Hey guys,
I am wondering what type of shocks, if any, fit our drifter from other Vulcans i.e. Nomad, classic, etc. The previous owner of my bike laid it down and dented/scratched the left rear shock. Would like to replace them and was wondering if Drifter OEM is the only way to go or if other OEM have the same fitment. If not, which after market shocks do you recommend for solo and 2 up riding? Thanks
Rob
I see a pair of Nomad shocks for a 2002 as well as a 2000 on ebay for dirt cheap. Wondering if they are the same fitment. According to Partzilla, they have the same part# does that mean they would fit? Thanks
Rob
If they've the same part number, then they should fit. But I wouldn't swear...
All I can suggest, since they're cheap, pull the trigger and buy them.
Just my 2 cents...
Ya thats what I was thinking. $65.00 for a pair of shocks is not much of a risk if they dont fit. Thanks
Rob
I have a set that will come up on EBay tomorrow at approximately 11:00am PDT. Taken off of my 1500 Drifter. 13.5" eye to eye and 3.35" shroud diameter. When I got back from my trip my Mac failed on me so, I had to change all my login details. I was originally "indo" on this site and now I am "indue".
Quote from: indue on May 08, 2017, 14:17:40 PM
I have a set that will come up on EBay tomorrow at approximately 11:00am PDT. Taken off of my 1500 Drifter. 13.5" eye to eye and 3.35" shroud diameter. When I got back from my trip my Mac failed on me so, I had to change all my login details. I was originally "indo" on this site and now I am "indue".
Haha ya I remember your original screen name. Can you PM me what youre asking for those shocks? Thanks! I am def interested.
Rob
I have them up for auction starting at $25. Make me an offer. I can pull them from EBay at anytime as long as there has been no bids on them.
Progressive makes some which will work - they aren't air shocks. The only real difference between the various year model OEM's is the color. Shocks for other models would also work - length and bolt areas need to be the same.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?action=links;cat=21
I replaced mine with Hagon which have preload and damping a noticeable improvement. Luckily, Hagon USA is only 10 miles away from my house and the English guy running it is very knowledgeable. The cheapest shocks which have preload are around $220, I bought the one's for $360 but, they have ones that are similar to Ohlins in adjustability at $550. Check out there website as they send out shocks to numerous motorcycle outlets particularly for vintage and cafe' racer bikes. Very easy to install, took me about 45 minutes to remove the old one's and install the new one's.
Interesting. How's the performance of your Hagon's on rough roads?
Very good, much better than stock. I went on a trip recently and did about 1400 miles and on the final trip 367 miles home and on the previous trip did 456 miles home nonstop and even though I was tired my back was in not as bad condition as before. I also put 2" springs under the Corbin seat which also helped enormously. I have the Hagons set to spring /compression load as hardly turned in and the rebound damping at "2". (They have 6 settings for heavier loads). My feeling of the bike is that as it was set up originally it was somewhat akin to a hardtail in feel. Now the ride is much more forgiving and more plush. For you guys that are in areas with nice clean divided roads you are lucky! But for some of us in SoCal/Arizona where the roads are in very poor condition with lots of curves you really do need to upgrade. Your back will thank you...
Can you provide me details of the spring installation under your Corbin seat?
I ordered these off off Ebay. Will let you know how they work out after I've had them awhile to include pictures. You can find them the same way using this search:
KAWASAKI VN1500 VULCAN NOMAD DRIFTER 12.25" BLACK SHORTY SHOCKS
Stick with stock length for two up riding. The short shocks are only ok for solo riding if then, check your clearances.
Progressive 444 series are fantastic, though expensive. https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1423/444-series-shocks . Also consider their Fork Springs as they make a big difference to handling. https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1465/fork-spring-kit