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Posted by Harleymanz
 - October 30, 2013, 17:23:03 PM
Quote from: greenbarn on September 07, 2013, 10:34:50 AM

I like the black model a lot too.  But I also like the chrome a lot.  In different ways.  I want one of each, but THAT would be hard to justify.  Its hard to narrow it down.   Sometimes when I can't make up my mind it helps to look at intrinsic advantages....

I have one of each a 99 blacked out and a 2001 fully chromed and I mean chromed right down to the bolt kit.

Posted by pcarrell
 - September 28, 2013, 12:50:17 PM
Quote from: greenbarn on September 06, 2013, 23:05:39 PM

Speedo:  Mechanical (J) vs. Electronic (R).   I think the mechanical is more nostalgic or retro, but is the electronic any more reliable?

Mechanical cables require more maintenance and are more prone to failures if you ask me.
Quote

Throttle Cable: longer on J - slight advantage? does it even matter?

If you're planning on adding large risers or beach bars or something then it's one less cable to buy maybe.
Quote

So what else? Seat configuration.  If I understand, for EITHER model, you MUST have the OEM 2-up brackets to mount ANY 2-up seat?  Is that right?   If that's right the J has the advantage, but if you buy an R that already has a 2-up (stock or otherwise) then this advantage is negated??  Somebody verify this...

I would say it's negated as all the same parts will be present on both.  The biggest difference then would be the seat.  J models came with the stock 2up seat that many have commented looks like a dead slug, whereas since the 2up was an extra on the R model, there's a good chance you'll get the Fire & Steel seat that looks much better.
Posted by Mak
 - September 27, 2013, 07:44:01 AM

I put the neck cover on the J1 - its easy but you need to drill 5 little holes into the frame and on the right side neck cover you need to cut out a nice round section to accommodate the lock.

Posted by CDNRatMan
 - September 07, 2013, 13:56:10 PM

  Then use your talents and skills and fabricate one.......

Posted by dakuhosu
 - September 07, 2013, 12:39:39 PM

Black was the decider for me. I wish I had a neck cover though.

Posted by greenbarn
 - September 07, 2013, 10:34:50 AM

I like the black model a lot too.  But I also like the chrome a lot.  In different ways.  I want one of each, but THAT would be hard to justify.  Its hard to narrow it down.   Sometimes when I can't make up my mind it helps to look at intrinsic advantages....

Posted by CDNRatMan
 - September 07, 2013, 10:29:30 AM

  I just like the blacked out look better and rather ride a bike I like the looks of then one I don't, so when I win the lottery I will purchase me a 1999 1500 Drifter.............perhaps I could buy 2 of them, and give one to a friend.

Posted by greenbarn
 - September 07, 2013, 09:37:39 AM

And the "advantage" of black (besides the fact you like it better) is....?     easier to polish than chrome?

Posted by CDNRatMan
 - September 07, 2013, 03:00:32 AM

  black. simple done. over with. I'll take a black one.

Posted by greenbarn
 - September 06, 2013, 23:05:39 PM

So, we've got the basic differences listed.  This is a great comparison list.

Is it possible to boil these down to advantages/ disadvantages?  (mainly because I'm unofficially shopping for and can't decide which one I like better...)

So J vs. R:
black vs chrome - I guess this is basically a personal preference?  I like both in different ways (yeah, one of each would be great but not in my near future...)

Tank size: I have to think the larger tank on the R is an advantage.

Speedo:  Mechanical (J) vs. Electronic (R).   I think the mechanical is more nostalgic or retro, but is the electronic any more reliable?

Throttle Cable: longer on J - slight advantage? does it even matter?

Steering Lock:  Is the J's location more convenient?

So what else? Seat configuration.  If I understand, for EITHER model, you MUST have the OEM 2-up brackets to mount ANY 2-up seat?  Is that right?   If that's right the J has the advantage, but if you buy an R that already has a 2-up (stock or otherwise) then this advantage is negated??  Somebody verify this...

Goose-neck cover - R only - this seems to be a "cleaner" look???

Posted by dakuhosu
 - September 04, 2013, 08:20:47 AM

There is a Drifter engine on ebay or craigslist right now. Can't remember which. I'm sure I could find it again if there was some interest.

Posted by DC
 - August 27, 2013, 06:47:01 AM

What happened to the engine, if you don't mind me asking?

Posted by Kawi636lex
 - August 27, 2013, 02:40:26 AM

Other then cosmetics, is newer better? I have a 99 that is complete. It does need a new engine but the bike has ONLY 15000 mi.  I did locate a 2002 with under 10000 mi and runs perfect. If I were to pick this up, I would definitely have a perfect parts bike on the side...well,  That is if Most parts are compatible. Thanks in advance

Posted by Troll
 - August 25, 2013, 19:06:31 PM

The plastic neck covers won't fit on a J...the neck is very different on R models. I had to replace one of the covers on mine, and I got one from an FI Classic...

Posted by pcarrell
 - August 25, 2013, 17:59:42 PM

I believe the J's didn't have a goose neck cover like the R's did also.

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