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Posted by Troll
- June 28, 2015, 19:56:51 PMThat would be because his 40k Harley is the same as all the others....
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 28, 2015, 19:28:18 PMHe was ok with it but did dismiss it as people being attracted to the novelty of my bike.
Posted by moosewing3
- June 28, 2015, 17:32:59 PMWelcome to the forum
Posted by greenbarn
- June 28, 2015, 08:35:41 AMYou should always just say "done for now".... 
Quote from: Ken Wolkens on June 27, 2015, 23:53:24 PMSo how did your friend take the blow??... After that I'm done. Famous last words right?
Don't ya just love it???
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 27, 2015, 23:53:24 PMYep, that trip hurt the pocketbook. It also got dented today when I bought a set of saddle bag mounts.
However, I did enjoy two very priceless moments today while out for a ride.
First one was I pulled into the local Indian Motorcycle Dealer and the salesperson commented that it was a nice bike and wanted to know if I was looking for a new one. I had to explain that it was a Kawasaki...
At lunch I parked next to my friend's $40K Custom Harley and my $4K "Metric" got just as much if not more attention.
So for now I'm still below $5000.00 but I can say that the bags will surely put me over. After that I'm done. Famous last words right?
Posted by greenbarn
- June 25, 2015, 23:20:43 PMQuote from: Ken Wolkens on June 22, 2015, 21:33:41 PMSince I have no time I took the Drifter to Frank's Cycle in Melbourne for a full maintenance.
They changed all of the fluids, gave it some fresh plugs and I bit the bullet and had them put on a new set of Michelins while it was there.
I've burned a tank of gas since picking it up and can say that I'm very happy with the Drifter so far.
Now to find a set of saddle bags for it that won't break the bank.
What's the saying.... "the initial cost of the bike is just the down payment for all the add-ons required..." 
Posted by pcarrell
- June 23, 2015, 08:45:45 AMWelcome Ken! Can't wait to see a pic of your ride!
Posted by Mr.Hanbar
- June 22, 2015, 23:23:47 PMWelcome to the forum Ken!
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 22, 2015, 21:33:41 PMSince I have no time I took the Drifter to Frank's Cycle in Melbourne for a full maintenance.
They changed all of the fluids, gave it some fresh plugs and I bit the bullet and had them put on a new set of Michelins while it was there.
I've burned a tank of gas since picking it up and can say that I'm very happy with the Drifter so far.
Now to find a set of saddle bags for it that won't break the bank. 
Posted by Mr. P
- June 17, 2015, 17:07:58 PMWelcome Brother.
Posted by Elmo Hayride
- June 14, 2015, 19:16:12 PMWelcome Ken.
Posted by Troll
- June 05, 2015, 08:08:05 AMIf you're really serious about a pump and filter, you'll be surprised at a bill for around $700 for the parts. If the pump checks out ok, I'd leave it...you can always spend the money later...you have enough to do right now. Here's a link to bikebandit for the pump and other necessary parts. The check valve will need to be changed, too, since they superseded the old pump number. http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-kawasaki-vulcan-1500-drifter-vn1500r/o/m149439#sch67395
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 05, 2015, 06:53:02 AMGood point.
Posted by greenbarn
- June 04, 2015, 21:27:25 PMKen, If I were you I would look very carefully at the tires. Check the dates on them. If they've been sitting 4 years, who knows how old they could have been before storage... Especially in your hot climate- heat and old tires are extreme enemies and more often than not, heat wins....
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 04, 2015, 20:24:19 PMTroll, The Pump Carrier Gasket seems to have sealed. I was really surprised that it came out looking as good as it did. Not deformed or squished and when I laid it back on the flange all of the holes were perfectly aligned so I figured I'd give it a try and it seems to be good.
I'll be heading to the Kawasaki shop in Cocoa tomorrow so they can stare at me like a deer in headlights when I start asking for parts for this beast.
My plan is to get a pump, the gasket, a fuel filter and a few more maintenance items.
This bike has been sitting for at least 4 years so it needs everything done. Even the tires are flat spotted. They seemed to round out after a couple of minutes of slow riding. We'll see how they do.