny little tid bit I thought I would share with you... At a recent swap meet that will remain unnamed... A guy was hocking "Indian" fenders, fronts and rears. Claimed to have made them himself with fiberglass resin using an original fender as the mold. Also said that he cut these neat little vent holes in the front fenders to aid in cooling the brakes... so I walked up and looked at the fenders. $300 a pop for the fronts $275 for rears. He had about a half dozen of each. I asked him "Nice fenders. Where did you find so many Drifters to scavenge parts off of?"   

[drifter1946]

Hello, I would also like to deliver sometimes my modest opinion in addition. I have bought the motorcycle 10 years ago to myself because I found it nice. Also I like this Retri style. But it also depended on reliability and it feels simply well with Japanese models. My motorcycle is a Drifter more, however, also no less and builds them as well as I like it. Everything without Indian parts and will never also use the name Indian in my motorcycle. As well as she is so I like them, for 10 years.
Reiner 

[pcarrell]

And in the end, if you can say "Yes" to the question, "Are you happy with your bike?", then I think you have a winner!

[lefecious]

Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of owning an Indian.  I had the exact paint scheme picked out and everything.  However, when I got older and learned that real Indians cost a fortune and don't perform well on today's streets, and Gilroy Indians cost a smaller fortune but were unreliable, then the next logical step was the drifter.

For 6 grand I have the look I've always dreamed of having, in a bike that actually runs great, is reliable, and I can actually find parts for.

[chief]

   -- Who Me?... Now you know why I'm not Sec. of State in lieu of C. Rice. <LOL>

[pcarrell]

So why don't you quit holding back so much and tell us how you REALLY feel?

[chief]

Its called "JEALOUSY"... I've ridden a bunch of -what I thought were great looking bikes... but I have never gotten the interest and positive remarks from those (including bikes that cost 5 times as much).

#1 - If I wanted an Indian I'd find a 53. But I've done the old bike, kick start thing.

#2 - Why would I want to buy a harley clone with Indian stickers on it... that's no more an "Indian" than my Goldwing.

#3 - The Harley herd is simply mooing... ah repeating the stuff I said back in the 70's. Nowadays its meaningless.

#4 - Anyone who rates their bike based upon cost is a "poser". These are the same guys who are your "bud" when you're on your HD and denigrate you when you are on the Drifter. So, the reality is the BIKE is their bud... not you.

#5 - I don't give-a-shit what these losers think.

[pcarrell]

Hey yeah, I'm from Ingalls, which is just southeast of Anderson.  We aren't that far apart!

Maybe we'll have to hook up and do some riding this summer.

[Chris]

Hey pcarell... I think I read somewhere in the forums you are from Indiana. Is that correct? I live here in the town of Winchester about 30 minutes east of Muncie if you know where I am talking about.

[pcarrell]

My bike came with all of the emblems removed, but thats OK because I would've removed them myself and replaced them with others.  That goes the same for any bike I bought.  I'd have removed Harley or Indian emblems from one of those bikes too.  I just like to put my own custom touch on things, thats all.

As to a Drifter getting a best American classic award, the owner stepped up to the plate and corrected that mistake I hope.  If not, what a shame.  The Drifter is a much better bike in almost all areas then it's nearest look-alike, the Indian.

[harley]

 :-\I just bought a drifter and plan on taking the kaw off the tank but won't do the indian thing,the drifter is a better bike.I was reading a blog the other day and rexdog got an award for best american classic at a show back east.Hmm.

[Chris]

I am just very frustrated with the whole scene. I ride and the Indian guys berate me for not coughing up the extra for an inferior machine. The metric guys blow you crap for having a "poser bike". And the Harley knuckleheads drink beer and want race you or show you their new bar and shield tattoo etc. I just like to blow off steam and stir that well known pot. And by the way I have rode the new Indian chief and one word comes to mind... turd. The new generation of Indians are crap compared to the Indians of the '40s, which I have had the distinct pleasure of riding. (Even with a calf swollen twice it's size due to the kick starter deciding to give me a kiss) I guess what I am saying is that whatever people do with their ride I hope it is not just to be something more glamorous or novel. Most of the bikes in the directory seem to be well thought out and true to their nature, I can appreciate that.

[pcarrell]

Going with that classic Indian style is simply a natural for this bike.  It's a look, thats all.  Even the factory recognized that and capitolized on that in their advertising and promotions.

The thing is, in many ways, the Drifter is far superior to the original Indians, and even the more current models.  It's more cost effective to boot!

My own bike recalls that classic style (though I don't have an indian head light on my fender), and will probably recall it even more as I customize it more.  Thats because I like that classic art deco style.  That doesn't mean I want a poser bike though.  I'm proud that my bike is a limited edition Kawasaki Drifter.  It's the bike that the Indian company should've built!

And when someone comments on my "Indian" (or I hear "Harley" a lot too......non-bike people think every V Twin cruiser is a Harley it seems), I'm quick to thank them for the nice words of praise that they've bestowed on my Kawasaki Drifter.  That usually opens an interesting conversation.

[chief]

Everyone has an opinion. Some folks like their drifters with Indian dress... I've seen a few HD's that way in my time as well.

IF someone wants to make their bike look like a rolling pickle that's their business. I certainly won't denigrate them for doing it... maybe laugh a bit...!

With the new Indian bike companies running around and making bikes - this sort of adornment will be seen by some as a rip-off of that bike - which is unfortunate. Its really honoring the REAL Indian Moto Co. ... but if you have to explain you've probably lost the argument... IMHO.

BUT - some Indian stuff seems a natural for this bike. From what I know Indian licensed use of the fenders...

Cheers and Merry Christmas

[Chris]

I have been Drifting for many years now and I have one question for all of you that insist on putting chief head fender lights and shaving the Kawasaki emblems...... Why!?!?!?! It isn't an Indian, so don't pose like it is. I understand the classic look. I understand the inspiration. But it is still a Kawasaki under all of the fake out Indian B.S. I appreciate my Drifter for what it is; a beautifully designed bike, powerful, smooth and comfortable. I just don't like what people do to these bikes by not letting them stand on their own merits (and flaws). Why don't we all just get giant headdresses, bias ply tires, suicide shifters and a left hand spark advancers too. I know I will probably hit a nerve with some of you but it is the truth. Customization is the name of the game, but ripping off another brand's name is something else.