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Posted by Old Drifter
- December 07, 2017, 14:51:38 PMHi Rob and welcome to the forum. I have a '99 1500 Drifter and love it! I'm sure others will chime in here especially CDNRatman, he likes the 800's so much that he has two. When you find a Drifter, I'm sure you'll love it too. Good luck.
Posted by rob f
- December 07, 2017, 10:30:33 AM hello guys and gals. Rob from up here in Canada checking out your forum and looking for tips on Drifters.
Didn't have a clue that they even existed until one day this summer whilst filling up at my local gas station, a cool looking bike pulled up at the next pump. Of course had to go look and say hi.
I asked the bro if it was an Indian or a Harley and was stupefied that it was a kawi ! I guess that resurfaced my one and only addiction.... owning motorcycles. My brain said that I had to have one.
But which one or both? asked the big head. After cruising your site as a lurker and seeing all the opinions it looks like i may have to find a 800 and a 1500.
The pickin's are slim up here especially this time of year. So far I have found a 2002 800 about 4hrs away and a 1500 about a day and a half away. From comments I have read is that the 800 is more prone to mechanical issues which is sort of ok as I like to tinker (at home,not on the road). I would prefer the 1500 for power and the missing carb but like the looks and handling of the 800. Over the last 45 years I have owned a multitude of bikes from 125 to 1560 cc's . My first bike being a kawi 125 enduro at age 16. My next 2 were a kawi 350 Big horn and a brand new (1977?) KZ1000. Presently own a 650 v strom and a virago xv1100. An 800 and a 1500 would fit in there nicely. I haven't owned a kawi since 1977 and have strayed away mainly due to lack of Dealer support. Also, no disrespect, but Kawi was like the Mazda of the auto industry. I never had complaints about the ones i've had. It will be interesting to revisit this brand.
I have a few questions for your members;
Valve adjustments sound like a regular bitch to do and not a fan of the shim style. Of course if I do get a Drifter I would check the clearance just because, but every 6000 miles? really? Any comments about what intervals you would use? Are vanishing clearances a problem with these engines or is this just a regular ( unnecessary) maintenance item? Oh yes I am aware of what tight clearances would do. My son owns a Honda crf 450 that is in need of shims once a year and on the other side of the coin, I owned a 1300cc Royal Star with 80,000 kms that had 16 shim adjusted valves . Only 2 valves were out by about .001" Just kinda wondering where these Kawi engines fall.......... Always checking or do it once and don't worry?
Mileage wise what is the average life expectancy?
Not a fan of liquid cooled engines , so any common cooling system issues?
Parts availability and costs?
Vibrations at hyway speeds? Average hyway ride time before rider needs a break?
Handling at slow speeds? I got rid of my Royal Star because it scared the crap outta me in parking lots. The combo of short legs (30")and a 950lb top heavy bike doesn't go well. I am sure that the 800 is fine but wondering about the 1500. Asking because buying at this time of year doesn't allow for a test ride.
Thanks in advance for any replies and a pat on the back to those who keep this forum alive.
I belonged to the Royal Star Venture forum for a while and found them an excellent source for advice. It takes special people with a love of the product/ comradery to moderate and keep a forum going. I appreciate their efforts.
rob f