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► Modify message ( Re: Converting a 2006 Vulcan Classic 1500 to a Drifter )

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Reason for editing: Last Edit: October 14, 2015, 15:30:46 PM by pcarrell

Well, for one thing, the swingarm on the Drifter is unique to the Drifter.  The rear fender is actually bolted to the rear swingarm and moves with it, whereas with your project you'll be mounting it differently since it's a Classic frame.  That's going to be the most tricky part.  You'll need to mount that rear fender and build some sort of supporting structure off of the Classic frame.  It will need good support around mounting points, but since the fiberglass is pretty solid, I'd suspect a lighter support could be used elsewhere.  From what I remember, when the Drifter owner who loaned Oldy's his fenders to make a mold of picked them back up, he checked out the Oldy's part and it was solid enough that he could stand on it without breaking it, which is more then can be said for the Kawasaki parts.

The rest should be pretty easy.

The seat can be custom made to your liking.  The headlight is a simple deep bullet 7" light, and can probably still be bought from Ron Ayers ( http://www.ronayersmotorcycles.com/fiche_select2.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Kawasaki&year=2005&fveh=8991 ) and similar places, though a custom one is probably cheaper.

As for suggestions, since this isn't a rare Drifter you're working on, and it isn't supposed to look like a Classic when it's done either, I'd probably try and do a few special and unique mods to really set it apart from the crowd.  For example, what about fancy polished mag wheels?  What about taking those fiberglass fenders to a good body man and having him stretch and exaggerate those flowing fender lines a bit, adding to the art deco look even more?  You could rake the front forks too ( http://www.chopperkitusa.com/kawasaki-VN1500_classic_models2.htm ).  Maybe frenching in front and rear turn signals and brake lights, and don't forget the license plate too.  You could do all of that and with some custom paint, have one wild ride!  Just some thoughts......

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Posted by retiredbosn

- October 14, 2015, 14:35:54 PM

Hello all,

I'm a new member here and need some info, I recently purchased a 2006 Classic and I want to clone it to a Drifter. I know obviously that means Fenders, seats etc. The things you see, I'm wondering what I'm going to get into with the subframe and mounts. I have checked and already know that the 2006 frame is the same as 2004, the swingarm will be fine, but I'll be needing allot of unseen elements to make this work properly. pcarrel already gave me a source for the fenders, I'm just wondering what all I'll be needing to do this right. Also I'm thinking 2 grand should cover parts, or do I need to budget more? The source for fenders looks like about 6-700, I want the solo seat thinking 450, and the rest on subframe parts, head lights etc. Any advice or suggestions are appreciated

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