Okay I need to vent here.
I have an 800. I get about 50 MPG. It has plenty of torque and power and it is comfortable and puts a big smile on my face. It feels nimble and I can maneuver it easily on hills, in parking lots, on bumpy hills leading out of some parking lots where you need to go up a steep incline and stop as you enter a 55 road, etc., etc..
I have had it on multi-hour rides and I love it. I have had it on windy roads, and in cities and towns in stop and go traffic, and I love it. All of it.
So many bike forums and threads on forums go on and on and on and on about the biggest motors and high horsepower, and the general consensus is --- more is better and more is the way we all should go and more is really what you "need"; you and I need big engines and you and I need this high horsepower.
Why?
I do not see why it is endlessly lauded: This BIG BIGGER BIGGEST argument.
To me it seems like they are getting sucked into a hole. If x is good then 2x is better and then 3x has to even better! And the result is you "need" a 1600 or 1800 cc bike!
All the while MPG and that nimble, light, easy to move around from stop or in stop-and-go suffer.
Our culture and the bike culture overall seems to place a much higher priority on POWER and BIGGER than on all other characteristics.
Almost every time I tell someone I have a Drifter and they ask me how big is the engine and I tell them their FIRST response is--'Well, that is really not a long distance bike, or, you'll never be able to use that to go on any trips or you wish you had more power, you'll be sorry with that small of a motor.'
Well, I am NOT sorry!
(end of vent)
I will have to add to your story.
Sadly I also have an 800 and it is nice and light, easy to handle, you forgot to mention the narrower then big tires. I know what it is like when we pulled out of Deal's Gap parking lot and Troll took off and I was hitting and hard, but I still lagged a bit behind as his 1500 (almost twice the size engine) (also half the weight on his bike vice mine) but I got up to him as he could only go so fast. We rode the Tail of the Dragon and it was fun.
I can remember and so can a few others when the "big" bike was a 750 Honda and then Kawasaki came out with the huge 900.
I ride my bike for pleasure, and I am not in need of the speed because I am in no hurry to get there, I do not have a phallic issue either in that mine is bigger, mine is faster, mine is longer then your bike, I am really happy with my bike, I really like the looks of it. If you goggle 99 Drifter 800, what do you see a picture of my bike right there. So what more can I ask for.
As for trips my good friend, I have done 2 nice long trips on my little 800, and have enjoyed ever moment of them. Yes it takes me a bit longer to get there, but I get there, I also get lots of looks of admiration on such a fine looking ride. Power what more power do you need.
I live in an area were the speed limit is 90 km (55 mph)for the most part I cruise along at about 110 km (70 mph) for the most part and have never been stopped, so why do I need that huge weight between my legs to get me to the speed limit.....ok there I am with you, and so I get a free meal when I come to the truck.
my 5 cents worth here as well...In Oregon, you have to take a safety class to get a motorcycle endorsement...I took the intermediate class as I have been riding since I was 12, but had let my Oregon endorsement lapse...when you take the 5 hr class (which is mostly riding around in a big parking lot to learn proper riding technique), you have the option of using one of the bikes provided or your own. The provided bikes were all small (200-250cc) enduro types or single cylinder road bikes... I was the ONLY ONE who brought my own bike..my newly purchased 800 Drifter...I learned a lot about the bike that day...
Stopping - I stopped in shorter distance than anyone else in the class..period... EXCELLENT BRAKING
Handling - I was able to run the second fasted time of the day on the multi-obstacle course....lost by 1 second Very nimble at low speed maneuvers...low center of gravity
Looks Factor - EVERYONE (including the two instructors) loved the looks of the bike...including two Harley owners...
Only one negative that I found was the higher speed cornering.....my last bike was a touring bike, not a cruiser, and it cornered tighter. I hit the floor-boards multiple times...but I haven't had that issue now that I am aware of it in my daily riding
In conclusion...I have owned multiple off-road and street bikes since I was 14 (40 yrs ago)....This Drifter is by far my favorite one....looks, comfort, power (plenty) and handling....perfect for me.
And....I found a GREAT website that offers tips and ideas and stimulating conversation about these unique bikes.... ;D
Quote from: CDNRatMan on October 28, 2016, 12:02:28 PM
I will have to add to your story.
Sadly I also have an 800 and it is nice and light, easy to handle, you forgot to mention the narrower then big tires. I know what it is like when we pulled out of Deal's Gap parking lot and Troll took off and I was hitting and hard, but I still lagged a bit behind as his 1500 (almost twice the size engine) (also half the weight on his bike vice mine) but I got up to him as he could only go so fast. We rode the Tail of the Dragon and it was fun.
I can remember and so can a few others when the "big" bike was a 750 Honda and then Kawasaki came out with the huge 900.
I ride my bike for pleasure, and I am not in need of the speed because I am in no hurry to get there, I do not have a phallic issue either in that mine is bigger, mine is faster, mine is longer then your bike, I am really happy with my bike, I really like the looks of it. If you goggle 99 Drifter 800, what do you see a picture of my bike right there. So what more can I ask for.
As for trips my good friend, I have done 2 nice long trips on my little 800, and have enjoyed ever moment of them. Yes it takes me a bit longer to get there, but I get there, I also get lots of looks of admiration on such a fine looking ride. Power what more power do you need.
I live in an area were the speed limit is 90 km (55 mph)for the most part I cruise along at about 110 km (70 mph) for the most part and have never been stopped, so why do I need that huge weight between my legs to get me to the speed limit.....ok there I am with you, and so I get a free meal when I come to the truck.
Wow, sounds like you'd do anything for a free pizza pi! hahaa.
I agree with what you posted including the part about cruising along at 70 mph. My Drifter 800 seems to love that speed. Again, why do you need more?
Sure I have a Ducati ST4 and that will get up and go quicker than my Drifter but that is not what I want my "cruiser bike" for.
And may I say again--I really like the gas mileage of my Drifter 800. Better MPG than my Ducati or my Honda. And better than I use to get with my BMW, too.
Part of why I have a bike is I like getting high miles per gallon. If I want 32 miles per gallon I will drive my car. I like more and have a bike (my 800) that really delivers!
Well, it looks like you guys have already said everything about the 800 Drifter...
What else to add?
Oh yes! She is very comfortable, even for the passenger (I've got the OEM 2up seat).
And, yes, I've never been a huge fan of superfast bikes: I've always preferred to cruise along curvy roads AND being able to take a look around while riding in nice scenary.
Not to mention the higher danger in riding faster...
Quote from: mittico68 on October 28, 2016, 12:58:33 PM
Well, it looks like you guys have already said everything about the 800 Drifter...
What else to add?
Oh yes! She is very comfortable, even for the passenger (I've got the OEM 2up seat).
And, yes, I've never been a huge fan of superfast bikes: I've always preferred to cruise along curvy roads AND being able to take a look around while riding in nice scenary.
Not to mention the higher danger in riding faster...
Yes, and the Drifter really does have an ideal sitting position (and windshield) for taking in the scenery.
I am glad you brought up comfort. I was doing a long ride last Saturday and at one point (like 3 hours in to the ride) I just smiled and said, "Wow, I am riding on a cloud and yet can throttle it and turn into a flying ship too!"
That is the other thing about the 800: It as comfortable, or even more comfortable than most "bigger" bikes. So you get that level of comfort yet the benefits of a more nimble and less gasoline sucking piggy.
The sun has finally come out here after 4 days of cold (32-42 degrees F). I hope to go for a run and then squeeze a ride in on my 800 Drifter before night arrives and the falling temps. Although I have my all season jacket with liner put back in and warm gloves so I am ready to enjoy this autumn afternoon on what has become my favorite motorcycle for cruising. Did I mention that great windshield on this Drifter? Wow, does that make colder temps more palatable!
I have had my 800 for about 4 years now and have put almost 20k miles on it. You don't need a big engine to have a cruising bike....you need sufficient wheelbase, a windscreen and a comfortable seat and suspension. I went to Drift In in 2013....it was over 500 miles each way. No reason to change anything on the 800...and certainly didn't feel like I needed more engine.
Back at slower speeds it is nimble and not a drag to lug around town....and the bike has been trouble free because it is not high tech....carb and chain works good for me. So the 800 is great all around machine. It is great around town and more than comfortable on the highway for riding all day.
Although after seeing the new Triumph Bobber, I might be ready to trade in my W650.....
Zoar, I do draw a line as fine as it is about what I would do for a free meal. Seems after all the snow last night that my season is over or very close to over, so time to park the bike and start my winter project list.
Zoar's food truck is on the schedule for next summer for a over night ride...........
I just finished my ride. It was cool out there. Legs got the coldest. But it was fantastic! I went to grocery store and when I came out there was a guy fawning over my 800. He was a Harley / Indian guy. Needless to say he was impressed with my 800. I started it for him and he looked at me like I just told the best story! He liked the sound. A lot. Oh, that is the other thing, I like the sound of my 800. When I drove by some cliffs today reflecting the sound back, I was thinking, "Damn, that sounds sweet!"
You need to contact a guy outside of Toronto and get some elephant ears......
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/KAWASAKI-DRIFTER-800-ENGINE-GUARD-SOFT-LOWERS-CHAPS-1-QUALITY-WARRANTY-/401146082957?hash=item5d662b768d:m:m1oVupffg6_ulcpl_aIqhTQ&vxp=mtr
Quote from: CDNRatMan on October 28, 2016, 18:34:53 PM
You need to contact a guy outside of Toronto and get some elephant ears......
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/KAWASAKI-DRIFTER-800-ENGINE-GUARD-SOFT-LOWERS-CHAPS-1-QUALITY-WARRANTY-/401146082957?hash=item5d662b768d:m:m1oVupffg6_ulcpl_aIqhTQ&vxp=mtr
Mr. Ratman, that's what I was thinkin' for ma-deuce, too... but the seller doesn't ship to Italy!
Too bad...
Most likely due to weight and the shipping charges, cost one person something like $375.00 to ship a exhaust system to Sweden.
Lots of e bay sellers do not ship to Canada so I can feel your pain, and a lot if they do ship to Canada charge you more then twice the cost of the item.
OR_seedman posted the parts he used for his solo seat and if I did it right the three parts:
seat, $64.95 , $40.70 shipping,
mount $15.99 , $15.50,
springs $12.95 , $15.50,
$93.89 , $71.70, or in Canadian funds ........
$125.00 , $96.05 = $222.00 this is not including and import charges.
All parts if shipped to the US are free shipping, so I could save almost $100.00 if I lived closer to a border town.
Zoar, you're right - I've seen a lot of people "Judge a book by it's cover", or a bike by it's CC's... Bigger is not always better - The 800 can do everything the 1500 can do - only the 1500 does some things better. The 800 does some things better. You pretty much have hit the nail on the head with your descriptions - I love the way my 800 handles and the easy turns etc. When I was on the trail of the dragon, I was on my 1500 - but wish I had the chance to ride it on the 800. Such a fun bike.
And Ratman: Let me know when you're going to ride out to Zoar's food truck... I'd like to meet you there. Heck, we could have an ad-hoc mini-drift-in!!
GB I fear that if you and I show up at the food truck......poor Zoar would have to work for a full weekend to make it pay, he can only give out so much free food.......
Now if we knew the exact location I could be closer on my time and distance appreciation. So going by the map on his profile.....
From Richwood to him is about 7 hours, 728 km
From North Bay to Zoar is about 8 hours 714 km
We could leave at the same time and see how close we can get to arriving at the same time other then I have Customs to clear in Buffalo........might be a good weekend ride.......lol......
I am correct that he did say free food for anyone showing on a Drifter.........
Yea, that's what he said...
So sounds like I can sleep in 2 hours longer than you, and still we can show up the same time....
:o you would have to ride the 800....lol......an over night trip and free food, sounds like a plan to me.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on October 30, 2016, 18:29:14 PM
GB I fear that if you and I show up at the food truck......poor Zoar would have to work for a full weekend to make it pay, he can only give out so much free food.......
Now if we knew the exact location I could be closer on my time and distance appreciation. So going by the map on his profile.....
From Richwood to him is about 7 hours, 728 km
From North Bay to Zoar is about 8 hours 714 km
We could leave at the same time and see how close we can get to arriving at the same time other then I have Customs to clear in Buffalo........might be a good weekend ride.......lol......
I am correct that he did say free food for anyone showing on a Drifter.........
And just so you guys are fully understanding the situation, the food truck is closed for the season however if you guys drove in I would fire up the wood stove on the truck and make you guys FREE pizza and we would have a mini Drift-In. Yes, absolutely. I just need some advanced notice. My climbing robot company sometimes requires me to travel. I would hate to be in Japan or even worse in Ohio when you guys are pulling in my driveway to get some pizza Pi.
8) I would love to leave you worrying all winter about this, but we are talking about the summer of 17 just to be fair.......we need time to plan this out, we just need a place next to the food truck to pitch our tents.....park the bikes, have a washroom, and a place to sit and eat.........
Did I miss anything GB?
Quote from: CDNRatMan on October 31, 2016, 09:36:55 AM
8) I would love to leave you worrying all winter about this, but we are talking about the summer of 17 just to be fair.......we need time to plan this out, we just need a place next to the food truck to pitch our tents.....park the bikes, have a washroom, and a place to sit and eat.........
Did I miss anything GB?
You guys can stay at my place. I have a Gypsy Wagon Guest House for one of you and plenty of room to pitch a tent OR I may have my Tree House Guest House done by then so there will be two structures with very comfortable beds for you guys to stay!
No problem!
I have something to say about the Drifter 800. It has enough power to do what we need to do on the road, which is to get from one place to another. It does it with style and class. I toted a trailer with mine and could still keep up with the other boys.
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1170823_10208040028548714_3190529518365157953_n.jpg?oh=f335ddf4115e359b25c32c2ac5c15cdc&oe=58D1B8B1)
The disadvantages I had with the bike is this: Two up, it wasn't as comfortable as my big bike.
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13310450_10209370256643585_5899744888076130130_n.jpg?oh=50e1c25b417fd165681540433e2f83ee&oe=589D9DE1)
I kept everything stock on the bike and I am glad I did. The looks of the 800cc can be improved by "making it your own" so to speak, but when it comes to resale, they sell better stock.
I bought mine with 6,000 miles on it and sold it with 11,000 miles on it.
Testimony to the size of the bike: After I sold the 800, I missed the mid sized cruiser and bought an 07 Kawasaki Custom LT 900cc with fuel injection and belt drive. It has stock floor boards, heel toe shifter, windshield and saddle bags. It feels just like my Drifter, but it doesn't get the looks that the 800 did. I found an 07 in Sept 2016 with 182 miles on it. Yes, 182 miles. I now have a whopping 600 on it. I paid $2500. The knock on the 900 is "not big enough." "Girls or first time buyer bike" Bullshit.
They did put a 5.3 gallon tank on the 900. The 900 feels just like my 800cc in seat height, position and comfort level. My girl friend still won't ride very far on this one either. (she is 61 and in America, we do believe in choice.)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/l/t1.0-9/14449024_10210218726854810_8195337980094296565_n.jpg?oh=35e06d747e5712560cfabff81af1a4ba&oe=5889E2C9)
The guy who bought my 800 lives close by. When he rides by, I just smile and have fond memories of my 800. I don't regret selling it. I learned a long time ago that I shouldn't love something that can't love me back. However, when he found out how much I was selling it for ($3500) he bought it immediately that day. After a few months of riding it, he sold his 2008 HD. He is a smaller framed guy and he said, "it fits me perfectly." I am taller and come in at 260 lbs and I told him, "it fit me well too."
Great post and thank you for some verifying of your own factual experiences, such as towing a trailer.
I know, I am off the grid and use solar power and it is flabbergasting how many people immediately say to me--- "That Solar shit doesn't work!" or "You can't live off the grid, it just doesn't work."
Well, there are no power lines coming from the gird on to my property. I have solar panels and batteries. I have successfully lived this way for 12 years.
It works.
And so does my 800 Drifter. It works great and is one of the best purchases I can say I ever made.
I really like it when another "biker" asks me what size the engine is.......
800 cc's Really, yes......... ok so you don't travel a lot on it then.........
Then I tell them were I have ridden it to and back, and mention that I have never had the bike on a trailer..........
I think a few would want to call me a liar but are not sure......glad I take lots of pictures..........
Next year a picture of my sweet red machine parked next to the Zoar Pizza Truck were I'll be eating my free pizza......I ride 8 hours it better be a free pizza........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 07, 2016, 17:34:37 PM
I really like it when another "biker" asks me what size the engine is.......
800 cc's Really, yes......... ok so you don't travel a lot on it then.........
Then I tell them were I have ridden it to and back, and mention that I have never had the bike on a trailer..........
I think a few would want to call me a liar but are not sure......glad I take lots of pictures..........
Next year a picture of my sweet red machine parked next to the Zoar Pizza Truck were I'll be eating my free pizza......I ride 8 hours it better be a free pizza........
Yes, not to worry, it will be free pizza for your 8 hours of riding and all the free publicity you will be providing the Pi Truck, (by the way, it is called the Pi Truck) between now and then. And any other Drifter Riders that accompany you. Free pizza for all Drifter riders. To make up for the loss all Harley Riders pay double! Hehe.
Pi Truck.
Interesting you should post about the smug trepidation people have about the 800 being big enough for travel. They are smug and they are so sure it is not possible to travel with an 800.
Who did this to them?
Quote from: Zoar on November 08, 2016, 08:20:57 AM
Yes, not to worry, it will be free pizza for your 8 hours of riding and all the free publicity you will be providing the Pi Truck, (by the way, it is called the Pi Truck) between now and then. And any other Drifter Riders that accompany you. Free pizza for all Drifter riders. To make up for the loss all Harley Riders pay double! Hehe.
Pi Truck.
Interesting you should post about the smug trepidation people have about the 800 being big enough for travel. They are smug and they are so sure it is not possible to travel with an 800.
Who did this to them?
I agree. Like Larry said, the 800 isn't as comfortable for 2-up. Other than that, I like my 800 a lot, and it's a great bike.
That Pizza Pi is sounding good....
Quote from: greenbarn on November 08, 2016, 20:47:10 PM
I agree. Like Larry said, the 800 isn't as comfortable for 2-up. Other than that, I like my 800 a lot, and it's a great bike.
That Pizza Pi is sounding good....
The 800 makes me smile every time I take off on it.
I live in some great country here in Finger Lakes region of NY state. I hope to explore a lot more of these roads soon. One major stumbling block is late fall winter weather. That kinda' puts a damper on a lot of bike riding.
However, I plan to keep my bike ready for any available days all winter for some riding. One OTHER thing about this area. Jan 1 can be 60 degrees and beautiful!
Have 800, will travel.
All you southerners are the same whining about the weather.........
It will be summer soon and I'll be heading to the finger Lakes area for my free pizza..........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 09, 2016, 17:12:57 PM
All you southerners are the same whining about the weather.........
It will be summer soon and I'll be heading to the finger Lakes area for my free pizza..........
CDNRatMan, let me know when you're leaving, I'll meet you there. 8)
;) I'll post the date and meeting place then we can ride en-mass into the location of the Pi Wagon for our small loaded pizza each for free well not for free for riding Drifter Motorcycles......lol........Zoar you might need to float a loan here for the summer.....lol....
Oh hey question is that one free pizza per visit or per season or per lifetime........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 09, 2016, 20:06:31 PM
;) I'll post the date and meeting place then we can ride en-mass into the location of the Pi Wagon for our small loaded pizza each for free well not for free for riding Drifter Motorcycles......lol........Zoar you might need to float a loan here for the summer.....lol....
Oh hey question is that one free pizza per visit or per season or per lifetime........
Pi Truck.
Pi Truck.
Pi Truck.
:o Sorry
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
make you feel better......lol........
now i'll be really doing this to mess with you..........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 10, 2016, 10:28:27 AM
:o Sorry
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
PI Truck
make you feel better......lol........
now i'll be really doing this to mess with you..........
Cool. Pi Truck is the name. I love branding. The more it gets repeated the more effective the branding.
Pi Truck is all about making amazing wood fired oven pizza and providing an experience of watching the pizza being made with all the details and methods borrowed from years of real Italian wood fired oven pizza making combined with some modern techniques! And yes all the electricity is provided from solar panels so the experience is not ruined with the droning noise and fumes from a gasoline generator which is the means for making power used by 95% of food trucks on the planet. Pi Truck is a unique experience and the pizza is by far one of the best and perhaps the best pizza you might ever eat, anywhere, ever.
8) I am really looking forward to my free sample and then just sitting around and talking Drifters with all the other Riders I can convince to met me there........
I rode a 750 Honda Shadow for years and sold it when I bought the Drifter, I wish I still had the 750. The 750 was much better in town. Do the 1500 and 800 have the same front tire? I ask because the Shadow had a very narrow tire and when on the highway it would grab the tar snakes and pull side to side. In case you think I've got a vendetta against snakes I'm talking about the tar filled cracks on the roads.
The tire size on a stock 800 are as:
800 1500
Front 130/90 - 16 130/90 - 16
Rear 140/90 - 16 150/80 - 16
They are pretty close, but the main difference in my mind for most things is the weight. The 1500 is about 670 lbs and then the 800 is a mere 580 lbs. Round out this is about 100 lbs difference. I have noticed when riding with the heavier bikes that they tend to follow the road a bit better. I have lots of tar snakes up here and I find it is not so much the front tire following them but the whole bike. Down in the states were they have the roads grooved, I found my bike wandered on the grooves more then the heavier bikes. I found with the new Metz 888's that the snakes sing as you ride over or along top of them. Really bad if they are hot, the snakes that is on a hot day they seem to roll under the tires.
I also think the wind has more an effect on the 800 then on a 1500, the 800 is lighter and does sit a tad higher then the 1500.
Someone like GreenBarn who has both bikes should do a test ride for us and see what happens......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 12, 2016, 11:04:08 AM
I also think the wind has more an effect on the 800 then on a 1500, the 800 is lighter and does sit a tad higher then the 1500.
Someone like GreenBarn who has both bikes should do a test ride for us and see what happens......
But Alas, the 800 is still on the bike lift... :(
Quote from: Zoar on November 10, 2016, 14:27:47 PM
Cool. Pi Truck is the name. I love branding. The more it gets repeated the more effective the branding.
Pi Truck is all about making amazing wood fired oven pizza and providing an experience of watching the pizza being made with all the details and methods borrowed from years of real Italian wood fired oven pizza making combined with some modern techniques! And yes all the electricity is provided from solar panels so the experience is not ruined with the droning noise and fumes from a gasoline generator which is the means for making power used by 95% of food trucks on the planet. Pi Truck is a unique experience and the pizza is by far one of the best and perhaps the best pizza you might ever eat, anywhere, ever.
Be careful, there, Chief will be charging you for advertisement.... ;D
:o Chief is not like that.......now a few others I bet would....like the grumpy old guy there...........PC....him if it was up to him he would charge......lol.........
Bike is still on the lift, it was there this summer, well need to take a road trip to 0hi0 and give you a hand......oh wait mine is in the house so time to start my winter projects..........
Quote from: greenbarn on November 14, 2016, 21:49:28 PM
Be careful, there, Chief will be charging you for advertisement.... ;D
Geee, and here I thought the free pizza I agreed to give to Drifter peeps was going to be fair compensation for any free mentions here on this forum? ;)
Tit for tat.
Drifter riders only. All else pay. One thing I found out actually now being in the food industry is --- margins are razor thin and you really don't make much if any money. And yes most restaurants do go out of business for that reason. I know it is glamorous right now to have a food truck or be making food for people, but staying in business is a the grim reality. A famous restaurant bar locally called "The Rongovian Embassy" just gave out a surprise announcement that they are closing their doors. They had some of the purported "best restaurants managers" in the area, too, running it. Now it's Belly UP. I have learned when margins are as thin as they are it does not take much to render the operation to become not feasible. But the good news --- I paid cash for my Drifter 800 BEFORE the season and so was not dependent on the financial success or lack of for this food business to fund the acquisition of my motorcycles. I only know it prevented me from riding my beloved 800 all summer. So, I will not run it the same way next year as this past season. I need to figure that out over the winter and spring. For now I am riding my 800 and my Ducati as much as I can and love the time I can put in the saddle during these autumn days in the Finger Lakes. Still have to work my other business but at least I have some time to ride. In fact, I hope to get some Drifter time in tonight!!! Can't wait!
Well glad to know that if your are living in the Food Truck at least you will be out of the weather, and the whole family can live in there with you. Move to 0hi0.
I got lots of Drifter Time in last night, I used this product I bought last year at the bike show, so about 10 pm went upstairs and washed it, cleaned it all up, started to take the old stereo off, and yesterday I received in the mail from the East coast of Canada a solo bobber seat with springs, so another project I can tinker with, today off to Canadian Tire to check out some mini LED drive lights. Yup lots of quality time with the Drifter.
Tonight might even eat my supper upstairs with her, and see if there is a hockey game on to watch...bowl of popcorn, sit back on the bike and watch TV..........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 15, 2016, 10:56:31 AM
Well glad to know that if your are living in the Food Truck at least you will be out of the weather, and the whole family can live in there with you. Move to 0hi0.
I got lots of Drifter Time in last night, I used this product I bought last year at the bike show, so about 10 pm went upstairs and washed it, cleaned it all up, started to take the old stereo off, and yesterday I received in the mail from the East coast of Canada a solo bobber seat with springs, so another project I can tinker with, today off to Canadian Tire to check out some mini LED drive lights. Yup lots of quality time with the Drifter.
Tonight might even eat my supper upstairs with her, and see if there is a hockey game on to watch...bowl of popcorn, sit back on the bike and watch TV..........
Sounds awesome. Sitting on your big 'ole Drifter to watch a hockey game and TV!!! With popcorn! Man, what could be better??!
On the Pi Truck note, food trucks are made to make food, and every which is spoken for - for the task at hand of making food, not to house people, so it wouldn't work well at all to live in unless you want to sleep under (about 11 inches of clearance) or on top of the rounded dome of the wood fired oven, or on a sink, or on a food prep table. I wouldn't recommend it. I am sure many a chef has worked way too many hours or had too much to drink and ended up sleeping in his kitchen but I can almost guarantee they would say that really sucked and will never do that again. In a food truck that would be a sentiment magnified by about 25 times especially in the winter and since it is not set up to have heat other than what is generated in the truck while the wood stove is going and since it is highly insulated the heat going onto the truck is about nil.
If every thing went to shit the best bet would still be to stay in my house since I am off grid and make my own power and have no electric grid or utilities (I have a well for water and use my solar power to power the jet pump so I have pressure for the water.) The Pi Truck is parked in the driveway an since it is solar paneled up and has massive battery bank I can and have plugged my house into it and powered my house that was as well. Essentially I have two separate power plants and battery storage facilities at my disposal, one is the system that is hardwired from a shed in my garden to the house with the solar panels and the shed roof and the other is the MOBILE system that is on and in the Pi Truck.
Heating the house is done with a separate solar heating system, it heats glycol and a tiny pump moves it through base boards and I also heat with a wood stove. In the Pi Truck heat would need to be by electric heaters that I do not own. I used heat lamps for one event once last winter to try to help keep the workers warm. It was about close to ZERO in terms of how effective it was. Of course, the 8 degree F air temps and 40 to 50 Mile Per Hour wind were no help in the matter. Miserable night. One I never want to repeat. Ever.
Yup I hope to ride my Drifter 800 tonight. I will be dressed warmly and thinking about some of the forum members here watching hockey and crunching on a big ole bowl of popcorn from the Drifter seat! Whata-way-to-go!
8) of course I would post a picture to prove it but I watch TV in my underwear and for some reason that just gets poor old PC wound right up and he can not get any rest for days on end........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 15, 2016, 14:53:56 PM
8) of course I would post a picture to prove it but I watch TV in my underwear and for some reason that just gets poor old PC wound right up and he can not get any rest for days on end........
I think I speak for all of us when we express our utmost gratitude to you for not posting you clad only in your underwears riding your Drifter in the house. ;)
That said, can you get a picture of your bike in the room with the TV on and the TV showing hockey??? That alone would be worth a lot! You do not need be in the pic. Just the big ole Drifter and the TV tuned to Hockey!
Consider it done.........lol....
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 15, 2016, 15:07:31 PM
Consider it done.........lol....
And I hope to be riding my 800 outside while yours is parked in front of the TV set! (as long as the temps don't tumble and the rain start pouring). Cold night rain is not my preference for a mid November ride.
8) Well I am not going to get caught with my bike in the shed for that "last" ride and wake up in the morning and have 2 ft of snow in the driveway, been there done that and had to leave the bike in the shed all winter, now I am not needing to be the hero who gets that last ride in.
1730 and it is dark outside, the puddles have a skim of ice on them, So I'll be sitting on my bike in the living room and thinking of you riding the Finger Lakes area, and hope you enjoy it........now to see if there is a game on or watch Ink Master tonight.......
Quote from: Zoar on November 15, 2016, 12:26:07 PM
Sounds awesome. Sitting on your big 'ole Drifter to watch a hockey game and TV!!! With popcorn! Man, what could be better??!
On the Pi Truck note, food trucks are made to make food, and every which is spoken for - for the task at hand of making food, not to house people, so it wouldn't work well at all to live in unless you want to sleep under (about 11 inches of clearance) or on top of the rounded dome of the wood fired oven, or on a sink, or on a food prep table. I wouldn't recommend it. I am sure many a chef has worked way too many hours or had too much to drink and ended up sleeping in his kitchen but I can almost guarantee they would say that really sucked and will never do that again. In a food truck that would be a sentiment magnified by about 25 times especially in the winter and since it is not set up to have heat other than what is generated in the truck while the wood stove is going and since it is highly insulated the heat going onto the truck is about nil.
If every thing went to shit the best bet would still be to stay in my house since I am off grid and make my own power and have no electric grid or utilities (I have a well for water and use my solar power to power the jet pump so I have pressure for the water.) The Pi Truck is parked in the driveway an since it is solar paneled up and has massive battery bank I can and have plugged my house into it and powered my house that was as well. Essentially I have two separate power plants and battery storage facilities at my disposal, one is the system that is hardwired from a shed in my garden to the house with the solar panels and the shed roof and the other is the MOBILE system that is on and in the Pi Truck.
Heating the house is done with a separate solar heating system, it heats glycol and a tiny pump moves it through base boards and I also heat with a wood stove. In the Pi Truck heat would need to be by electric heaters that I do not own. I used heat lamps for one event once last winter to try to help keep the workers warm. It was about close to ZERO in terms of how effective it was. Of course, the 8 degree F air temps and 40 to 50 Mile Per Hour wind were no help in the matter. Miserable night. One I never want to repeat. Ever.
Yup I hope to ride my Drifter 800 tonight. I will be dressed warmly and thinking about some of the forum members here watching hockey and crunching on a big ole bowl of popcorn from the Drifter seat! Whata-way-to-go!
Zoar, I wouldn't mind checking out all of your solar panels and all that stuff if we get out there. Sounds really interesting.
GB while we are filling our faces with the free pizza Sam can show you around and explain it all to you.........
We just have to keep an eye on his face book page to find him as he seems to move around a lot, might be to keep people from finding him and asking for free food.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 15, 2016, 23:33:37 PM
GB while we are filling our faces with the free pizza Sam can show you around and explain it all to you.........
We just have to keep an eye on his face book page to find him as he seems to move around a lot, might be to keep people from finding him and asking for free food.......
Thankfully the only ones asking for free food are here. So I was able to survive year two of operations!
A solar and battery based electric system is really simple and is so superior to fossil fuel generators which is how 99.99% of all food trucks run now. I love it that I do NOT have to fuel up constantly. The other food trucks I know have constant generator hassles. One is parked right now at my mechanics where the generator platform is getting a complete RE-DO because they have to constantly work on the generator and the old setup did not give them access, so now they are putting in on a big metal drawer so they can slide it out to work on it... meanwhile the owner of the food truck could have paid for a solar system for all the money she has dicked around and invested into her gasoline generator fiasco. But she is smarter than me and knows food trucks way better than me so she does it her way... meanwhile I make all my electricity for free and no stink and no noise and no costs to fuel up every week and no hassles! But she is the expert. I am just some crazy idealist.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on November 15, 2016, 23:33:37 PM
GB while we are filling our faces with the free pizza Sam can show you around and explain it all to you.........
We just have to keep an eye on his face book page to find him as he seems to move around a lot, might be to keep people from finding him and asking for free food.......
Also, I am sure we will be communicating and messaging here. No need to rely on the Pi Truck FB page. I am looking forward to seeing my Drifter Compadre's and want to make the trip out here well worth your while. Details. Details. I also highly recommend the Curtis Museum when you are coming out here. You will get to see the origins of the motorcycle and some amazing bikes at that museum as well as history of flying machines and flying boats and even motor homes that will astound you.
As indicated, you guys are welcome to stay at my place, overnighting for a few days, if you want. There is a lot to see how here and you don't want to try forcing it into one day or two.
Reasons to be grateful:
The day after Thanksgiving. 50's temp. Took the 800 for a nice ride here in upstate NY! WOW!
Good for you and go ahead and rub it in.....salt on the wound..........
So many people were running each other over with shopping carts or getting in fist fights over a dam on sale crock pot... me? I was out riding my Drifter, cutting sharp corners and throttling it up past the speed limit, safely of course. Day after Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my Drifter! And a day in late November to ride!
I'm thankful that my Drifter, Nadine, saved my life.
I really believe, that although my injuries from my accident were indeed extreme, my beautiful Nadine took the brunt of the force, and as such, allowed me to live another day.
They say that you should never ride faster then your guardian angel can fly, and I now know for certain that mine can do 50mph. That was the speed I was doing when I parted ways with Nadine and took to the air, hoping to end up better then her.
In the end, it was a draw. Nadine was destroyed. I'm glad she'll help another Drifter live on, but she is gone.
I spent days in the ICU. I was on a breathing machine for most of those days. I wouldn't wish that hell on my worst enemy. Memories......
(Sorry....big tough biker crying here......)
They tell me that I died a number of times on the operating table. My chest was completely collapsed, my nose broken in many places, my face shredded, broken teeth, and my left foot amputated......but God had another plan!
My face was repaired, my foot reattached, my lungs fixed, and my sense of humor in tact!
Today, I'm walking with a cane. I know I'll never run again, but I'm OK with that. As of now, I could never hold up a bike. I'd love to ride again.....It's in my soul! But I don't think I ever will again. I'll just have to settle for dropping the top on a cage.
As for "Reasons To Be Grateful", I have so many!
I'm grateful to be alive!
I'm grateful to wake up every morning next to the most beautiful woman in the world.....my wife!
I'm grateful to walk on my own two feet, even if it is with a cane! Modern medicine is amazing!
I'm grateful for the friends and family that I have. Without them I don't think I would have made it.
I'm grateful for my God. Without Him, I have no doubt at all.....I wouldn't have made it.
(OK.....Crying again..........)
I'm sorry....big boy's aren't supposed to cry......
It's been a VERY hard year!
But God has another plan!
In the mean time, even though I know Nadine is being parted out, and I'm glad she lives on to help other Drifters, I'll always prefer to remember her as she was........a bad to the bone bad girl!
FIRST PLACE!!!
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi83.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj319%2Fpcarrell%2FDrifter%2FIMG_3262EDITED.jpg&hash=2c0ec15aacc1ba5ed16192b8e31dca3c7a8985a1) (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/pcarrell/media/Drifter/IMG_3262EDITED.jpg.html)
Sorry, but I guess this wasn't really an 800 thing. I didn't mean to intrude.........
Wow, that was a tougher post to make then I thought it would be!
Quote from: pcarrell on November 29, 2016, 22:47:41 PM
I'm thankful that my Drifter, Nadine, saved my life.
I really believe, that although my injuries from my accident were indeed extreme, my beautiful Nadine took the brunt of the force, and as such, allowed me to live another day.
They say that you should never ride faster then your guardian angel can fly, and I now know for certain that mine can do 50mph. That was the speed I was doing when I parted ways with Nadine and took to the air, hoping to end up better then her.
In the end, it was a draw. Nadine was destroyed. I'm glad she'll help another Drifter live on, but she is gone.
I spent days in the ICU. I was on a breathing machine for most of those days. I wouldn't wish that hell on my worst enemy.
(Sorry....big tough biker crying here......)
They tell me that I died a number of times on the operating table. My chest was completely collapsed, my nose broken in many places, my face shredded, broken teeth, and my left foot amputated......but God had another plan!
My face was repaired, my foot reattached, my lungs fixed, and my sense of humor in tact!
Today, I'm walking with a cane. I know I'll never run again, but I'm OK with that. As of now, I could never hold up a bike. I'd love to ride again.....It's in my soul! But I don't think I ever will again. I'll just have to settle for dropping the top on a cage.
As for "Reasons To Be Grateful", I have so many!
I'm grateful to be alive!
I'm grateful to wake up every morning next to the most beautiful woman in the world.....my wife!
I'm grateful to walk on my own two feet, even if it is with a cane! Modern medicine is amazing!
I'm grateful for the friends and family that I have. Without them I don't think I would have made it.
I'm grateful for my God. Without Him, I have no doubt at all.....I wouldn't have made it.
(OK.....Crying again..........)
I'm sorry....big boy's aren't supposed to cry......
It's been a VERY hard year!
But God has another plan!
In the mean time, even though I know Nadine is being parted out, and I'm glad she lives on to help other Drifters, I'll always prefer to remember her as she was........a bad to the bone bad girl!
FIRST PLACE!!!
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi83.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj319%2Fpcarrell%2FDrifter%2FIMG_3262EDITED.jpg&hash=2c0ec15aacc1ba5ed16192b8e31dca3c7a8985a1) (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/pcarrell/media/Drifter/IMG_3262EDITED.jpg.html)
Sorry, but I guess this wasn't really an 800 thing. I didn't mean to intrude.........
Acknowledging your post for its intense message. I had such a year some time ago. Fortitude in kind.
You sound like your head and heart are in such a good place.
And grateful.
Sorry, I'm not trying to be a downer.
God has been good to me and I praise Him every day! (Not to get too religious on everyone)
I guess what I am really trying to get at is that life is precious. Don't waste a single day!
You Rock Zoar!
Quote from: pcarrell on November 29, 2016, 22:47:41 PM
.....My face was repaired
Well, that's debatable.... :o
;D JUST KIDDING!!! ;D
Quote from: pcarrell on November 29, 2016, 22:47:41 PM
..... and my sense of humor in tact!
This is a good thing! 8)
PC: Having met you in person, I'm thankful you pulled through as good as you did - so many people have it worse. I know it's been a really hard road, but I'm glad to hear you're up and walking with a cane. Keep working on it, you'll be walking without it before you know it brother!!! Our God is GOOD!!
You've got that right GB!
Ok I have sat here quiet and polite long enough now let me understand this conversation......
as stated by PC = My face was repaired,
as stated by GB = Well, that's debatable....
as stated by PC = You've got that right GB!
I had said nothing posted no pictures and Gb said your face was fixed is debatable and you agreed with him.......boy if I had said that you would have been offended.....
Have you thought about a Drifter with a sidehack? That is going to be the route I go shortly when I am no longer able to maintain my balance or have the leg strength to keep my bike upright........or live as long as a couple of our venerable and ancient members.
Bathing suit pictures for PC are next on my weekend to do list........lol..............
Look, I've been riding for a long time. I started riding in the '70's on a Suzuki TC90. I graduated from there to a Suzuki 550SS, then to a Honda 750/4, and then to a Yamaha 850. Through all of that, I managed to not kill myself, even though I was young and dumb. I took the 90's and early 2000's off to raise a family. In the late 2000's I couldn't take it anymore, and I bought the last bike I'd ever buy.......a Drifter. My wife called my bike, named Nadine, my other girlfriend.
My girlfriend is now dead.
My face does not look like it used to. My body does not work like it used to. I'm still getting used to that. It's OK though, because I'm still here, and that's what's important.
As for a sidehack, I'd love to, but there's more at stake then just me. See, since my wife has Muscular Dystrophy, she's going to need me in later life, and I can't be there for her if I'm 6 feet under. As such, my 2 or 3 wheel days must come to an end.
Could I ride a sidehack? Sure, and I'd love to! Would I do it? No, because I love my wife so much that her needs outweigh my own.
As for my face, it's amazing what modern medicine can do! I don't look exactly like I used to, but it's close!
As for your pics, bring 'em, on big boy! I've been through hell and back! Your pics are childsplay! ;)
Besides, I have your email address too, and I have pics of my injuries BEFORE they fixed me up! Hint: It's not pretty! :D
PC if you want to start a picture war I have pictures of my ex wife and that will curl your hair and take you off our feed for a few weeks.........
I GIVE!!!! I GIVE!!!!!
Quote from: CDNRatMan on December 04, 2016, 13:21:43 PM
PC if you want to start a picture war I have pictures of my ex wife and that will curl your hair and take you off our feed for a few weeks.........
That's interesting. My first wife was beautiful and my second wife was gorgeous and very sexy. As the years go by and I get uglier I realize my chances of getting what I had will never happen again... "Acceptance": a reality check way to be.
Better than living delusionally.
So, grateful for not being delusional too is the morale of this post. :)