The kickstand would always scrape the ground whenever I was cornering fast and aggressively to the left, or even slow to the left when loaded up and riding double (yes, I have a corbin 2 up seat and saddlebags for those occasions) so I needed to increase the ground clearance some........
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/52158_747875845254492_2641173401841944500_o.jpg)
This little flat area is where the kickstand stops it's travel, so by removing about 3/16" with the grinder it allowed the kickstand to travel a bit further up and increased the needed ground clearance...............
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10457366_747875871921156_3989487809463916276_o.jpg)
Here you see the difference. Doesn't look like much but definitely enough to feel it!.....
(https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10549974_747875885254488_4867233225217154803_o.jpg)
As much as I love these bikes there are still several things about it that don't suit my taste......like all the chrome on the engine. Not that chrome is a bad thing, I've seen many Drifters on this site with all the chrome add-ons that look down right fantastic, but it's just "not my bag baby"! (as Austin Powers would say). Further down the road I plan to have all the chrome stripped and bead blasting the black finish off the engine to expose the natural aluminum, but that's much later, so for now I'll do whatever I can to eliminate some of that chrome on my own. So for now, I decided to do something about the brake reservoir and air cleaner......
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10498002_743478689027541_4363446132644187637_o.jpg)
For the longest time I've been wanting to relocate the rear brake reservoir and get it out of sight!! I left the air cleaner chamber off when I installed the Dyno-jet intake kit so it left me a nice open spot to relocate the reservoir.......
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10553707_747875761921167_5698512410382273049_o.jpg)
I took a small piece of tubing leftover from my home fence job and cut a piece about 5/8" wide........
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10531377_747875765254500_7901385466355777215_o.jpg)
.......then re-shapped it to fit and mount around the reservoir and to the frame as well.....
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10452945_747875805254496_3974906791720825270_o.jpg)
.......cut off the old mount and touched up with Krylon gloss black.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/1397042_747875758587834_6166440047687753127_o.jpg)
I then also toned down the chrome on the air cleaner cover by mounting it up on the lathe and while spinning it some red Scotch-brite with light pressure was applied on the surface for a nice "spun" finish......
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t31.0-8/10459002_747875815254495_6300357768672209252_o.jpg)
Now I'm a happy camper! :)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10550146_747875825254494_4711119404054656965_o.jpg)
T
That seems odd that the kickstand drags- I always thought it was my floorboard that makes contact first. hmmmm maybe I need to look into that...
Nice mods, Tecumseh.
I drag the side stand on my 1500 on the left, and the knobs on the right...
....as long as you aren't dragging the handlebar ends......
That's a BAD thing!
Quotebut it's just "not my bag baby"! (as Austin Powers would say
ok so now I have a buddy who is not a chrome person either....welcome my new buddy......
Sweet looking bike! The front fender looks close to the rad; did you lower the bike?
Quote from: greenbarn on August 03, 2014, 15:48:04 PM
That seems odd that the kickstand drags- I always thought it was my floorboard that makes contact first. hmmmm maybe I need to look into that...
Nice mods, Tecumseh.
It mainly drags when I turn left riding double ::)
Quote from: Bucko on August 04, 2014, 00:04:11 AM
Sweet looking bike! The front fender looks close to the rad; did you lower the bike?
Yes I lowered the front end. I think also the angle that the pic was taken makes it look a little funny, doesn't look as extreme in the 4th pic. ;)
Quote from: Tecumseh on August 04, 2014, 20:01:57 PM
Yes I lowered the front end. I think also the angle that the pic was taken makes it look a little funny, doesn't look as extreme in the 4th pic. ;)
It looks pretty awesome! I've always felt the Drifter's profile, at least the 1500 model, makes it looks a bit like it's riding 'up hill'. I think, as long as there's no clearance issues, it would look a bit better with the front end lowered slightly, just like yours. Did you use a Progressive lowering kit or did you just cut the OEM spacers down? (I think the 1500's and the 800's have the same front end).
Quote from: Bucko on August 08, 2014, 01:30:59 AM
It looks pretty awesome! I've always felt the Drifter's profile, at least the 1500 model, makes it looks a bit like it's riding 'up hill'. I think, as long as there's no clearance issues, it would look a bit better with the front end lowered slightly, just like yours. Did you use a Progressive lowering kit or did you just cut the OEM spacers down? (I think the 1500's and the 800's have the same front end).
Bucko, actually raised the forks from the triple clamps an 1-1/2" which in reverse effect lowered the bike the same amount.
That is, without a doubt, the nicest 800 I've ever seen; and I say this with no disrespect to all the other 800's and their owners. You have done a fantastic job of taking it back to the '50's. Great job.
WOW !!!!! This 800 is bad ass ...... I'm lost for words .... Excellent , Excellent job on this machine 8)
49 no offense taking brother , this is one swwweeeeettttt drifter
Quote from: Drift1 on August 10, 2014, 20:17:54 PM
WOW !!!!! This 800 is bad ass ...... I'm lost for words .... Excellent , Excellent job on this machine 8)
49 no offense taking brother , this is one swwweeeeettttt drifter
Wow, thanks for the kind words guys! :)
I sincerely say - that's a REALLY nice looking 800. But be fore-warned... Just remember when I start stealing some of those ideas.... Imitation is the sincerest form of FLATTERY!!!
Quote from: Tecumseh on August 04, 2014, 19:58:34 PM
It mainly drags when I turn left riding double ::)
Tecumseh, i love that exhaust system, can you tell me where to buy it or how to make it or even better, do you sell it??
it looks really good congrats on a beautiful looking bike Brother! 8)
Tecumseh, did you think about removing the rear fender support and going to inside the fender support? That would really show the profile of the rear fender, and add more of that "Fabulous Fifties" look you have nailed down.
Just a thought....
Hi guys, new to the Drifter world. Picked up my 800 about a month ago, LOVING it so far. I'm looking to get a look very similar to this bike. Where do I need to look to find this style of seat and those exhaust pipes?? Thanks in advance!
Hi kelly, welcome to the forum.
The seat appears to be a custom mounting of a traditional chopper type seat pan. You can find them lots of places, but here's one: http://www.monstercraftsman.com/seats/?sort=featured&page=2
As far as the pipes go, those are one-off custom jobs. The tips look like they might be available commercially, but you'd have to get the pipes custom made by a metal fabricator. The pipes are mandrel bent by the looks, so it'd have to be a pretty well stocked shop that does the work as a mandrel bender is a pretty pricey piece of equipment.
Quote from: 49Reo on August 30, 2014, 20:23:43 PM
Tecumseh, did you think about removing the rear fender support and going to inside the fender support? That would really show the profile of the rear fender, and add more of that "Fabulous Fifties" look you have nailed down.
Just a thought....
49Reo, I have thought about that and still contemplating it...........so many cool ideas, so little time! :(
Quote from: Mr.Hanbar on August 30, 2014, 20:11:19 PM
Tecumseh, i love that exhaust system, can you tell me where to buy it or how to make it or even better, do you sell it??
it looks really good congrats on a beautiful looking bike Brother!
8)
Mr. Hanbar, I fabricated the exhaust pipes to suit my "sporting" taste and riding style. If I could I would gladly give you and everyone else an explanation on how to make the pipes but I would probably fail on making any sense, cause though they look pretty simple in design, there is a little complexity in some of the compound radiuses that are not visible in the pics posted. I do have some good news though for you and anyone else who's interested........
For 2015 I will be making this exhaust system and two other designs available for sale. The other two designs I'm prototyping right now are a "two into one" Indian Chief style system as pictured below:
(https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10462373_805635679478508_2504092717859882420_n.jpg?oh=e3ace16c7cbbe87f16c7996a8d87bc9f&oe=5516E496)
The other system will be a dual fishtails exhaust which seems to be very desirable based on what I've been reading on this and other boards. I will keep this board up to date on the progress. ;)
T
Definitely interested in a pair of fishtail tips, about 8-10" long, to fit the V&H Longshots.
Any early idea on price of any of the systems that you're planning on making available? I was going to break down and order a set of Hard Krome pipes over the winter but a two-into-one classic fishtail system or a dual fishtail system would be worth the wait. Assuming, that is, that I can afford them and they sound right. ;)
Quote from: Tecumseh on November 23, 2014, 21:18:08 PM
For 2015 I will be making this exhaust system and two other designs available for sale. The other two designs I'm prototyping right now are a "two into one" Indian Chief style system as pictured below:
(https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10462373_805635679478508_2504092717859882420_n.jpg?oh=e3ace16c7cbbe87f16c7996a8d87bc9f&oe=5516E496)
T
Any chance you will be making them for the 1500?
The original Indian swept up exhaust in the picture is exactly what I want.
Ideally, not chromed, for my '99 dark.
J
Quote from: Tecumseh on November 23, 2014, 21:18:08 PM
For 2015 I will be making this exhaust system and two other designs available for sale. The other two designs I'm prototyping right now are a "two into one" Indian Chief style system as pictured below:
(https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10462373_805635679478508_2504092717859882420_n.jpg?oh=e3ace16c7cbbe87f16c7996a8d87bc9f&oe=5516E496)
The other system will be a dual fishtails exhaust which seems to be very desirable based on what I've been reading on this and other boards. I will keep this board up to date on the progress. ;)
T
Hey Tekumseh, any update about your new exhaust?