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Posted by moosewing3
- June 28, 2015, 17:32:59 PMWelcome to the forum
Posted by greenbarn
- June 28, 2015, 08:35:41 AMYou should always just say "done for now".... 
Quote from: Ken Wolkens on June 27, 2015, 23:53:24 PMSo how did your friend take the blow??... After that I'm done. Famous last words right?
Don't ya just love it???
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 27, 2015, 23:53:24 PMYep, that trip hurt the pocketbook. It also got dented today when I bought a set of saddle bag mounts.
However, I did enjoy two very priceless moments today while out for a ride.
First one was I pulled into the local Indian Motorcycle Dealer and the salesperson commented that it was a nice bike and wanted to know if I was looking for a new one. I had to explain that it was a Kawasaki...
At lunch I parked next to my friend's $40K Custom Harley and my $4K "Metric" got just as much if not more attention.
So for now I'm still below $5000.00 but I can say that the bags will surely put me over. After that I'm done. Famous last words right?
Posted by greenbarn
- June 25, 2015, 23:20:43 PMQuote from: Ken Wolkens on June 22, 2015, 21:33:41 PMSince I have no time I took the Drifter to Frank's Cycle in Melbourne for a full maintenance.
They changed all of the fluids, gave it some fresh plugs and I bit the bullet and had them put on a new set of Michelins while it was there.
I've burned a tank of gas since picking it up and can say that I'm very happy with the Drifter so far.
Now to find a set of saddle bags for it that won't break the bank.
What's the saying.... "the initial cost of the bike is just the down payment for all the add-ons required..." 
Posted by pcarrell
- June 23, 2015, 08:45:45 AMWelcome Ken! Can't wait to see a pic of your ride!
Posted by Mr.Hanbar
- June 22, 2015, 23:23:47 PMWelcome to the forum Ken!
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 22, 2015, 21:33:41 PMSince I have no time I took the Drifter to Frank's Cycle in Melbourne for a full maintenance.
They changed all of the fluids, gave it some fresh plugs and I bit the bullet and had them put on a new set of Michelins while it was there.
I've burned a tank of gas since picking it up and can say that I'm very happy with the Drifter so far.
Now to find a set of saddle bags for it that won't break the bank. 
Posted by Mr. P
- June 17, 2015, 17:07:58 PMWelcome Brother.
Posted by Elmo Hayride
- June 14, 2015, 19:16:12 PMWelcome Ken.
Posted by Troll
- June 05, 2015, 08:08:05 AMIf you're really serious about a pump and filter, you'll be surprised at a bill for around $700 for the parts. If the pump checks out ok, I'd leave it...you can always spend the money later...you have enough to do right now. Here's a link to bikebandit for the pump and other necessary parts. The check valve will need to be changed, too, since they superseded the old pump number. http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-kawasaki-vulcan-1500-drifter-vn1500r/o/m149439#sch67395
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 05, 2015, 06:53:02 AMGood point.
Posted by greenbarn
- June 04, 2015, 21:27:25 PMKen, If I were you I would look very carefully at the tires. Check the dates on them. If they've been sitting 4 years, who knows how old they could have been before storage... Especially in your hot climate- heat and old tires are extreme enemies and more often than not, heat wins....
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 04, 2015, 20:24:19 PMTroll, The Pump Carrier Gasket seems to have sealed. I was really surprised that it came out looking as good as it did. Not deformed or squished and when I laid it back on the flange all of the holes were perfectly aligned so I figured I'd give it a try and it seems to be good.
I'll be heading to the Kawasaki shop in Cocoa tomorrow so they can stare at me like a deer in headlights when I start asking for parts for this beast.
My plan is to get a pump, the gasket, a fuel filter and a few more maintenance items.
This bike has been sitting for at least 4 years so it needs everything done. Even the tires are flat spotted. They seemed to round out after a couple of minutes of slow riding. We'll see how they do.
Posted by Troll
- June 04, 2015, 20:17:54 PMhttps://web.archive.org/web/20140829013504/http://www.gadgetjq.com/ff_replacement.htm
Check out this page....
Posted by Ken Wolkens
- June 04, 2015, 20:15:00 PMI just saw these helpful hints after I did one that I was taught quite a few years ago:
Emptied all the fuel, pulled the fuel pump assembly, hosed out all of the initial scale, add crushed Ice and vinegar. Shake the snot out of it in every direction. Add more ice. Shake some more. Rinse out the ice and keep rinsing until water is clear. Shake out the last bit of water and let the tank dry in the sun with the cap open.
Needless to say I put her back together and already went for a slow putt around the subdivision.
I'd forgotten how cool it was to ride....