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Posted by pcarrell
- November 24, 2013, 13:14:12 PMSounds like Dave is a good friend to have!
Posted by CDNRatMan
- November 24, 2013, 11:39:52 AM I had a long chat with Dave (Certified Kaw Mechanic)
Here in this area it seems that a lot of the mechanics do not hold jobs for a long time, they get a good reputation, they work hard and are abused by their bosses, like Dave has been laid off for the winter and he is having issues with his bosses because he refuses to move boats, hot tubs and such around the show room..... anyway, he is reputed to be one of the better bike wrenches in the area, so.....
He had listened to my bike in the fall, and said it sounded really nice a tight. So he explained his idea and his plan to work on my bike. It can be done without engine removal, simply take off the tank, all the stuff up top and remove the air cleaning stuff. Then remove the valve covers, I near pooped when I saw how deep down my plugs were...lol.....I will also be posting some pictures as Dave said that would be fine, he has no issues with it, and I will credit him with doing the work. He also said that best case it is not going to be more then an inspection because everything is in the limits and bang on. So just waiting for him to call me back and let me know what day he is going to do it. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by kw-retrorider
- November 24, 2013, 05:02:34 AMRatman: looks like you are making good progress. I know you're not there yet, but do remember to report out on the valve lash as you find it before adjustment....for those of us waiting to do the same thing...or not. Thanks.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- November 23, 2013, 19:27:07 PMReally crappy weather outside so I put the paint booth back in place, the final coat of black on the bumperettes are now done and they are drying, and the paint booth is back to being a laundry room, and clothing drying area from snow covered clothing.....will let them cure for a few weeks and start to polish them with some good car wax. Bring the shine out on them.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- November 20, 2013, 21:06:26 PM Too late for that foolishness, they have been apart and hanging and dripping for the last few days. This weekend they will be done and ready to mount on the bike. I just have the steering head to check and grease then the forks back on and away we go.
As for the rear shock that is from the supplier and not sure why, but I'll have the front end back together and then the back is a piece of cake. forks, then valves, or rear shock and we are done the major work the rest is easy and will just move along.
Posted by Drift1
- November 20, 2013, 19:53:59 PMCool dude !!! Now being your bike is put away for winter your not able to try these new springs out right away . My suggestion to you is push down on the existing shocks now a few times . Maybe mark the fork with a piece of tape as to how far you can press them . When you replace the OLD springs with the NEW progressive springs try to reach the same mark . GOOD LUCK ... LOL it will never happen 
Dude I had a chance to ride with my new front springs and man O man wish I would have did this much sooner .
What's the deal on the rear spring ? Not producing many or selling them out that fast ? Man 6 weeks , maybe I'll have a chance to save up for one of those , for MA-DEUCE 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- November 20, 2013, 17:43:05 PMCool Front springs are here, rear shock is at least 6 week back order right now. So Mr. GreenBarn I am going to follow your instructions and see how well it works......
Posted by CDNRatMan
- November 16, 2013, 14:01:22 PMProgressive Shocks rear 645 series are on back order, so that project is on hold till some time in Dec or later, but the front springs should be here by Tuesday. So will get on to that project.
Posted by pcarrell
- November 16, 2013, 12:35:47 PMQuote from: gdrudd13 on November 16, 2013, 11:51:02 AMDavid made those, as well as the saddle bag protector bars.Any clue where the rear bars came from on that blue drifter? I really like those.
Posted by gdrudd13
- November 16, 2013, 11:51:02 AMI have the large throttle boss (but it black) on mine. I like it. It made a huge difference for me but I know some people don't like them. It lets me stretch out my fingers which is why I like it. I also have the leather covers for the clutch and brake levers. Been there since I've had my bike. They're comfortable as well. I don't have anything to compare them to though so it might not make a big difference. Any clue where the rear bars came from on that blue drifter? I really like those.
Posted by pcarrell
- November 15, 2013, 22:43:36 PMQuote from: Drift1 on November 15, 2013, 18:22:32 PMSorry to mislead.....I gave the wrong name! They are called the Kuryakyn ISO-Throttle Boss. These are the ones I have on my bike, but they come in different shapes. http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/kuryakyn-iso-throttle-boss-fits-right-or-left-grip-each-for-iso-grips-transformer-grips-or-braided-grips/part/KY-6250PC forgive me here , but what are ISO wings , the levers ?
Sorry for the confusion.
Posted by pcarrell
- November 15, 2013, 22:35:03 PMQuote from: greenbarn on November 15, 2013, 19:38:21 PMSorry, guess I just don't understand what you 800 guys are on about, since our 1500's are built right from the factory..........You got that exactly right. Less vibration at highway speeds due to the lower revs, and it doesn't sound like it's screaming at you at 60 mph... And the fork springs make a huge difference.... I've said it before, I think the 18/38 ratio and the progressive springs are "must do" mods on the 800.
MAN, that was fun!
Posted by greenbarn
- November 15, 2013, 19:38:21 PMQuote from: Drift1 on November 15, 2013, 16:07:52 PMYou got that exactly right. Less vibration at highway speeds due to the lower revs, and it doesn't sound like it's screaming at you at 60 mph... And the fork springs make a huge difference.... I've said it before, I think the 18/38 ratio and the progressive springs are "must do" mods on the 800.Sorry ratman just noticed I posted 18/40 . I meant 18/38 . I thought first gear was going to be a little tougher on the throttle response , but no sir . Dude your going to love this mod . I even got fancy an added a little bling - bling as you say and went with a gold chain just to give the scoot some pizaaz ......lol
Posted by Drift1
- November 15, 2013, 18:22:32 PMPC forgive me here , but what are ISO wings , the levers ? You know I bought and installed covers from Chillowee last year . The thing is the fringe just was to my liking on my scoot . Guess it really didn't go with the theme .
Thanks for those picture's I saved them to my drifter file . I think that bike is so pretty I'd be scared to ride it LOL . Always was a fan of the necille front , but imop don't like the blinkers below so much . Wow that nomad came out looking sweet as hell !
Man are we hijacking ratmans thread or what 
....... sorry there fella
Posted by pcarrell
- November 15, 2013, 17:27:23 PMQuote from: Drift1 on November 15, 2013, 15:27:27 PMIt's hard to go wrong with the ISO Grips with ISO Wings! To lose the chrome look, glue on some leather grip covers ( http://www.chilhowee.net/grip-covers.html ) and top it off with some lever covers to match ( http://www.chilhowee.net/kawasaki-lever-covers/LC004.html ).PC , thanks for that tip I'm definitely going to try those there gel pad gloves . Man the numbness I got STINKS . Think I'll try different handle bar grips as well for the comfort . My stock ones are pretty well worn out any how .
QuoteYeah, I trot out pics of David's old scoot once in a while. He did such awesome custom work on it ya know. Here's links to all the pics of it that I have.Oh yea that drifter is amazingly pretty by the way . I have that bike saved from before , I believe you showed it to me last year ?
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Drifter/Other%20Peoples%20Bikes/3LowRes.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Drifter/Other%20Peoples%20Bikes/1LowRes.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Drifter/Other%20Peoples%20Bikes/2LowRes.jpg
Oh, and I almost forgot, this is a Nomad that David did a nacelle for. The owner of this Nomad added a metal Gilroy Indian front fender. He had to do quite a bit of custom work, including widening it, to make it work, but it's all steel.
