Ever since I sold my Drifter, I've just felt like I made a mistake. Don't get me wrong, the Nomad is a nice bike and it's great being able to ride with my wife but, I should of kept both.
Well, long story short, I've been really good this year so I know I deserved something special so, I went and got another stock bike so I could begin the "Indian" project once again. Same year, same colors and just over 16k miles.
Yes, this is going to be a very nice Christmas :-)
...
Happy Ho Ho to you!
Very nice! What are the odds that you would get weather like this to take those photos in Forestport at this time of year!
;) bam you jammy so and so.......
nice looking ride and boy you have as much snow as we do ......makes me really nervous as to what is going to happen in the new year......
Congrats on locating another nice Drifter! Merry Christmas.
So clean!
And that is an amazing trailer too.
Looks good with the solo and seat rail and stuff.. that is the nicest trailer I've ever seen.
Got you a project for 2016 now... :D
Awesome colors!
Cool Drifter and double on that trailer. You even got the impossible to find $400+ solo seat rail to boot and the cherry on top......Enjoy
Congrats on the new bike! 8)
The trailer is pretty cool too. Who makes that?
Pretty nice, BamBam. Amazing to find another one that's a spitting image of the first one... how far did you have to go? I'll echo the sentiments on that trailer. Looks light-- Maybe you could put a hitch on the Nomad, and pull the Drifter around ::)
Hey, BamBam.... How's about you do a comparison 'tween the Drifter and the Nomad?? Rider comfort, rider feel, passenger comfort....
See them trailers around here a lot for hauling snow machines about.
GB why not just go and visit Bam and then do your own comparison.....
Hey thanks for the responses! Yeah, it was great getting a bike the same year as my other and it was awesome finding one that had the seat rail and the speedometer visor which I could never find. I found this bike in Potsdam, about 2.5-3 hrs from me. The guy that sold it to me was a really nice guy. It was his fathers bike but sadly, his father passed so it was kind of tough for him to sell but he rarely rode it. I am going to keep him posted on my progress because his dad wanted to do the "Indian thing" also.
The trailer is a toy carrier. These things are expensive but I found a guy that was selling his because he couldn't trailer his new trike. The trailer had top damage when it was first purchased so the insurance company paid to have it professional fixed with diamond plate. I got it alot cheaper than normal. It pulls like a dream with my Jeep. I don't even know it's behind me and it doesn't affect my gas mileage at all except for long, steep inclines (naturally). Someday, I hope to be able to purchase the double wide version from Iron Horse (http://www.ironhorsetrailers.com/product/2-bike-fliptop-motorcycle-trailer/).
As far as comparing the Nomad to the Drifter, the Nomad seems to cruise nicer, especially with a fairing on it; it feels heavier. It's a beautiful bike to ride when going out with my wife and offers so much storage, especially with the trunk I put on it. When I get on it, I feel like we're "going out"; you just cruise around enjoying the sites always doing the speed limit. When I get on the road, I feel "conformity" because it's like all the other baggers with a nice rumble. The one thing I really do like is the lower height. Both my feet are always planted flat and firmly on the ground. The Drifter is my solo bike. When I get on that, I just want to go! I always enjoy going to gatherings or anywhere for that matter because it sticks out and is uncommon. I rarely go anywhere without getting a compliment or having people come to look at it and ask questions. I like my Drifter loud and it feels sportier. It rides great but doesn't feel like a cruiser, it feels snappier. I guess the best way to sum it up between the two is, when I go out alone and walk into my garage, I always pick the Drifter to ride unless it's a trip to the store where I need the storage then, I ride the Nomad.
One of the biggest differences between the two for me is that I was much more "careful" with the Drifter because of the leathers (no rain, etc.) and I was always spending more time on it trying to keep it clean (rear white wall tires are a pain in the ass trying to keep clean). If there was a chance of rain, I would never ride the Drifter to work but I wouldn't hesitate with the Nomad.
If it wasn't for my wife, I wouldn't even have the Nomad and again, don't get me wrong, it is a great bike ... just not a Drifter :-)
Won't ride it in the rain? You probably wouldn't have likes my trip to Wyoming, and back in snow and freezing rain...2,000 miles in 4 days @ about 33°
Welcome back, just wondering if you are going to lower this one also?
Quote from: RockinRonny on December 16, 2015, 08:54:24 AM
Welcome back, just wondering if you are going to lower this one also?
Thanks and to answer your question; undecided :-) I did like the lowered height but it drove me nuts knowing the "lines in the back" were no longer parallel to the ground. Most people didn't notice it but I did.
If I end up with large saddle bags that cover the rear end then I probably will.
Your new ride looks to be very well taken care of, bambam, and I really like the two tone color scheme. IMO, that's the sharpest looking stock Drifter ever produced - garners a lot of attention. My son-in-law bought an identical one and is contemplating selling and I'll be first in line if the price is anything reasonable.
I kinda like mine....
Quote from: Troll on December 16, 2015, 18:25:32 PM
I kinda like mine....
Oh Yeah! I never tire of looking at the sweeping lines on those Drifters. Combined with those paint colors, just the right amount of bling, and the bags and tailbag you have, just can't be beat.
Quote from: Troll on December 16, 2015, 18:25:32 PM
I kinda like mine....
Show off! LOL! Yeah, I like the looks of your bike also. I'm seriously thinking about the Osprey bags also but when I read threads about sagging after a few years, I wonder if they're worth the money? They are the best looking bags out there though.
Quote from: bambam0099 on December 17, 2015, 07:18:09 AM
Show off! LOL! Yeah, I like the looks of your bike also. I'm seriously thinking about the Osprey bags also but when I read threads about sagging after a few years, I wonder if they're worth the money? They are the best looking bags out there though.
Fixed my Osprey sag problem with a couple of steel struts inside......easy fix, didn't make any external changes, or anything visible.
And now the slow process of transforming the bike into what I want. I'm hoping to have the bike done in time for Sturgis.
Scored a couple nice finds and got them in the mail today!
First, another gorgeous set of Indian tank emblems and, a light bar still in it's original packaging!!!
Yup that is how I scored my light bar and it went right to powder coating...lol......
Just picked up a BRAND NEW set of RoadHouse Dooleys for the Nomad for $100! This will be perfect for the dual exhaust I want. All I have to do is make a couple brackets and buy 2 pipes with fishtail tips and it will look great!
Cool! 8)
Wanna make a quick buck? I'll buy it off of ya!
Great find man!
Quote from: bambam0099 on January 08, 2016, 16:39:49 PM
Just picked up a BRAND NEW set of RoadHouse Dooleys for the Nomad for $100! This will be perfect for the dual exhaust I want. All I have to do is make a couple brackets and buy 2 pipes with fishtail tips and it will look great!
Better yet, want to double yer money???? ;D :D
LOL! It would have to be an outrageous offer before I sell these...I've been looking all over the world for these since I bought my 1st Drifter!
After seeing this video,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMPN6BN_ovU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMPN6BN_ovU),
I might change my initial thoughts. That bike sounds awesome with the stock pipes.
WOW, you've been very lucky finding NOS accessories or that new Drifter! Good job!!!
Love the trailer
I need some advice. Finding fishtail or cadillac tips for Dooleys is even harder than finding the Dooleys so, I've been scanning Ebay and found a few 3.5" tips that I love. I got them today and, even though they are the correct size per se', the step down size (the area that slides into the exhaust pipe) was different. Basically, I need to lengthen the step down length of the new tips ... any sugestions on the best way to to do this?
Here are the tips side by side with stock tip and then "installed" (just laying there) on the exhaust pipe. Love the look, hope I can make it work. I do not want to drill holes into the Dooley exhaust pipe.
Thanks in advance to all responses.
So, if I understand, the new tips are not long enough where they go into the muffler- not long enough to reach the bolt holes.
If I were doing it, I think I would find a piece of pipe (probably have to make one) that fits inside the muffler tight. (same size as current OD of the tip step) I would weld it to the existing tip, making the reduced section longer. If your dimension is exactly 3.5" you can probably find a piece of truck exhaust that matches that. If it's not, you will have to use 4" and cut out a little section to squeeze it down to the size you want. You should be able to find a piece of stainless exhaust pipe at a muffler shop, and they should sell you a foot or less. They can do the welding too, if you don't have a welder. It will burn the chrome, but it will be up in the muffler where you won't see it.
Another option is just weld short tabs on the tip where you need them for the bolts - instead of using a whole "ring".
"It will burn the chrome, but it will be up in the muffler where you won't see it" ... that was the suggestion I was looking for!
I'll check a muffler shop. Thanks
I should have some 4" pipe at the shop...(have to check to make sure) If you can't find anything, let me know and I'll see if I can lop off a couple pieces - let me know the exact ID of the muffler tail end (OD of the part of the tip we're discussing) and I'll see if I can ship you a couple pieces. You'll still have to have them welded.
Or ship them to me, I'll fix them up for you, for only $99.95 (each)
bambam:
it is only an 8 hour drive to Richwood, and you can get yourself some new tires and a tune up on the truck, trailer your bike down and get GB to do the muffler work for you. You will need to take some camping gear as there is no motel in Richwood.
ok stirred that pot for tonight.....
ok be good and stay safe.....
Quote from: greenbarn on January 21, 2016, 21:33:47 PM
I should have some 4" pipe at the shop...(have to check to make sure) If you can't find anything, let me know and I'll see if I can lop off a couple pieces - let me know the exact ID of the muffler tail end (OD of the part of the tip we're discussing) and I'll see if I can ship you a couple pieces. You'll still have to have them welded.
Or ship them to me, I'll fix them up for you, for only $99.95 (each)
Thanks for the offer. I can't get it done locally, I'll let you know
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 21, 2016, 22:24:06 PM
bambam:
it is only an 8 hour drive to Richwood, and you can get yourself some new tires and a tune up on the truck, trailer your bike down and get GB to do the muffler work for you. You will need to take some camping gear as there is no motel in Richwood.
ok stirred that pot for tonight.....
ok be good and stay safe.....
LOL! If it was 65 degrees warmer (zero at the moment here), I just might have taken you up on that!
While perusing Ebay, I came across a new set of Samson fishtail slip-ons for $200. I quickly measured a few things and decided to take a chance that it would "mate up" to the Roadhouse heat shields. I like the Samson because they come with a removable baffle, replaceable fishtail tips that are readily available and they should give me the same sound I had with my previous V&H setup that I loved, plus, they are light. Yeah, I know I won't be getting that deep Roadhouse rumble but I'll trade that for fishtails.
I'll still keep my eyes open for Dooley Cadillac or fishtail tips but everyone knows that they are next to impossible to find.
Anyways, got the slipons today and they are beautiful and, they "mate up" to the heat shields perfectly!
In the 2nd picture, notice how the heat shield mates up perfectly and the position of the Roadhouse mount versus the Samson mount. I will simply make a (rubber mounted) hanger(s) that can accommodate both.
Hope it works out, love the fishtails.
I was looking at Osprey saddle bags and was curious about a few things so I called them and to my surprise, they don't make the brackets anymore and don't plan on making any more. Ironically, that same day, I saw some guy was selling a brand new set so I contacted him, we spoke and I bought them.
They arrived today. Because they are so sturdy and well made, I figured I should have a set just in case I do decide to go with a nice set of bags.
The price was right so I couldn't pass them up.
Hmmm.... since these are not in production anymore, it would be nice for someone to make a drawing or pattern of them, and post it on the forum.... hint.. hint..... ::) ;D
Those look pretty nice, Bam.
Quote from: greenbarn on February 18, 2016, 19:54:23 PM
Hmmm.... since these are not in production anymore, it would be nice for someone to make a drawing or pattern of them, and post it on the forum.... hint.. hint..... ::) ;D
Those look pretty nice, Bam.
My drawing skills are stick-men level but I would be glad to attempt it and provide alot of pics with rulers along side. Always glad to help because so many others on this site have helped me!
perhaps a tracing of them would be easy to do........
Quote from: greenbarn on February 18, 2016, 19:54:23 PM
Hmmm.... since these are not in production anymore, it would be nice for someone to make a drawing or pattern of them, and post it on the forum.... hint.. hint..... ::) ;D
Those look pretty nice, Bam.
Put a bunch of pics here http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=41645.0
Made rubber mounted bracket for the dual exhaust. I can't take credit for this because the idea came from someone else here I believe (I can't find the link). Obviously, on the other side, I am using a stock classic rubber mount.
Pretty easy but I had a hell of a time finding a "tube" with an ID of < 1" > 3/4". I called every auto place, every parts place, every scrap yard, etc. and no one had it. Luckily I went to Nathan Steel in Utica and those guys were super nice and spent literally an hour looking for me until they found a scrap piece. 3/4" was too small for the rubber bushing and 1" was too big. I'm picky so it had to be perfect and they found a perfect piece for me to use.
Nice job, looks like an NOS factory part!