Messages

I have Phat risers on mine - I think they're 4"  They put the handlebars where they are comfortable for me.  The cables all reached fine, but I think they're at about the limit.

awesomeness! 

I did 2" risers on my 800 with no issue using the OEM length cables.

Awesome!

I was considering Handle Bar Riser/spacers or maybe a series of washers.

Does anyone have experience on how large of a riser spacer you can go, before you need to extend your cables?

Thank-you! 

Air mixture adjustment location on 800?  I've had my 800 for approximately 3 years and gradually working the bugs out.  It runs relatively well.  but, doesn't idle well, so i have the idle on fast so it doesn't die.

800's have a wonderful sound at slow idle with open exhaust.  I'm trying to achieve this goal.

I was considering have my carburetor service at a shop.  i just wanted to try to adjust the air mixture on my own?  see if this would resolve the issue.  anybody know the location of the adjustment screw?  I've removed the air cleaning housing and it does not appear to be obvious.

Thanks in advance for any help.  Ernest

How old is your battery?  If you haven't added electrical devices to the bike, it should not be doing this. There is no reason to risk being stranded and the expense involved with that. I'd replace the battery just because it is the easiest thing to do without doing a lot of testing etc.

Year before last I changed over to lithium battery on my 1500 and it has been terrific. More expensive but certainly worth the investment in my opinion.

you trickle charge lithium battery same as conventional?

i would say the battery is 2 1/2 years old, which is how long i had the bike.  yep, it may be time for a new battery.

I noticed today, the cooling fan drains the battery.  Alternator is good, i ran a check.  I just wanted to put this out there and trade some ideas.  as you guys know, if it's hot enough, you can park the bike and the fan will run for a minute or two.

luckily i was at home.  But, this incident could of happened at a gas station.  I would have been stranded.  i was considering putting a on off switch to the fan, so when i'm at the gas station i could switch it off and battery will not go dead.

what if i forget to turn the switch back on?  any ideas?    maybe just get a new battery?  I'm trying to get the most life out of a battery.

I understand this is an older topic.  I was doing research on here, as I was getting a clicking sound at slow speed during cornering.  After reading this topic, yes my steering stem bolt was totally loose. Hopefully tightening will correct the clicking sound.

I also found the pinch bolt on front axel was totally loose, it does not fall out cause gravity keeps it in place.

H-Ds had a "springer", Indians had a girder or a leaf spring....and they went hydraulic in 1950...

that's a true statement, the Harley springer is nicer looking, than the indian leaf spring, in my opinion.   The Drifter 800 frame/softail more resembles the vintage Harley rigid frames, which is more aesthetically pleasing.   I guess, this is about pulling the best features of both vintage bikes and combining making a more beautiful bike.

Vulcan 800 with Harley Fenders

I've been mumblin' about a springer front end mod, but then I gave up because of the money it takes... and the fact that it forces to remove the cool front fender off of our Drifters (unless you're a wizard of composite materials).
But I do agree with you: the springer front end is way cool!

Actually, I was considering purchasing a Vulcan 800 Classic for the Springer front end, leaving My Drifter as is.  Can purchase the 800 Classic relatively in-expensive, anywhere from 1k to 2k.   so I would have an Indian Clone and a Harley 45 ci clone.  What's nice about having two bikes, is you have one to ride, while the other is being modified.

not sure if video will post.  Very cool Vulcan 800 with Springer front end.  I've already priced the springer front ends, anywhere from 4 to 6 Hundred.  not sure what the project in-tells

https://youtu.be/DFowqOIJHJs

thanks for the info guys.  I'm leaning to believe that they are different from the photos I've seen of the two.  also, when I read "fitment", it doesn't list both bikes.

The Classic 800 bars go much cheaper as well, I've seen them as low as $49 U.S. dollars.

maybe someone could help.  I was  considering an engine guard for my Drifter 800  unfortunately the availability for Drifter guards are limited.   Engine guards for the Vulcan classic 800 are more available....

Are the engine guards interchangeable between the Vulcan Classic 800 and The Drifter 800?

thanks in advance for any help.

Ernest

Thanks for the info.  does anyone have info on 140/90/16 (rear size) on front of a Drifter 800? 

thanks for the info.   the bike shows sizes frnt: 130/90/16, rear: 140/90/16.   has anyone tried going 140/90/16 on frnt and rear (both)?  I'm thinking mostly for looks, beefier tire up front.  I did a search, but no luck on the question.

not white walls, the Drifter needs white walls.....lol......tires I'll leave this area to GreenBarn as he is the tire expert.

I don't expect these to be the best tires.  but, if they are good for weekend driving, with little to no highway driving.  I'm good...

Hello, I'll need new tires soon.  I was considering Vintage style tires.  These are New tires made on Vintage molds.  I really like the look.

In my eyes, the new pattern tires do NOT go well with a vintage style motorcycle.

These vintage style tires require tubes, do current drifter tires have tubes?  anyone have experience with these tires?  they are sold by a company called Coker.

Sitting on bike, look down right side on top of Chrome cover there is a slotted screw about the size of a half dollar.

Thanks!  got it!

looking to add seafoam treatment in the oil.  but, not sure where you add engine oil?  is it the filler behind the exhaust pipe on the rear cylinder?

thanks in advance...

Will be a nice ride wen you get her running and cleaned up. Looks like you have a great place to work also.
I imagine you will wind up cleaning the carb and entire fuel system if the fuel has gelled.

I rinsed the bad fuel from the tank and was able to get her running, really hav'nt driven her.  but, tomorrow i'll taker her to get inspected.  In Texas we get vehicles inspected before we obtain registration.    seems to be running well enough.

...thanks for the additional info guys!   

Looks like a roadhouse exhaust system.

Ref the air filter and the hoses check this link out....

Thanks! very helpful.   I like this mod.  I'm going to hold off, don't want to add any variables until I get the bike running.

You guys may have seen this 2005 before, the seller told me about this Forum.

She's a little rough.  But, has a lot of potential.  I just received her today.  This is the low down so far:

looks like a good chance, I can save the battery.

the carburetor does have bad gas, it has that poor fuel smell, and the fuel has become thick.

it may have an issue with the blinkers, they stay on.  but, the left and right switch works.  the rear blinkers are not installed.   maybe, that why they stay on? don't know if it is a circuit.

I think, the plan for tomorrow, removing/cleaning the tank.  prime the carb, see if I can run some clean fuel through the carb.

I started removing the breather housing, and surprise that it has approximately 4 hoses attached to the rear.   are those needed?  has anyone tried capping them?

thanks!