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Posted by OR Seedman
- June 01, 2018, 22:51:32 PMWelcome to the forum....I believe I had seen the bike you bought for sale last year in Lake Oswego....then I saw it again for sale in Sandy....minus the windshield (in advertisement pics). I think you got it for a good price, if it's the same one I am thinking about....
OR Seedman
Posted by greenbarn
- June 01, 2018, 22:23:37 PMWelcome to the forum, Kevin, and welcome to the Drifter family. As to your questions, I've never owned a Classic, but the two bikes are cousins and have a lot of similarities. The front wheel should be about the same, almost identical to the classic, except the fender. The tricky part is getting the bike high enough to get the tire out from under the fender. or raising the fender high enough inside the forks to get the tire out. Similar on the back- the fender has to come off first before you can get the tire out.
Uncle Rolly has a good video here (a few posts down) on diss-assembly of a Drifter, that shows a lot of detail on the wheels:
https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=51025.msg112619#msg112619
I do not remember any brake pad change vids, but if you've done them before on a Classic, it should be very similar.
As far as the seat brackets and sissy bar.. OR Seedman is building and selling some nice saddlebag brackets, backrests and such, but not for sure if he has what you want - may want to PM him. Best bet, if he doesn't have it, may be to find someting on FleaBay.
One thing you may consider - that I would suggest - while you have the forks off to change the oil, upgrade the springs to Progressive springs....
Posted by ccpastork
- June 01, 2018, 16:59:34 PMQuote from: Old Drifter on June 01, 2018, 16:37:43 PMThank you for the welcome; I was trying to post a pic, but I clearly got it wrong.Hi Kevin and welcome to the forum! Congrats on a fine choice on the 1500 Drifter. Seems like your on the right track getting it to a base line starting point for maintenance. All the listed items are fairly straight forward. I also do my own maintenance and like to keep a FSM on hand to refer to for the technical info. As far as accessories go, keep an eye out on any source you can find. Oh, in case no one else mentions it...we do like pics.
Posted by Old Drifter
- June 01, 2018, 16:37:43 PMHi Kevin and welcome to the forum! Congrats on a fine choice on the 1500 Drifter. Seems like your on the right track getting it to a base line starting point for maintenance. All the listed items are fairly straight forward. I also do my own maintenance and like to keep a FSM on hand to refer to for the technical info. As far as accessories go, keep an eye out on any source you can find. Oh, in case no one else mentions it...we do like pics. 
Posted by ccpastork
- June 01, 2018, 14:28:55 PMI am new to the forum, in fact this will be my first post, and introducing myself seemed like the logical first step.
I have been riding consistently for the last 11 years and have owned the following:
1. 250cc Suzuki Dual Sport
2. 1100cc Honda Shadow
3. 1600cc Kawasaki Vulcan Classic
4. 88cu (1442cc) Harley Davidson Electraglide Standard
I sold the Harley about two years ago because I needed a second car and at that point the bike was a luxury rather than a necessity. I have been wanting to replace it with a Drifter (one of my friends owns a 1999 Drifter), however, the prices seemed a bit steep. Two weeks ago I was bored and perusing Craigslist and found this bike. Two days later, and $2500, I rode this beauty home - 2003 Drifter 1500 with 36,000 miles. I have been combing the forum (thought lacking some skill) and have picked up some useful info (how to get a free Shop Manual download) and learn about hard to find parts.
This weekend I am planning on doing the following:
1. New front tire; the current one is badly worn
2. New brake pads; the rear brake squeals
3. Change all Fluids:
A. Brake Fluid
B. Clutch Fluid
C. Oil
D. Transmission
E. Rear end
F. Coolant
G. Fork Oil
I wanted to get the bike to a known starting point regarding maintenance and I suspect there are other things I will discover that need to be checked on.
Here are a couple questions I hope someone can answer/point me to a post on the forum:
1. description with pictures/video of brake pad changes...is this the same as a Classic?
2. description with pictures/video of wheel removal...is this the same as a Classic?
3. Any sources for a sissy bar and brackets as well as brackets for a 2up seat? (A luggage rack with brackets and saddlebags with brackets came with the bike)
I am fairly mechanical and I am planning on doing most of the work myself, any suggestions or tips are appreciated.
Kevin