Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and would like to start logging my project and sharing my build with you. I have a 1995 Kawasaki 800 that is in pieces. The idea is to convert it to a Drifter. So far I'm starting to build the wheels sence I had then powder coated and have to relace them. Also I'm not sure how to post pictures.
Well first off to post pictures I think the easiest way is to have them the correct size and then at the bottom of the box where you are typing your story there is a + Attachments and other options click on that and follow the instructions very simple.
Now the hard part of your question,you are going to turn a 95 Kawasaki ? 800 into a Drifter.....what model of the bike do you have.......the Drifter has a mono shock......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 23, 2018, 19:32:03 PM
Well first off to post pictures I think the easiest way is to have them the correct size and then at the bottom of the box where you are typing your story there is a + Attachments and other options click on that and follow the instructions very simple.
Now the hard part of your question,you are going to turn a 95 Kawasaki ? 800 into a Drifter.....what model of the bike do you have.......the Drifter has a mono shock......
Yes the model I belive is just a plain 800 not classic or anything.
ok some pictures of the bike would help. Have you considered the cost of the fenders? Would it not be cheaper and easier to just buy a Drifter?
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 23, 2018, 21:46:55 PM
ok some pictures of the bike would help. Have you considered the cost of the fenders? Would it not be cheaper and easier to just buy a Drifter?
It would but what's the fun in that. Plus I have the fenders already. The mono shock I belive is the same as the Drifter.
This is as far as I've gotten on the aft wheel. Getting those spokes through was kind of a pain. Also I'm hoping they are in the right place. First time I have laced any wheels.
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on January 23, 2018, 22:07:52 PM
This is as far as I've gotten on the aft wheel. Getting those spokes through was kind of a pain. Also I'm hoping they are in the right place. First time I have laced any wheels.
Will be watching your build.
Where did you find the spokes?
Quote from: tj on January 24, 2018, 06:59:52 AM
Will be watching your build.
Where did you find the spokes?
They are the original spokes that came with the wheels I bough off of eBay from a Drifter.
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on January 23, 2018, 22:07:52 PM
This is as far as I've gotten on the aft wheel. Getting those spokes through was kind of a pain. Also I'm hoping they are in the right place. First time I have laced any wheels.
If you do try to re-spoke the wheel yourself, don't forget to set up the correct offset.
Double check that you have been given the right gauge of spokes - don't take it for granted that they are the right ones.
I have rebuilt a couple of wheels in the past, but quite honestly, without the right kit, it's difficult to get right. In future I'd get it done professionally rather than do it myself.
Quote from: Pete on January 24, 2018, 13:28:28 PM
If you do try to re-spoke the wheel yourself, don't forget to set up the correct offset.
Double check that you have been given the right gauge of spokes - don't take it for granted that they are the right ones.
I have rebuilt a couple of wheels in the past, but quite honestly, without the right kit, it's difficult to get right. In future I'd get it done professionally rather than do it myself.
Thank you for the tips. I looked up a website that explains how to check for correct offset and what to look for. The reason I was struggling to get the spokes in is because they are powder coated and the holes on the hub are as well making the diameter tighter. But I'll double check to make sure I have the right spokes. It does seem like it's gonna be a process.
Ok working on figuring out what spoke goes where. Thankfully I had taken a picture I'm going off of before unlaceing. Also, bough a bunch of spoke nipples because the old ones where far too rusted to be of any use.
Ok, laced up the aft wheel. Still need to adjust the nipples for correct offset and distance from the hub to the rim.
Then to true them and then mount the rubber back on.......looks good and seems you have a grip on the job.......
Thanks!. Going to visit OR Seedman this weekend. He is going to hook me up with an OEM exhaust for my build. Also, excited to meet new fellow drifter riders...I say even though i don't technically have one yet lol. Here is a picture of what my bike used to look like before I took it apart.
Front wheel is laced. It was more of a pain then the aft wheel because of the spoke pattern. I'm sure there is a specific order in which to start but as a newbie I had to unlace and relace alot. The best advice I can give is to have a picture of a rim in front of you so you can copy that.
Like the blue wheels...
Had to go to harbor freight to buy a motorcycle wheel balancing stand and some measuring calipers. So far it's not too bad. It just takes time adjusting because you can't make big adjustments or you'll throw everything off. I started by tightening all the nipples by hand. Proceeded to adjust my lateral dimensions and then my vertical dimensions. Unfortunately I won't be able to adjust the offset until I mount the wheels to the frame because I need the break calipers to see how much I need to adjust for offset.
Quote from: greenbarn on January 26, 2018, 22:38:23 PM
Like the blue wheels...
Thanks! The color of the bike is still up in the air. But I'm leaning to some shade of blue.
:o more work then I would care to take on. Depending on the year take a look at your rear hub damper's and see if they need to be replaced at this time.
lots of fun to met other Drifter riders and to put a face to a name.
with blue rims it sort of limits you to the colour of the bike eh!............
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 26, 2018, 22:49:27 PM
:o more work then I would care to take on. Depending on the year take a look at your rear hub damper's and see if they need to be replaced at this time.
lots of fun to met other Drifter riders and to put a face to a name.
with blue rims it sort of limits you to the colour of the bike eh!............
Good call on the rear hub dampeners, just took a look at them and they look like they need replaced. Also, maybe I should go ahead and replace the rear mono shock with a progressive mono?
You guys are awesome, I appreciate your input. Sometimes you have your head wrapped around just one thing that you forget to check other stuff even if its in front of your face.
Ok just saw that your ride is a 95, so it is well aged. One way to check the dampeners is to lean the wheel over to the hub side and if the hub slides out time to replace the dampers. When you put it together, the hub should b hard to press into place it should not just slide in....want a tight fit. This will prevent that clunking sound from the rear end when you accelerate or slow down.
With a 23 year old bike and doing all this work to replace the rear shock can not be a bad thing either, I will be doing that as soon as I have the front springs replaced. Suspension is really important in my mind on any bike, and never skimp on the parts, same as tires.
I always post questions and thoughts on here, of course you will get the odd person with a dumbass comment but for the most part you get some really good info and some really awesome ideas.........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 26, 2018, 23:27:46 PM
I always post questions and thoughts on here, of course you will get the odd person with a dumbass comment but .........
HEY, I resemble that remark.... ;D
8) ok and they start....lol.......be nice.......
Picked up the exhaust from OR Seedman, he showed me his 1500 which looks super nice, and gave me since tips on my build and how to kill mold on your grass...copper sulfate!
:o Ok so you lads are learning fast no pictures it never happened, but which is which who is the older looking gentleman and who is the shavetail.........lol.....
you should have seen his 800 it is even better looking.....
:o We will assume that this is a chain driven bike. Have you seen what your sprockets are? If it is 17/40 configuration you should then consider swapping them to a 18/38 comb for highway riding.
yeah...mentioned that to him while he was visiting and picking up the exhaust..... ;)
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 28, 2018, 19:49:34 PM
:o We will assume that this is a chain driven bike. Have you seen what your sprockets are? If it is 17/40 configuration you should then consider swapping them to a 18/38 comb for highway riding.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm sure the front is 18 but I'll need to double check the back tomorrow.
Should be stamped on it where you can see it......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 28, 2018, 19:49:34 PM
:o We will assume that this is a chain driven bike. Have you seen what your sprockets are? If it is 17/40 configuration you should then consider swapping them to a 18/38 comb for highway riding.
Agree... second of the top 3 800 upgrades
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on January 26, 2018, 21:07:15 PM
Front wheel is laced. It was more of a pain then the aft wheel because of the spoke pattern. I'm sure there is a specific order in which to start but as a newbie I had to unlace and relace alot. The best advice I can give is to have a picture of a rim in front of you so you can copy that.
Nice job!
Just curious, does your 800 have the rear swing arm like a Drifter? Also the plastic fenders off a Drifter won't take much weight, just sayin,..
Quote from: RockinRollin on January 29, 2018, 08:19:11 AM
Just curious, does your 800 have the rear swing arm like a Drifter? Also the plastic fenders off a Drifter won't take much weight, just sayin,..
No, the non drifter 800 comes with a different swing arm. That is one of the differences. Thankfully I picked a swing arm off a drifter a while back ago. So we should be good to go on that part.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 28, 2018, 19:49:34 PM
:o We will assume that this is a chain driven bike. Have you seen what your sprockets are? If it is 17/40 configuration you should then consider swapping them to a 18/38 comb for highway riding.
Looks like I'll have to order a 38
Front is an 18.
;) so you are halfway to one of GreenBarn's must do mods to a 800. You will like that.
So, Vulcanpunch.... I'm curious. There are three reasons I can think of "building" a Drifter rather than just buying one:
1) you think you can do it cheaper
2) you think you can do it better (than a regular Drifter)
3) just for the challenge, because you'd rather build one than buy one.
So out of curiosity, which one is it?? Or a different option?? Don't get me wrong- I'm not criticizing - I've done many projects for all of the 3 above reasons. Part of the attraction to owning a Drifter to begin with (for me) is building stuff yourself and making the bike your own-- because a lot of stuff just isn't readily available.
Quote from: greenbarn on January 29, 2018, 20:29:32 PM
So, Vulcanpunch.... I'm curious. There are three reasons I can think of "building" a Drifter rather than just buying one:
1) you think you can do it cheaper
2) you think you can do it better (than a regular Drifter)
3) just for the challenge, because you'd rather build one than buy one.
So out of curiosity, which one is it?? Or a different option?? Don't get me wrong- I'm not criticizing - I've done many projects for all of the 3 above reasons. Part of the attraction to owning a Drifter to begin with (for me) is building stuff yourself and making the bike your own-- because a lot of stuff just isn't readily available.
Good question. The main reason is because it's my first motorcycle and I'm not planning on selling it. It's been super reliable and easy to work on. I stumbled upon this forum and saw how sweet looking the Drifter was and I started digging seeing if maybe I could add those cool looking fenders to my bike.
So I guess to sumerise, I just love my bike. I'm probably going to pass it on to my kid if I ever have one.
Question, looks like I might have a rear stay bar that took a hit at some point. I wonder how hard it would be to repair or do I need one to attach the rear fender? I think it might make it hard for it to align with the holes on the fender.
That part will be very hard to straighten and fit to the rear fender. I'd look for another part, It'll make your life a whole lot easier, I'm just say'n.
Quote from: Old Drifter on January 30, 2018, 20:45:28 PM
That part will be very hard to straighten and fit to the rear fender. I'd look for another part, It'll make your life a whole lot easier, I'm just say'n.
Thanks, I was afraid of that.
Ok so good news and bad news. I'm done trueing/adjusting the spokes and have mounted the back tire to the rim. The bad news is that I have a 17in rim in the front and a 16in tire...after hours of fighting this dang thing I finally gave up for the night. The next day I for some reason decided to check the size on both and was then when I realized why it didn't want to go in as easily as the back. Soooo lesson learned. Check your rim size and tire size when buying on eBay. Also, have someone with a machine install it. Soooo much easier. :o
Thanks to Ratman helping Rob figure out his swing arm alignment consern https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=49637.0) I was able to install my swing arm and dry fit the fender! Looks pretty good! Also this forum is super awesome and helpful. You guys rock!
Time to get scrubbing all that dirt and grime.
Wish I had a cement floor in my living room like you. But because I have expensive hardwood floors I put a sheet of plywood under the bike, and then when I saw the goop and gunk on the frame of the bike I put 2 old bath towels on the plywood and then a bunch of Scott Shop rags down and then sprayed carb cleaner, brake cleaner and engine cleaner at different times and let it soak well and then scraped the frame clean.............
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 03, 2018, 21:03:20 PM
Wish I had a cement floor in my living room like you. But because I have expensive hardwood floors I put a sheet of plywood under the bike, and then when I saw the goop and gunk on the frame of the bike I put 2 old bath towels on the plywood and then a bunch of Scott Shop rags down and then sprayed carb cleaner, brake cleaner and engine cleaner at different times and let it soak well and then scraped the frame clean.............
Oh man, yeah I got lucky with the cement floor. Just from the little that I have cleaned already I'm starting to notice some minor rust that need abraded and touched up.
Have you considered powder coating? Not sure if that is expensive in your area or not. But it sure does a really nice job on the parts.
"Unfortunately I won't be able to adjust the offset until I mount the wheels to the frame because I need the break calipers to see how much I need to adjust for offset." You shouldn't have to adjust the wheels if you set the offset during rebuild. If I had seen your post before you started the re-assembly I would have sent you this link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_GKXKTCNQo
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 04, 2018, 01:41:41 AM
Have you considered powder coating? Not sure if that is expensive in your area or not. But it sure does a really nice job on the parts.
That's a great idea! I'll have to call them up tomorrow and see if they can fit me in. I don't know why I didn't think of that.
Quote from: RockinRollin on February 04, 2018, 07:53:02 AM
You shouldn't have to adjust the wheels if you set the offset during rebuild. If I had seen your post before you stated the re-assembly I would have sent you this link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_GKXKTCNQo
That's a great video by the way. I used it to help me out my rim back together. And yes that would of helped with the offset but as you know the disassembly was fine prior to my knowledge of said video. But the more you know!
Vulcanpunch not sure how things work in your area. But I have a local powder coating place here that does lots of mine and industrial equipment. So I am also normally only getting gloss black or flat back done, so nothing special. I know that when they have a large order they add mine in and do it then, sometimes I have to wait a couple of weeks but it also cost me less. If you want a specific colour you might have to wait a bit till they have the time and can get to it, also depending on the size of the operation. But it will look much better than a rattle can job.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 04, 2018, 15:08:54 PM
Vulcanpunch not sure how things work in your area. But I have a local powder coating place here that does lots of mine and industrial equipment. So I am also normally only getting gloss black or flat back done, so nothing special. I know that when they have a large order they add mine in and do it then, sometimes I have to wait a couple of weeks but it also cost me less. If you want a specific colour you might have to wait a bit till they have the time and can get to it, also depending on the size of the operation. But it will look much better than a rattle can job.
Headed to the powder coating shop to get the frame and swingarm painted.
Should be around 1 to 2 weeks before I get the frame and swing arm back. Today I got the new tire for the 17 in rim mounted and balanced. Also received the progressive mono shock, the 38 rear sprocket, the rear wheel dampeners and the exhaust pipe gasket.
When powder coating your wheels make sure you let them know not to powder coat or cover the race around the chain hub race. Gonna have to see how to get that off.
A Dremel seems to do the trick nicely for removing the powder coating
Bearing race cleaned. Finished off with a sanding block so to not damage the race.
Yes should have mentioned that to you......lol.....glad it came off easy enough. One more thing, do not use any lub on your dampener, now with the powder coating in that area it also might be a tad snug but that is fine, just tap the rubber parts in place then again with a rubber mallet tap the hub back into place.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 07, 2018, 19:59:18 PM
Yes should have mentioned that to you......lol.....glad it came off easy enough. One more thing, do not use any lub on your dampener, now with the powder coating in that area it also might be a tad snug but that is fine, just tap the rubber parts in place then again with a rubber mallet tap the hub back into place.
Awesome, thanks for the tip. I'm waiting on some bearings to get in and some lock tight to install the 38 rear sprocket. In the mean time doing some parts inventory and cleaning.
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on February 07, 2018, 20:23:01 PM
Awesome, thanks for the tip. I'm waiting on some bearings to get in and some lock tight to install the 38 rear sprocket. In the mean time doing some parts inventory and cleaning.
8) Sure you know all this but just to jog your mind once more, clean off all the old thread lock from parts, on the sprocket use "RED" thread lock and you can use lots....lol.......this is the best time to clean and check parts for any wear and tear. But you know all this and so I am just flapping my gums to hear my typing....lol......
I am still waiting for parts from powder coating and the rear shock from the dealer, the tins.........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 07, 2018, 21:42:06 PM
8) Sure you know all this but just to jog your mind once more, clean off all the old thread lock from parts, on the sprocket use "RED" thread lock and you can use lots....lol.......this is the best time to clean and check parts for any wear and tear. But you know all this and so I am just flapping my gums to hear my typing....lol......
I am still waiting for parts from powder coating and the rear shock from the dealer, the tins.........
Thanks Ratman, I actually didn't know to use the "Red" thread lock. in aviation we really don't use it, we do use safety wire though. Got more room/surface space to work in now after I did some rearranging of old parts I'm planning to get rid of once the build is done. Even set up a fish tank lol. That's my other hobby...
what type of fish tank? I sold all mine, I had a 110 gal Diamond Corner Tank with Severums and Blood Parrots, a 150 gal with a colony of Frontosa and gold head comps, then a 90 gal with Discus, a 75 gal long with Columbian sharks in brackish water.
ok on the bike use Red thread lock on parts you do not want to come apart, but you can heat them with a hot air gun to loosen them, and blue for other parts and with the blue just a drop or so on the threads. Can not use safety wire on your sprocket...lol....pretty sure you should have seen some sign of the thread lock on the bolts.
Oh wow you had some big tanks! That tank is going to be a quarantine tank for Discus I don't have yet. The discus tank is a 75 Gal that is cycling. And I have a 55 with rainbow fish and an assortment of community fish. Also a desk aquarium with some cardinal tetras.
Good to know on the lock tight differences. Now that the tools are back in place and and the parts laid out I can go through them and see what's good and what needs replaced while I wait on my frame and swing arm. Going to have to sand the gas tank to repair a small dent and ordered some plastic hole fill to plug some holes on the rear fender that someone decided they needed a little rack to hold something.
Well I had 2 Q tanks also, and forgot my 10 gal fiddler crab tank and a 20 gal ghost shrimp tank that I raised ghost shrimp and used as feeders.......was pretty cool....
Yes not a good idea to use the rear fender to put things on. Once you get the bike on the road, or if you can find someone with a 800 have them ride in front of you so you can see the inchworm effect of the rear fender. Think it was someone on here who described the look of a Drifter 800 going down the highway on a bumpy section looked like an inchworm going down the road. Funny to say but it is as close to the look of it that you can get....lol.....soon I'll be at your point in time....
Ok so today at work I wasn't too busy and decided to print a parts catalog so I can see what I need and how much parts cost. Also I ordered two break caliper rebuild kits, one for the front and one for the back. So far taking it apart wasn't too bad. I actuated the break pedal and the Pistons came out. Probably helps to open the break fluid reservoir to prevent back pressure and that way they should come out easily.
The front caliper has seen better days I had to take sone pliers and yank the pistons out. Definitely signs of old break fluid and some rust. In the process of cleaning with break cleaner and a wire brush. Dremel for the win.
I used wet sandpaper to do a final cleaning on the pistons. Did an awesome job and they looked brand new. Time to also replace the 2 seals in the or 4 seals in the calipers.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 08, 2018, 23:14:01 PM
I used wet sandpaper to do a final cleaning on the pistons. Did an awesome job and they looked brand new. Time to also replace the 2 seals in the or 4 seals in the calipers.
Good Idea, I was using the Dremel for the caliper housing. Looked like it had minor pitting. But I'll do as you suggested for the pistons themselves. One of the difference between a Vulcan 800 and the Drifter 800 is the breaks. The front is infact disc on both, but they are
not interchangeable. I belive this is do to the forks being different. Also they added a second piston on the Drifter which is good, more stoping power.
The aft breaks change from a drum break to a disc break which I look forward too.
I have the drilled rotor from a 2000 Vulcan Classic 800 on my Drifter, the rotors are interchangeable, not sure of the calipers. Also check the seals on your calipers at this time......
I need help guys, I've been keeping an eye open for the swing arm covers but I can't seem to find them. Has anyone ever built/fabricated them? What are the dimensions? These parts are getting harder to find. Appreciate any help.
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on February 09, 2018, 11:48:09 AM
I need help guys, I've been keeping an eye open for the swing arm covers but I can't seem to find them. Has anyone ever built/fabricated them? What are the dimensions? These parts are getting harder to find. Appreciate any help.
You can probably make a pair using an old aluminum road sign.
Are you talking about the triangle piece in the picture. If so they come up on e bay a few times just have to watch for them.....
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 09, 2018, 15:39:10 PM
Are you talking about the triangle piece in the picture. If so they come up on e bay a few times just have to watch for them.....
Yeah, ill have to see when they come up then. Thanks.
Ratman, what is your opinion on the seat grip? uses on road trips? good to tie thing to? how often do you carry passengers? thinking about getting one.
If you can find one and are running a 2 up seat get it because they are hard to find, great to use as a tie down point also I have one and really use it a lot. Will also have it on Pearl once I get this sorted out with the custom made seat frame......
Awesome, I see all those pictures of Red all loaded up and it's like you have a passenger with you lol. I have a question about the speedo cable. You had mentioned that it had broken twice on you. I've also read that you can get a Nomad speedo cable because it's 4 inches longer therefore preventing the stress on the cable. Any recommendations on what to get? My old speedo cable was attached to my rear drum break. And it's really long.
Ok correction my speedo cable only broke once and that was on my Trip from North Bay to Sparta WI and then to Montana and back via Winnipeg. Now to be honest I have never had an issue with my stock speedo cable, I am going to say after 18 years and it broke, well that is ok. Just remember that on a Real Drifter...lol....if your speedo cable snaps you have no fuel gauge, and no self cancelling signal lights.....so you need to remember to turn off the signal lights.....
My last trip I was on a lot of roads with unknown distance between gas stations and towns. So I opted to carry a 15 liters of fuel so that was like 2 full tanks of fuel, and all my gear for the next 25 days......those are the 2 pictures, and really it is only 2 pieces of kit, a set of throw over bags and a Large tour pack, the pack will hold a full face helmet in the top, and I carry that in case of really bad weather so I can keep going. Then a full rain suit and 2 jackets, old adage the kit you need is the one you left behind....lol....the tour pack is also my backrest and very comfortable, all totaled my 250 lbs and just over 100 lbs for kit and I was set to go.....
OK cool, then I'll go with a stock speedo cable. Hmmm I've never had a fuel gauge and I'm not sure about the signal lights.... WOW, that is AMAZING the 800 Drifter has the capability to hold all those bags, AND its only the little brother of the 1500 ;D . In a lot of your picture you have a back rest for a passenger that I see comes in handy for strapping down all your gear. Did you have that custom made to be part of the grip bar we were talking about earlier or is that an all new set up? Definitely a good adage to live by. Also, thanks for reading my build, It has helped keep me motivated to get it done. :)
The Drifter 800 has a fuel gauge, I have included it in the picture, it is that little counter with the numbers on the bottom, when it gets to 150 I start to look for fuel, at 170 I am starting to sweat, at 190 I am in a small panic, at 200 I am thinking of how far will I have to walk.....lol.......
The sissy bar is another of the hard to find items for the Drifter, I bought this one from Belgium and it was made by Ledrie and sadly they are out of business now. This sissy bar was made for the Drifter and came with its own grab handles, not sure of what I did with the old set I'll have to look around and see if they are still here. Just remember that a 800 and 1500 are not the same grab bars. Again if you stick on ebay every so often you can find a grab bar. Also see if there is a salvage yard in your area, and check them out often looking for parts, there is a few in the USA I'll have to hunt them up again, the issue I had was most did not ship to Canada so I just deleted them......see if I can find them for you.
I am enjoying reading your build and really like some of your questions they are good ones. Wait till I start to do the build on Pearl, I just waiting for the parts from powder coating.
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on February 10, 2018, 19:22:19 PM
Ratman, what is your opinion on the seat grip? uses on road trips? good to tie thing to? how often do you carry passengers? thinking about getting one.
If I can add my 2cents, I'll answer your questions, too, since I've been riding a lot 2up with my bike (a red 1999 Drifter 800).
That grab rail is not very comfortable (that's what my wife has told me, always...), because it forces the passenger to have a unnatural position, with his arms attached to the body and stretched really backwards.
So, if you're gonna be lucky enough to find a sissybar for your bike, go get it wathever the price should be: your passenger's gratitude is absolutely worth much more!
Quote from: mittico68 on February 11, 2018, 03:31:20 AM
If I can add my 2cents, I'll answer your questions, too, since I've been riding a lot 2up with my bike (a red 1999 Drifter 800).
That grab rail is not very comfortable (that's what my wife has told me, always...), because it forces the passenger to have a unnatural position, with his arms attached to the body and stretched really backwards.
So, if you're gonna be lucky enough to find a sissybar for your bike, go get it wathever the price should be: your passenger's gratitude is absolutely worth much more!
Thank you for your imput, yes I can see how for a passenger it would not be so comfortable. As for my wife she would never ride in the back of my motorcycle, she laughs every time I mention it. She would rather ride her own. She is the reason I got started riding motorcycles. She rides a 2005 Ducati Monster 695. Before that she had a Kawasaki Ninja 250 she learned on.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 11, 2018, 00:17:27 AM
The Drifter 800 has a fuel gauge, I have included it in the picture, it is that little counter with the numbers on the bottom, when it gets to 150 I start to look for fuel, at 170 I am starting to sweat, at 190 I am in a small panic, at 200 I am thinking of how far will I have to walk.....lol.......
That's interesting. Mine does have the same gas gauge then. But my empty number was at 80 miles. I wonder if someone rejeted my carb? 80 miles would equal 128 kilometers.
You would have to figure out your own distances. I have found that no two are the same.....
check out these place....
http://stores.ebay.com/greensmotorcyclesalvage/
Yeah I'll have to look into the gas mileage more in depth. Thanks for the link. I'll have to keep an eye on it. They seem to have good stuff. The grind continues. I grab a part, inspect for missing hardware, clean it and touch it up if needed. Still have alot to do but I try to get in the garage once a day.
That is why I have mine in the living room, because I can just sit there and watch TV and relax and work as the whim takes me, or just sit there and polish Red, perhaps just sit there and remember the rides we had.....the super cool people we rode with.......
Vulcanpunch this is what riding a Drifter is part of......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cFAAuKBdJU
While looking through the parts catalog I came across a part I might be missing, its 14073A that attaches to the air clener box. My question is where does that part attach to? Is that where the air intake is below the gas tank?
:o now I have to go and look at both bikes because I never seen that part either......
Picture of it here if it helps at all:
https://www.cmsnl.com/1997-a3a-vn800_model12571/air-filter-chamber-duct_140731623/
Thank you guys. That is indeed the OEM air intake which gathers ambient air from underneath the tank. Interesting that none of the bikes I've seen have it installed. I have been looking into the grampsize and scooterize modifications you can do which basically make the airbox obsolete if one does decide to do those mods. The more you know!
Vulcanpunch, not sure if you understand that I am an old man, I have mobility issues and you are my biggest pain in the .........You have me climbing the stairs constantly to the living room to check on things for you. I am going to ask VA about a chair lift so I can just ride up and down.
Ok so this "missing" part is not missing, I checked both bikes, it is actually inside part #11011A and it is in there tight, so I did not try to take it out. But if you take a flashlight and look inside you will see it......... 8)
Oh! Yeah I see it now! Thanks fur clarifying that for me. The picture made it seem like there was a piece sticking out. Thanks again Ratman!
:o The manual should show that it is inside the housing, not a good drawing........so next step? I am heading to physio soon and then tomorrow off to the powder coating place and see what is ready for pick up.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 15, 2018, 11:26:56 AM
:o The manual should show that it is inside the housing, not a good drawing........so next step? I am heading to physio soon and then tomorrow off to the powder coating place and see what is ready for pick up.......
Nice, can't wait for them to call me too.
Took the handle bars I had off if the old 800 and temp installed in drifter forks. Also replaced the front break reservoir with my old one because it looks in better shape. Got a couple of items today in the mail as well.
Those are different bars for sure. What did you pay for the tailight? So what is behind the forks is that a trailer? or just a table with an axle?
Yeah the bars is something I want to change they look kinda cool but the ergonomics (wrists and seating posture) I feel is better with something more similar to the OEM ones. I paid $144 with shipping for the tail light. And the trailer thing with an axle is a home made motorcycle table I made from a YouTube video I saw.
https://youtu.be/Jz8oFhyBrhk
Now that is one cool lift. Sadly it would take up far too much room in my living room, so no lift for me.
Wow $144.00 US for the tail light, you should ask on the forum for people if they have parts your looking for they might give you a better price. Also check out the classifieds and see what is on there in the way of parts.
I used the bars off a 2017 Vulcan Classic. When I sat on the bike it was really comfortable seating and the bars felt so good, so bought them powder coated them and will see how it works out for me.
Got home to this ::)
ok some more clarification would be nice, make, how does it mount.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 20, 2018, 18:38:37 PM
ok some more clarification would be nice, make, how does it mount.......
I hope it fits like this. It's supposed to be the solo seat with the attachment brackets.
Well I bought this and am getting it re welded to make a custom seat for my build....
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 20, 2018, 20:02:34 PM
Well I bought this and am getting it re welded to make a custom seat for my build....
Oh that looks cool! I'm assuming all three will go together? like the storage chest will be directly behind the back of the seat? I like it, really cool and functional! You'll have to post pics when you get it in.
:o For a boy in Washington you are some bright...lol......that is the plan, and then the amp for the stereo is going to go in the travel trunk.
This is the frame and the seat on GreenBarn's bike, and my plans for it. It is at the welders waiting to be done......
How much clearence do you think is needed between the rear fender and the seat frame?
I used the bars off a 2017 Vulcan Classic. When I sat on the bike it was really comfortable seating and the bars felt so good, so bought them powder coated them and will see how it works out for me.
[/ Ratman quote]
That's interesting, I was thinking getting the handle bar risers but a longer set of handle bars would be better?
Vulcanpunch I am going to leave the support for the travel trunk at the same height the rear part of the seat would be for a passenger. Then I know it will not bottom out for sure. I should still look ok.
Uncle Rolly: been hiding I see. Oh right no your in the middle of the move. Did it go well? Did Aunt Tracy get her way about things? Did Uncle Bob lend a hand, he is such a cool guy and really nice to her. I am also adding a set of 3" risers again so I can sit more upright and not hunched over. Risers are pictured below.....found them in Ottawa at : https://www.kapscomoto.com/ca/ decent price, just had to buy adaptors......
I have those same risers in chrome....they do hit the speedo housing when you try to turn all the way in either direction.....I have 2 small dents in the housing from mine when I wasn't paying attention....
Got a couple more items today 8). Does anyone know if I can install an LED headlight assembly in the OEM housing?
Fixed the radiator cooling fins that were bent. Cleaned and touched up the radiator.
OR is that on the 800 that you tried them?
Vulcanpunch I bought 2 plug and play LED headlights for each of my bikes and I have had the one in Red now for three years I think and no issues with it, I just bought another one for Pearl and put it in this weekend, so have not had time to check it out yet. Yes I have everything in the headlight pod, great place for relays because of the amount of space in there......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 23, 2018, 00:32:23 AM
OR is that on the 800 that you tried them?
Vulcanpunch I bought 2 plug and play LED headlights for each of my bikes and I have had the one in Red now for three years I think and no issues with it, I just bought another one for Pearl and put it in this weekend, so have not had time to check it out yet. Yes I have everything in the headlight pod, great place for relays because of the amount of space in there......
Can you link the one you bought?
Of course I can do that my computer skills are growing each day, I am able to do moe and more each day........
http://daytonamotorsport.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=95
The risers are on my 800...the short neck between the forks and the tank puts them really close to the speedo housing..so when you turn all the way in either direction, the inside riser hits the housing.....
:o Well that is not what I want to hear. So perhaps might have to get another set or try to make a slight mod here, will have to wait till I am getting to that point.....Right now more to think about then just the risers but a good to know thing...Thank you Sir.......
Regarding the risers that the Seedman is talking about, are they the 3" risers?
Mine are 3.5" Risers........now I am going to wait till I get to that part of the rebuild before I decided on what I am going to do, not a big deal.....need the tank back and then the bike assembled......
mine are 3.5" as well.....but the big round cap adds about 1" to the overall height...and that's what makes them hit the speedo housing at full turn...
Quote from: OR Seedman on February 25, 2018, 07:56:59 AM
mine are 3.5" as well.....but the big round cap adds about 1" to the overall height...and that's what makes them hit the speedo housing at full turn...
oh well, just take those big caps off! ::) ;)
Quote from: mittico68 on February 25, 2018, 09:48:35 AM
oh well, just take those big caps off! ::) ;)
That's a good idea... Or just put two big over-sized dents in the speedo housing where they would hit to make clearance..... problem solved---- would look like a custom fit modification. :o 8) ;)
See Ratman, we'll get Pearl lookin GOOD....
GB, what about takin' off the speedo housing itself and put on a flat one?
See, more ideas to think about! ;D
Quote from: mittico68 on February 25, 2018, 10:09:00 AM
GB, what about takin' off the speedo housing itself and put on a flat one?
See, more ideas to think about! ;D
We'll get Ratman's Pearl built one way or the other ;D
Quote from: greenbarn on February 25, 2018, 10:46:19 AM
We'll get Ratman's Pearl built one way or the other ;D
You mean that I own the right to ask for a fee? :o ;)
SURE, I'm sure you could ask..... he MAY require you to come to the 2019 rally, Rendezvous at the Soo to collect, though, LOL ::)
Quote from: greenbarn on February 25, 2018, 11:17:10 AM
he MAY require you to come to the 2019 rally, Rendezvous at the Soo to collect, though, LOL ::)
;D
I would go anyway, if only I wasn't on THIS side of the Atlantic... :-\
Gentleman of the peanut gallery, the issue has been taken care of and once assembly starts I will take pictures for you. As you may not know but a picture is worth a thousand words and to save my typing and filling pages on here.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 25, 2018, 13:13:08 PM
Gentleman of the peanut gallery, the issue has been taken care of and once assembly starts I will take pictures for you. As you may not know but a picture is worth a thousand words and to save my typing and filling pages on here.......
I find this very amusing. You guys are awesome!
Just think that when they start to pick on you........lol......
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on February 22, 2018, 21:13:18 PM
Fixed the radiator cooling fins that were bent. Cleaned and touched up the radiator.
That's a great-looking job. It must've taken a lot of time to straighten all those bent fins. I'm guessing you are a patient man :D
either that or bored.......or hiding in the garage from the missus........
hehe thanks, yeah a little of hiding a little of board...Its been almost 4 weeks sense i dropped the frame and swing arm at the powder coating place. I need to clean degrease the engine today. I was wondering, what do you guys prefer? The light bar or no light bar? https://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWASAKI-VN800-DRIFTER-VN1500-DRIFTER-VN1500-CLASSIC-LIGHT-BAR-NOS-K32001-006/263453358583?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
can you install turn signals on this one?
Not being able to see the ends of the light bar I would guess you can at the end install your stock signal lights. Looks like a F&S light bar......for my new bike Pearl I am building a custom light bar but the base is a F&S light bar......
Headlight came in. Fits the housing perfectly.
Absolutely go for the lightbar. IMHO, it adds a vintage touch to our Drifter.
I've found mine for a very cheap price, but it was really in bad shape... the good thing was that it already had holes for blinkers installation (both laterally and below): I've choosen to mount them under the spotlights.
Here you can see the result...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp9LMwUNDtw
Vulcanpunch - I prefer the look with the light bar and enjoy the extra light when it's dark, but like everything else, this is subjective.
My F&S light bar got trashed in my recent accident. If you decide not to use yours, I would be interested in it.
VP I also have managed to have F&S light bars on both bikes. Pearls is being done really different then Red's however......yes Marco pictures to follow once it is installed......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 01, 2018, 07:49:45 AM
yes Marco pictures to follow once it is installed......
:o
I'm becomin' predictable... ???
Marco; 8) non prevedibile, solo perché sappiamo che sei una foto puttana e vuoi vedere le foto ... lol .....
does that make sense...lol........
Ratty, thanx for your effort to make it more understandable... but you'd better try another translator: "foto puttana"? ??? what does it mean? ... lol ...
:P
Ok.
Now, who has hijacked this thread? ::)
I would be more then happy to change the topic of this thread to foto puttana, but we already have Girls on Indians ;D
;) Marco so much for the google translator, you are a photo whore you want all the pictures......lol.....and once I have some I will post them.....
VP you just stay here and behave...lol.......
Now get this back on topic........
Ok guys, got an update. Parts are coming in line it's Christmas hehe and finally got my frame and swing arm back. Not too bad for $150. Just had to wait a little over a month. Anyway here are some pictures.
Also, what are those metal things I'm pointing at? Came with the light bar.
More pics.
The two curved chrome pieces are support brackets. The screw the you're pointing at/touching, goes in the hole inboard of the spots. They then attach to each side of the front end forks. Once you start the assembly it will all come together. Good luck, looks like it's all coming together.
Looks great, vulcanpunch! nice stuff coming in there. Now too bad, OldDrifter beat me to it....
I was going to tell you those things you were pointing at were LITTLE BOLTS... they hold the brackets on the light bar ;D
There is a left and a right of them also or you will need to employ spacers if you do not put them in the correct places.
That also has the holes on the end for the signal lights to be mounted......
And the spotlight bracket's part your holdin' goes underneath the headlight bracket...
Just my 2 cents... ::) ;D
Haven't seen any updates on the Drifter project. How's it coming along???
It's coming slow. Found out I'm gonna be a daddy so time and money have escaped me lol. But I still plan. To find a way to get it done!
Quote from: Vulcanpunch on July 01, 2018, 16:59:03 PM
It's coming slow. Found out I'm gonna be a daddy so time and money have escaped me lol. But I still plan. To find a way to get it done!
That's great, Congrats! We've all been there, family takes priority.