I found a HD Ultra inner and outer fairing cheap.. I've been thinking about installing a fairing because I need a stereo and need the sound I don't want to mess around with an Ipod since I'm not handy with that stuff..my question is has anyone ever put one on a 1500 Drifter and if so was it a project ..I appreciate any feedback. Thanks Rick
would love to find this out also, I ddi it on a vtx1300c i ude to have and wasnt that bad but these are 2 totally different beast
If this turns out to be too much trouble ill buy a setup off ebay with brackets,
but g/l and let us know if you try it
Does the ultra attach to the frame or forks. several folks have put harley fairings on the drifter. And there are a few places that make fairings for the classic or nomad which may be adaptable.
This may be of interest... but these are fork mounted.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/chuckfairing.html (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/chuckfairing.html)
I found a fairing at Reckless Cycles in Tenn. ..what I need to find out is if a 1500 Nomad has the same front end as a 1500 Drifter I believe they do..they sell the fairing for $350 no stereo and unpainted but it does come with an 8" windshield I think I'm going to go that route cause its easier than trying to adapt a HD fairing.. they do sell finished fairings also . www.recklessmotorcycles.com (http://www.recklessmotorcycles.com).
When i first got my drifter i saw batwings on ebay for them, now i see them for all the other vulcans but no ours
ver get anywhere with this?
No, the front end is closer to the classic. I'm supposed to take my 1500 over to them as a model for them to use for brackets, etc. Hopefully sometime this month.
im considering buying a universal batwing but not sure what to do about the mounts....
i dont care about an inner fairing, just want something "pretty" upfront blocking the wind
if i could find a used harley one id try it out but non on cl in my area
I bought a Hoppe fairing on craigslist its new never installed the only thing is I had to make the brackets which he lost in a move but they weren't that hard...I couldn't pass this up I checked on hoppes website and they wanted $1100 bucks for just the fairing no stereo and I got it from this guy for $225 (no stereo) no kidding and another $80 bucks in shipping from San Diego to Toledo Ohio ... I'm going to paint it today at the shop then a clutch rebuild at the end of the week.
Did they ever make the brackets for this for the drifter? I would be very interested. If it will fit the 1500. does that mean it will fit the 800 also?
I have a fairing and radio on my 1500 drifter which I will be removing soon. I am going to replace it with a windshield . It is mounted to the windscreen brackets.
I will sell the fairing and brackets and radio and speakers for 300 plus shipping.
Harleymanz where's the pics ?
Quote from: jamey wright on January 25, 2013, 00:45:26 AM
Did they ever make the brackets for this for the drifter? I would be very interested. If it will fit the 1500. does that mean it will fit the 800 also?
The 800 and the 1500 have the same front end, which is shared with the F.I. Classic. (NOT the carbed one)
Harleymanz, did you ever sell that fairing? If not where are you located? I might be interested.
All this fairing talk has me ready to spill the beans about a project I've been thinking of for about 3 years. I have two H-D frame mount fairings, one is a gen-you-wine H-D Liberator that I had on my '78 FLH, and the other is a Calafia Eliminator GT. I had that one on the FLH, too, but it has a softer, flowing line that never really seemed to go with the FLH...It's been off and stored in various places with little or no care for about 25 years, but it's complete...except for the windshield, which seems to have disappeared over the years..I've been thinking about installing the Calafia on the Drifter...The obvious problems will be fabbing mountings, but since it's a frame mount, the function will definitely make it worth the effort. So far, I've only been able to find one picture of the fairing, installed on the FLH, back in like 1982..
Troll that set up would look great on your ride with the radio mount and all .
I have to win the lottery first. I have to make a neck mount and then the fairing has to be reconditioned COMPLETELY...and then I have to find a windshield....and I still don't know if it can be made to fit..
Wish you the best on the lottery deal .... but if anyone can achieve this mod it would be one with your capabilities
Thanks for the vote of confidence...I just might try a test install after Drift-In.
Quote from: pcarrell on October 17, 2013, 17:27:51 PM
The 800 and the 1500 have the same front end, which is shared with the F.I. Classic. (NOT the carbed one)
Are you sure? I need memphis shades brackets for a Tsukayu fairing and the classic and drifter don't seem to be compatible/interchangeable
http://www.amazon.com/Memphis-Shades-Quick-Change-Windshields/dp/B000GRT4TK/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Kawasaki%7C729&Model=VN1500N%20Vulcan%201500%20Classic%20FI%7C20191&Year=2001%7C2001&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=3&vehicleType=motorcycle
The 800 and 1500 as far as I can tell are the same - same brakes, same shocks, same triple trees, etc. To a point, they are the same as the classic, as PC said. I think there is some minor difference in the classic vs Drifter in regards to the memphis shades mounts - I actually talked to someone there a couple of years ago and their answer was simply "the classic mounts won't work on the Drifter". I hate answers like that, really pisses me off. When pressed, if I remember correctly, the difference was something about mounting holes or something - and in all reality I think the classic mount could be "made" to fit the Drifter - but you would have to modify either the mounts or the Drifter. I want to say it would require drilling mounting holes somewhere on the triple tree, but can't be for certain.
Maybe someone else has more definitive answers on this.
I got a reply from Memphis Shades and they tell me that their brackets for the 1500 FI Classic does not fit the 1500 Drifter.
Yes that's the same thing they told me. I had to follow up a bit to find out "why" they don't fit. My interpretation is that A) they are not a direct fit bolt-on part, so B) they say "they don't fit" . That way they don't get calls with people mad that they don't bolt on. They are not interested in selling a part you have to do any modification in to install.
Hmmm, I was always lead to believe that they were the same, but maybe not?
Quote from: greenbarn on March 17, 2016, 08:05:59 AM
Yes that's the same thing they told me. I had to follow up a bit to find out "why" they don't fit. My interpretation is that A) they are not a direct fit bolt-on part, so B) they say "they don't fit" . That way they don't get calls with people mad that they don't bolt on. They are not interested in selling a part you have to do any modification in to install.
Look at the second comment in the customer reviews on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Memphis-Shades-Quick-Change-Windshields/dp/B000GRT4TK/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Kawasaki%7C729&Model=VN1500N%20Vulcan%201500%20Classic%20FI%7C20191&Year=2001%7C2001&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=3&vehicleType=motorcycle#customerReviews
I would love to know what modifications are needed to get that bracket to fit my Drifter. I just ordered a Tysukyu Double Boox fairing for my Nomad and would love to order another for the Drifter.
http://www.tsukayu.com/QuickDetachableDoubleBooxFairing.html
Double Boox Fairing
VN1500 Vulcan Classic FI 2001-2008
Requires Memphis Shades bracket MEM9926
- bracket plates that work together with Memphis Shades MEM9926 included
I don't understand why more people are not using the Kawasaki Voyager or Vaquero fairings in these bikes. They have cool body lines with the 'scoop's or lights on them. Should be just be an easy bolt on considering the Nomad type frame. I think it would be a natural for the swoopy valanced fenders we have. Certainly better looking than a Harley Fairing. The new Indian fairing looks like a Harley and a goldwing had a collision and produced a Bastard child. if I ever decide I need a fairing, that's definitely the route I will take.
Quote from: AZCaveman on March 18, 2016, 17:01:03 PM
I don't understand why more people are not using the Kawasaki Voyager or Vaquero fairings in these bikes.
I suspect price and availability are the prime reasons.
Quote from: AZCaveman on March 18, 2016, 17:01:03 PM
I don't understand why more people are not using the Kawasaki Voyager or Vaquero fairings in these bikes. They have cool body lines with the 'scoop's or lights on them. Should be just be an easy bolt on considering the Nomad type frame. I think it would be a natural for the swoopy valanced fenders we have. Certainly better looking than a Harley Fairing.
Probably about the best looking fairing out there, but expensive right now.
QuoteThe new Indian fairing looks like a Harley and a goldwing had a collision and produced a Bastard child.
I've gotta say, I WANT to like this fairing, but I just can't. Not very "classic" looking, and WAY too much bling bling!
Quote from: pcarrell on March 17, 2016, 09:44:51 AM
Hmmm, I was always lead to believe that they were the same, but maybe not?
I think they are "nearly" the same, but not quite identical. I got the impression the Drifter just lacked a hole or something for mounting, that the Classic had.
Quote from: bambam0099 on March 17, 2016, 11:53:44 AM
I would love to know what modifications are needed to get that bracket to fit my Drifter. I just ordered a Tysukyu Double Boox fairing for my Nomad and would love to order another for the Drifter.
Send one this direction, and I'll let you know exactly... I'll even take pictures.... 8)
Quote from: AZCaveman on March 18, 2016, 17:01:03 PM
I don't understand why more people are not using the Kawasaki Voyager or Vaquero fairings in these bikes.
I really do like that Voyager fairing.....
try this one also:
http://www.wideopencustom.com/m-5-kawasaki.aspx
There is still another fabricator - can remember the name but they make some really fantastic fairings for the VN1500 Classic which fits the Drifter. Comes inc radio etc and speakers - not cheap though but awesome
M
I just got the Double Boox fairing from Tsukayu yesterday for my 2003 Nomad. I haven't installed it yet but I have to say, this fairing is incredibly built and unbelievable appearance being a single piece.
(http://www.tsukayu.com/QuickDetachableDoubleBooxFairing.html)
If I can make a set of Nomad like brackets for the Drifter, I'll buy another. Very impressed with Tsukayu so far....
Quote from: bambam0099 on May 03, 2016, 08:10:55 AM
I just got the Double Boox fairing from Tsukayu yesterday for my 2003 Nomad. I haven't installed it yet but I have to say, this fairing is incredibly built and unbelievable appearance being a single piece.
(http://www.tsukayu.com/QuickDetachableDoubleBooxFairing.html)
If I can make a set of Nomad like brackets for the Drifter, I'll buy another. Very impressed with Tsukayu so far....
Bam, if you can make a set for the Drifter keep us in the loop. I'd be interested in buying a pair off ya in order to mount that fairing. That looks sweet.
that's it tsukayu ... that's them!!! Well done and congrats for getting one!
Quote from: Mak on May 04, 2016, 05:06:17 AM
that's it tsukayu ... that's them!!! Well done and congrats for getting one!
Installed it yesterday afternoon; very easy. Love the look and the quality. I'll try to take a few pics tonight and post them here.
Quote from: bambam0099 on May 04, 2016, 08:00:17 AM
Installed it yesterday afternoon; very easy. Love the look and the quality. I'll try to take a few pics tonight and post them here.
PIXIE PIXIE PXIE hubba hubba hubba gimme gimme gimme
Quote from: Mak on May 05, 2016, 06:44:04 AM
PIXIE PIXIE PXIE hubba hubba hubba gimme gimme gimme
LOL! I finished the wiring (with fuse block) last night so I've got the Tsukayu fairing (http://www.tsukayu.com/QuickDetachableDoubleBooxFairing.html) and JTD Series 2 hard lowers, with led lights (http://www.jtdcycleparts.com/Nomad-1999-2008_c71.htm) installed late last night.
Give me a day or so and I'll post some pictures. I absolutely love the way my Nomad looks! The fairing stereo paired right up and sounded awesome and the JTD lowers really compliment the bike. On a side note, I had a small problem with fitment of the JTD lowers and spoke with John and he was fantastic to deal with and rectified the problem almost immediately. Top notch guy...he definitely gained a new customer!
Quote from: Mak on May 05, 2016, 06:44:04 AM
PIXIE PIXIE PXIE hubba hubba hubba gimme gimme gimme
Ok, went for a nice 350 miles ride today. Have to admit, it was nice cruising around listening to music!
I created 2 small videos along with some pics
https://youtu.be/nm4C4UMU0gI
https://youtu.be/5gG51RLRoEs
That looks like it belongs there! Very nice!
I'll second that, and it even has a small container for sandwiches.......cool.......
Nomad? I thought we were talking about your Drifter... When did you get a Nomad??
The fairing looks really good, BTW.
Remember, he sold the Drifter and bought a Nomad, but we aren't snobs, so he can hang with us anytime. ;)
Damn that looks great Bam. Now the question is, HOW DO WE GET THAT ON OUR DRIFTERS!!!! I want!
Rob
Quote from: pcarrell on May 09, 2016, 09:42:19 AM
Remember, he sold the Drifter and bought a Nomad, but we aren't snobs, so he can hang with us anytime. ;)
Oh, I have a Drifter now too! After I sold mine, I missed it and had to buy another. In fact, I just put the 2 up seat and saddle bags from it up on Ebay.
My "new" Drifter -=> http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=40974.0
I'm almost 100% happy with the Nomad so I will be starting on the Drifter soon (after I get my wood cut/split ... priorities)
I just ordered a wompus rack for it and have alot of things to install. Still trying to decide what bags to go with....
OH YEAH! I forgot about that!
For all you guys wanting to install a fairing on your Drifter, the way to go is with Nomad parts. I just got done installing a Nomad windshield and lowers on my Drifter and also put on my old scrap fairing (I used to test on my Nomad) to see if I liked it. Drill/tap into the upper tree to accept the Nomad side brackets with 3/4" spacers (I cut up a few couplers). Attached are a few pics. Have to admit, I really like the Nomad windshield size, curvature and inner shield. I'm going to keep it on the bike but if I ever decide to go the fairing route, all I have to do is order one for a 1500 Nomad.
Fire & Steel makes a Nomad style windshield for the Drifter.
Quote from: pcarrell on June 13, 2016, 11:00:16 AM
Fire & Steel makes a Nomad style windshield for the Drifter.
Looks good but I could not find the F&S windshield AND the F&S brackets that were needed. Don't tell me they are readily available???!!! I spent forever looking for them.
Hey BamBam, those Nomad lowers, any particular year that fits best? Are they new or used? I was going to make a set but would much rather buy them.
Quote from: RockinRonny on June 17, 2016, 13:05:38 PM
Hey BamBam, those Nomad lowers, any particular year that fits best? Are they new or used? I was going to make a set but would much rather buy them.
I'm no expert so I might not be the best person to ask. I just made sure I used hardware from a 1500 FI Nomad and so far so good!
The lowers I'm using were from a 2003 Nomad.
Saw this abs fairing for many models, including Drifter, on Ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/142039544674?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Quote from: chief on February 14, 2012, 16:02:00 PM
No, the front end is closer to the classic. I'm supposed to take my 1500 over to them as a model for them to use for brackets, etc. Hopefully sometime this month.
Chief, I know this is very old, but did you ever get together with Reckless and have them measure your Drifter for their fairing mounts?
I would like to put a Batwing on my 1500 Drifter and probably going to need the brackets.
No. I guess you are looking to purchase the brackets rather than making them or having them made yourself. I think it was determined that the fairing they have for the Classic will work for the Drifter. I have asked them to verify.