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Posted by CDNRatMan
- May 19, 2015, 19:44:28 PMThere are some awesome riding roads this way, and even over on the QC side there is a few really good rides. 105, 117 to New Liskeard would be an awesome ride. I was stationed in Petawawa for 5 years and so have covered a lot of the roads between there and Ottawa, a lot of nice back road riding. 6 hours from Ottawa to New Liskeard, the Freedom Ride is something you have to experience in your life time........check out the link down in the Canadian section.
Posted by Donkey
- May 19, 2015, 18:52:19 PMNo kidding on strapping to the rear... I think the days of picking up a dozen eggs are done...
I contacted Mike at Wompus, he replied right away. Looking like that's the surest bet.
Sounds like an invite RatMan! And sounds like an awesome ride too... Haven't been much past North Bay in that direction but no reason why not!
Posted by pcarrell
- May 19, 2015, 18:15:44 PMQuote from: Donkey on May 19, 2015, 14:37:44 PMI don't think you'd want to strap things to the rear fender.The prioroites are shifting to a luggage rack, and a way to fix that deep gouge in the rear fender... I know some trips are going to come up this summer and the saddlebags just won't cut it!
Lashing anything to the rear fender is just not possible with how unique these things are...
Since the rear fender is plastic it'd only hold maybe 10lbs of weight anyways, besides, it'd be well shaken!
As for the luggage rack, Wompus Rack's has you covered: http://www.wompusracks.com/kawasaki-rack.html
I had scratches on my rear fender too, right on top like you have. I had these guys make me a fender bib and a matching tank bib and it solved the problem real quick. https://www.chilhowee.net/fender-bibs.html
Posted by CDNRatMan
- May 19, 2015, 15:43:06 PMAh in the big city of Ottawa.....are you going to make New Liskeard?
Posted by Donkey
- May 19, 2015, 14:37:44 PMYes... "if it ain't broke don't fix it" applies, big time. I have all the parts to "scooterize" and "grampsize" my 800 too but could never do it... just runs too damn well. Same with this Drifter... not worth messing with a perfectly tuned bike for a little more grumble. And it seems every day the sound grows on me to the point of not wanting it to be anything else...
There's a place here in Ottawa that will make and form windshields... I'm debating having one made rather than cutting it down... I've done that before and though it's relatively easy, it's finding the time that's a challenge.
The prioroites are shifting to a luggage rack, and a way to fix that deep gouge in the rear fender... I know some trips are going to come up this summer and the saddlebags just won't cut it!
Lashing anything to the rear fender is just not possible with how unique these things are...
Posted by CDNRatMan
- May 18, 2015, 22:00:19 PM 
if it is not broken why change it, and if you like it then leave it alone, does not matter what others say or think it is your bike. As an opinion here and you will get a lot of really good honest answers but then you have to do what you want and can afford.......or like some lads like the Missus says you can do......lol.....
Posted by Donkey
- May 18, 2015, 21:33:46 PMQuote from: pcarrell on May 18, 2015, 21:31:48 PMThanks! Blind, stupid or tired but I see it now!Under the persons avitar pic is something that looks like a word balloon. Click on that and you can do a private message.
Posted by Donkey
- May 18, 2015, 21:32:05 PMSo far... Some decisions...
Exhaust... I've grown to really like the subdued but deep note of the 1500 burble. That combined with the varying noise restrictions in some provinces and states means the baffles are going to stay as is.
Since she runs perfectly, and I won't be changing the backflow pressures with exhaust alterations, a power commander is off the list.
More soon but just checked in and love the time you've taken for replies... Thanks gang...
Posted by pcarrell
- May 18, 2015, 21:31:48 PMQuote from: Donkey on May 18, 2015, 21:22:12 PMUnder the persons avitar pic is something that looks like a word balloon. Click on that and you can do a private message.Interested for sure! Not sure how to PM in this forum, or if I am allowed yet...
Posted by Donkey
- May 18, 2015, 21:22:12 PMQuote from: moosewing3 on May 14, 2015, 08:40:34 AMInterested for sure! Not sure how to PM in this forum, or if I am allowed yet...Welcome to the forums.I have a stock two up I am looking to sell if your interested.
Posted by Troll
- May 15, 2015, 14:46:28 PMFew things to keep in mind. The 1500 is based on a Classic. There are differences, but a lot of the parts are interchangeable, or almost so. Some of the Nomad bits will work, too. Places like Partzilla and Bike bandit will give you part numbers and diagrams. Partzilla also has an "also used on" function for part numbers. Sometimes that helps, sometimes not. example would be fuel tanks. Because of the paint scheme differences, the same 5 gallon tank, that would bolt on any of the Vulcans is not listed because of the colors....Personally I like making or adapting parts rather than just a bolt on...
Posted by Donkey
- May 15, 2015, 09:13:09 AMTHANKS GANG!!! Lots of exaclty the kinds of insight I was looking for and I'll answer in a bit... I've been doing more research... and have more clarity...
And I REALLY have to take some pics! I took ONE the day I got it and she needs a bath first before I take any more!
The guy I bought the bike from is a good freind and still full of insight but the forums are global... can't beat that.
Posted by 49Reo
- May 14, 2015, 22:26:14 PMWelcome to the madhouse. Always fun to read of others first passion when they finally get the bike of their dreams. Now the fun begins. Making it yours. When it comes to these Drifters, creativity is the key. Most of the trinkets and baubles you see on others Drifters are adaptations from other bikes. or scratch built, thus a lot of individuality emerges. No two are the same. Have fun, and keep us all up-to-date with pics and stories! We'd love to see it!
Posted by pcarrell
- May 14, 2015, 09:02:46 AMQuote from: Donkey on May 13, 2015, 20:36:13 PMThere are a few options for 2up seats, but the brackets are a must. These are some of the seat options offered over the years: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/drifterseats.html Some of them are no longer made, but might turn up second hand. You might find this page interesting: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?action=links;cat=33 Also, besides looking on Ebay for the brackets, you can try here: http://www.ronayersmotorcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=389864&category=Motorcycles&make=KAWASAKI&year=2001&fveh=8987-It has a Corbin 1-up... I want to keep that but I'd also like a stock 2-up to swap on/off for the kids...
-Any other 2-up opinions welcome (I understnad the brackets are as expesive as the seat)
QuoteNo tellin'.........most trailer hitches I've seen on Drifters seem to attach to the passenger foot peg mounts and to the frame under the seat, as the whole rear of the bike moves too much to mount to. As for a side car mount, maybe look in that section of the forum and compare to what you see there to determine if that's what you have.-It had a heavy duty custom steel bracket on the right side... sidecar or trailer? That's gone. Those are my guesses what it was.
QuoteYour shield should come up to about your chin or so at it's highest. You can go lower, but I'd not recommend higher. As for the batwing, there are a few options. Some good info has been gathered here: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?action=links;cat=35 One thing to remember.......Drifters use the same front forks as a 1500 Fuel Injected Classic, so while there are some subtle differences, most fork related parts for those bikes fit ours pretty well. That means stuff like this is on the menu: http://www.recklessmotorcycles.com/classic1500.htm-Has a windshield. Too high for what I like. While I debate a quick release batwing (opinions welcome), I will cut it down to about 14"
QuoteOther then stock Drifters, I don't know if there are any two that are alike! Make it "right" in your eyes!-I'm a big fan of the "way it was supposed to look" for this bike. The colour stays, there will be little mods to this one.
QuoteCheck local laws reguarding this. Also keep in mind laws of states you might want to visit. I know for example that Colorado has very strict noise level laws concerning motorcycle exhausts.-But I do like the V&H Longshots. I'm used to a little more bark with the 800 and V&H Cruzers and debated removing some baffling...
QuoteCan't help ya there.....sorry!-I'm worried removing baffling will affect backpressure and run reliability. Opinoins, again, very welcome
QuoteWith just the V&H pipes you don't need it and probably don't want it.-Anyone have a power commander? If so, reviews and why?
QuoteYeah, that rack sounds like it has to go. There was the Kawasaki Fire & Steel rack, but the only one of those that I've seen mounts to the 2up seat bracket, so it's no good for a solo setup. Other then that, it's pretty slim pickin's! Wompus Racks used to make a solo rack, but I'm not sure if they still do. Then you can always make your own setup. I did, using only basic tools (an angle grinder with grinding and cutoff discs, and a drill) when I wanted to mount an old Shovelhead tour pack to my 1500. ( http://s83.photobucket.com/user/pcarrell/library/Drifter/Tour%20Pack?sort=3&page=1 )-Rear luggage... it has bags, and a modified rack over the fender but something has to change. The rack is too low and has contacted the fender and rubs against the seat... and I'm a little bit of a perfectionist. Any "removable" or OEM luggage rack options welcome
They say that the bike is just the downpayment on the accessories, and truer words were never spoken!
Welcome to the forum!
Posted by moosewing3
- May 14, 2015, 08:40:34 AMWelcome to the forums.I have a stock two up I am looking to sell if your interested.