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Posted by Adventure_Boy
- February 23, 2017, 15:35:00 PMHello Everyone,
This is my first post and I tried searching for a forum on this topic but could not find one.
I recently was given a 2001 Drifter 1500 from my Uncle that passed away last year. This is the first motorcycle I've owned and I consider myself extremely lucky as the Drifter is awesome and it has a lot of sentimental value as it was something I bonded with my uncle over.
A little history of what the motorcycle has been through. My uncle was a firefighter in California and on his off times he would travel. He's told me stories of traveling cross country from the ocean of California through the middle of the US to the ocean of Maine. He then went South and went through Florida and Georgia and head back that way to California. He has also gone through Canada and went to Montreal and even ridden to Alaska. The bike only had a windshield attached with some saddlebags. He wanted to prove he was a Hardcore rider that did not need to have a touring motorcycle or having the luxury most people require to do cross country trips. He also wanted to accomplish these tasks and say that he did it all on a Kawi and NOT A HARLEY! He said Harley riders would always give him crap for having a Kawasaki until my uncle told them the trips he has taken on that Drifter. He said they shut up after he told them haha My uncle would camp in tents on the side of the road. So the bike has definitely seen some adventure and has miles on it.
From my understanding its all the same parts as he had when he road. The only aftermarket thing he added was Vance and Hines straight pipes and chrome grips. I think he purchased it new so there has only been 1 owner. My uncle became very busy and could not find the time to ride. He was actually going to take me on a trip and teach me how to ride when I got my first motorcycle. Interesting that after he passed his motorcycle was given to me as my first motorcycle and I plan on fixing it up and taking it on a trip myself. My uncle had stated that the bike needed some work but I don't know how much work he was thinking. Its been sitting for at least 1.5 - 2 years as he passed away this time last year. My uncle removed the battery and I'm not sure if it was because it wouldn't hold a charge or because the bike was sitting too long. I have it in my garage but I do not know if it will hold a charge. I have not attempted to start it as its been sitting for too long with fluids left inside so I'm guessing that would end horribly. Also there seems to be a small green coolant leak dripping from the "engine vent hose?" not sure what its called but it hangs freely on the right side of the radiator. I was told it was the mechanical seal for the water pump that needs to be changed however when researching the parts for the water pump no mechanical seal shows up unless there is another name for it. The only seal I've found was a 9mm O-Ring.
I don't know much about motorcycles so the BIG question I have is: What are the steps I need to take before trying to start the bike? Is there a check list of things I need to look for first? Any info is appreciated! Thank you fellow Drifters!