[dawgblood]

Hey Gang - I'm a newbie and y'all seem eager to help, so I think I've come to the right place. I have a Vulcan 800B and it looks like if I get a backrest with a luggage rack that the rack may rest right on the license plate (if it fits at all). Am I just looking at it ****-eyed? Also, how difficult are the backrests to install (I'm not a handy-man sort of guy)? And one last thing, the guy I bought my bike from did not have the key to the front fork (it's my understanding that the Vulcan 800s have two separate keys for ignition and front forks). How do I get one?
Thanks for all your help.

 

[ispeed77]

dawg
i know i welcomed you in another forum, but i guess i'll have to just do it again ! not sure about the fit of a luggage rack for your bike, but there are a lot of guys on here with the 800, so i am sure they will answer you quickly, as well as with the key issue. as far as installing the backrest, normally it only four bolts and not a huge deal. the only thing is that a lot of times the bolts are also for the fender in some way. so you may need to just do two bolts at a time, which will also help keeping everything lined up as you insert the bolts. just don't crossthread them and you should be all set.

 

[2WheelFun]

Hi dawg and welcome!

Can't help with the 800...I have the 1500. I did however put the F&S luggage rack and backrest on mine with little problems. I did have to drill a few holes that were not drilled from the factory to make things bolt up as they should.....and the rack sits above the license plate...not even close so no problems hitting anything. Maybe the 800 is different?

 

[Tobydawg]

From one dawg to another...i bid you welcome.

 

[Spok]

woof woof....translation..welcome

 

[dawgblood]

Thanks for the welcome and sorry about the ***'s. I was actually using a common Southern phrase and wasn't trying to be crude. Regarding the back rests, I think I'm just a little paranoid, since I'm a new owner. Any info regarding getting a key for the front fork locks? I do think I'm going to enjoy being a part of the Kaw family! Thanks again.

 

[2WheelFun]

Thanks for the welcome and sorry about the ***'s. I was actually using a common Southern phrase and wasn't trying to be crude. Regarding the back rests, I think I'm just a little paranoid, since I'm a new owner. Any info regarding getting a key for the front fork locks? I do think I'm going to enjoy being a part of the Kaw family! Thanks again.

Perhaps a locksmith?

 

[Kenny]

Dawg,just in case the Tag mount stands up to high for the luggage rack,you can get a laid down mount for your plate. I put one on my Vulcan Classic and they look good laying down on the fender anyway! Its a Kawasaki part. Kenny

 

[Mangler]

Welcome dawg what year is your bike? I have a 2004 800A and the ignition key works on both.

 

[rbentnail]

I have an '03 800B- 1 key for everything: ignition, fork lock & tool (LOL) storage.

 

[rwrighter]

My Ignition key also fits the fork lock in my 2003 800A. The fork lock can be a little tricky...push the lock inward with the key, turn it and move the front wheel slightly to the right till the lock engages. I didn't think I had the right key the first time I tried locking the forks either. BTW Welcome to the forum! Hope this helps.
Ride safe!

 

[cobia]

Welcome Dawgblood: Did you look at the Fire&Steal luggage rack? It mounts right to the backrest ,and does not attach to the plate,you will need to purchase the mounting brackets separately thought, Hope this helps

 

[Chromequeen]

Welcome Dawg, glad you can "feel the love" in this Kawi family!

 

[Chromequeen]

Oh my goodness guys! Did you see that I Finally Got Into First Gear!? How did I do that without my bike running? Dang, I'm so good I amaze myself! (Hey if I don't laugh about the stupid things right now I'd be cryin' okay???) LOL

 

[dawgblood]

Thanks for all the input! I have a '97 Classic. Regarding the separate key issue, I was going off the Motorcycle Cruiser road test of the bike. I'll try the ignition key just in case.

 

[ispeed77]

i know you have the 800, which is why i didn't answer the key question, but my Nomad is the same as everyone elses. one key for all three spots. i am pretty sure that most bikes are this way.

 

[2WheelFun]

Oh my goodness guys! Did you see that I Finally Got Into First Gear!? How did I do that without my bike running? Dang, I'm so good I amaze myself! (Hey if I don't laugh about the stupid things right now I'd be cryin' okay???) LOL

You Go Chromequeen!!!! LOL

Some of the titles are hilarious. I think I use to be a foil inspector once?

 

[dawgblood]

rwrighter (and the rest of you) - y'all were right on! It took me about 10 minutes to lock the forks, but I got it to work. I guess I'll just have to play with it for awhile to get used to it (and do it more quickly). The guy that sold me the bike didn't have a manual and didn't know it had fork locks (lest you're worried, I did get a great deal on the bike and have had a full service done that informed me the bike is in great shape - it only has 6900 miles). Since you've been so helpful, I'm gonna have to use y'all as my manual!

 

[Chromequeen]

Whistle, My favorite title so far that I've seen is "Turtle Wax Taster". LOL

Bikeaholic, where'd these come from anyway?

 

[2WheelFun]

Mmmmmm....with some chrome polish to boot....tasting turtle wax can give you that shine "inside and out"