Messages

A little late in replying, but, Thanks for the input everyone!
Trailer worked great, wound up getting the larger trailer that has the wheel chock (cycle trailer they originally gave me had a bent neck).  Was concerned that the higher wall on the "utility" trailer would cause issues with the front fender, but everything fitted perfectly and I had room for a few more items in the trailer.

Thanks again!

So I'm moving, again, and I need to transport my 1500 from IN to AL in about two weeks. Wondering if anyone has used the Uhaul motorcycle trailer to transport their bikes.  Pros, cons, warnings, anything is appreciated.  Still working out logistics, might just ride it down, but I need a plan B.

Thanks in advance.

Rizzo

Hello all!

I'm sure it's discussed somewhere in the forum, but I am not finding it.  What is the brake pad du jour for the 1500? There are several options out there, just don't want to waste the time/money on something crappy  .

Thanks in advance!

Rizzoi

Thanks for all the input.
I have the standard OEM 2-up seat and mount so something that swaps out sounds like my best option. ( I tried getting a separate bike for her, but that didn't fly )
Looks like I will be looking into Corbin or F&S.
I don't feel like engineering a new system, so I'll let the 800 idea die 

Should anyone come across a good used seat, feel free to shoot me a message!

Rizzo

Anyone know if the 800 seat interchanges with the 1500?

What is the best 2-up seat for the 1500?  I have the OEM seat, but the boss doesn't find it that comfortable for longer rides.  Looking for recommendations...or if you have one you want to get rid of.

Thanks!

Looking for a backrest for my '99 1500.  Would prefer black hardware, but its not a deal breaker.  Does anyone know of someone selling one, where I can buy one new(ish) or any great ideas/hints on fabricating one myself.

Thanks for the help!

Rizzo

Got the brackets mounted, only to find the PO had the saddle bags in the wrong place (when I got the bike the bag supports were already reversed) now they hit the rear directionals.  Once i get those remounted i should be good to go!

Thanks for the help.

Rizzo

Think I may have the saddlebag supports reversed...Doh!   That would explain the clearance issue.  If it doesn't I'll drop some photos.
Thanks,

Rizzo

So, I am having some trouble mounting my saddle bags with the 2-up seat.  I mounted the supports and the bags, but when I try and put the seat back on it doesn't clear the bolts for the support brackets.  Did the PO swap out bolts?  what I have is an 18mm bolt (nothing fancy) with a standard hex shaped head (which is where the clearance issue arises).
Any help would be great!

Thanks,

Rizzo

Not too concerned about missing the shirt, mostly about a place to lay my head for a few days!

Ok...Super late to the game here!  Is there, by any slim chance, a room still at the Inn?  I've been trying to plan for Drift-in but life seems to redirect me whenever I get close.  If the rooms are all booked is there another establishment in the area that I could contact for lodging?  I am planning to ride in from Louisville, KY if I can find a place to stay, would'nt mind tagging along with a group of riders if schedule allows.

Thanks,

Rizzo

My first ride was a Honda Nighthawk 550, picked it up in high school and rode it till I found a shadow Vt700c in college, spent 20 yrs with that bike (in fact its still in the garage).  When the time came to up size I looked long and hard for an Indian that I could resurrect (lord knows I couldn't fund a running one), and I came across the Drifter.  Oddly enough I had looked at one back in '02 at my local dealer but never made the connection that it was in fact a Kawasaki, I never even asked the price thinking it was out of my league.  After a few years of searching, and wearing down the other half on the idea, I finally found my Drifter 1500 about 3 hrs north of my house.  I've been smitten ever since.  It's only been about a year, but I can't imagine riding anything else.

New Shinkos on this week, so no mileage to speak of yet, but they feel great so far.  Front and rear tires with mount and new tubes at the local kawi dealer was right around $285, so can't complain there.  Only thing is they wanted 1/2 hour rate to clean the blue off the WW.  Of course I said no thanks I'd do it myself...so what is the best method of getting the blue protective coating off of the sidewalls?  obviously I'd like to spend more time riding and less time cleaning tires, so any tips/tricks to speed up the process is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rizzo

Looks like the Shinkos are going to have to work for me right now...the price fits my budget right now (saving up to hopefully get an 800 this year!)
Thanks for the input everyone!

Rizzo

I know this thread is a little old, but...what is the wear like on these Shinko tires?  I am in need of some new tires and these fit the current budget, but I don't want to suffer for saving a few bucks.  I have Metzler 880 WWW on now and want to keep the look. Has anyone put sufficient miles on these to judge their quality?

Thanks

Rizzo

if jmbo isn't interested in your backrest 49reo I might be, depending on shipping 

Just saw this in my local craigslist, I can't have another one (trust me I already asked).

8118 E. Washington St.
2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter - Click Here for More Photos and Information
CUSTOM!!The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter motorcycle captures the essence of the 1940s an era when Route 66 was the scenic route of choice for many and the most desirable motorcycles were powered by big V-twin engines. The Drifter hearkens to yesteryear with a low slung chassis sculpted fenders and a fishtail muffler but underneath its retro styling and abundance of chrome is the advanced engineering and electronics of a modern motorcycle. A big 90 cubic-inch liquid-cooled V-twin engine provides the Drifter with modern cruiser performance. High compression and aggressive cam timing provide the healthy power output while each cylinder features a single overhead cam actuating four valves. Hydraulic valve lash adjusters reduce maintenance.

Flat Out Motorcycles

(317) 662-2036 ext. 79

Flat Out Motorcycles

Click Here to Contact Dealer 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter$2,999
Condition: Used
Mileage: 48,335
Engine: 1470 cc Four-stroke SOHC V-twin 8 valves Electric Start Liquid Cooled
Transmission: Five-speed
Exterior Color: White
Stock #: K0043U
Length: 8
Width: 3
Height: 4
Weight: 670

Click Here to Learn More About this Vehicle

Update:
Getting the same 116-120 mi til reserve light, I spend about 10min in stop n go traffic and 30 min set at 70-75 mph.  Seems to be holding steady mpg wise.  Wouldn't mind a little improvement. Will the cobra, commander,etc. make a difference without many mods, or is that a waste of money?

to answer your questions Chief:
PO put roadhouse 2 into 1 pipes on the bike, but kept Kaw oem air filter (which I changed to K&N).
I did change the plugs, but I haven't had a chance to check the gap and make sure its right...been riding her daily since i got her.

Rizzo

Recently did some maintenance on my new to me 1500 drifter, and I notice a strange phenomena.  When I bought the bike it had been garage/barn stored for some time.  I fired it up rode it home (4.5+ hrs) at 70-80 MPH and got about 140mi before the gas light.  I pulled out the old air filter(dirty) and put in the new K&N, ran sea foam through the crankcase and drained the jet black oil, new plugs (OEM), new final drive oil, and 3 tanks of sea foam in the gas tank....now I get the gas light (same speed range)  at 116-120mi and a lot more backfire at decel.  My only thought is that gap on the plugs may be off (forgot to check) and I'm running rich, otherwise I'm a little confused.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Whats a good brand/weight oil for the final drive gear?

Thanks for the welcome Reo and DC.

Rizzo

Hey all,
New to the site ( photos on the way), I'm looking to change the final drive oil and I want to use the best product I can, so I am open to recommendations.
Bike has 30k on the trip and I don't have any medical history on her, so I'm replacing everything I can to start fresh...so I will also take help pertaining to any other areas I should hit.

Thanks for the help!

Rizzo