Well, I was riding the other day and I went get gas and as I was leaving the bike was suddenly different in corners. The front end wasn't the same. So, I stopped and inspected the tire and all was all right as was the suspension etc. So, I kept on going. It was getting worse and I was closing in on my house but I kept plugging along and got home and the rear tire was nearly flat-10lbs. Of course this was in time to do other stuff so, I removed the rear wheel, put in an additional rim strip and a heavy duty Michelin tube. Since I had the fender off and planned to do this anyway, I put on the Indian rear rack after putting three layers of glass in all the strategic places. ( I am still waiting for the saddlebag brackets). This is the type of rack and brackets that were used on the '51-'53 Chief. I also installed a LED light bar for an additional stop light. I figured that I might as well do the front forks while I am at it. Put some Progressive shocks and some Amsoil ATF (since I had a lot of it left over) in. My initial observations of the shocks and oil is that there is a lot more damping and the ride is somewhat harsher. It will loosen up in time. When I do change tires I will take apart the swingarm and lubricate it and expose the u-joint for lubrication. I have had Moto Guzzi's (still do) and there used to be a joke that when Luigi was on strike or eating pasta that the u-joints did not get greased up. Until the V-11 they did not have zerk fittings at the joint. I have read some of the past comments on this site and I take it that the Drifter does not also. Is that true? I don't see any but my eyes aren't that good anymore. Thanks for all your help.
Looks great! Nice looking Drifter.
Very nice setup and colors. I don't believe the u joint has any zerks but someone should come along to state for sure.
I'm pretty sure there are no grease zerks on the u-joints.
Well, thanks guys!
That's a real beauty!
And that rear rack do really compliment the bike.
I've been thinkin' about doin' that mod to ma-deuce, but there's just one thing that makes me undo it: everything ever put on the rear rack would bounce all over the road...
Just sayin'...
Any pics of the front?
Beautiful bike!
The small rack on the rear fender is very classy.
The Drifter looks so clean without saddlebags and windshield.
I may have to take mine off next summer to ride slimmed down.
Thanks for the compliments guys. Stuff does get knocked around a bit on the rack so anything must be tied down adequately. I really like the look of the exposed rear fender but to go on errands and pick things up it really needs the saddlebags. I'm still waiting for the brackets to mount the bags and I will post some pictures also of the front end when I get them installed.
Cool, we'll be waiting...we love pics!
Love the wheels!...what a great touch.