800/1500 Drifter

[OhioDrifter]

DDog,

beautiful bike, love the colors. Not too sure about posting pics, I'll try to figure it out. Happy Easter to you, too.

[OhioDrifter]

Trying this as a test, had problems with the size being "over Quota".

[OhioDrifter]

ok, trying again

[Vulcan Matt]

So I'm looking into security options for my 1999 Drifter 1500, but wondering what other's may have for keeping my ride safe. I was thinking of a disc lock, but noticed that may not really work for my bike. What do you have? Any suggestions? I'm thinking of something simple; don't really want to do any electrical wiring or anything like that. Something simple, portable, yet effective.

[zuzuman03]

well, there is a fork lock on the 99 1500....i know where it is, but my key wont seem to turn it, but its there.on the right side of the frame, just ahead of the tank, there should be a silver cover thing with a little tab on it. you can push on that tab and it should swing away to reveal the lock for the forks. if you can get it to work, id say thats a sufficient security measure. not sure if all the drifters are like that, but thats the way mine is. here's a picture.....

turn clockwise

insert key


and if it works, there's your fork lock.

[zuzuman03]

and since we were talking about loud exhaust....i figured id snap a video with sound of mine while i was down there taking those pictures above..


of course, it sounds MUCH better in person

[Vulcan Matt]

zuzuman: Thanks for the info on the fork locks; I've got 'em too, but can't seem to lock either. As for the sound of your pipes......NICE. I'll need to post what my V&H pipes sound like soon.

[Drifter800]

I just fijured out the fork lock on my 800. At first my key got stuck in it and would not come out. After spraying with some WD40 I got things to move. The lock only rotates a 1/8 turn or less. Put the key in, turn the lock counter clockwise, push in the lock, and turn the key clockwise, then remove it. I had to move my forks just off full lock to get the cylinder to go in. To unlock you will probably have to pull pressure off the forks to allow it to pop back out when you turn the key counter clockwise again. Kinda like having the steering wheel bind you get on car ignition locks.

[Drifter Dog]

Mine has the fork locks also (2002/1500). A locksmith showed me that anytime there's a problem with a lock to flood it with WD-40 & keep working the key back & forth to loosen up the gunk. He put vise-grips on his key to make it easier on his hands. Anyway, I've also noticed the forks have to be turned almost fully to engage & dis-engage the lock.
Hope this helps,
DD

P.S. Attached some pics with the two-up seat installed. I have both seats, thinking it looks better solo. Any thoughts?
Sure hope it warms up soon...

[OhioDrifter]

I've noticed I have to turn the forks almost fully, as well, to operate the lock.

Drifter Dog, I like both the 2 up and solo seats, but as far as looks, I prefer the solo.

[zuzuman03]

yea, i like the solo look better too. i have both seats as well and much prefer the solo for comfort and looks.

[Drifter800]

Anybody have the specs for the 800 exhaust valve diameter?

Thanks!

[Drifter800]

Some of you may have seen this but I just came across this web page dedicated to the Drifters and thought I would share. http://home.tiscali.nl/kawasaki_drifter/

[Mercury]

Hi gang... after about 9300 miles I realized my rear tire was pretty well shot

So i ordered up a rear and front tire.

Tonight i pulled the rear tire off, and after breaking only one knuckle I got the tire off the rim.

Tomorrow I will install the new tire on the rim

i got the dunlop 404 tires

how important is balancing guys because there was NO weights on the wheel with the old tire and it felt fine!

I need brake pads and also zert fittings for the bottom of the bike ...

Since I know the tires have tubes now I can do the front tomorrow as well...

then i will take it to get dyno tuned! Cant wait!

Questions:

1. How do i know if the chain is doing ok?
2. How do i know if the rear sproket is ok

Thanks, Kenny

[atomic13]

Since my last post I have added to my 2006 800 Drifter:

1) National Cycle Dakota 4.5mm Windshield.
(Need lowers but a great start)

2) Cobra highway bars with ISO folding pegs.
(Really makes it comfortable on long trips to stretch out)

3) NAPA H4 80-100 watt bulb.
(Nice to see at night)

4) Saddlemen Desperado™ Slant Saddlebags - Jumbo
(perfect size for 800 only one problem one of the Saddlemen logos upside down had to send them back for replacement)

5) Battery tender
(no more low batteries)

6) Ordred new sprocket set from www.sprocketspecialties.com
(Never have'nt got it in three weeks. They suck)

I love this bike. Im glade I broke down and got one of the last new ones in stock.

[Mercury]

hi there... what sproket teeth # did you go with engine and wheel?

My wheel is 40 and i think my engine is 17, i like the way it runs, cruise nice at 60 - 80

I hope to get my bike dyno tuned this sat coming up

kenny

[atomic13]

I want to go with the 18 tooth front. I run out of topend to early to much viberation.

[Mercury]

I too run out of top end.. fastest the bike will go is about 110 and thats in 4th, once i go to 5th it doesnt have the power to hold above 100 really...

hopefully with the dyno tune ill do a little better, but i have to remind myself this is a cruiser not a race bike

Kenny

[Drifter800]

You all wanna hear what a debaffled 800 drifter sounds like I did a video of mine before and after the homemade baffle I made. It's posted in the how to section. http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...-pics-vid.html
Not as loud as the straight pipes above but I didn't stick my camera up the end of the pipes either. LOL

[Vulcan Matt]

Looking for a solo seat for my 1999 Drifter 1500. Don't mind buying used as long as it's in good shape. Any leads or suggestions? Thanks