GUEST? Registration opens up many more resources which are not available to guests. Registration is free, we never sell or give others access to your information.
Posted by 99tango
- October 16, 2015, 20:57:26 PMQuote from: pcarrell on October 16, 2015, 19:32:24 PMThat badge really sets off your solid black Drifter. I like two tone, but it'll never happen, so I'll hafta find something similar to add to the tank. On a side note, apparently Harley owners know and care little about other brands, especially metrics. The other day, walking out of the local bank, there were two middle aged HD riders huddling around my Drifter, apparently oblivious to the "kawasaki" emblem. As I walked up, they remarked that my Drifter must be one of those newer model Indians, and were offering up all kinds of praise regarding her looks, etc. When I straightened that out, their interest sort of waned a bit - not cool to oogle a metric, apparently. Nice fellows though, and their Harleys did sound good.Funny you should post this today. I just spoke to Bambam this morning and he sold the Drifter this morning and bought a Nomad. I told him that we'd still allow him to hang on the forum with us though.
The badges were made by Zambini Bros., but they've discontinued them now. I have the same badges, only in a tri-color scheme.
Posted by 99tango
- October 16, 2015, 20:30:27 PMThanks bambam. I have identical bags minus the studs. I just didn't recognize them - the studs really change the look. Now the Nomad is a fine looking motorcycle, but I believe just adding a 2-up seat once in a while would be a small price to pay, to keep that handsome Drifter! But I do understand the Nomad is set up perfectly for 2-up riding, and more luggage space too. Enjoy, & ride safe.
Posted by bambam0099
- October 16, 2015, 19:54:47 PMYeah, I sold her yesterday to a great guy up near Adams Center NY. When I went to Laconia and Sturgis this year, it was the 1st and 2nd time I have been away from my wife in 37 years. She finally decided to try riding with me which turned out pretty good (we rode 7 hrs on our anniversary out to Lake George and back) so I had to make a choice, turn the Drifter into a God ugly 2 seater and ruin it's looks or buy a bike made for two people and enjoy each others company. My wife won out and the bike retained it's looks and was sold to someone that will take care of it and admire it as much as I did. It was just the right thing to do at the moment.
I don't plan on going anywhere and someday soon, I will get another.
Ok, back to the question, the saddle bags were Vikings. Here's the link:
http://www.vikingbags.com/kawasaki-vulcan-1500-classic-large-concord-studded-motorcycle-saddlebags-6362-prd1.htm
I bought a couple Indian head belt buckles off Ebay and with a little work, they replaced the Viking emblem on the bag.
Hope that helps!
Posted by pcarrell
- October 16, 2015, 19:32:24 PMQuote from: redfish on October 16, 2015, 19:11:23 PMFunny you should post this today. I just spoke to Bambam this morning and he sold the Drifter this morning and bought a Nomad. I told him that we'd still allow him to hang on the forum with us though.0099, that's one nice Drifter you have. My son-in-law has the same Drifter paint scheme on his 01, which I assume yours is. Those bags! I really like them and would you mind sharing what brand & model they are? That's been the hardest part to fit on my 02 - most are too long and hit the tail lights. Yours are deeper and fit right in there.
The badges were made by Zambini Bros., but they've discontinued them now. I have the same badges, only in a tri-color scheme.
Posted by 99tango
- October 16, 2015, 19:11:23 PMQuote from: bambam0099 on July 17, 2015, 21:11:23 PM0099, that's one nice Drifter you have. My son-in-law has the same Drifter paint scheme on his 01, which I assume yours is. Those bags! I really like them and would you mind sharing what brand & model they are? That's been the hardest part to fit on my 02 - most are too long and hit the tail lights. Yours are deeper and fit right in there.Sure ....
I went out for another ride tonight on Rt 8 that had a few really windy curves and no difference in handling. I'm really liking the lowered feel.
Posted by lonsdrifter
- October 15, 2015, 22:24:43 PMQuote from: LadyDrifter on August 20, 2012, 17:44:41 PMI'm a shortie---and I've been using platform boots to be able to ride mine...looks like there is plenty of room underneath to lower it...I was told something about changing out the shocks and changing out the fork springs?? Is there some sort of Kit? has anyone done this that could give me some guidance?
Always find your answers helpful guys, thanx!
I lowered my 1" in 2001 and still like the look.
Posted by greenbarn
- July 18, 2015, 09:58:59 AMNice...
It does sit pretty straight up, doesn't it?? good looking ride you got there!!!
Posted by pcarrell
- July 18, 2015, 08:19:24 AMnp
Posted by bambam0099
- July 17, 2015, 21:13:39 PMQuote from: pcarrell on July 16, 2015, 08:59:57 AMAgain, thanks for the post. As soon as I read it, I remembered I saw another "thread" about the kickstand so I searched and found it here:Bambam, one thing you might want to consider when lowering the bike is a shorter kickstand. Right now, your bike is probably standing up straighter then it used to, so the chance of an off side tip over is greater. The Kawasaki Voyager has a little bit shorter stand that I hear bolts right up and solves the problem.
http://www.jonathanveley.com/indian-drifter-project (great site btw)
The part # (referenced from that site) is: 34024-0014
Thanks again
Posted by bambam0099
- July 17, 2015, 21:11:23 PMQuote from: RockinRonny on July 17, 2015, 15:57:45 PMSure ....Any chance you could post a picture of your bike from a side view?
I went out for another ride tonight on Rt 8 that had a few really windy curves and no difference in handling. I'm really liking the lowered feel.
Posted by RockinRollin
- July 17, 2015, 15:57:45 PMAny chance you could post a picture of your bike from a side view?
Posted by bambam0099
- July 16, 2015, 10:13:51 AMQuote from: pcarrell on July 16, 2015, 08:59:57 AMThanks and yes, you are correct, I did notice the difference.Bambam, one thing you might want to consider when lowering the bike is a shorter kickstand. Right now, your bike is probably standing up straighter then it used to, so the chance of an off side tip over is greater. The Kawasaki Voyager has a little bit shorter stand that I hear bolts right up and solves the problem.
Thanks again for the suggestion
Posted by pcarrell
- July 16, 2015, 08:59:57 AMBambam, one thing you might want to consider when lowering the bike is a shorter kickstand. Right now, your bike is probably standing up straighter then it used to, so the chance of an off side tip over is greater. The Kawasaki Voyager has a little bit shorter stand that I hear bolts right up and solves the problem.
Posted by bambam0099
- July 15, 2015, 21:03:59 PMQuote from: pcarrell on July 15, 2015, 13:09:42 PMThank you! And to all the other comments, I don't drink LOL!I can see it, but it's subtle.
Yes, it is subtle but once you know it's there, you cannot but notice it every time you walk by the bike.
Having said that, my wife came out and said she didn't see anything that looked "out of place" and suggested that I take it for a ride to see how I liked it so, contrary to what she will tell you, I did listen to her and am glad I did.
I went for about an hour ride that involved many sharp curves and bumps. It handled just as good as when "stock" and, I swear, it took the bumps better (which I have to be imagining since there is less travel but it sure seemed it) and most importantly, when I had to make stops, both feet were firmly planted on the ground and I felt completely stable and very "secure". In the past, I always concentrated on stopping correctly so I wouldn't lose balance but now, it was no longer a concern. It felt like a totally different bike in a positive way.
I threw the saddle bags back on and you really can't notice it now so, I am going to leave it this way for Sturgis and enjoy the riding (and stopping)!
I plan on getting a Corbin seat and if that lowers it even more, I might put the stock shocks back on or I might lower the front shocks to equalize everything out but all in all, I can tell you, besides the cosmetics, lowering the bike for someone like myself with a 28" inseam, it was well worth the cost.
(progessive 412 shocks purchased here: http://tinyurl.com/qc96w57)
Posted by Troll
- July 15, 2015, 20:55:08 PMNow you need to put a set of lowering springs in the fork, so you can drag the footboards or the side stand even easier!