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Posted by CDNRatMan
- September 07, 2013, 10:29:30 AMI just like the blacked out look better and rather ride a bike I like the looks of then one I don't, so when I win the lottery I will purchase me a 1999 1500 Drifter.............perhaps I could buy 2 of them, and give one to a friend.
Posted by greenbarn
- September 07, 2013, 09:37:39 AMAnd the "advantage" of black (besides the fact you like it better) is....? easier to polish than chrome?
Posted by CDNRatMan
- September 07, 2013, 03:00:32 AMblack. simple done. over with. I'll take a black one.
Posted by greenbarn
- September 06, 2013, 23:05:39 PMSo, we've got the basic differences listed. This is a great comparison list.
Is it possible to boil these down to advantages/ disadvantages? (mainly because I'm unofficially shopping for and can't decide which one I like better...)
So J vs. R:
black vs chrome - I guess this is basically a personal preference? I like both in different ways (yeah, one of each would be great but not in my near future...)
Tank size: I have to think the larger tank on the R is an advantage.
Speedo: Mechanical (J) vs. Electronic (R). I think the mechanical is more nostalgic or retro, but is the electronic any more reliable?
Throttle Cable: longer on J - slight advantage? does it even matter?
Steering Lock: Is the J's location more convenient?So what else? Seat configuration. If I understand, for EITHER model, you MUST have the OEM 2-up brackets to mount ANY 2-up seat? Is that right? If that's right the J has the advantage, but if you buy an R that already has a 2-up (stock or otherwise) then this advantage is negated?? Somebody verify this...
Goose-neck cover - R only - this seems to be a "cleaner" look???
Posted by dakuhosu
- September 04, 2013, 08:20:47 AMThere is a Drifter engine on ebay or craigslist right now. Can't remember which. I'm sure I could find it again if there was some interest.
Posted by DC
- August 27, 2013, 06:47:01 AMWhat happened to the engine, if you don't mind me asking?
Posted by Kawi636lex
- August 27, 2013, 02:40:26 AMOther then cosmetics, is newer better? I have a 99 that is complete. It does need a new engine but the bike has ONLY 15000 mi. I did locate a 2002 with under 10000 mi and runs perfect. If I were to pick this up, I would definitely have a perfect parts bike on the side...well, That is if Most parts are compatible. Thanks in advance
Posted by Troll
- August 25, 2013, 19:06:31 PMThe plastic neck covers won't fit on a J...the neck is very different on R models. I had to replace one of the covers on mine, and I got one from an FI Classic...
Posted by pcarrell
- August 25, 2013, 17:59:42 PMI believe the J's didn't have a goose neck cover like the R's did also.
Posted by John Hopkins
- August 24, 2013, 11:07:46 AMQuote from: dakuhosu on August 23, 2013, 20:06:53 PMThe VIN would confirm that..does your number start JKBVNAJ OR JKBVNARNo kidding, good show! Pretty sure now I got a J.
Or in Britain JKBVNT50JJ or JKBVNT50JR
John.
Posted by dakuhosu
- August 23, 2013, 20:06:53 PMNo kidding, good show! Pretty sure now I got a J.
Posted by Lurch
- August 22, 2013, 19:38:10 PMThats a handy list to have Mak.
Frustrating, but handy 
Posted by Mak
- August 22, 2013, 19:25:57 PMDifferences between J and R:
Tank
Tank lid
Tank emblems
Speedo, complete inc tank housing (mechanical vs electronic + J has to less speedo cable brackets)
OEM throttle cables are longer on the R version (~2")
Steering lock (J has it on the frame, R has it below the steering)
Top steering stem nut on J is smaller then R version
Fender rail on the J has no bumpers
J has no left overall engine cover
Gear shifters are different to match engine cover assembly
Alternator housing on J is domed, on R it is flat to allow for chrome engine cover
Underneath the seat the tilt switch is slightly different arranged
Of course largely all things black & "cast" look vs chrome
For the OEM seat arrangement (surf board) on the J the backrest and luggage rack is substantially different than to that of the R version (by then F&S truly kicked in)
R version came largely as solo look bike
cant find my old list but there are a couple more minor ones here and there
Mak
(2R's, 1J)
Posted by dakuhosu
- July 19, 2013, 11:11:17 AMOk maybe I was a little harsh 
, the Emblems finally showed up today. Maybe the screws that hold the covers on are different between different years, on mine they are different sizes between sides. I have to admit, they do look good and the fit seems to be very good as well, nearly perfect. I wouldn't be so hot to get them if I didn't make them the centerpiece of the bike. The whole design was revolving around those emblems, I was even going to wait for paint. Singh said I should get my seat today too so it might be a very good day indeed, it figures I can't work on the bike till later though. I'll give Singh a break because his stuff may be coming all the way from India, he gets an extra day 
.
Posted by chief
- July 18, 2013, 11:49:01 AMDid you buy from Zambini or from a dealer on ebay? I see that Zambini has them listed differently for 99/00 and the rest... don't know why unless there is a slight difference in shape ...