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Got 2 '99 J1's and they ride different, similar miles too.
Fault finding is a breeze, pull one part off the other to find the problem.

Don't really have any faults that are obvious, they just feel different.  

Do the two motorcycles have exactly the same settings?

For example, if one of them has a higher idle speed than the other, it might feel smoother during low-speed maneuvers or when you release the throttle between gear changes.

Other settings (e.g., handlebars, tires, clutch lever adjustment, etc) could slightly affect how one bike handles compared to the other and make it feel smoother or less smooth.

Except for very slightly difference in handlebars, they're set up virtually identical (of course one is a 99 and the other is an 01 so some other very slight differences (speedo, tank, etc).

Took my 99 out tonight and noticed right away how much smoother it feels than my 01.  Their both pretty smooth so it could have been all in my head but I don't think so.  Both are in a similar state of maintenance (in terms of filters, oil, plugs, coolant, etc), and with in 10k kms of each other milage wise.  Weird.  

OR:  Sorry to learn you're selling.  Which Mag wheels are those in your ad?  Are they from an earier Vulcan?  What did you have to do to get the front to fit?

So I installed the block part of the OEM seal along with the after-market ceramic part in the impeller.  So far, so good, but only have about 20 kms on at this point.  

Hi @Bucko

I know I'm replying to an old post of yours. I was just wondering if you ever found an answer.

I just ordered a set of pullback risers, and I'm afraid I'll have to replace both tubes with longer ones.

Thank you

Hello Fab:

I don't recall ever finding out.  At this point, I'm not sure why I was asking.  My guess was that I was contemplating putting on wider bars and was thinking I'd need longer hoses.  I did install wider bars (39" - I think,  Beach Bars) but didn't have to change hoses.

Thanks anyway.  I've ordered the 46093-0002 part which includes both halves of the seal, and which Partzilla shows as fitting a KLR, but Amazon shows as fitting a VN1500.  It'll be delivered, with any luck, tomorrow.  I'll post the results.

So, I received the new seal, supposedly a replacement for 46093-0002 and it definitely doesn't fit a 1999 VN1500.  I notice the bag it came in lists: VN750, VN800, VN400, VN150, but the Amazon post specifically lists VN1500, in addition to the models mentioned on the bag (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0GSXB8PF3?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image).  The part of the seal that presses into the block is a good 1 1/2mm larger diameter than the OEM seal.   The rubber/ceramic part that presses into the impeller however, is the same size as the OEM one, within a 1/10th of a mm, and I'm tempted to use that with the OEM seal.  I was under the impression these kinds of seals were matched but the OEM seal isn't going to be matched anyway so ??  Any thoughts?

Sorry, it was several years ago. All I remember was that it was a pretty easy thing to do, after I got the frozen bearing out and found that there was no case damage. Wish I could be of more help. I just told the parts guy to get me everything I would need.

Thanks anyway.  I've ordered the 46093-0002 part which includes both halves of the seal, and which Partzilla shows as fitting a KLR, but Amazon shows as fitting a VN1500.  It'll be delivered, with any luck, tomorrow.  I'll post the results.

I just had the parts man order everything to rebuild the pump. Bearings, shaft, seal, an so forth. The parts were still available, and probably still are, now.

Do you remember, if you ordered a new impeller, did part of the seal come installed in the impeller?

I had to rebuild the whole water pump on my 1500 a couple of years ago. Seized bearing pretty much destroyed the shaft. I got all the parts from the local dealer.

Toll: What did you use for a seal?

Ugh.  Going through this myself right now as I try to replace the Mechanical seal on my 99, 1500.  Order an OEM seal (49063-1057), but it's only half the seal (as mentioned early in this thread)!  My guess is the other half of the seal comes with a new impeller.  Kind of retarded since every seal kit sold generally includes both parts of the seal.  I'm not going to order an impeller, I'll go with a cheap seal kit that includes both parts.

The alternative part number mentioned in this thread, 46093-0002, which apparently includes both parts of the seal, is listed as for a KLR - is that the same as for a Vulcan 1500?  That part number is listed on the Partzilla site but can't find it on any other dealer's sites. 

I've been doing some more research and it's starting to sound like the reported noises that are from the rubber damper in the balance shaft going bad...

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1999-kawasaki-vulcan-1500-drifter-vn1500j-crankshaft/o/m149609sch80855

Part #92160 & 92160A ...there are 8 of them and if they go bad/get hard that's when you hear the noise according to other forums...

The manual basically says it's a full tear down to replace so I'm done thinking about it...if it grenades then so be it...thanks for the advice...

Frank

Stumbled upon this thread by accident and commenting only for future reference......

Replacing the balancer dampers definitely does NOT require a full tear down.  All that's required is pulling a few engine covers to access the dampers.

Just for future referene if anyone come across this thread....

The VN1500 water pump mechanical seal is shown on the Crankase parts fiche.  (not the water pump fiche for some strange reason)

Hi there,

Can anyone confirm whether the luggage rack shown in the photos below is (was) a Kawasaki OEM accessory (Fire & Steel)?

If so, does anyone know the part number?

Thank you!

Yes, that's a Fire & Steel rack.  I've never seen a black one though, maybe it was powder coated.  If they were available in black, then I stand corrected.

Seems to me that the F&S rack struts that I have are drilled and tapped for screws to hold on the bag loops, but maybe I'm crazy as I've never had the loops on - I'll have to dig through the garage and take a look .

Why not just swap the motor from the classic into the Drifter frame?

[plastic tank]

For 2001 plus , the filter is inside the 20 l plastic tank - forward of the fuel pump .

This is a stupid place for it, and it is a longer job , but again simple tools + patience easing the assembly out of the tank .

'Plastic tank'?

new battery, and swapped the battery out of my other Drifter, same result, but thanks anyway.

It's probably not your battery if it's new, but I've had a bad new battery before, so may still be worth checking with a load test.  If you don't have a load tester, you can do a simple check of comparing static voltage to voltage while cranking - if it drops more than a few volts, the battery is suspect.

Load test your battery.  

i have set my preload to my comfort level but seat height is not where i want it to be, i like to be flatfooted and right now i have another 1 or 2 to lower to get that.  just wanting option to be lower without compromising ride quality.

If you lower it that much (2"), I'm guessing you're going to have problems with the fender hitting the seat (certainly hitting the seat skirt).  Dragging stuff in turns may also become an issue.

Going crazy.  My Drifter came with a solo seat and no passenger pegs.  I bought the pegs but apparently I need the assembly for both sides to ride with the wifey.  Can somebody point me in the right direction?  It will be greatly appreciated.

The right peg is a bolt on.  Left side required a bracket and peg.  Part numbers can be found on the fiche under: 'Optional Parts'.

I don't know why the filler neck bleeder valve is there.  I've never used it.  Assuming the cooling system is full enough, it should self purge any air without having to use the bleeder screw - maybe using the screw allows it to purge faster, but in any case, any air should be purged after one heat/cool cycle. 

I just realized that I forgot to post an update on this.

Good to know.  Thanks for posting.  

[34003-1473]

Hey Bucko,

I am not sure if the right floorboard bracket for an R (34003-1502) will fit a J model (34003-1473), but the following eBay listing includes these items:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186170816143

Thanks Fab.  Looking at that one.

[99]

I'm looking for floorboard brackets for a 99 1500 Drifter.  eBay has some options.  Years 99/00 have a different part number than 01 and later.  Anyone know if later model brackets will fit earlier models even though the part number is different?  .I notice that several eBay auctions list them as fitting 98 to 07 (or some range like that) so there are a lot more options if in face the later model brackets fit the earlier models.

Edit: Upon further investigation, only the right bracket has different part number for 99/00 and 01/later models.

99

01

I don't have an 800 but typically, chain drive bikes have left and right index markings on the swing arm near the rear axel to ensure the axel adjustment is the same on both sides of the swing arm (which should ensure the alignment of the front and rear sprockets, in addition to ensuring the rear wheel is in alignment, or parallel to, the centreline of the bike).  Not unheard of for those index marks to not be 100% accurate but that would be very atypical.