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Hi guys,

Pulling my hair out on this issue.  I was in Laconia this year for a fantastic weekend and my headlight went out.  Rider ahead of me noticed it go out from his rear view during the day.  It's been intermittent too.  Somedays, the low beams come on, most days I'm stuck with just the highs.  I did a full headlight replacement as a starting point.  Same issue.  I tried swapping the fuse after a visual check...not that either.  I'm no mechanic or very electrical savvy so trying to save myself a few hundred bucks from having my garage tear apart the bike.  In the back of my mind, I suspect they might be able to troubleshoot and fix this in minutes, if not, it's a worse electrical problem that will cost me even more.  If it is in fact a quicker fix, I'm thinking I should be able to DIY this.  I've been looking at posts and have found similar threads but in reverse (high not ok, low ok) and other threads that talk about relays and stators.  Not sure where to even find the relay as a starting point.  I thought that if I swap for a new relay, could solve the issue.  Anyone have any experience with this and where I can find that relay....or is there something else I should be doing to resolve this?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thx
Mark

Gents,

While travelling to Laconia, I decided to mount my 2 up seat and strap a bag rather than go through the hassle of mounting my two saddlebags.  I prefer the soft feel of the original 2 up for a long ride but truthfully, I hate the look of it.  I much prefer the lower profile look of my Corbin single and I think I'll stick to that for my next overnight trips.  That being said, I'd like to DIY a single hard case saddle bag on one side (opposite side of the exhaust) so I can easily transport an overnight kit without having to lug a backpack.  Did the original Drifters come with any hard case saddle bags?  I'd love to keep the bike as original as possible or at least ensure the design flows with the rest of the bike.  if not, any recommendations on hard cases that would look good on a Drifter?

Thanx

Gents,

I was at the Laconia 2013 bike week over the weekend for the first time.  I got my redneck ON so I ended up having fun despite finding the overall event a little lack luster.  One thing I was disappointed with was the fact that it's practically an Harley only gathering.  95% Harleys.  I only saw about a half dozen Indians....only the older ones.  I did ONE lone drifter out there other than my own.  Looked to be a purple or blue kinda paint.  Identify yourself!  Way to represent.  We may have been grossly outnumbered but I definitely got a bunch of looks and "what kind of bike is THAT" questions.  Even the real bike connoisseurs who rode Harleys came up to give me the thumbs up.

Thinking of going to the Killington bike fest in Vermont.  Anyone ever been to that?

Hey IBI-UBU,

I did have my carbs rejetted. It was recommended to switch for the dynojet stage 1. I swapped for those and the bike is running great. Pretty loud though. I'm worried I may need to find a way to quiet them down so I don't get harrassed by the law.

I'm running HardKrome American Classic II's on my 800 drifter.  Without having to make mods to another vendor's pipes, this one was relatively painless to install.  Everything fits perfectly, no mods needed.  Just some nuts and bolts (those were a bitch due to where they were situated).  Otherwise, easy install and they are f-ing loud.  Beautiful sound...maybe a little on the loud side but I like that.  I have a picture posted in the general discussion board.

Gents,

I thought I'd share some pics of the winter project completed.  I'm all set for a great summer of riding.  '99 Drifter 800 (standard stock beige)...the before and after.

Ride safe
Marc

very cool.

maybe kawasaki will start the production again? 

Gents,

I hope you all enjoyed my "waiting out the winter" video.    As spring is around the corner, I'm getting my bike ready for a facelift to better appreciate my 800 and give it some teeth.
I was hoping some of you could chime in with some feedback on a few changes I'm thinking of doing.

1) Looking to buy some American Classic II exhaust pipes from HardKrome.  Anyone have these?  Too loud?  Good fit to replace the stock exhaust?

2) Looking to buy some white wall wheels.  I know RatMan was looking at the Metzler's.  I like the thick white wall look.  Good tire?

3) Motique sissy bar and luggage rack.  I'm still kicking myself for not trying to buy that for my 800 when their site was still up.  I know their stock was limited but RatMan seemed to snatch one up.  It's exactly what I am looking for in terms of a passenger solution for comfort and luggage add ons.  It seems like there still hasn't been any movement from that company in terms of selling that item or going back into business to sell hardware of that nature.  I'm sure RatMan won't sell me his so I'm wondering if anyone knows if they are still quasi belly up or if they can get me one.....or if anyone knows where I can get on that is similar.  Seems like 800 drifter parts are tougher and tougher to find.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated guys.

BTW....anyone planning on going to Laconia this year?  I'm planning the trip down from Montreal.  Only a short ride.  If y'all are planning to be there, we should get together for a beer and show our numbers.  )

Marc

Sounds good RatMan!  Two ex military drifter riders....we'll show em how we take care of business. )

I was in Toronto this weekend for a friend's retirement party. There was a blizzard on the 401. Wouldn't you believe, i found myself following a guy on a harley!!  It's february!!!  Snow was blowing everywhere and this guy was riding in what appeared to be a skidoo suit. Crazy!  I have to give him points for trying but it wasn't too smart with the snow and wind. Some guys just can't wait till spring.

Gents and ladies,

For those of us stuck in the cold winter months, spring is around the corner.
Thought I'd share a cool video I came across...dedicated to the northern riders.

http://vimeo.com/andrewdavidwatson/waitingoutwinter

Looking forward to a great riding season.

Marc
(In cold Montreal)

Hey RatMan,

Hope all is well.  I agree with you that the tank looks a little unfinished and rough with that lip on the edge.  I also thought it was too bad that the design didn't have a smoother look.  I guess with a darker paint, it's less noticeable which is one of many more reasons I'm going to paint my bike black.
Let me know how that trim cover looks once installed.  I'm curious to know if and how changes the look once on the tank.  Attach a picture if you can.

Ride safe
Marc

Gents, i'm looking to change my exhaust on my stock '99 800 drifter. Is it a good idea?
Will the bike sound louder and better?
Is it a simple order and install or are there mods to the install that shouldn't be overlooked?

Also these are the V and H longshots. Can i cut those shorter by a foot?

Thnx
Marc

I'll order up some stuff asap in that case....always glad to keep a good forum going. Please don't judge me if I show up at a drift-in wearing the thong though.

We're a rare breed gents!  I still have yet to see a drifter in real life other than my own. I haven't been riding that long but have always been passionate about bikes. I love the edge it gives us when we meet fellow riders.  They're always glad and interested to see a "rare" bike. Let's continue to to show our colours and fenders. )

Are these the only options?

My personal input: always been a big fan of the old school look and feel. Partly why i got the Drifter to start off with as it has those old lines and big fenders. I think that is what separates us drifters from the rest of the field, that big fender. If it were me, i'd love to see a logo that highlights the front fender.  A little like the drift-in logo for Colorado. Add some old school text around it and such, kind of like in the new logos porposed "drifter". I'd keep the colours on a more neutral track. Brught colours don't work for everyone also.
Just my two cents. I realize i'm a new member here and not looking to shoot down ideas or anything. Ultimately, i think #2 is a really nice logo. Just adding some feedback from my own personal tastes which may resonate or give anyone additional ideas. Sorry i'm not a graphic artist. ). I'm just really happy someone is stepping up with a logo to start with. Great job.

I'm having mixed thoughts on going army green for the bike now.  As cool as it looks, I feel the mat paint look might lesser the look of the bike.  Maybe I'll go black with the whitewall wheels. 
Not a member of the Vandoos. I was a combat engineer based both out of Valcartier in Quebec (5RGC) and Chilliwack BC (1CER).  I always feel like adding a little military flavour to my hobbies but I think the bike might be better suited in black.  Keep it vintage looking.  We'll see.

Marc

Gents, I seem to find a lot of Drifter parts that are listed to fit 2000 models and up.  Almost never the 99 version.  Is this cause it doesn't fit the 99 models due to a change in configuration between 99 and 2000 or is it generally an oversight and those models are the same?

Thanx
Marc

very cool.  I love being part of this Drifter forum.  You guys rock for sharing the info.

Marc

very cool!  Thanx for giving me ideas.  I think I'll go for it and get mine painted.  I like the front fender railing in black too.  Have to find that.

Marc

Anyone here have an army looking drifter?  I have a '99 with the factory paint and thinking of changing that to a military feel since I'm ex military myself.  WOuld love to see a few examples if there are any out there.

Cheers
Marc