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► Modify message ( Re: front and rear lowering Drifter 1500 )

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Reason for editing: Last Edit: October 22, 2022, 16:43:39 PM by chief

Progressive lists the 412, 430 and 444 series shocks for Drifter 1500. 11.5 inch shocks are the shortest I've seen.  OEM Drifter rear shocks are 13".

I had the 412's and didn't like them so got the 440's (now 430 or 444).

[url="https://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/3139/1999/kawasaki/vn1500-vulcan-drifter"]Progressive Suspension[/url]- for Drifter

Progressive also makes a front fork lowering kit. Usually shortening the pvc spacer in the forks is all that is needed.

Again eBay USA usually has shocks etc for Drifter. I'd not buy oem air shocks from ebay unless they are guaranteed not to be leaking.

Classic/FI/Nomad shocks reportedly work on Drifter, though they are 1/2 to 1" shorter. Also, riders have used other brand shocks, like HD. Usually you can find and compare dimensions and specs of the shocks.

Remember the Drifter has shaft drive so you don't want to change the geometry too drastically.  ALWAYS remember the fender floats with the wheel, unlike most bikes.

SEAT HEIGHT. The OEM seat height is 29.1". My Corbin seat reduces that a bit. Corbin makes solo and double seats for Drifters. [url="https://www.corbin.com/kawasaki/drift_menu.shtml"]Corbin seats[/url]

GROUND CLEARANCE: For the 1500, Kaw says it has a 4.9" ground clearance.

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Topic summary

Posted by what_the?!

- October 22, 2022, 16:39:27 PM

which shocks did you use please?

ive lowered about 10 bikes so far..cut and welded a few stands...this is only 38mm which is pretty mild in comparison. i am surprised it affected the stand to that extent as ive lowered a few bikes over 75mm and they still were ok-ish. i didnt have to shorten the stands though on a couple.

im just trying to find the right shocks for now please if you can provide details?

cheers.

Posted by OR Seedman

- October 22, 2022, 16:11:23 PM

lowering your Drifter 1500 that much will make the side stand a little too long. I had 11" rear shocks on mine and I could not turn the front wheel fully to the right while it was on the side stand....it wanted to fall over to the right. If you lower both the front and the rear, you need to shorten the side stand accordingly...just my $.02...:-)

Posted by what_the?!

- October 22, 2022, 00:23:29 AM

Hi All,

i want to put an 11" shock on the rear of my drifter, and as im in australia, i need to be sure that i get the right one.

can someone please advise me which to get?..does the 99 drifter have the same shocks as the classic?

im going to get the 1-2" fork lowering kit from progressive also, but it too doesnt mention the drifter specifically..just the classic.

hoping someone here can help me please? its very costly to have to return 12,000 miles..

cheers,

tim

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