So which of you guys thinks this is a bad idea turning your Drifter into an Indian? I got tired of seeing nothing on my tank because somebody debadged it as a Vulcan and so I'm buying some Indian decals for it haha yes it is a faux Indian. When I explained to people that it's actually a Kawasaki they don't seem to care too much one way or the other anyway so what the heck ;D
I'm a little on the fence about this. The Drifter I almost bought before mine had been overhauled to resemble a '48 Indian Chief, and had the proper badging and fender ornament to match. It didn't bother me, and it looked good enough to be a factory job so I'd planned on leaving it Indian-badged. My current one was stripped before I got it; the only Kawasaki badge on the bike is the one on the gauge plate.
Personally I think the Drifter is a better example of an Indian (let's face it, when was the last time you saw an Indian with 100k on the odo?) than even the Indians themselves, so I look at it like this. Why would I want my prime rib to look like an angus burger? Ultimately, though, it's your bike and you're probably the only one that will argue the point with yourself so the best course of action is to do whatever you think will look best. :)
I have no issues with a person "Indianizing" their Drifter, after all it is theirs, they can do as they please, but I do have issues when they try to pass them off as something they are not, like the lad here in town, he has Indian tank badges, he removed everything Kawasaki on it, and he wears an Indian Jacket. He enters his bike as an Indian Drifter........there is no such animal, at one show the Judges were all messed up over this so I asked then to use a smartphone and type "Indian Drifter" in google and see what pops up, Drifter of course.....
So you can do what you want to your bike it is yours and so do as you please but it is a Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter....really simple.....
When I found my barn rescue, it had a few "Indian" things on it. When I put it back together and on the road, I chose to dress it with '50s style accessories and not anything "Indian" specific...my choice
Check this guy's out ;D
https://youtu.be/fAv5lKzawJ4
As far as I'm concerned Kawasaki Drifters are an Indian tribute bike and they were marketed as such by Kawasaki who it's my understanding had to pay damages for copying the fenders and other patented Indian brand features. Same thing goes for modern Indian motorcycles -- when I see one to me it's a tribute to (read copy of) a motorcycle that was manufactured prior to 1953 in Springfield Massachusetts. Everything else is just a knock off of that earlier vintage machine, and I would add that they are much better than the originals in terms of safety, performance, longevity and so forth.
I think CDNRatMan knows who that is...Fritz.😉
Quote from: Tfrank59 on September 14, 2017, 20:33:40 PM
......by Kawasaki who it's my understanding had to pay damages for copying the fenders and other patented Indian brand features. ....
I'd like to see a source for that.
I'm more curious about what real Indian owners think about dressing their bikes up as Drifters.
That is Fitz in NJ and hands on your wallets when talking to him......lol.....
I also don't know if Kawasaki had to pay out but I know that at one time they were told to cease making the Drifter or suffer the issues of a lawsuit.
Bucko like someone told me that there is no really Indians left really on the road, but there is Polaris Indians on the road now a Tribute to the Drifter......
It's all a personal choice. People do the same thing with the Kawasaki W650....they put Triumph badges all over it. Again, personal choice....recreating a better version of the original (Indian or Triumph) including badges is a good customizing strategy and can enhance the "tribute," so certainly has its place and aesthetic.
For me, since I have one of both.....I am in the camp that both modern machines are miles ahead of what they are replicating, so for me, the improved design and engineering accomplishment goes to Kawasaki (and in the W650's case, to Meguro before Kawasaki acquired that company).
My bikes wear their original manufacturer's badges proudly....and that also a satisfying strategy.
After all, badges or no badges....what I usually get asked is: "What year is that?"
When I give them the answer of something in the 2000's, I then ask then...."Now what did you think it was?"....which always leads to an extended and positive conversation with another enthusiast. All good, both the bikes and the choices....either way in my book.
Ride on....
p.s. Yes, that is Mr. Fitzsimmons and his Indian Drifter. Can't argue the bike doesn't look good....just sayin....
Mittico - There's the two into one part of the exhaust that goes with your muffler if you had bought the whole thing from Japan......
Quote from: kw-retrorider on September 15, 2017, 04:02:58 AM
Mittico - There's the two into one part of the exhaust that goes with your muffler if you had bought the whole thing from Japan......
I see.
But if I'm not mistakin', those header pipes are quite different from the japanese version, and I like them much more!!!
And just to answer the question of TFrank: in the very beginning, I wasn't willing to make any change as I liked the way the bike was; but time after time, I started to make some mods and so I have turned it to a much more "indinized" bike...
But I think I won't apply any "indian" script. I just prefer to let people think she is a Indian and ask me explanations, so I can tell them: "no, that's not a Indian. That's a Kawasaki Drifter"!
As someone else has already told, to each one his own...
Each to their own on the Indianizing thing. Personally I have never been a fan especially since the new Indians came out. Let's face it Drifters are rare bikes. The manufacturing numbers prove it. While I am not a fanatic on restoring my '99er, keep it a Drifter versus a mock-Indian makes sense to me. I agree tank logos are necessary. That's why I made my own....
Great looking logos. Did I see those on eBay for sale? Mock Indian? come on let's be a little bit more diplomatic and call it an Indian tribute ;D. By the way in my view that designation could apply to any Drifter
Let me start by saying I don't have any issues with anyone doing whatever they want with their bike - I think it's great that these bikes are such a personalized piece of equipment.
When I got my first Drifter, I was really enamored with the Indians, so I did Indianize the bike to some extent. At that time, there was no Indians being produced, only the nostalgic reminiscence of the Indian. Once Polaris came out again with the new Indian, then (for me) the thought of Indianizing my bike lost it's luster. Not that I don't like the new Indians - they are fine - it's jut that (for me) it was more romantic to dress up my Indian Tribute bike like an Indian. Now that there is current Indian in production, I don't have any interest in confusing my bike with the current Indian. I consider the Drifter to be a tribute to the original Indians -- but me personally, I would not want anyone thinking I was building my Drifter to be a modern-Indian tribute. That's just me, though - I have no trouble with anyone making theirs up to be an Indian if they want- they're making the payments, LOL, and they have to ride on it!! ;D (now, I do think it's shitty to go around TELLING people it's an Indian when it really is not) :o
jmbo: Very nice logos....like the gold Drifter and the Drifters by Kawasaki. Are these available commercially? I can see you did some of them to compliment your paint scheme....would have to be careful putting some of these on the stock paint job.
Quote from: jmbo on September 15, 2017, 09:22:14 AM
Each to their own on the Indianizing thing. Personally I have never been a fan especially since the new Indians came out. Let's face it Drifters are rare bikes. The manufacturing numbers prove it. While I am not a fanatic on restoring my '99er, keep it a Drifter versus a mock-Indian makes sense to me. I agree tank logos are necessary. That's why I made my own....
Another Beautiful Drifter on the road. Always -Love the two tone paint and decals. As fas as Drifters go, do what makes you feel good and like. These bikes where inspired and designed by Cobra engineers and Kawasaki in the 90's on what a modern era Indian would look like and tribute to Indian origins was born. So their bones are Kawasaki's take on Indian origins and design. My first beautiful 800 Drifter (Since Sold) it already had the iconic Indian head front fender light to those awesome Indian inspired fenders. I added a actual Indian derby cover to the air cleaner that I had a trophy business inscribed Tribute and Drifter above and below the Indian name. It looked fantastic. On my current Drifter 1500's x 2, both have the awesome Indian fender light but nothing with the name Indian. Personally adding Tribute covers both sides of the issue for me. Thats why I did that on my 800.
These Drifter's are classic and have their own iconic history that are absolutely beautiful every time you see one on the road, it brings a smile to almost everyone that enjoys motorcycles.
At jmbo, you made some nice tank badges too bad we couldn't get the Zamboni Brothers to make them up with a metallic finish, my favorite one is the bottom one that resembles the old tank badges they used on the Royal Enfield Indians. I noticed the one you put on your bike is not part of the badges you posted , can you provide a close up of your tank? I would like to see it if possible.
It never was my intention in the beginning to make an Indianized Drifter it just happened. When I bought my bike it had no tank badges and was painted with a Pink Floyd theme. Then after painting I noticed the Zamboni tank badges and fell in love with them because of the metallic 3D finish. After that I tried finding hard bags that I could paint 2 tone but couldn't find anything I liked. I still have a pair of 1960 Buco bags in my attic that I couldn't figure how to paint so I went with 2015 Indian leather bags that matched the solo seat Corbin sold. Hey, maybe on some subconscious level I always wanted to do this anyway, if some of jmbo's designs were made into the metallic 3D stuff I would be tempted to switch them out.
Quote from: jmbo on September 15, 2017, 09:22:14 AM
Each to their own on the Indianizing thing. Personally I have never been a fan especially since the new Indians came out. Let's face it Drifters are rare bikes. The manufacturing numbers prove it. While I am not a fanatic on restoring my '99er, keep it a Drifter versus a mock-Indian makes sense to me. I agree tank logos are necessary. That's why I made my own....
You've done a really good job on those badges, I think they are fab.
Happy Riding!
Very nice and a couple of questions? But first the title of your picture should be "My Bike and I', the language police will nail you.
So can we get a better picture of your lowers and how you mounted them, and the second air cleaner and how it mounts......Thanks.....
I give no grief and many look very well done with Indian items. I simply enjoy spending hours looking at Drifters and how each one has done theirs. I also really like the look of the new Scout, some are really retro done.
Here are a couple photos of the air cleaner and lowered. The air cleaner is stock with a rare cast aluminum cover with a vulcan logo. The cover is almost 1/2" thick.
The lowers are 1/4" Lexan with rubber tubing over chrome "U" bolts to hold them on. (photo taken before I painted the bike)
how about the air filter on the brake side of the bike.....
Quote from: CDNRatMan on October 25, 2017, 21:29:55 PM
how about the air filter on the brake side of the bike.....
Same stock shell with matching vulcan cover
Quote from: CDNRatMan on October 25, 2017, 21:29:55 PM
how about the air filter on the brake side of the bike.....
The pic looks like the "brake side" to me.
Quote from: jmbo on October 25, 2017, 21:12:09 PM
Here are a couple photos of the air cleaner and lowered. The air cleaner is stock with a rare cast aluminum cover with a vulcan logo. The cover is almost 1/2" thick.
The lowers are 1/4" Lexan with rubber tubing over chrome "U" bolts to hold them on. (photo taken before I painted the bike)
She's a real beauty in all respects. Love the color scheme. How long can you endure that seat--perfect retro look but is it good for a few hours in the saddle? (you could always get an airhawk pad for long rides)
8) I am claiming over medication and for some reason was thinking you had a 800 .....oh time for a nap......
I must say Jmbo I really like the tank badges, What are they made of?
Quote from: Tfrank59 on October 26, 2017, 12:05:21 PM
She's a real beauty in all respects. Love the color scheme. How long can you endure that seat--perfect retro look but is it good for a few hours in the saddle? (you could always get an airhawk pad for long rides)
Once I got it all set up it was very comfortable. The only reason I went back to the stock two up was was for my bride's ride.
Quote from: RockinRollin on October 28, 2017, 15:28:05 PM
I must say Jmbo I really like the tank badges, What are they made of?
The badges are printed vinyl. I use a company called Stricker-up out of Canada. They are UV coated and the adhesive is semi-perminet so I can replace them if I want. The current ones have been on the bike for three years.
Quote from: jmbo on October 29, 2017, 10:11:45 AM
The badges are printed vinyl. I use a company called Stricker-up out of Canada. They are UV coated and the adhesive is semi-perminet so I can replace them if I want. The current ones have been on the bike for three years.
could others purchase those same badges from that company, and would they ship to WA state? ;D Link to website? thanks.
Quote from: Bucko on September 15, 2017, 00:44:29 AM
I'm more curious about what real Indian owners think about dressing their bikes up as Drifters.
I took mine to Sturgis a couple summers ago during the event. I ran into many guys on Polaris Indians and the response from every one of them was positive...I do have the word tribute on the tank tho.
:o here was me thinking you had left the earth, welcome back TJ.......lol.........
First, I do realize this thread is over 4 months old. Second, I think JMBO's badges are fantastic. Now to my point; my new to me '99 drifter 1500 is a dream machine. I just received Indian war bonnet tank decals with no script and a solo seat in the mail today. Can't wait for warm spring days to enjoy personalizing and riding this gorgeous machine. I will never tell someone it is an Indian bike but want it to look like one. I respect anyone's freedom of self expression and all opinions on this matter. Wishing all great days and safe rides!
Well, I have Indian decals on my bike, and by that I am in effect telling people it's an Indian. If they ask me, I engage in conversation and let them know it's actually a Kawasaki. My opening post to this thread says that, at least in my experience, few people even care. They're more enamored by the retro look of the bike. So am I, which is why I bought it in the first place. Am I being less than honest about it? I'll let the motorcycle community be my judge. Meanwhile I'm just going to enjoy my Drifter, which is a "genuine Indian tribute" bike. ;)
How dare you make your bike look more like the bike it was made to imitate! ;) Like it or not all Drifters were made to imitate Indian motorcycles which is why most of us own them instead of a Classic or Nomad.
Quote from: jmbo on October 26, 2017, 09:33:06 AM
Same stock shell with matching vulcan cover
Cover combo looks great!
I went all the way with my 800. Full blown custom Indianized. I took it to an open house at our local Indian Dealer and had to explain to the folks that worked there it was a Kawasaki! They kept asking what year it was. Having a blast with it now! Always very positive comments even from the Indian and Harley owners.
Yeah I've noticed that people don't really mind at all when I explain that my bike which is badged as an Indian is actually a Kawasaki. They also respect the fact that it is a tribute to a 1940's Indian chief only it's got all the latest safety upgrades and much more reliable than any motorcycle from the old days. And as I posted in a different thread I get a lot of smiles when I'm riding my Drifter whom I've affectionately named "Skinny."
I have owned my 99 . drifter since new, long before polaris introduced the Drifter Replica. I dressed it up to look like the 48 indian however my indian head on the gas tank says Drifter. Many people mistake it for an Indian, my biggest problem when I tell them its kawasaki drifter people often get upset and tell me they knew that do I think they are stupid.
With my wife advice when people say nice indian I say thanks. Any person that knows bikes knows that it is a drifter and I still get the compliments, others can go home and tell their family about the great Indian they just saw.
Its fun to call the new Indians Drifter Replicas and is good for a laugh.
the young Indian rep at the Portland auto show last January had a very confused look on his face when I showed him a picture of my 2001 1500 and told him that Polaris was now making the new Indians as a tribute bike to the Drifters.....ROFLMAO!
Was he really a young Indian? ;D
may have been Pakistani......LOL
Took the Drifter to a bike show this past weekend and won First Place for American Stock Motorcycle class???????
The judges pick the class and I wasn't around when they judged it. Must have talked to two dozen bikers that checked out the bike at the show and none of them had a clue it was a Kawasaki even with that big radiator in front?????
Quote from: Texasdrifter on October 22, 2018, 21:44:03 PM
Took the Drifter to a bike show this past weekend and won First Place for American Stock Motorcycle class???????
Well, at least she's got a stock exhaust... isn't it? ;D
Quote from: Texasdrifter on October 22, 2018, 21:44:03 PM
Took the Drifter to a bike show this past weekend and won First Place for American Stock Motorcycle class???????
The judges pick the class and I wasn't around when they judged it. Must have talked to two dozen bikers that checked out the bike at the show and none of them had a clue it was a Kawasaki even with that big radiator in front?????
Hey congratulations on the win! I hardly ever explain anymore that my bike is in fact a Kawasaki. Now I know it can even fool the experts 8)