Question for those who have done this installation. I'm about to instal the left side bracket to hold the muffler on. Direct adding it to the frame make the bottom just about touch the rear wheel drive housing with out any weight on the bike. It looks too close to me. Sitting on the bike separates the two plenty. Did any of you run into this? Did you make and modifications?
[url]www.roadhousebrand.com/Merchant2/isheets/Kawasaki/56-165.pdf[url]
Here on section 5 last picture shows the bracket.
Hey Mike.
I had the same problem when I installed my RoadHouse Dooley's. I put a 1/2" spacer behind the bracket which moved it out. I do not remember if I had to replace the bolts. Be sure to use some blue locktite on all of those bolts because they WILL work themselves loose.
Thanks Gibby. Makes sense to me.
Installation done. A friend of mine was able to heat and bend the bracket for a better fit. It did need some paint too ;D. I'm very pleased with the looks and sound. Om the test drive tonight I thought the bike runs good. Very minimal backfiring on deceleration only. Not sure if I will need a cobra or power comander. Should know better over the next week. Thanks for all the help here at VDR.
You can virtually eliminate the backfiring by "marbeling"
Go to the Kawanow website and then to the Gadget link. Then to "Reed valve disabling instructions" Instead of using marbels I used a small cork, works very well.
FYI - Before you go off to non-drifter specific sites, ensure you look on our web site for your mod. We put a lot of effort into finding and listing mods specific to the Drifter. Many are shared with other sites and vice-versa. The links below are shared resources with the gadget site. Format may be a bit different.
I suggest coasters over marbeling... and it won't necessarily get rid of backfires... I had decel popping and needed a Cobra FI2000 to resolve it.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/57 (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/57)
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reedvalveremoval.html (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reedvalveremoval.html)
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/smog-marbling.html (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/smog-marbling.html)
As, has been accurately pointed out, all pipes are not created equal. Gibby has had success using corks (marbeling) to eliminate backfires on his particular installation. Others have not been so lucky. I prefer use of coasters and removal of the reed valves altogether, over marbeling. It is almost the same procedure. But even with those, backfiring may still occur especially on decel and you may end up requiring a FI add-on - as I did. I had to work my way into it... so try it and see if it works for you... if not go to the next level.
Keep us advised. Your experience adds to the collected experience of lots of other folks.
Does anyone know, if Dooley's for a 1500 Classic, will also fit a 1500 Drifter?
Thanks, Ron
I suspect it would be the same as using other classic pipes on the drifter... ie replacement of foot peg brackets ... By replacing the foot peg bracket on the drifter with a classic bracket you can use any classic pipes - plus they will be rubber mounted. But it all depends upon how the left side is attached. I haven't looked at it.
Quote from: chief on April 26, 2011, 09:40:23 AM
I suspect it would be the same as using other classic pipes on the drifter... ie replacement of foot peg brackets ... By replacing the foot peg bracket on the drifter with a classic bracket you can use any classic pipes - plus they will be rubber mounted. But it all depends upon how the left side is attached. I haven't looked at it.
Thanks Chief, I just talked to the seller,he said the paperwork inside the box,says basically the same thing. He said there is a bracket in the box not marked,.....that may be it??
Since he & I live 100 mi apart,& he is willing to me me half way, & the price is right...We're going to plan & meet & I'll try,em.
If they workout? I'll have my R/H 2-into-1 for sale.
Thanks again,Ron
This may help answer your question.
http://www.roadhousebrand.com/Merchant2/isheets/Kawasaki/56-165.pdf (http://www.roadhousebrand.com/Merchant2/isheets/Kawasaki/56-165.pdf)
Quote from: Mike o on April 27, 2011, 08:33:39 AM
This may help answer your question.
http://www.roadhousebrand.com/Merchant2/isheets/Kawasaki/56-165.pdf (http://www.roadhousebrand.com/Merchant2/isheets/Kawasaki/56-165.pdf)
Thanks Mike, that will be a huge help!!
Ron
I STRONGLY recommend you replace the Drifter foot peg brackets with CLASSIC footpeg brackets... then use the pipe brackets intended for the CLASSIC!
See, the Classic foot peg mounts (brackets) have rubber mounting integrated into the right side bracket. Drifter brackets do not have this... So with the use of the classic peg brackets and pipe brackets you get a rubber mounted exhaust... this eliminates a LOT of vibration and stress on the pipes. To be honest, I don't know if the left side bracket is "rubberized" or not. I'll have to research that!
Thanks for the instruction sheet Mike O... will include in the exhaust section of the website.
Quote from: chief on April 27, 2011, 11:39:42 AM
I STRONGLY recommend you replace the Drifter foot peg brackets with CLASSIC footpeg brackets... then use the pipe brackets intended for the CLASSIC!
See, the Classic foot peg mounts (brackets) have rubber mounting integrated into the right side bracket. Drifter brackets do not have this... So with the use of the classic peg brackets and pipe brackets you get a rubber mounted exhaust... this eliminates a LOT of vibration and stress on the pipes. To be honest, I don't know if the left side bracket is "rubberized" or not. I'll have to research that!
Thanks for the instruction sheet Mike O... will include in the exhaust section of the website.
OK Chief, if I can secure those brackets I will use them. If I can get a good picture I can fab some up.
Even if I have neither, might be able to figure it out, when I attempt the install ?
Thanks again, Ron
Just to be clear - You can solid mount the pipes using the stuff in the box... its rubber mounting them that is the challenge.
On new drifters the pipes are rubber mounted through the goat bladder stuff. When people change out the pipes they remove that rubber mounting creating the potential for all sorts of problems from stress and vibration. No pipe mfg'r takes this into account for the drifter. All of their hangers are solid mounts. The OEM Vulcan Classic (1500) has a different setup. The pipes are hung from the right side foot peg bracket which has a rubber bushing mount. So using this bracket and standard classic pipe brackets gives you the rubber mounting. Plus it opens up a wide range of pipes available for the classic.
They are called... Rear Step Stay LH, and Rear Step Stay RH. And they are parts that can be purchased from Kaw.
Dooleys are different because of the left side pipe. It appears Roadhouse provides a bracket that hangs from the left foot peg bracket. But neither provides any rubber mounting. So if you do the right side correctly it will be rubber mounted but the left side won't... As a result, you will need to fabricate a hanger which provides that rubber mounting/vibration control.
As I said at the beginning... you can go solid with what you have in the box (assuming the bike was set up for double seat with left side peg mount). Many folks have. I wouldn't based upon my brief experience with solid mounted pipes.
There are some mods/tips which provide some info on this subject over on the web site. They aren't specific for dooleys, but there is information which may allow you to create a left side bracket that is rubber mounted.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=71 (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=71)
Good luck and please keep us advised. We all gain from others' experience with these things!
Quote from: chief on April 28, 2011, 13:15:11 PM
Just to be clear - You can solid mount the pipes using the stuff in the box... its rubber mounting them that is the challenge.
On new drifters the pipes are rubber mounted through the goat bladder stuff. When people change out the pipes they remove that rubber mounting creating the potential for all sorts of problems from stress and vibration. No pipe mfg'r takes this into account for the drifter. All of their hangers are solid mounts. The OEM Vulcan Classic (1500) has a different setup. The pipes are hung from the right side foot peg bracket which has a rubber bushing mount. So using this bracket and standard classic pipe brackets gives you the rubber mounting. Plus it opens up a wide range of pipes available for the classic.
They are called... Rear Step Stay LH, and Rear Step Stay RH. And they are parts that can be purchased from Kaw.
Dooleys are different because of the left side pipe. It appears Roadhouse provides a bracket that hangs from the left foot peg bracket. But neither provides any rubber mounting. So if you do the right side correctly it will be rubber mounted but the left side won't... As a result, you will need to fabricate a hanger which provides that rubber mounting/vibration control.
As I said at the beginning... you can go solid with what you have in the box (assuming the bike was set up for double seat with left side peg mount). Many folks have. I wouldn't based upon my brief experience with solid mounted pipes.
There are some mods/tips which provide some info on this subject over on the web site. They aren't specific for dooleys, but there is information which may allow you to create a left side bracket that is rubber mounted.
http://www.VulcanDrifterRiders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/71 (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/71)
Good luck and please keep us advised. We all gain from others' experience with these things!
Chief,
Finally met with the seller & got the Dooley's
Looking at the parts in the box, it looks like I need to make one bracket. But [if] I follow what [/i] you are saying? I should buy a left foot peg bracket for a Classic, & then use what is provided by R/House for the Classic?
Ron
RIGHT Classic footpeg... provides rubber mounting on the right side. The problem is the left side. That peg bracket is the same on the classic and drifter and isn't rubber mounted.
The hanger they use is solid mount as well... so you'd want to try to give some rubbermounting to that side. You might use the info provided by Troll and T-Stan to work out a solution. I don't have one for you.
Remember the whole point is to ensure the whole system is rubber mounted to eliminate vibration and stress points. Apparently a lot of folks live with both, so its up to you.
Lastly, if you would trace the left side classic/drifter hanger they provided to you and send it to me I'd appreciate it. I could use that to work up something for other folks to use. If you can scan it to scale and send it as a pdf... that's great, otherwise I will pay for postage. Yell and I'll give you the address.
Please keep us advised with your progress. Let me know if I can be of any help.
Quote from: chief on May 06, 2011, 12:58:28 PM
RIGHT Classic footpeg... provides rubber mounting on the right side. The problem is the left side. That peg bracket is the same on the classic and drifter and isn't rubber mounted.
The hanger they use is solid mount as well... so you'd want to try to give some rubbermounting to that side. You might use the info provided by Troll and T-Stan to work out a solution. I don't have one for you.
Remember the whole point is to ensure the whole system is rubber mounted to eliminate vibration and stress points. Apparently a lot of folks live with both, so its up to you.
Lastly, if you would trace the left side classic/drifter hanger they provided to you and send it to me I'd appreciate it. I could use that to work up something for other folks to use. If you can scan it to scale and send it as a pdf... that's great, otherwise I will pay for postage. Yell and I'll give you the address.
Please keep us advised with your progress. Let me know if I can be of any help.
Hell, just post an address. i'll get it to ya
Ron
Saftek, 4288 Warren Road, Franklin, TN 37067
Thanks. When I post the info in the mods/tips - I will credit you.
I have RoadHouse Dooley's and have worked out a rubber mounting system for the mounts. Works great.
Quote from: GIBBY on May 10, 2011, 14:17:20 PM
I have RoadHouse Dooley's and have worked out a rubber mounting system for the mounts. Works great.
So.....tell us about it?
Ron
If you will provide that info we will add to the mods and, of course, credit you with the info. Thanks for your input.
Chief,
Did you get those tracings? I sent them last week.
Ron
Sorry for not thanking. you for the tracing. We are renovating the office so things have gotten hectic. They look good. Thanks.
That's fine & you're welcome. i just wanted to know you received them
Ron
Does anyone know if the Classic model motor is the same as the 1500 Drifter motor? I am looking to upgrade my exhaust to the Roadhouse 2 into 1 (http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/product.jsp?skuId=449656&store=&tab=fitment&productId=p449660&catId=403&leafCatId=40301&mmyId=#fitment (http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/product.jsp?skuId=449656&store=&tab=fitment&productId=p449660&catId=403&leafCatId=40301&mmyId=#fitment)) but it only lists the classic model. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
You will be able to use classic pipes if you replace the right footpeg bracket on the drifter with the footpeg from a classic. AND, your pipes will be rubber mounted in the process.
Quote from: kvanveen on July 23, 2011, 10:33:52 AM
Does anyone know if the Classic model motor is the same as the 1500 Drifter motor? I am looking to upgrade my exhaust to the Roadhouse 2 into 1 (http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/product.jsp?skuId=449656&store=&tab=fitment&productId=p449660&catId=403&leafCatId=40301&mmyId=#fitment (http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/product.jsp?skuId=449656&store=&tab=fitment&productId=p449660&catId=403&leafCatId=40301&mmyId=#fitment)) but it only lists the classic model. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Did you notice that on the D/Kirk page it says...:product no longer available?
Roadhouse went out of business last November. Some places might still have left overs in stock, Best to call around and see: They must have it in stock, ordering is not possible from Roadhouse.
Lots of guys run classic exhaust with the mods Chief mentioned.
Quote from: griz01 on July 26, 2011, 17:32:04 PM
Roadhouse went out of business last November. Some places might still have left overs in stock, Best to call around and see: They must have it in stock, ordering is not possible from Roadhouse.
Lots of guys run classic exhaust with the mods Chief mentioned.
Yeah I know they're out of biz,..darn it. I just picked up a set of Classic Dooleys. When I get some extra time,I'm going to fit them on my Drifter. I have the R/House 2-into-1 now. I just like the balanced look of duals.
Great topic and one I will probably need to refer back to, I have ordered a set of Roadhouse Dooleys with Fishtail tips. Hopefully it will be all smooth sailing when I perform the install. Fingers crossed.
Cheers and safe riding,
Loopygoirish
99' Drifter 1500
I was just informed by the online stock this product is no longer available in their stock. :'(
I have since ordered the Vane Hines Longshots and will most likely attempt the dual mod posted by Chief.
Where there is a will there is away and a couple of beverages along the way. :)
I wondered if you were actually gonna get the Roadhouse pipes... sometimes companies keep things posted even after they have been discontinued.
Lol Chief, yes I sent them an email saying maybe you should take it off your website if you no longer have stock. The site actually let me purchase it and give me an order number. Kind of disheartening to find out after the fact, although I have also read great reviews on the V&H pipes. Looking forward to being a lil' louder for cars to hear me 8)
will road house nomad dooley pipes fit a drifter