I have been Drifting for many years now and I have one question for all of you that insist on putting chief head fender lights and shaving the Kawasaki emblems...... Why!?!?!?! It isn't an Indian, so don't pose like it is. I understand the classic look. I understand the inspiration. But it is still a Kawasaki under all of the fake out Indian B.S. I appreciate my Drifter for what it is; a beautifully designed bike, powerful, smooth and comfortable. I just don't like what people do to these bikes by not letting them stand on their own merits (and flaws). Why don't we all just get giant headdresses, bias ply tires, suicide shifters and a left hand spark advancers too. I know I will probably hit a nerve with some of you but it is the truth. Customization is the name of the game, but ripping off another brand's name is something else.
Everyone has an opinion. Some folks like their drifters with Indian dress... I've seen a few HD's that way in my time as well.
IF someone wants to make their bike look like a rolling pickle that's their business. I certainly won't denigrate them for doing it... maybe laugh a bit...!
With the new Indian bike companies running around and making bikes - this sort of adornment will be seen by some as a rip-off of that bike - which is unfortunate. Its really honoring the REAL Indian Moto Co. ... but if you have to explain you've probably lost the argument... IMHO.
BUT - some Indian stuff seems a natural for this bike. From what I know Indian licensed use of the fenders...
Cheers and Merry Christmas
Going with that classic Indian style is simply a natural for this bike. It's a look, thats all. Even the factory recognized that and capitolized on that in their advertising and promotions.
The thing is, in many ways, the Drifter is far superior to the original Indians, and even the more current models. It's more cost effective to boot!
My own bike recalls that classic style (though I don't have an indian head light on my fender), and will probably recall it even more as I customize it more. Thats because I like that classic art deco style. That doesn't mean I want a poser bike though. I'm proud that my bike is a limited edition Kawasaki Drifter. It's the bike that the Indian company should've built!
And when someone comments on my "Indian" (or I hear "Harley" a lot too......non-bike people think every V Twin cruiser is a Harley it seems), I'm quick to thank them for the nice words of praise that they've bestowed on my Kawasaki Drifter. That usually opens an interesting conversation.
I am just very frustrated with the whole scene. I ride and the Indian guys berate me for not coughing up the extra for an inferior machine. The metric guys blow you crap for having a "poser bike". And the Harley knuckleheads drink beer and want race you or show you their new bar and shield tattoo etc. I just like to blow off steam and stir that well known pot. And by the way I have rode the new Indian chief and one word comes to mind... turd. The new generation of Indians are crap compared to the Indians of the '40s, which I have had the distinct pleasure of riding. (Even with a calf swollen twice it's size due to the kick starter deciding to give me a kiss) I guess what I am saying is that whatever people do with their ride I hope it is not just to be something more glamorous or novel. Most of the bikes in the directory seem to be well thought out and true to their nature, I can appreciate that.
:-\I just bought a drifter and plan on taking the kaw off the tank but won't do the indian thing,the drifter is a better bike.I was reading a blog the other day and rexdog got an award for best american classic at a show back east.Hmm. :o
My bike came with all of the emblems removed, but thats OK because I would've removed them myself and replaced them with others. That goes the same for any bike I bought. I'd have removed Harley or Indian emblems from one of those bikes too. I just like to put my own custom touch on things, thats all.
As to a Drifter getting a best American classic award, the owner stepped up to the plate and corrected that mistake I hope. If not, what a shame. The Drifter is a much better bike in almost all areas then it's nearest look-alike, the Indian.
Hey pcarell... I think I read somewhere in the forums you are from Indiana. Is that correct? I live here in the town of Winchester about 30 minutes east of Muncie if you know where I am talking about.
Hey yeah, I'm from Ingalls, which is just southeast of Anderson. We aren't that far apart!
Maybe we'll have to hook up and do some riding this summer.
Its called "JEALOUSY"... I've ridden a bunch of -what I thought were great looking bikes... but I have never gotten the interest and positive remarks from those (including bikes that cost 5 times as much).
#1 - If I wanted an Indian I'd find a 53. But I've done the old bike, kick start thing.
#2 - Why would I want to buy a harley clone with Indian stickers on it... that's no more an "Indian" than my Goldwing.
#3 - The Harley herd is simply mooing... ah repeating the stuff I said back in the 70's. Nowadays its meaningless.
#4 - Anyone who rates their bike based upon cost is a "poser". These are the same guys who are your "bud" when you're on your HD and denigrate you when you are on the Drifter. So, the reality is the BIKE is their bud... not you.
#5 - I don't give-a-shit what these losers think.
So why don't you quit holding back so much and tell us how you REALLY feel?
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freeforum101.com%2Ftrainmodeler%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Ficon_lol.gif&hash=7eb3c5391f471c7e0ebb0bff7dfc6ec2b72e9877)
??? -- Who Me?... Now you know why I'm not Sec. of State in lieu of C. Rice. <LOL>
Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of owning an Indian. I had the exact paint scheme picked out and everything. However, when I got older and learned that real Indians cost a fortune and don't perform well on today's streets, and Gilroy Indians cost a smaller fortune but were unreliable, then the next logical step was the drifter.
For 6 grand I have the look I've always dreamed of having, in a bike that actually runs great, is reliable, and I can actually find parts for.
And in the end, if you can say "Yes" to the question, "Are you happy with your bike?", then I think you have a winner!
Hello, I would also like to deliver sometimes my modest opinion in addition. I have bought the motorcycle 10 years ago to myself because I found it nice. Also I like this Retri style. But it also depended on reliability and it feels simply well with Japanese models. My motorcycle is a Drifter more, however, also no less and builds them as well as I like it. Everything without Indian parts and will never also use the name Indian in my motorcycle. As well as she is so I like them, for 10 years.
Reiner ;D
Just a funny little tid bit I thought I would share with you... At a recent swap meet that will remain unnamed... A guy was hocking "Indian" fenders, fronts and rears. Claimed to have made them himself with fiberglass resin using an original fender as the mold. Also said that he cut these neat little vent holes in the front fenders to aid in cooling the brakes... so I walked up and looked at the fenders. $300 a pop for the fronts $275 for rears. He had about a half dozen of each. I asked him "Nice fenders. Where did you find so many Drifters to scavenge parts off of?" :D
The Kawasaki Drifter is patterned after the Indian Chief. I think it is already "Indianized" These are already a lot closer copy than the Gilroys or the New producers of "Indian." Are the new ones still in business?
Fact is the '99 black out Drifter 1500 models were really the closet to the original.
I bought a new 2000 Chief back then and it was a chrome belt driven beauty with the tear drop headlight and all the stuff Other than fenders and badges I don't think it was very close copy to the oldie.. but Jeeze, like I said the 1999 Drifter was a lot closer visually to the real antique Chief.
So it's only a natural for some to go ahead and put the Indian ornaments and markings on a Drifter, After all the KAWA factory did 99.5% of the Indianization.
When i first got my drifter i realy didn't care for the Indian decals and such. But realy, what's the big deal. When Indian didn't have a home, a few overseas manufactures made Indians under their
own names like Royal Enfield. Enfield Indians.They didn't look that great and never took off. They did however make some great tank badges. Do a google search. I'm surpirised no one has them on their bikes yet. I left my Kawi name plates on. People are surprised it's a Kawi and i like to give Kawi the credit for building a better 'Indian.' than Indian did. I understand the folklor of Harleys and Indian. They gotta lot of soul. Kawi just hasn't got that mistique. I love the old brit bikes as well. Gotta lot of soul especialy in old school chopper form in my eyes. Reliable? They are junk compared to the modern bike but cool.
quick pic of my Enfield
here i tried to Drifterize a 535 virago for a lady driver who loves deco style
I love the way the rear fender area cme out. Nice work....very professional.
was fun building it
Thats beautiful, and so is the area under the seat. Well done!
I agree, but to each his own. To me it's as silly and putting Cadillac emblems on your Escort. But again, to each their own!
I'd say it's a fine bike.....I'd ride it with my head held high.
D800 - man yu da man... those are both fine looking.
Wow, you really have a gift - sweet bike
Well, on "Luke the Drifter" there are no Kawasaki emblems and no Indian emblems ... OH, on the tank I have an Indianhead decal with DRIFTER in it ... on my saddlebags I have the same emblame carved into the bags lids ... Luke is not an Indian but a "tribute to Indian by Kawasaki" ... Truthfully the Vulcan/Drifter emblames it came with are/were ugly and that's why I removed them! On the fender I have an "eagle's head" no Indian head.
Here's a tank badge off a Royal Enfield Indian. I thin it's late fiftys or early sixtys. Nice thou
Cool! Is that off of a Scout?
Quote from: pcarrell on April 14, 2009, 10:29:30 AM
Cool! Is that off of a Scout?
I think the Royal Enfield Indians where just refered to as 'indian enfields' These where british built unrelated to the current Enfields produced in India today.
The pic below is a Indian Enfield built in the UK. 700 CC i think.
My bad......guess I should have read your post better. I saw chrome and I was like a deer in the headlight!
i brought my bike without even riding it i saw it advertised in the paper and the bike yard had 30 people lined upped for it i knew him personally soo i said to him if one of his sales man can ride it to my work and i like what i se i will buy it
i was staring out the window and i seen it come down the street with this perfect note he pulled in to my work i ssingned the papers and picked her up that arvo with out even riding it or knowing what it was
i have takebn my tank babdges off but that is only because i know they will be hard to replace they are in my display case
i get comments were ever i go i will be keeping her for the rest of my life
i know that when i ride it is in the only one i shall see in my home state of western austarlia i am customising her but she will never be an indian
I like 99% of all the Drifter owners out there always loved the original Chiefs from the 40's and early 50's. But when the people with more money than brains pushed the price of basket case "True Indians" well out of the reach of us mere mortals, than it was time to look elsewhere.
I remember reading an article in one of the cycle rags back in 97 that it was "rumored" that Kawasaki was coming out with a tribute bike to the original Indian. The next time I went to my then Kawasaki dealer and asked if they knew anything about it. They did, but had no ship date yet, as it was still 18 months before the bike actually made it to market.
I ride my 99 1500 like the true treasure, at least for me, that it is. I have the best of both worlds-yesterdays classic styling that most other cruisers have taken at least some styling clues from, or would like to be, and todays technology. I mean think about-we have the classic good looks- those full skirted fenders, the big, heavy tires and wheels, the classicly styled gas tank and if you are like me, have none of the chrome (the early ones are powder coated black in most areas that are normally chrome) to clean, have a proven extremely reliable power plant that has parts available from now thru doomsday, modern tires, brakes and is water cooled, as well as fuel injected-at least the 1500's are. Again all proven, reliable technology. And lets not forget that we have electronic ignitions which for at least a few of us, we would not trade and ever go back to points/condensors and that constant source of aggrivation. Most people talk about the good old days as if it were truly wonderful. I remember all too well the problems and stranding points, condensors and old ignition systems brought with them.
Thanks but no thanks I will take yesterdays look and todays technology
My 1999 once got the ultimate compliment. I was cruising soon up in Maine, soon after purchasing it new, and a guy in a truck asked me if it was a new Indian. I explained what it was and he invited me over to his house where he showed off his 1948 Chief! He was so impressed, as I've been, with the Kawasaki. That was back in 2000; I've got 70,000 miles on it now.
Quote from: pcarrell on January 18, 2009, 09:27:23 AM
And in the end, if you can say "Yes" to the question, "Are you happy with your bike?", then I think you have a winner!
Very nice words. I've always loved the Drifter classic styling and I am a real fan of Indians of old. I can not wait to put that cool Indian fender light on my kawasaki. In part, because it looks cool (in my eyes) but also because it's something that I will do to make the bike my own. I will continue by adding leather strap to the grips, customize the seat with dark brown leather, and add a dream catcher to my sissy bar (already installed - looks great). This will continue for as long as I can continue to dream things up to add, change, and alter on the bike - weather it's an Indian decal, a flaming skull, or a feather. Why? Because every time I look at my bike, every time I show off something new I've done, it will make me happy. I can not think of any other reason to have a bike. Certainly, I couldn't use the excuse that it's practical!
I agree completely. Another example of this sentiment comes from jazz. I do a volunteer jazz program and all the time I hear jazz aficionados grousing about what is and isn't jazz. They especially like to throw digs at Smooth Jazz. I was reading a letter to the editor in Jazz Times magazine and the author said, "Smooth Jazz makes is played by jazz musicians and makes a lot of people very happy. There isn't enough happiness in the world so why don't we all just be happy that it does and give it a rest."
If your lifestyle makes you happy, that's all there is; go for it and let others do the same! (Negatively effecting others, like loud pipes do in urban areas, is another discussion entirely!)
Varooom on www.wscafm.org Friday mornings 6-9 EST - tune in.
First off hello and my nick is Indian J short for Jeronimo and yes I am 75% Native American. Am I a poor copy of the Indian of old ? Naw better in some and lacking in other's. Same as my drift , I put the Indian stuff on it cuz it is allready a copy a forgery or just a dang good bike in it's on right. It's your bike do with it as you will ! I am a ex 1% and I own Harleys and a couple of drifts ride them both the same. I gave up the name game when I turned 40 and do as I please with out thoughts of imagery,enless it's an image of what I want I should say.
But then agian I could spray paint the word HORSE on a cow and ride it around town and nobody would ask why I was riding anything but a horse in the street. (I think its the way I look mayby LOL )
I have the indian head fender ornament on my bike for a couple of reasons....1) it's my bike and I paid for her...2) I like how she looks with the fender ornament.....3) to each his own in preference on anything in life. There isn't any reason to call people names or try to insult them on something they like just because another individual doesn't. I love the look and the ride of my bike, fender ornament and all. Call me a poser if that makes you feel better about yourself.
Kim...the poser and proud of it
Drifter Queen,
Don't sweat it........I'll be mounting my fender light this winter.
Philip......another poser
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I bought a '99 a couple of weeks back, all black, already debadged. I love the retro Indian look. I wasn't planning on a fender ornament for the very reasons you stayed, but with those Roadhouse duals I thought it needed a touch more chrome up front, found one on ebay for $30 and bolted it on Friday. I love it. I get even more positive comments than before. No, I don't let people think it's an Indian, but it looks like one, and is better in every way. FWIW, I ride a fake Ducati too, but will not be putting any ornaments on my Superhawk
If it makes you happy, ride with pride my friend!
Fender lights were on most of the big bikes in the Indian era. I've seen a number of harleys with old indian fender lights... 60's and 70's vintage. And, when I find the right one I'll put one on my drifter.
We do sell the Indian fender lights - they are big and they look good when appropriately placed on the fender.
I might say, I use HD stuff on my drifter too... if it looks good I don't care what brand it belongs to... LOL
Cheers.
Mine a 99 1500 was "Indianized" when I purchased it....I was actually lookin for a VTX 1800 when this bike kept poppin into the search engine...and the difference in price points was phenominal..... Took the ride to the dealer a long way away....and test rode the bike with no other intention than gettin out of this area for a few hours....The ride was so good that I never looked back, and been ridin ever since...Ive had one or two onlookers make the remark "Nice for a fake Indian"...to which I reply....Its not an Indian, its a Drifter....and by the way what are you riding.....hmmm nothin......take care....
All I can really say is be happy if you are riding...cause lots of folks arent....
FIDO....
Bruce
Here's a pic of my Drifter with the fender light:
Looks good.
Cheers
Thats a good lookin' bike ya got there! Love the "vintage" effect of the pic!
NICE can of worms
I like my Drifter for what it is a : Drifter / Classic / Retro bike. Mine was bought used and came with a Indian head fender light and it will stay till I find a fender light I like better. I will not debage mine nor will I Indianized it either and I won't berate anyone who does. I try to build on the retro style. I have read that the best looking Drifters are the 800's because of the suspension system is unseen and that is a nice feature. I'm also aware that black and chrome is a very favorable color on these bikes. These are opinions. I searched 3 years for the bike I have now. I get allot of complements few from the HD crowed and I don't care. I have a machine that will ride me into the asphalt. The Drifters are starting to go up in value and that is cool also. I try not to bike bash and appreciate all there is out there. Now those little scooters.....
The relationship between the original Indian and the Drifter will always be there.
Here's mine back in '44.
Quote from: chief on November 16, 2009, 14:18:53 PM
The relationship between the original Indian and the Drifter will always be there.
Here's mine back in '44.
That's cool, you photo-shopped a Drifter in there? Nice touch.
<LOL> Of course... I do that a lot... I have one of my wife and I together when we were 18... we didn't meet until we were in our 30's and she's 3 years older than me... she loves it.
Cheers.
I couldn't say it better than it was said before
Thanks but no thanks I will take yesterdays look and todays technology :)
I like the look of the indianized drifters better than the factory look. That does not mean that it is better, just that I like it better. That said, mine is indianized, I did not make it that way, that was how I bought it. Mine has a very exspensive paint job on it, I contacted the painter and they said that the same paint job would cost $2,500 today. If youy ane to see what my beautyful bike looks like go to the photo gallery and see it there, it is under "KLAKE1". If I would have bought a bike that was factory, I would just do a few things to it, probobly would put on a fender light , but not an indian head one, I deffinately would take off the Kawasaki badges and whitewall tires, other than that I probobly wouldn't do anything else.
Kawasaki made it to look like an indian...we are just personalizing them, just as a indian resembles an henderson and so on and so on.
someone out there has their boxers in a bunch.
I think it wouldn't be such a contentious matter were the Indian brand not currently producing bikes. I think you would get the same comments if you were applying HD tank badges etc. to the Drifter.
Everyone has the right to do as they wish to personalize their bike. There are a lot of unique looking drifters around, many are "Indianized". If that is what you like and want, go for it.
Hmmm...why indianize your drifter ?? ..well mine is and i got just as many folks thinking it was an indian when it was factory stock than with the wide whites and indian trim ....all the harley riders love it and i have to tell 90% of them what it really is and they still like it ... i also have a 40 ford streetrod and i love the retro indian styling with all the modern technology so i'm not stuck on the side of the road waiting on an antique part to get me rolling again ...my ford didnt come with a one piece windshield or an auto trans and a 300 horse small block chevy either .... like most folks here we dont like having the same thing everyone else has so we customize them ....and as far as i know i paid for the bke and the paint and indianizing so just quit lookin at em Chris !! lol...
In my time, I've seen plenty of Indianized harleys! My Dad would have shot the owners, but its purely a tribute to the original IMHO.
i own 2 drifters a 2000 and a 2001 i also have a 02 indian scout and a sporty with a hack on it, and both my drifters are indianized , just like the look ..its more of a tribute to my 2 grandsons who are half onieda indian. my drifters are more indian to me than my ( indianized, harley ,s and s ,cmc , scout!!)
I bought mine as a stock Kawasaki, and I've tried to make it look like an Indian ever since. My first three Harleys I made them look different to. If ya got to explain it to someone they just won't understand. So it's best not to try.
My reason is probably the same as everybody else, I like the look and to me it's a nod to the older Indians. I'll tell you what, I'm just lucky enough to have a motorcycle to call my own anyway. I'm a college student with SHALLOW pockets, half of the fun is actually building the stuff I cant afford or don't want to spend the money on. For instance, yes, i have the Indian badges that are hand made, Indian head fender light, an HD switch on the dash for MY convienence and because I think it looks cool, Indian floorboards, a belt drive in the works, a HD roadking sundowner seat I'm still making brackets for, and I am halfway through a tank bib that I'm tooling from leather myself. It's not about, "well it's an Indian" to me. It's just plain old fun and I like the looks. I tell people it's a Kawasaki, they're usually impressed at the work.
As a side note, I've only ever run into ONE HD owner who thinks you're lame, stupid, not cool, etc for owning anything but a Harley and when I asked him then to give me the money to buy one because I can't afford it, he stopped cold in his tracks, and said i had a good point. All the other HD owners I know just want everybody to ride on SOMETHING. Fun is fun. That's why we ride isn't it?
C
I call my bike "The Pretendian."
Want your drifter to look like a real Indian? Leave it out doors and never wash it and, in about ten years, you'll have your wish! Those guys wanted cheap, fun transportation and anal retention and compulsive behavior hadn't been invented yet.
Varooom
Quote from: chief on September 08, 2009, 15:39:56 PM
Fender lights were on most of the big bikes in the Indian era. I've seen a number of harleys with old indian fender lights... 60's and 70's vintage. And, when I find the right one I'll put one on my drifter.
We do sell the Indian fender lights - they are big and they look good when appropriately placed on the fender.
I might say, I use HD stuff on my drifter too... if it looks good I don't care what brand it belongs to... LOL
Cheers.
That's funny because I'm almost done creating the brackets and mounting hardware for a Harley Davidson Road King sundowner two up seat. How's that for just plain weird??? :P By the way, 1/4 inch heavy steel, HARD to work with.
Funny story. I parked my 1500 Drifter at the local HD dealer, and when I came out 2 of the mechanics were drooling over my Drifter. I watched them for @ 2 min laughing to myself. When I walked up one guy said nice Indian. I smiled and told them it was a Kawasaki. They had the funniest look on their faces. Now these are guys wearing all the factory certified patched of Harley. I guess they didn't know Indian didn't use a drive shaft. My Drifter is bone stock with Kawasaki tan bags and seat.
There are virtually no after market parts for the 800 Drifter and very few for the 1500. You make em look like you want to. It's not old school its real school. Each one is its own custom. :)
Ha!!! The Pretendian...too funny :D I like it!
I've had auto mechanics come drool over the styling and then say, "And it's got the Vulcan drivetrain; bulletproof and so far advanced from the other V cruisers..." Wonderful feeling,
Varooom
I don't get much time to sit down at the computer and even less checking out this great site. But reading about "Indianized Drifters", I thought I would add my little bit.... I was born in Springfield, Ma. the year after the Indian Motocycle Co. closed their doors. Growing up there were many dealers still dedicated to buying, selling and repairing Indians. And there were the rebadged Indian Enfields. After learning to ride a Honda 50, I discovered Triumphs. Bought and sold several used models before buying a new '78 Bonne. After riding that bike for 25 years, I wanted something new. 25 years IS long enough in between bikes. So, I went looking.... and found a 2003 800 and almost fell over. Wow, this is a cool bike. After buying it and adding that tan dual seat and rear floorboards, I sorta promised myself that I would not add any geniune Indian accessories... Because, it is not an Indian but rather a very nice tribute. Other than the repro front fender tip, I have been true to my promise. There are many Indian-like things... but even the fender light is not genuine. Long story, not so short... It is a beautiful bike just begging to be "Indianized" so I say go for it. It is your bike, do what you want to it. BTW, iIstill have the Bonne.
Scott I love the look of your red drifter. I too have not done anything to Idianize my ride. Not I even want too. I just love telling people it's not a Harley and I wouldn't own one even if it was given to me. Stay true to your word, your ride looks great.
Thanks, for the compliment.. most of the time the box is on and the bags are off, looks better that way, so says my wife :)
what do you call a naked Indian ?? running bear? Moooo No its a DRIFTER.....
heres my 2 cents....leave the igloo box off ...it looks better just plain jane...bags are enough.
nothing personal
terry
Regarding rebuilding of a vintage Indian, the first thing to do it read this:
http://www.amazon.com/Rebuilding-Indian-Memoir-Fred-Haefele/dp/157322099X
One of the most painful experiences I've read about. If you think you still want to after reading it, you are a better and wealthier man than me. WAY too much chance involved and you wind up with an air cooled bike that may need the work every few years.
IMHO,
Varooom
I found my 2001, 1500 a couple of weeks ago by a stroke of luck.... My girl and I were out getting some fresh air, when my girl looked and said there is a yard sale can we stop and look. I was not really feeling like treasure hunting but very happy that we did. After looking around the guy said he had more stuff in the garage. We went in and it caught my eye, at first i thought it was an Indian. I joked with him and asked is it for sale. All he said was that it hadn't ran in a few years but if I wanted it he would take $800 for it. That afternoon we rented a trailer and took it home, All I needed to do was replace the switch.the rest is history...... I love the style and the feel... we ride as often as we can. I am getting ready for a Jet Black paint job..... It's fun to ride and thats all that counts. ;D
Being stupid should hurt......
We are only immortal for a short time.....
$800? You STOLE that!
Thanks pcarrell ...Just lucky ....... We have friends that own indians and Harleys and they just love the style and looks......
Quote from: Reef_Raider on November 25, 2010, 11:10:15 AM
I found my 2001, 1500 a couple of weeks ago by a stroke of luck.... My girl and I were out getting some fresh air, when my girl looked and said there is a yard sale can we stop and look. I was not really feeling like treasure hunting but very happy that we did. After looking around the guy said he had more stuff in the garage. We went in and it caught my eye, at first i thought it was an Indian. I joked with him and asked is it for sale. All he said was that it hadn't ran in a few years but if I wanted it he would take $800 for it. That afternoon we rented a trailer and took it home, All I needed to do was replace the switch.the rest is history...... I love the style and the feel... we ride as often as we can. I am getting ready for a Jet Black paint job..... It's fun to ride and thats all that counts. ;D
Being stupid should hurt......
We are only immortal for a short time.....
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was he on Meth!?
I have put an Indian head on my rear fender. It is the unit I was in during Korea. It is a shield shaped black patch with a white star in the middle and an Indian head with feathers on the white star. It is the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. Many people ask me if I put the Indian on my "Indian." I never tell them it is an Indian but if they want to think it is that is okay with me. I do not want the word Indian on the bike but I also think it is an individual choice to be made by the owner. Thank you.
Norym, we'd love to see pics of your "indian" on there...
There is a lad here with a black 1500 Drifter, and he has "Indian" script on the tank, and to the unknowing and uninformed they would think it was an Indian and there is nothing on it to say Kawasaki, which not my thing, but not going to say much else on the bike other then don't claim to be something your not.
Slightly off topic but it interesting. After the reunification of the Crimea with Russia being sold this Indianize Soviet Dnepr. Customayzer named bike Comanche:
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.org%2F6u6vu5yxp%2F2180623097.jpg&hash=013520049c8cb8486b9cfb494fc44ce9be944b0f) (https://www.avito.ru/schelkino/mototsikly_i_mototehnika/dnepr_stilizovan_po_indian_708992514) (https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vulcans.ru%2Fforum%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2F067.gif&hash=03648b2ccbc48e37398d06c27f3155880264ee1e)
Hi, you know this is kind of a strange thread, no offense. Anyways Drifters are Indianized already, which is why Kawasaki had to pay some royalties isn't it? But my bike came with no stickers on it and I went ahead and bought a couple of Indian stickers for it, and one that says Indian tribute and one that says drifter 800, but I haven't gone over the top with anything Indian, Kawasaki or drifter. I think it's quite appropriate that my bike is a tribute to the 1940s Indians (and if I could afford that side shifter I'd probably put it on there). Harley guys aren't even part of this discussion in my opinion, but if I talk to an Indian guy somewhere he'll either snub me for having this Japanese knock-off or he'll see it for what it is, a tribute to the original Indian motorcycle, which he is probably not riding, since they're very rare and he's actually on an updated Indian, which IMO is a tribute to the same original bike, ha ha. That's just my 1.5 cents ;D
The reason I bought a Drifter.....I had never ridden before but some of my friends and family were starting to get bikes so I began to get the bug. I was on a very limited budget, so I knew a Harley was out and I figured I'd be getting something metric. I wasn't a "motorcycle guy" so I had heard of Indians, but they weren't something I was very familiar with. I took my son to see the first G.I. JOE movie, The Rise of Cobra, and in a scene one of the characters rides up on an Indian and I fell in love. G.I. JOE is something I love a treasure from my childhood, it's why we were at that movie. And for me, to see Duke on that bike was awesome! It was what I had to have....Unfortunately, I wasn't on a $27,000 budget. So online I found the Drifter. I saw that lots of people repainted, replaced badges, changed pipes etc. Then I saw the price. I knew there was hope, so I began the search. When I found THE BIKE, it was in Mass. and once I convinced my wife to allow me to spend a few more thousand dollars than we had planned to spend, I mailed a check. Never saw it in person, never rode it. It looks almost identical to the bike in the picture, it's my tribute to a style (I love all things retro) and a brand that I have grown to love, but can't afford. My wife is a teacher.....I'm a teacher....we have two kids. I love my bike and I'm making it my own more everyday. The license plate, YO JOE! The Gas tank, Indian. Sorry if that hurts some folks feelings. If someone says something about my "Indian", and it's more than just in passing, I correct them. It's a Drifter. I love Kawasaki for giving me my dream bike.
seen this badging for the tank and had to have it.
couldn't do without the indian fender light...way cool.
You know, I'm going to put in my 1.5 cents here. I don't really care who likes or doesn't like my bikes. Harley guys don't like my Honda, and I imagine "real Indian guys" don't like my drifter. Oh well I guess they don't have to ride with me (but I wouldn't hesitate to ride with anybody on any kind of a bike). I like both my bikes and if I had to say so, I would insist that the Kawasaki drifter that I ride is a way better bike than its proto type. I think the 1940s Indians were cool, but they weren't even a fraction as powerful, well built or reliable as my 2006 Kawi drifter. "And that's all I have to say about that." ;D
I agree with Tfrank (and others), it's nice to hear people say "I like your bike", but don't really care if someone particularly likes or dislikes my bikes. The only reason I ever bought a Drifter was because I couldn't afford a vintage Indian, honestly... If I could, I would have a barn full of vintage Indians, and perhaps a New vintage Chief as well.... But after owing the Drifters, I would not want to give them up either!! They are superior in many ways to the vintage bikes of course, and even (IMO) the new Polaris "tribute bikes".
My first "customization" of my 800 had a lot of Indian stuff on it. After all, I had really wanted an Indian to begin with. The longer I had it, and more I liked it for the bike it is, the less I wanted "Indian" stuff on it. I think the popularity of the Polaris bikes made a difference tome too. Now, I'm redoing the 800, and I don't think there will be a single (direct) reference to Indian on her. Lots of "style" references (OF COURSE), and some Indian Head coins.
But I think for everyone that has a Drifter with "Indian" on the tank, more power to you... If that's what you like, it's your bike, and you're the one whw has to like it. ;D
And yes I have Indian stickers on my side covers, but the emblems were already removed from my tank when I purchased the bike – I have not replaced them – and on my windshield I have an "Indian tribute" sticker. I guess some would say that I'm bit disingenuous--oh well sorry about that 8)
I had some decisions to make since I was repainting my Drifter.
What decals, name, badging, color(s) and so on.
I decided to go with the Indian war bonnet black decal with the Drifter name.
My bike came with the front fender Indian head light (not working) so it had holes in the fender.
I painted the corroded metal satin black and installed a new LED light inside it yesterday.
I want people to know it is a Drifter, a tribute to the classic style of the 40's Indian Chief.
I did consider getting a war bonnet decal for the tank that said "Indiana Jones" and keep a coiled up leather whip lashed on the saddle bags.
Just because it would be fun ;)
oh I like that idea........
Or here's one – one of the guys where I work calls my bike an "east Indian". So go ahead and put that on your tank and see how many chuckles you'll get :D
now that's funny!
My bike is now fully indianised I have now got to the stage I rarely tell anyone who asks about it that in fact it's a kawasaki,it was more trouble than its worth even a harley guy said to me I love those Indians, a very nice guy he was but I did have to tell him.