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Reason for editing: Last Edit: August 09, 2012, 13:17:43 PM by 45 Bravo

Hey, welcome to the forums, and the world of Drifters.

I have been riding for over 40 years, and have owned many makes and models, but bought my 1999 1500 Drifter just over 1 year ago, and love it.

I have gotten more comments (mostly positive) on this motorcycle than any of the others (from a 1951 Harley Police special to a Kawasaki zx12 Ninja.)  The flair that the Drifter exudes is pure classic and people really notice it.

Ride wise, i cannot say about the 800 Drifter as I ride a 1500, but a friend has a 800 classic, that we sometimes swap bikes on rides just to break up things, and it can't be too different from your 800 Drifter.  I am 6ft1 and over 300lbs, i find the 800 has plenty of power, and moves me down the road well, and gets up to 60mph very quickly. BUT (there is always a but) the ergonomics are a little off for my liking, just a little short in the leg department, and the tank is a little narrower. But those are personal feelings.

Reliability? keep it maintained, and it is typical Kawasaki, get on and go.. And you will be going for years...

Mileage, I started riding my drifter like i have drove my last big v-twin (a Harley) low revs, and liked the sound, but something just didn't "feel" right, and my mileage sucked (about 60 miles per tank in town, and 100 on the highway before the light came on)
Then i downloaded the manual a few months later, and on the forums found the PROPER shift points for the Drifter.  I had been shifting early, and lugging the bike entirely too much.
After making the mental gear change to a higher rpm running range for the 1500 my mileage improved, and over a period of time, the bike seems to run smoother now.

I have always been in the habit of LISTENING to my bike (or cars & trucks) while i drive them, listening to the way it sounds, the way it handles, the way it FEELS and if anything changes, or makes any odd rattles and such, you can head the problem off early before it becomes a bigger problem. 
It sounds kind of esoteric, but they do talk to you, you just have to listen...
I suggest you try to do the same, you can tell after a while what it likes.

Oh, and lastly, unless you want to get into a deep drawn out conversation with someone driving a car or suv at the gas pump, when they say "Nice Indian", just say Thanks.

Ride safe.

45 Bravo

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Posted by mbk

- August 09, 2012, 10:08:46 AM

The look of the Drifter is so unique, I imagine you get stopped a lot and asked about your bike. I also imagine there is a lot of "No, It's not a classic Indian" that you have to say. But are there any other things to expect as a new Drifter rider in terms of reaction and even in terms of its ride? I've been riding for 30 years, so I'm used to being on a bike, but I am just wondering if this unique bike has a set of unique reactions, riding charecteristics, quirks, benefits, etc. Thanks in advance for the help. Mike

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