So I finally finished putting everything back together and fixing all the little things that were in need of attention on the 1500 I got off of ebay for $720. Total cost with parts and new accessories: $1437.00 Took it out for a short spin today and I must say I like the way it rides.....not a nimble as my 800, but somewhat smoother and quite a bit more torque....here are some pics I took today after the short ride..I still need some tank badges....not sure if I want to go the same route as on my 800 (Indian head decal). I put my 800 OEM tank badges against it, but the tank on the 1500 is not as curved so the badges don't sit flush...any ideas would be a great help....
colours are nice, the F&S passenger floor boards look really good. That front fender guard really adds some bling to the machine......
Looks great. I like the Viking Bags. I had a set of Viking bags for a short period of time. I took off the Viking badges and added these Indian head conchos L & R. They fit perfectly in the same spot/hole.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTORCYCLE-BIKER-CONCHO-INDIAN-CHIEF-HEAD-DRESS-CON1000FL/361332554330?hash=item5421193a5a:g:EQgAAOSw~gRVkuCa
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTORCYCLE-BIKER-CONCHOS-INDIAN-CHIEF-HEAD-DRESS-CON1000FR/361332557560?hash=item54211946f8:g:vCMAAOSwLVZVkuHN
that's the fender rail I was going to use to make copies from....had it cleaned up and chromed....turned out really nice...
I like the idea of the Indian Head conches....I will have to look into that.
The only thing really left to do is I have to dip the solid chrome grips in some plasti dip for tools.....You can hardly hold onto them when riding....I don't know how anyone could ride with smooth metal grips like that...I am going to put a rubber coating in the middle of each one by taping off the ends and then repeatedly dipping them in the can of black I picked up today. Hopefully that will take care of the issue....
we have a few conchos in our store...
http://autoandmotorcycle.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=34&zenid=8b3395c73b7287121b8fd12209a700cd
Hair dryer to heat the 800 badges and press fit them to shape ? Haven't tested the theory on my 1500 badges, and sorry, no, not for sale, I sometimes revert to them from the Zambinis.
What a buy !!! Saw a '99 advertisied up in Qld, with 40K for $5000 US, but you have raised the 'Bargain' stakes!. Congratulations! Enjoy.
That was one heck of a deal on that 1500! I'm happy for you! I only hope one day mine could look 1/2 that good!
thanks. I think the previous owner (original owner who bought it in June '02 brand new), had someone he knew doing a lot of the customizing....but he also had some mechanical work done a the shop I bought it through...clutch spring, plates, etc...but the cost of doing the bevel gear bearing (they quoted him $2500+) pushed him into dumping it on ebay through the shop...I put a BL Heavy Duty bearing in (industrial bearing) that has a higher RPM rating and tighter tolerances...at a cost of $4.95 vs $38 for the oem that seems to go out at 30k miles or so.... ;) I am pretty happy with the whole deal so far....bike seems to run strong...
Hadn't heard of this 30K problem, I got 162K now without replacement. That's worse than the diaphragm spring plate weakness (80k) before the Mean Streak mod !!!
My bevel bearing failed at about 75,000...I replaced it and now I have 115,000 with no further problems. I have the original clutch, too
lots of Vulcan 1500 owners (not just drifters) have reported front bevel gear bearing failure at anywhere from 25k to 35k miles....seems to be quite common across the board on the 1500 engines....could be that the failure is due to harder riding than most Drifter owners subject their bikes to. The oem bearings are a medium load rated bearing with so-so tolerances, so I looked around for something stronger. I buy aftermarket farm equipment bearings all the time, so I got the specs and found a heavy duty bearing with tighter tolerance and 3,000 rpm higher rating at about 1/8 the cost.....not everything has to be OEM with a Kawasaki brand name price tag.... ;)
I dipped the grips yesterday and put them back on the bike today....much better...now I can actually hold onto the handlebars when accelerating..
I've never heard that the bearing failure was widespread. Is there an oil starvation problem in that area?
not sure....the bearings on both the engine bevel gear and the shaft bevel gear are splashed with oil....but what the failure on the engine shaft one is caused by I have no idea.....
OR :
Great looking bike, and what a deal!! Of course you had some sweat equity in the equation too -- time is money. How many hours was the bevel gear bearing for you?? Would you be so kind as to share the bearing information for us??
total time is difficult to calculate....I was working on it between doing things on the research farm....I would say that if I focused on just doing the bearing, total time would have been about 4 hrs....I did try the trick of removing the rear engine mounts and lifting up the back of the engine to clear the frame with the lower bolts on the casing (like you see on youtube), but that doesn't work with a Drifter...not enough clearance above the rear cylinder head to the frame....so I had to crack the frame and move the engine a little bit sideways....but I did not have to completely take it out....just drained and disconnect the radiator, drained the oil, disconnected the drive shaft (checked it for tightness...all good there), pulled off the rectifier, rear fender and wheel, rear diff for the shaft drive (so I could slide the shaft off of the front gear as it is spring loaded at the rear differential which forces it forward) and the seat and tank...really not that complicated...
I bought the new bearing through Global Industries (have an account with them) it is a 62mm outer diameter with 25mm inner shaft diameter x 17mm thick...open bearings (no seal), running in an oil-bath (not greased). I bought a BL HD bearing with higher specs (increased max rpm of 13,000 vs 10,000 and tighter tolerances). cost was $4.84 plus shipping, but since I had other bearings for machinery in the order as well, the shipping is negligible (shipping total was $5.95..order was over $80). The casing gasket was bought off of ebay for $4.00 with free shipping....
I probably spent an additional 6-8 hours cleaning it up, fixing small nit-noid things and painting....not really a whole lot of time....always in between my research work....the biggest pain in the butt was that I forgot to put the tow plastic panels back on in front of the tank....Had everything put back together and then realized I had to lift the tank up to get to the push tab holes to re-mount them...DOH! Live and learn, I guess.... ::)
link to bearing page:
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/motors/bearings/deep-groove-ball-bearings/deep-groove-ball-bearings-metric-6305-open-heavy-duty-25mm-bore-62mm-od
Quote from: OR Seedman on November 17, 2017, 16:01:10 PM
total time is difficult to calculate....I was working on it between doing things on the research farm....I would say that if I focused on just doing the bearing, total time would have been about 4 hrs....I did try the trick of removing the rear engine mounts and lifting up the back of the engine to clear the frame with the lower bolts on the casing (like you see on youtube), but that doesn't work with a Drifter...not enough clearance above the rear cylinder head to the frame....so I had to crack the frame and move the engine a little bit sideways....but I did not have to completely take it out....just drained and disconnect the radiator, drained the oil, disconnected the drive shaft (checked it for tightness...all good there), pulled off the rectifier, rear fender and wheel, rear diff for the shaft drive (so I could slide the shaft off of the front gear as it is spring loaded at the rear differential which forces it forward) and the seat and tank...really not that complicated...
I bought the new bearing through Global Industries (have an account with them) it is a 62mm outer diameter with 25mm inner shaft diameter x 17mm thick...open bearings (no seal), running in an oil-bath (not greased). I bought a BL HD bearing with higher specs (increased max rpm of 13,000 vs 10,000 and tighter tolerances). cost was $4.84 plus shipping, but since I had other bearings for machinery in the order as well, the shipping is negligible (shipping total was $5.95..order was over $80). The casing gasket was bought off of ebay for $4.00 with free shipping....
I probably spent an additional 6-8 hours cleaning it up, fixing small nit-noid things and painting....not really a whole lot of time....always in between my research work....the biggest pain in the butt was that I forgot to put the tow plastic panels back on in front of the tank....Had everything put back together and then realized I had to lift the tank up to get to the push tab holes to re-mount them...DOH! Live and learn, I guess.... ::)
That's funny, I did mine without removing the frame rail...but mine is an R model, the frame is a bit different
must be....there was absolutely no way to clear the bottom of the frame to remove the 2 lowest sitting casing bolts on this one.....I was lifting the entire rear of the bike up with the rear head against the frame well before the bolts would clear...
Thanks for the info. Will undoubtedly help someone out.
new rack design for the 1500 (works really well with the classic style seat). Has gone in for chroming.....has adjustable tilt, pre-drilled for backrest mount...will post pics when I get it back from the chrome shop, too.
updated pics with new Saddleline Leather Seat Cover for the oem seat. Also added chromed heavy duty rear rack with my Indian style backrest. 3/4" memory foam layered on top of the stock seat foam makes for a very soft seat... ;D
The leather is really soft and supple, but not thin....good value for $95
Great looking bike!
You could even add a pillion seat over that rear rack, since that she's got foldable passenger footpegs too!
I have a tan one that goes with the other seat....but it is curved to match a fender....the rack is definitely strong enough to hold even my weight (240lb), so it would work in a pinch...there is a vendor on ebay that sells some flat tan leather rear pillions for Royal Enfields that might work, but I really don't have anyone to put back there (my wife WILL NOT ride) so not much point to it for me.....
I am really looking forward to some good spring weather so that I can take it out and put some real miles (or kilometers) on it, instead of just going around the local back roads a little bit. (not licensed yet..no plates). I really need to get a good feel for the bike so I can make an "informed" decision as to which one I want to keep... ;) Maybe we can take a poll....
Quote from: OR Seedman on January 06, 2018, 08:40:30 AM
I really need to get a good feel for the bike so I can make an "informed" decision as to which one I want to keep... ;) Maybe we can take a poll....
I guess you already know the answer: KEEP BOTH! ;)
LOL...that's my desire, but not sure it's worth the grief! I grew up riding...my wife didn't...and she just DOESN'T UNDERSTAND...she thinks there is something wrong with me :o. My grandfather raced sidecar motocross in Germany and owned a BSA Motorcycle store/shop, so it must be in my blood.....I started riding at 12 and raced MX until I was 17...got my first roadbike at 18 and off I went....My wife has ridden with me a total of 3 times in over 32 years of marriage, so obviously she just is not going to get it....
Mmmmh, it's quite the same for me: I've been ridin' since I was 18 and got my first cruiser at 21 (a 650cc Suzuki savage); my wife just doesn't understand, even though she tells that she likes to go ridin' with me! :o
well...I just found that my decision may be out of my hands....my wife's cousin in Phoenix was just killed last night on his Harley.....He was a great guy and we were good friends....my wife is pretty upset about it and has already started with the second-guessing on my having one (or two)....
So sad about the cousin, my ex had been scared by someone when she was young while out riding and she did not trust or like bikes. My dad also never understood my love for riding from an early age. Then after I joined the military he said "whatever" .......so we all have life choices to make. I am going to keep both 800's for now, no desire for a 1500 yet, but that could change. If and when I win the big lottery I'll start a Drifter collection in ernest........
well...I flat out asked her if she wanted me to get rid of them...she said it is my choice to ride, but she worries about me every time I go out....I can live with that if she can...
Get that app so if you have an accident it will notify her.....and she can track where your riding.........
Seedman, sorry to hear about the cousin.
As Ratman said, we all make choices and, I'll add, each choice leads to unknown consequences: maybe it's a question of luck or maybe it's up to your smartness, I dunno; but I'm glad that we just don't know our expiration date.
So, let's live every and each day as a gift from heaven! ;)
Amen, brother. Oh, btw, he WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET. I have lived and ridden in Phoenix, and I can tell you that is one place that I would NEVER RIDE WITHOUT ONE! I guess he got a little complacent about it. My daughter's fiancee is a firefighter/EMT and he has seen his share of motorcycle accidents plus he has ridden a lot in the past. He and I are in complete agreement that helmets save lives; even half-helmets are better than nothing, especially when hitting the back/top of your head as happens in most accidents. I know that in some areas it is a personal choice, not the law, but to me there really is no choice....
Anyway, my wife says I can keep both if I want.....plus she knows I am a cautious and skilled rider, so for now I am just looking forward to better riding weather to get the 1500 out some more.
Seedman: My condolences on your cousin.
The risk is what the risk is to ride. At 61, and having just survived my first ever motorcycle accident, with only physical therapy ahead, you simply can't think about it too hard. You either ride or you don't. There are other things that can get you besides riding.
Although I had no control over what happened and the other side has already admitted fault, but your second point, I was properly dressed (multiple layers of clothes and outside with leather, including helmet. It was only a 3/4, but I was thrown from the machine and there were scratches on the side of the helmet...so they took a cat scan that night in the ER. Scratches are not deep, but probably would be missing an ear if it was a half helmet.
Have since been back on the road before this cold snap, and the replacement Drifter is due to arrive today (although I am rebuilding my 2002). To support another member on this forum who recently said he was going to keep buying up Drifters because of the fit and finish....Could not pass up a good deal on a low mileage and very clean 800.
So ride on brother. My wife of 31 years (who used to ride with me) worries but understands.
Again, sorry for your loss.
I appreciate the thoughts.....riding is therapy for me....so I never worry about whether or not I am going to make it back home....those thoughts just never enter my mind....if they did or ever start, then it would be time to stop....can't constantly worry about things you can't control...life is too short and I enjoy the freedom of being on a bike too much...
Exactly! There are few things that provide the solitude and therapy that riding does. The only other thing I know is sailing.
So on the bike, it's you, the wind and the road....when sailing, it's you the wind and being on the water
It's all good.
Motorcycling and precision target shooting. Both require complete control
:o Some people can not understand my liking to ride alone. There are times I enjoy group riding, and there is some people I really enjoy riding with. But the relaxing, peaceful experience I get from riding alone is really nice. I have seen some fantastic country in both the US and Canada. I have such really good memories of the places and the people I have met. I also have had a few close calls along the way. But these I try not to dwell on because then I would start to think about not riding, and I really enjoy my riding......
OR, I'm getting caught up on the forum after being off a while, and realized I had not read this post before. So sorry to hear of you cousin's passing. My condolences to you and your wife.
thank you greenbarn...I appreciate the thoughts. IF he had been wearing any kind of head protection, he most likely would have survived with minor injuries...it was a blow to the upper forehead that caused his death....he only had very minor injuries outside of that....lesson to all.....
That's so very sad, I'm sorry to hear it. My condolences again for your family, and his family.
WOW! Bike looks great. What a deal!
Keep both if possible...if not, do you ride close to home, short trips, etc. keep the 800 not saying it won't go far and do it good, its just easier for frequent short trips. If you ride long and want more comfort..especially with that nice seat and backrest, and that is a comfortable looking pair, keep 1500. They are both nice.
Quote from: Pilgrim on March 06, 2018, 08:16:56 AM
Keep both if possible...if not, do you ride close to home, short trips, etc. keep the 800 not saying it won't go far and do it good, its just easier for frequent short trips. If you ride long and want more comfort..especially with that nice seat and backrest, and that is a comfortable looking pair, keep 1500. They are both nice.
what he said...
Well I am considering it....M son is turning 24 this summer and the 800 would make a nice birthday present....He is an inch taller than me, but a lot lighter.. young and lean instead of old and portly...LOL.
OR Seedman first of let me correct mr. Pilgrim......
Quotekeep the 800 not saying it won't go far and do it good
that should read keep the 800 not saying it won't go far and do it correctly, such poor grammar.....
I have an 800 and I actually put more miles on it then a lot of people with a 1500, granted I might take a tad longer to get there, might be a tad more tired on arrival, but the 800 can take the distance and not flinch at the length of the ride.....
I think you giving it to your son as a birthday gift would be awesome and it keeps it in the family.........
No question the 800 can go the distance. Ratman has proven that.. The 1500 would be better though, on interstates IMO, and for 2-up riding.
;) I have stated if you read my response, ::) that the 800 is a tad slower, and will take a tad longer to get there, but let us consider that we are all safe riders and we will not exceed the speed limit, so both bikes will arrive at the same time, the 1500 ride will not be as fatigued as the 800 rider.
And as GreenBarn will verify I have logged some log rides in the past 3 summers. The 800 is capable of doing the deed. Personally I just wish the 800 had say another gallon of fuel, that would be a huge bonus. Riding solo it is really fine. 2 up day rides are also fine.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 06, 2018, 18:47:16 PM
;) I have stated if you read my response, ::) that the 800 is a tad slower, and will take a tad longer to get there, but let us consider that we are all safe riders and we will not exceed the speed limit, so both bikes will arrive at the same time, the 1500 ride will not be as fatigued as the 800 rider.
And as GreenBarn will verify I have logged some log rides in the past 3 summers. The 800 is capable of doing the deed. Personally I just wish the 800 had say another gallon of fuel, that would be a huge bonus. Riding solo it is really fine. 2 up day rides are also fine.
if Ratman only knew how to talk...it should be " an additional gallon of fuel" 8)
my understanding is that both bikes go about the same distance on a full tank....my 800 gets about 48-50 mpg on the highway, which gives me almost 200 miles per tank....I would have to get around 38-40 mpg with the 1500 to go a similar distance...does anyone get that kind of mileage with a 1500 that has been modified with pipes, high flow air cleaner and a power controller? I hear most get around 32 or so.....
GreenBarn = 4
Pilgrim = 3
49 Reo = 1
Grinnall = 0
Hey, Pilgrim's catching up there, lol