Modify message

The message has the following error or errors that must be corrected before continuing:
Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 180 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic.
Attachments: (Clear attachments)
Restrictions: 6 per post (6 remaining), maximum total size 64.00 MB, maximum individual size 29.30 MB
Uncheck the attachments you no longer want attached
Click or drag files here to attach them.
(Clear attachments)
Other options
Shortcuts: ALT+S post or ALT+P preview

Topic summary

Posted by dakuhosu
 - September 07, 2013, 12:39:39 PM

Black was the decider for me. I wish I had a neck cover though.

Posted by greenbarn
 - September 07, 2013, 10:34:50 AM

I like the black model a lot too.  But I also like the chrome a lot.  In different ways.  I want one of each, but THAT would be hard to justify.  Its hard to narrow it down.   Sometimes when I can't make up my mind it helps to look at intrinsic advantages....

Posted by CDNRatMan
 - September 07, 2013, 10:29:30 AM

  I 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 AM

And 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 AM

  black. simple done. over with. I'll take a black one.

Posted by greenbarn
 - September 06, 2013, 23:05:39 PM

So, 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 AM

There 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 AM

What happened to the engine, if you don't mind me asking?

Posted by Kawi636lex
 - August 27, 2013, 02:40:26 AM

Other 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 PM

The 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 PM

I 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 AM
Quote from: dakuhosu on August 23, 2013, 20:06:53 PM

No kidding, good show! Pretty sure now I got a J.

The VIN would confirm that..does your number start JKBVNAJ OR JKBVNAR

Or in Britain JKBVNT50JJ or JKBVNT50JR

John.

Posted by dakuhosu
 - August 23, 2013, 20:06:53 PM

No kidding, good show! Pretty sure now I got a J.

Posted by Lurch
 - August 22, 2013, 19:38:10 PM

Thats a handy list to have Mak.
Frustrating, but handy :)

Posted by Mak
 - August 22, 2013, 19:25:57 PM

Differences 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)

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk