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► Modify message ( Re: new drifter vn 800 owner in canada with mech questions )

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Congratulations, Rob!  Glad you found you a Drifter.  I have a few of the answers to some of your questions, maybe.

Tires-  You will probably not find any tube-type tires being made.  They will most likely all be tubeless - there is no harm in putting tubes in tubeless tires and putting them on spoke rims.  The tubeless tires just have better sealing beads that may (or may not) seal up on the rims to hold air in the tire----  however any air trapped in the tire will just escape through the valve stem hole until the tube fills the tire completely, then it's AOK.

The 18/38 gear set is a GREAT upgrade to the 800.  I rate it in the top 3 upgrades for this bike (along with Grampsizing the carb, and changing  the front fork springs over to Progressive springs).   I noticed NO difference in low end taking off - even with a passenger.  I haven't heard of anyone having a problem, or noticed it suffering in first gear.

Coolant leak-- sorry to hear about that - I don't think I've ever heard of anyone on this forum that has had that problem, but it's bound to happen to some bikes at some point, I guess.

Sorry to hear about your paint fade and such--  that's too bad the bike was left outside so much.   Hmmm   could be a great excuse to go to a 2-tone paint job, though.... LOL....    I do love a 2-tone Drifter!!!

I think the tan or brown leather would look great on the 2003 Red.

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Topic summary

Posted by rob f

- December 11, 2017, 19:04:46 PM

New VDR member ( Rob F.. see introduction post) with vn800.
Started tearing down my newly purchased vn800 with 25,000 kms and have questions.
Am looking at new tires front and back and notice that the are tube types. It appears that this limits the tires i can put on? Not familiar with mixing and matching tubeless tires on rims with tubes. I see that the front tire is an original bridgestone tube type while the back is a spitfire tubeless with tube. Also noticed that there are no balancing weights on the rims. Don't need balancing?
I see that I have traces of coolant around the weep hole at crankcase bottom. Owner says that coolant is still original . Am changing it and maybe adding water pump lube and sealer. Trying not to change pump seal if I don't have to. This is why I like my air cooled Virago so much.
Thinking of changing sprocket ratios as OR seedman has done. Does the 18/38 combo make first gear to tall for slow maneuvers? What are the chain size and style recommendations?
I might check valves but they were checked about 4000 miles ago ( so I've been told)
I bought this bike from the original owner who is now 73 and can't ride anymore. He sold the bike after about 8 years to a friend of his who had it sitting outside in the elements for 7 years.The he bought it back this spring because his buddy needed cash. He said that he was some pissed off that it had sat outside as he babied this thing while he had it.
As a result the paint is somewhat faded on the tank. Any products out there that could bring back the shine? Am thinking of using Plexus on the plastic fenders. The seat has been sun baked and will try some vinyl restore on it but I think its too far gone. I may take it to a local saddlemaker and get him to recover it in tan saddle leather. Might be a cool color scheme.
That's it for now and thanks for any input.
Rob F

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