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Posted by retiredbosn
 - October 15, 2015, 20:32:39 PM

All I know is that the Kawasaki dealer told me that the Drifter and Classic share the same frame and swing arm. The difference is in the subframe, the Drifter has allot of modular sub frame pieces that can be bolted to the Classic frame.

Posted by pcarrell
 - October 15, 2015, 20:29:29 PM

I had previously been led to believe that the F.I. Classic frame and the Drifter 1500 frame were basically the same from the motor compartment forward, with only the back half being different.  Is that true, or not?

Posted by Troll
 - October 15, 2015, 19:52:10 PM

The frames are VERY DIFFERENT!!!! There is no rear section behind the seat to support the fender, and there is more gusseting in the frame to add stiffness.

Posted by Bucko
 - October 15, 2015, 19:26:13 PM

I'm surprised to read the frames are the same.  The Drifter has that goofy dual seat horseshoe bracket which bolts to the frame - does the Classic frame have allowance for bolting on that same horseshoe but has something else bolted to it in the Classic version?

Posted by retiredbosn
 - October 15, 2015, 18:15:13 PM

Another reason is I'm converting the bike is customizing your bike is allot of fun. When I get finished I'll have a bike that is uniquely me and mine.

Quote from: 49Reo on October 14, 2015, 22:57:32 PM

So Bosn, why not stick with the classic swingarm and rear mechanicals, and just add the Oldy's fiberglas fenders? The fiberglas rear, with some internal gusseting of metal, will support a passenger, and you could still use the seats available for the Classics, which are less money, and more selection. Just a thought.....

I Ann seeing the advantage of this, plus it will make accessorizing with bags easier.
Posted by pcarrell
 - October 15, 2015, 17:00:10 PM
Quote from: retiredbosn on October 15, 2015, 16:04:00 PM

The reason I am converting is that these bikes are getting hard to find, as of right now I can't find one within 500 miles of here.

There's one in Simpsonville (that's only 100 miles from you) that looks pretty nice and is loaded with extras.  The mileage is the only issue, but even with that mileage it's still just getting broke in.....just ask Troll!  He has over 100k on his Drifter, and I've got almost 60k on mine!  http://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/5208003107.html

There's also a blackout bike that could use a little loving up in Leicester, NC.  The prices is a pretty smokin' deal on a low mileage bike.  It needs some love, but you'd have a rare blackout bike then, and it's only 180 miles away!  http://asheville.craigslist.org/mcy/5236449737.html

Posted by pcarrell
 - October 15, 2015, 16:42:11 PM

I looked for a good 6 months before I found mine in Chicago.  I live in the Indianapolis area, so Chicago was still a few hours away.

You might want to just wait a short while, because riding season is about over and bikes tend to come up for sale as we head into winter.  Mine came up for sale in November.

By the way, the Oldy's fenders are about half the price of official Ma Kawi fenders, but the Kawi fenders do come painted, and the 2005 Drifter 1500 came in an ebony and silver paint scheme that would match your bike perfectly.  I'd figure out what painting is going to cost and do a price comparison.  http://www.ronayersmotorcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=389736&category=Motorcycles&make=KAWASAKI&year=2005&fveh=8991

Posted by 49Reo
 - October 15, 2015, 16:32:09 PM

Very nice bike. You could put a set of Oldy's fenders on it and not have to change anything else. Unless you wanted too.....

Posted by retiredbosn
 - October 15, 2015, 16:04:00 PM

The reason I am converting is that these bikes are getting hard to find, as of right now I can't find one within 500 miles of here.

For those who wanted to see my Vulcan here she is, the 2006 Anniversary Edition

Posted by pcarrell
 - October 15, 2015, 09:32:30 AM
Quote from: LarryInSeattle on October 14, 2015, 23:08:41 PM

The fastest way that I know how to turn 2006 Vulcan Classic 1500 to a Drifter is to sell the Classic and buy a Drifter.  So much easier to do my friend.

Just my opinion.

That brings up a good point.

You'd be dollars, and headaches, ahead to just sell the Classic and buy a Drifter.

Posted by LarryInSeattle
 - October 14, 2015, 23:08:41 PM

The fastest way that I know how to turn 2006 Vulcan Classic 1500 to a Drifter is to sell the Classic and buy a Drifter.  So much easier to do my friend.

Just my opinion. 

Posted by 49Reo
 - October 14, 2015, 22:57:32 PM

So Bosn, why not stick with the classic swingarm and rear mechanicals, and just add the Oldy's fiberglas fenders? The fiberglas rear, with some internal gusseting of metal, will support a passenger, and you could still use the seats available for the Classics, which are less money, and more selection. Just a thought.....

Posted by pcarrell
 - October 14, 2015, 21:22:58 PM

.....and now you get the gist of how we funktion.....

Yes, as twisted as we all are, that's spelled correctly!

Posted by Troll
 - October 14, 2015, 19:47:39 PM

HEY...don't blame me for that one, it was already a tradition when I signed on here!    Yeah, no pics...no happen!

Posted by CDNRatMan
 - October 14, 2015, 19:18:54 PM

   Troll once said no pictures it never happened and he is one of the three Wise Men I trust......so enough said....

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