Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => Drifter 800 Only => Topic started by: Tush on April 16, 2019, 19:14:25 PM

Title: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 16, 2019, 19:14:25 PM
 Hi guys...

New owner as of a couple days ago...first foray into bikes (don't even have my licence yet 8))  I usually do car restoration videos ( I have 6 Triumph TR's and 1 Alfa Spider) but I've decided to document my Drifter project on my channel.

Here's the first introductory video if anyone's interested.

https://youtu.be/IcviawLinm0

Just getting ready to upload the next instalment, Disassembly, Part 1

Cheers
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 16, 2019, 19:46:48 PM
2nd Part, First Day of Disassembly.

https://youtu.be/kgsMwt1AkfQ

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: greenbarn on April 17, 2019, 21:33:29 PM
Great looking bike,   what are your plans for her???
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 18, 2019, 06:23:55 AM
Quote from: greenbarn on April 17, 2019, 21:33:29 PM
Great looking bike,   what are your plans for her???

Thank You!  Just in the process of getting ready to paint it...I like the two tone look so I'm going to go black and Wimbledon white.  Whitewall tires to go with that and a new solo seat.   A few other small mods like a light bar, crash bar will go on later I think. Nothing over the top.

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: mittico68 on April 18, 2019, 09:34:07 AM
Nice Drifter!
That's exactly like mine was, when I bought her back in '99.
I've been mumblin' about 2-tone paint for her, but I'm still undecided...  :-\
Can't wait to see yours.
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tfrank59 on April 18, 2019, 10:13:49 AM
Yeah Welcome to The Forum. That was a beautiful bone stock bike, and I think it would have remained so had I purchased it, but will look forward to pics or videos when you got it the way you want it. Meanwhile get your motorcycle endorsement so you can ride her when she's done!
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 18, 2019, 13:09:26 PM
Thanks guys...yes, Tom when I first saw the bike I knew that I would have some trouble deciding about weather to repaint or not since it was in such good condition. I even contemplated getting other fenders and tank for it so I could leave the stock ones untouched.  In the end, I decided to stick to my plan and do to it what I envision in my head..

Second coat of primer is drying as I type this...

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tfrank59 on April 18, 2019, 15:16:56 PM
I'm sure it'll be awesome. Especially with the white wall tires. We've had discussions and some debate on this forum whether to sort of crossover to an Indian or keep it as a Indian tribute and I'm more towards badging mine as an Indian. My experience is do whatever makes you happy because people don't really care what it is --Kawasaki, Indian knock-off,  or whatever -- folks generally just like our bikes and often compliment us on them ;D
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 19, 2019, 07:25:38 AM
Next Video is up.  Making progress.  Got some priming done.  I wish the weather would co operate...

https://youtu.be/nvupyZJZQz8

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Lucky on April 20, 2019, 19:11:22 PM
Nice work

Btw, the entire seat assembly comes off with the 4 12mm frame bolts.

Please put a light in the gas tank and look for rust

Both run and res have a Vacuum solenoid but prime is the basic "on" and will mostly drain the tank. The petcock then comes out pretty easy but it's a lllloooonnngggg filter.

I have no problem even welding on a tank FULL of water, but each person's safety And risk appetite is their own

Would you consider selling the sissy bar and mount?

Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 20, 2019, 22:01:26 PM
Thanks Jeff,

The inside of my tank is perfect..not a spot of rust...I'm really pleased with the overall condition of this bike.   It's only got about 8000 miles on it and was well looked after by the PO. 

I think I'll hang on to the stock seat and components for now but if I change my mind, I'll let you know. 

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 23, 2019, 05:12:10 AM
Started Painting.

https://youtu.be/Z4TQRY3qBLU

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: paulfuller12 on April 23, 2019, 17:46:03 PM
Just saw this post. What a great looking bike in excellent condition. These are rare cause the 99 was only sold in Canada and Europe. I personally would have never painted the bike. Sad to see. These blacked out models and their 1500 counterparts are getting rarer and rarer. I put a 99 1500 back to stock and just did my 2000, 1500. I had a blue 2000 800 that was pretty rough but did all the repairs and turned down selling to a guy that distresses them to make them look old and messed up, like the one in :"defiance" on Netflix. Ended up selling it to a young guy who was committed to keeping it stock. Would love to find a low mile red 800 down here in socal but not much luck of that happening.
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: greenbarn on April 23, 2019, 23:40:01 PM
Good looking 2-tone, Tush....   I do love a 2-tone Drifter
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 24, 2019, 06:21:30 AM
Yeah, I understand Paul.  I knew some people would be upset by Me taking an original, unmolested Bike and painting it.  But, I needed to make it my own...if the next owner what's to paint it back to stock colour, I'll be ok with that as well  8)

Next video is up...painting is done.  Wet sanding and buffing coming up!

https://youtu.be/H9j4y-kLuB0

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Old Drifter on April 24, 2019, 07:48:17 AM
Looks great! The project is coming along nicely.
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tfrank59 on April 24, 2019, 07:49:16 AM
Really great work! You're obviously a pro and will get a great outcome. The way you did the fenders looks kind of like my stock 06 except mine is silver and black with red pinstripes. I guess one thing about your bike before you painted it is it reminded me of the bike one of our good friends had, Andy, aka Ratman, who passed away about a year ago :(
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 24, 2019, 09:45:29 AM
Thanks Tom, no pro, just an amateur who's done a few painting projects.  This is my first two tone so that was a little different...I need to learn how to mask a little better as I have a little mist through my masking in certain areas. 

Yes, I've read many post by Ratman and he seemed like a really nice fellow and a well respected, life of the Forum kinda guy. 

Sanding and buffing this morning...not going incredibly well but good enough.  Going to pick up my tires now.

Cheers
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 25, 2019, 19:43:20 PM
Ok, going back together now...I'm digging it so far.

https://youtu.be/ktWaf6kHCZc

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Lucky on April 26, 2019, 08:38:00 AM
I am really enjoying your videos!
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on April 26, 2019, 09:34:41 AM
Thanks Jeff!

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tfrank59 on April 27, 2019, 15:28:29 PM
Great looking job! And that seat really puts the icing on the cake. 
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on May 04, 2019, 22:15:42 PM
Ok, Next instalment....I'm calling the project done...just needs some cleaning and detailing.

https://youtu.be/j3N474M25pg

Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on May 04, 2019, 22:19:11 PM
And...some before and after pics and a little video...



https://youtu.be/25JcS6P4gQU

Cheers
Tush

Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: greenbarn on May 06, 2019, 00:14:25 AM
That turned out good, nice looking bike
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: mittico68 on May 06, 2019, 01:32:58 AM
Quote from: greenbarn on May 06, 2019, 00:14:25 AM
That turned out good, nice looking bike
+1!  8)
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on May 06, 2019, 11:04:14 AM
Thanks guys!

Cheers, Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: paulfuller12 on May 07, 2019, 11:27:00 AM
Quote from: Tush on May 04, 2019, 22:15:42 PM
Ok, Next instalment....I'm calling the project done...just needs some cleaning and detailing.

https://youtu.be/j3N474M25pg
I must admit the bike looks good. I always liked black and white bikes as long as they aren't behind me. Nice job on the emblems as well. Really makes the tank "Pop."
Cheers,
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: The Bride on May 07, 2019, 20:12:02 PM
Beautiful 800!  Enjoyed the videos of its journey to being 'yours'. 
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Lucky on May 08, 2019, 08:49:51 AM
VERY nice -- great work!
I see you deleted the windscreen, as well?
have you taken her for a spin, as yet?
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Lucky on May 08, 2019, 08:51:23 AM
sorry to double tap --
on wiring the indian head light -- i just took some light alum flat bar, bent to contour, and went from light to ground .. no way for it to move or become entangled without a REALLY bad event happening first
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on May 09, 2019, 08:29:35 AM
Quote from: jeffeosso on May 08, 2019, 08:49:51 AM
VERY nice -- great work!
I see you deleted the windscreen, as well?
have you taken her for a spin, as yet?

Its a quick detach screen...I prefer the look of the bike without it but when required, I will definitely use it.   Ill be sure to take some photos of the bike with it installed  when I get the chance.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get it on the road yet.   Kind of crazy actually.   We have a graduated licencing system in place here....I have a beginners licence (M1).  The intent of this license it to get you on the street (with conditions) in order for you to learn so that you can move up through to the next level (M2).   The problem is, no one wants to insure an M1 driver (unless you have $5000).  So, I am waiting to take a rider training course next week so that I can get my M2 certificate (you actually have to wait 60 days until this is recognized by the MTO here).  Once I get my M2, insurance drops to between $1100-1300 per year.   At this point, I can register the bike and get it plated (you can't do this without insurance).   Ill have to get the bike safety inspected again since my safety certificate only lasts 36 days from the date of purchase....Ill be about a week overdue on this so more money and hassle to have to get that done again...
I would do things differently next time that is for sure!  I would have booked my M2 course even before I got the bike since they provide the bikes at the training course anyway.

Cheers
Tush
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Lucky on May 09, 2019, 13:13:20 PM
we have the opposite "problem" here .. you can take a MSF in Texas on saturday/sunday, pay $16 Monday, and go buy AND DRIVE AWAY a 'busa or z14h2 -- just crazy -- there should be a middle ground - but, i can buy anything i want in Texas, and own it, even without a M dl
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: OR Seedman on May 09, 2019, 15:46:51 PM
Here in Oregon we have two levels of motorcycle classes to get a new or to renew an expired endorsement.  Since I had been riding for many years (i had let my endorsement expire), I took the advance level class and even trailered my 800 to the course so I could ride it and get use to the way it handled.  I guess there was no real experience necessary to take the advance class, as there were several older virgin riders enrolled...all had just purchased new Harleys (but were learning on Honda Rebel 250cc's).  I wonder how many (there 5 guys total doing this) have dropped or dumped their full dress bikes since then...LOL.  One guy told me he had never even been on any kind of  motorcycle before....and he just dropped over $30k on a new HD!....people are nuckin' futz....
Title: Re: Just got my Drifter...Now I’m Tearing it Apart
Post by: Tush on May 17, 2019, 08:46:15 AM
Started my course last night...the in class portion, about three hours worth.

Saturday and Sunday are 7 hours each of riding classes ( they supply the bikes).  At the end of the Sunday session, I take my M2 evaluation ( riding Test).  If (when) I pass, I get my M2.  The M2 is good for up to 5 years.  You are expected that within this 5 year period, you take your full M Class test (on road followed by an instructor who provides you directions through an earpiece).   The M licence cannot be attempted for 22 months after your receive your M2 license ( unless you have taken an accredited course like I'm doing then it drops down to 18 months).

Wish me luck!

Cheers,
Tush