GUEST? Registration opens up many more resources which are not available to guests. Registration is free, we never sell or give others access to your information.
Posted by Old Drifter
- February 25, 2017, 08:40:35 AMHi, and welcome to the forum! As Trall said, get a Kawasaki service manual that covers your year Drifter. It's an invaluable source of info with torque values, fluid capacities and much more. It's a must have for Drifter owners. Also...did anyone mention pics? We love pics of Drifters. 
Posted by Trall
- February 25, 2017, 03:20:08 AMQuote from: Adventure_Boy on February 24, 2017, 20:52:26 PMEBay. Generally used and sometimes new parts. Kawasaki parts go to Partzilla. You can type in your exact bike and look through all the parts and diagrams of it from the drop down menu.Is there a particular website that is popular for Drifter parts?
Posted by Adventure_Boy
- February 24, 2017, 20:52:26 PMWow! Thank you so much for all the info! That information wasn't as bad as what I was thinking and is very due-able. I will definitely be doing all the work myself. I've watched countless videos on Youtube of different things such as oil and filter changes, radiator flushes and cleaning the gas tank etc... the real problem will be finding the time to do all the work haha I'm sure if I do little by little it will be done in no time.
Is there a particular website that is popular for Drifter parts?
Posted by Trall
- February 24, 2017, 02:27:02 AMWelcome. Sounds like a really cool Uncle to have and great taste in motorcycles. Drifters are old school cool too.
For starters if your planning on doing the work yourself change the oil and oil filter, change the shaft drive gear oil, buy a mighty pro mini bleeder and change out your front, rear, and clutch fluids. The mighty pro makes it super easy for the first timer. Check YouTube for video on it. Drain and replace gas.
New battery of course, I always add a Battery Tender Jr to it.
Change your spark plugs, check gap and add a dab or anti-seize to the threads.
Check that your coolant is topped off for now.
Now that should be a good starting point before you try and start the bike.
The more advanced mechanics might have some more tips before that point.
trace down the radiator leak to fix, then do a flush and new radiator fluid. Probably a good time to change the thermostat. When I did mine it was a pain. Add a skim coat of blue or red RTV to the gasket to hold it in place. Be real careful with the four mounting screws so you don't lose them and don't over tighten or you'll crack the plastic housing and have to replace like I did. Place some rags strategically under the housing when you remove the four screws just in case. I used a 2 foot long Phillips screw driver for screw removal and found it the best. Also added painters tape around screw and Phillips screwdriver to keep on place when installing again.
Before you add the new radiator fluid, I would change out the radiator senors for the temputure sensor and I think fan switch. I think their is two sensors. One for sure. They fail overtime and new ones mean you got that covered.
You'll prob need new tires and possible brake pads as well.
Good luck.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- February 23, 2017, 16:32:19 PMHang tight and our wealth of knowledgeable people will be here shortly to let you know what you have to plan for or what to do.
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!