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My rear tyre had the profile of a brick so I went looking on ebay and found an Avon SM MkII for £70 including shipping.
It's a 5.00 x 16, a tad narrower than the recommended 140/90 x 16 so it should make the bike slightly more 'flicky'.
It'd been fitted to a show-bike so had never actually been used on the road, still had the bobbles on it.
I fitted it today - it's been a long time since I fitted a tubed tyre, touch wood I didn't pinch the tube.
Looks good but with the rear mudguard back on is almost impossible to see!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/All-Balls-Carburetor-Rebuild-Kit-Kawasaki-VULCAN-800-DRIFTER-VN800E-2001-2006/132608984984?hash=item1ee01c8798:g:e84AAOSwHvpbFZ4~

Oh dear! How's the disc?

I'd remove all the metalwork that's left on the cable and, using the old one as a guide, make a new flat piece out of copper or brass that I would then crimp around the clean bare cable and solder on with lead. 

Can someone tell a poor dumb European what those early seat-rails were for on '40s / '50s bikes?

Still trying to figure out how to post pictures.

Assuming you're on a PC or laptop: Below the box where you write your comment are the words "Attachments and other options". Click on that and then the small white rectangle that says "Choose File". Navigate to where the pic is on your device, click on the pic in its folder so it becomes highlighted and then click 'Open'.

Alternatively, upload the pic to www.imgur.com (the easiest of all the free, image storing sites) and post the link to the pic in your comment. Doing it this way means there isn't a limit to the size of the pic or quantity.

No turn Signals in the 40s!

When will you be retrofitting drum brakes?   

(just messing with you...put down that pistol.)

Part of a non-return valve of some kind?

Latest update: The seat arrived from Alabama and fitted straight on. What was suprising was the weight of the dual seat, grabrail, and subframe assembly. I was going to weigh it for the record but my bathroom scales only go up to 400lbs  .

Here's a pic of the bike now, I think it looks so much better with a solo seat:

Are they regular bulbs or LEDs? Are your grounds all clean and tight? Bulbs clean at their bases? What wattage are the bulbs and what wattage is the relay rated at?

Could someone explain how to lower size in photos so I can post pics of mine please.

What kind of device are you using? A phone, a tablet or a PC / laptop ?

If it's the latter, the simplest way is to open the image in MS Paint, click on the Image tab then click on Resize then click Save.

That really does look good. I'm wondering what a Drifter would look like with all its "tinware" painted  that way without any other colours; maybe an Airstream trailer/P-51 Mustang vibe.

This page seems to suggest all VN800s are the same:

https://chromecruisers.co.uk/engine-guards/461-kawasaki-vn800-classic-vulcan-drifter-engine-guard-with-built-in-pegs.html

I'm not familiar with the solenoid, is it possible to short the two terminals with something beefy to see if that affects the problem?
Might be the commutator on the starter motor being dirty/damp or even worn brushes.

Hey Abby, I'd kinda like to keep it as close to being a Kawasaki as possible. Having said that I was thinking of changing the exhaust and mocked up something that ended up looking very 'Indianesque' (see below.)  I really like the understated exhaust note of the stock exhaust though so I'd want to keep that if I could.

I've heard people describing the zigzag patterned tyres as truly horrific. IIRC they are like riding on balloons inflated by asthmatic hamsters; very little sidewall rigidity. Lean the bike into a corner or try to avoid a brick lying in the road and the bike barely reacts.

They do look good though.

On the UK 'Gumtree' site there's this: https://www.gumtree.com/p/replacement-parts/2005-kawasaki-vn800-drifter-factory-chrome-rear-fender-indicator-light-bar/1291500121  but it's gonna cost a fortune in shipping.

On the Facebook  "Kawasaki Drifters & Parts For Sale"  group there's an ad for what I think you want, seem pricey but I don't know how desperate you are. Screenshot below.

There's also a guy on the same Facebook group  who is in in Denmark, he has the rear fender stay minus the blinkers AND the entire rear light and licence plate assembly (in very good condition) for $340 inc. shipping or best offer. Here's the pics of what he's got https://imgur.com/a/zsnDK and here is the text of his ad:

"Parts from Kawasaki Drifter ( SEND ME AN OFFER !! )
$250
Copenhagen, Denmark
Parts from a Drifter 800 – from rebuild to custom job NOT from accident.

- 1 bracket for rear fender
- 1 tail light ( may fit a 1500 Drifter !! )
- 1 numberplate frame and bracket
All parts in VERY good condition – near mint !

Stored for the last 11 year.

PRICE FOR THE LOT $250 / Euro 200 - or best offer !!

Buyer payes shipping from Denmark.

SHIPPING:
EUROPE: Ensured with Track & Trace. Price 37 Euro
USA:Ensured with Track & Trace. Price 90 $

I suggest you join the Facebook group (use a false name and throwaway email address if you're bothered about privacy,) the group is at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kawasakidriftersales/
or search on Facebook for "Kawasaki Drifters & Parts For Sale"

I thought you might like to see the latest development. I've never liked the stock headlight and seeing as how mine was cracked anyway I decided to replace it.
I found a complete unit from a H*rley Fatboy on ebay; I wanted a large headlight which had a bottom mount. I made a kind of arm and welded it onto the existing bracket.

I have also found an OEM solo seat which is winging its way to the UK from Alabama!

I think you either need a 100% higher wattage bulb in each front blinker or an indicator relay with a 50% lower rating.
Someone who understands electrics will be along shortly to tell you what to do (and to call me an idiot.)

Hi Ernest, welcome to the group. It's good to see a fellow 800 owner, those 1500ers are starting to take over!   

It must be a relief to get it sorted out.

With the money you saved by not taking it to the 'shop you could buy a multimeter! (just sayin'...  )

Also used on '90s 883 Sportsters I believe.

It's a clean machine, I particularly like the seat.

Sometimes I think mine is the only Drifter with original Kawasaki badges - I think they're kinda klassy!

No shame in taking it to the 'shop, often it's cheaper than buying all the tools you need to diagnose the problem. Here's to a swift resolution!

I'd use MS Paint.