Messages

On the fuse issue - which fuse is it?  there are wiring diagrams out  there, but the fuse identity would help.

The issue on your rubber mounts is a common one it seems - I got around it by switching over the 1500 to HD light assemblies.

Ignition fuse. Sorry it took so long to get back with you.

Update to the above:  So that isn't gonna work. My rubber stalks are were OK, but they were deteriorated, 100% loss of flexibility. A tiny crack formed, ran, and turned into a Y that nearly split the whole thing right in front of my eyes. I got it braced with several tight rounds of electrical tape but I'm going to have to have another Drifter turn signal assembly *or* a new rubber piece.

Got it back functional and street legal at least.

I'm a little on the fence about this. The Drifter I almost bought before mine had been overhauled to resemble a '48 Indian Chief, and had the proper badging and fender ornament to match.  It didn't bother me, and it looked good enough to be a factory job so I'd planned on leaving it Indian-badged.  My current one was stripped before I got it; the only Kawasaki badge on the bike is the one on the gauge plate.

Personally I think the Drifter is a better example of an Indian (let's face it, when was the last time you saw an Indian with 100k on the odo?) than even the Indians themselves, so I look at it like this.  Why would I want my prime rib to look like an angus burger?  Ultimately, though, it's your bike and you're probably the only one that will argue the point with yourself so the best course of action is to do whatever you think will look best.

1) You're not a real biker until you've fallen off at least once.
2) That's what crash-bars / engine-guards are for.

Yep!  As soon as I can get it engine guards will be going on.  I almost don't want to ride until I can get them.  The bike was over far enough to where I almost couldn't roll it back over myself; I think I pulled every muscle in my upper body trying to right it.  Ultimately that's why I haven't been back on it.  Either in the laydown or lifting it I pulled or possibly tore one of the lateral rotator muscles in my upper thigh. It sucks and I'm not sure I could hold the bike up with it right now.
If i'd had engine guards I'd have gotten out of this with a mild case of gravel-rash only. Hindsight is 20-20 I guess.

On the upside my new turn signal came in today. Yay.

Hello drifters!  Ran across something I hadn't seen yet (although it's probably old news to you all) as well as ask your opinions on an issue Dad's having with his 1500.

1st thing, Nomad tail lights are Drifter turn signals, but with a longer rubber boot.  Same Kawasaki part numbers and all.  I didn't need to replace the boot, as it was only the turn signal that was damaged.  Saved myself $40 because I was able to find a new OEM Nomad turn signal for $21 as long as i used the boot I had.

Second thing, Dad still hasn't been able to ride his. It came in Thursday right off the truck with an electrical problem.  He put in the key, turned it, and everything lit up like normal. As soon as he hit the ignition switch, *pow* there goes a fuse.  Replaces it, this time as soon as he turned the key the fuse blew again.  Thoughts?  His normal bike shop told him to unplug the rectifier and see if the fuse still blows and it does.

They can't get to him for another two weeks.  Do you all have any thoughts as to where his problem might be?  I was thinking a pinched wire on the back of the ignition switch.

Welcome, Greg!  Best of luck with your project.

put me down 2nd in line for that seat trade. I have one of the flame-stitched studded OEM solo seats I'll happily trade for a 2 up.

Totally due to lack of experience, not lack of observation. I laid it down ~15mph going downhill in a 270* left hand turn in 2nd gear, when according to my experienced employee I should have been in first gear and crawling due to the curve.  Swung the turn wide trying not to drag my boards (again), and saw the band of gravel on the outside of the road and immediately began to straighten up...couldn't do it in time.

Spooky thing? I don't know if any of you here are also Christians, but a minute before I laid it down I saw my odometer flip to 25,666.  I said the Lord's Prayer, as I am wont to do whenever those digits pop up in daily life...and laid it down 15-20 seconds after completing the prayer.

Got my MC endorsement yesterday after an all week quest to hit all the right steps in the right order to get street legal.  Starting to get more comfortable on it....and laid her down at lowish speed in (unbeknownst to me at the time) one of the worst curves for motorcyclists in my parish.  By sheer force of will I was able to keep the fenders off the gravel and only earned myself a very tiny tank rash that'll mostly buff out. Handblebar cap crushed, but replacement was previously planned. Footboard is bent and will have to be lovingly tapped back down parallel, but it's earned it's place of honor after I decide to replace it. That board saved the bike. Oh, and the left turn signal is obliterated.

Not counting the lil bit of tank paint work added to my fender paint chip repair in the future, probably ~$100 worth of dmg.  Gravel sucks, y'all.

*removed nonblurred license plate pix...whoops* - just a pic of a crushed turn sig

Had mine shipped from Freedom Euro Cycles in Vegas to New Orleans for ~$500.

I have arrived, and now *it* has arrived.  They delivered it literally in between tropical storm bands this week.  BTW HaulBikes was great.  OK communication (other than the truck driver, his was great), good prices. It took a little longer to get it than I'd like but that's the price I pay for placing a shipping ticket the week before Sturgis.

oh Rougarou catches on really quick..........

I been around a few forums in my day.    I just really want to see a Drifter with apes.

Welcome and I can't wait to see your drifter with apes!

Thanks for the welcome, everyone.  Greenbarn: My stepmother is already clamoring for that "father & son" pic. 

I dig it! That bullet windshield looks really good.

I'm an environmental scientist, water quality.  Formerly one of those parts-certified managers Autozone is so proud of.

Thanks Ratman.  The 2002 ebony/oxblood has always been my favorite, followed up with the red that you have there.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to report that I have officially crossed off a fifteen year old bucket list entry. I now own a Drifter.  But quoth the great and noble Billy Mays..

"But wait! There's more!"

More? What could be better than owning your dream motorcycle?  Only this:

My father left his pound of flesh on a roadway in the early eighties and never really got back into the saddle.  You couldn't say the word "motorcycle" in my house without hearing about my mother gripe about having to vaseline the sheets so he wouldn't stick to them.  Within one hour of recieving pics of "his new daughter-in-law" he asked me to find him one.  An hour later, he found his own.  Less than 24 hours after that, he purchased and had shipped a matching Drifter, albeit fully dressed.

Funny thing is..he never really cared for Drifters until he saw how stunningly beautiful they can be.  VDR, this bike is so beautiful it erased almost forty years of fear in less time than it takes to change a tire.

I am damned proud to be here after drooling on these fenders for so long.