Hello from a wet and windy uk, just bought a 2003 1500 drifter, also rebuilding a 900 custom and have a classic for the wife.
Looking forward to getting to know you all and asking you lots of questions about modifications
😆
I know you have some weird laws in the U K, but that's a '99 "J" model. If you need parts for it, looking for '03 stuff will lead to disappointment and frustration. The tank, fuel system, frame and transmission internals are different on the "R" models (which would actually be an '03). Most things are the same, but not all. Good luck with it. I have 150,000 miles on my '01 "R" model. I had to replace the transmission bearings at 125,000, but that's all. All in all, it's been pretty bulletproof.
Quote from: Crawleydrifter01 on January 09, 2026, 15:33:00 PMHello from a wet and windy uk, just bought a 2003 1500 drifter, also rebuilding a 900 custom and have a classic for the wife.
Looking forward to getting to know you all and asking you lots of questions about modifications
😆
Hey mate, welcome aboard!
Looks like this is your ride:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIWF6FkUkf0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIWF6FkUkf0)
Nice one indeed!
What Troll said... there are big and obvious differences between the "J" and "R" models. We have a pictorial history -North America - if you are interested.
https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php/topic,59785.0.html
First of all, welcome aboard!
As you will notice, this Forum is a great source of informations for our scoots.
That said, let me add my own advice: the '99 1500 Drifter has got the same parts of the '99 800 one, even though that's actually limited to the front fork only (tyre and handlebar plus front light, included).
Just my 2 cents... ;)