Well, New project.

[_Sheffjs_]

    

I Picked up my 1500 Drifter today. 4600 miles 1999. Wow, I have been busy.    It came with the original bill of sale and tons of things related to the original pick up day. It has all maintenance papers and new tires in October, new ion battery, beautiful barely used stock two up seat with horseshoe and back rail, new long shots exhaust on the bike and also came with original exhaust in great shape and also came with cobra old school exhaust.  Full shop manual.   I picked it up and drove it over an hour home and I can say she exceeded my expectations big time, I am really amazed at the nimbleness of the 1500 and it is not top heavy AT ALL!   Everything worked well as it should and the only thing I noticed was the gas gauge was not working.   Plans: I will be taking the body parts off and dropping off at the painter,  I want to go with a stock scheme however I want to replicate the black with cream stripes model, I will also go with black Corbin solo seat.

64 ground pounding, earth shaking hp!     will it keep me out of trouble?








Should look somewhat like the 800cc model below

[OLDFRT]

WOW!!!!!  That didn't take long!!!!!!

[_Sheffjs_]

Come to find out the second set of pipes that came with the sale are Cobra "peace pipes" and a very rare not made anymore part.   

The the project begin.

[Jess from VA]

The 800 actually looks more like an original should (hardtail) than the 1500 (but yeah, less power).  

The Kawi 1500/1600 twins are a pretty good engine (as far as they go).

IF fuel injected, pipes, air kit, Power Commander III and a new map can get some very decent power increase.  I got my stock first year ('02) 1500 Mean Streak up from a nominal 63hp to 80+.  Even carberated, a good air kit and carb jet kit can get you some decent power.

My preference for those bikes is a Vance and Hines Pro Pipe HS 2 into one.  Lighter and more power and not as nasty a noise as those dual 2" straights (though they may not be the look you want, they outperform any duals).  Quieter just putting along, but will make some good sound when cranking.

Back in the day, Thunder Mfg out in AZ made the best air kits available for the 15/1600s, and they also had dynamometer established optimal maps available for download free, with their air kit and the Vance and Hines Pro pipe.  http://www.thundermfg.com/store/

Barons is also a good source for upgrades. https://www.baronscustom.com/indexold.php

Avoid the Kuryakyn hypercharger (knee banger) like the plague.

Considering that Indian is in business, the PO sticking their name all over his Kawi is a bit strange.

[_Sheffjs_]

Jess my personal preference is no Indian anywhere and I already started to take them off.  Yes it is a tribute bike, but for me it will simply have Drifter badges when done.  There are many that like the Indian scheme on these bikes and like anything we all have different Ideas.  That is what makes it fun in a group setting.  I was looking through the paperwork that came with the sale and it looks like a power commander was installed.  So maybe I have 65hp now.      But seriously, I am not worried about power on this one it will be a fun project and a fun puts bike.   The V&H Long Shots do have v&h baffles in and I had no problems with the db level at all.   

[Bronxboy]

Seen that bike for sale awhile ago. I thought the same thing, although it looks good, I would not want to ride around as a poser. I think that bike would look awesome Teal and Cream, with the white wall tires.

I should have guessed this, as u been tawking about the Drifter for awhile now...Congrats !!

[Valkahuna]

Looks good Jerry,  but I agree with Nick about not riding  a "Poser". Besides, there is no Indian like a real Indian. I sure love mine.

[_Sheffjs_]

Looks good Jerry,  but I agree with Nick about not riding  a "Poser". Besides, there is no Indian like a real Indian. I sure love mine.

I agree as well.  It is just weird to have Indian on a Kawasaki.  But that is just my personal thoughts and the more I studied the Drifter being Jap quality I am used to, FI, counter balanced, Water Cooled and most importantly,  inexpensive, it became more real for a simple fun run around bike.  Dark Horse is sweet but 17+ Coins.   

[larue]

Congratulation, can't wait to see the finish products

[Steel cowboy]

Nice bike Jerry, I love the retro look with the fenders. I can't wait to see it in person.

[BCoy]

Very nice! I too look forward to seeing the finished product. Agree with everyone about the poser look, he didn't hide the fact that he thought he was riding an Indian.

[_Sheffjs_]

So with this deal came brand spanking new Vance and Hines long shots on the bike with really sweet tips (and Sherry really likes them) and a complete stock exhaust in nearly new shape and it also came with very rare Cobra pipe, it is called Peace Pipe!  LOL, so we are back to the Indian tribute part of this bike.  And the tan solo seat and tank bib is "Kawaline" lol and wanted stuff as I already found out. The sale of these parts will get me help in buying two Corbin seats, one solo and one two up.  The peace pipe is the most retro look or peroid perfect look.  Sherry told me no way and don't think about it.  "Yes Dear". LOL.

[sixlow]

Very nice,      sounds like you got a great deal, much like the Valkyrie these old school looks come with an affordable price. How does a two up seat mount ? I like the way the solo is suspended above the fender.

[_Sheffjs_]

Good question: There is a part called the Horseshoe that bolts on with four bolts then the two up is put on. The 1999 and 2000 Drifters came with the horseshoe and two up seat with all parts blacked out. The 2001 - 2006 came with the solo seat and no horseshoe. Also all bits were chrome.  This deal having both was a plus.

[_Sheffjs_]

Following behind a drifter for the first time will give you a good laugh as the rear fender being directly above the rear tire follows the tire unlike the tire traveling into the fender, producing an inchworm motion.  This gives the look that is so different.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

Nice Ride  !

[Flrider]

CONGRATS Jerry, it is a really nice addition to the stable and can't wait to see it in person.

I like the present color combo but I agree on not being a poser with the Indian stuff

[pocket aces]

Sweet! Very nice. I have always liked the Drifter. The seller still has his Craigslist ad up. Did he move much off his price?

[Flrider]

Here you go Jerry, just in case you want a 1500 to go with your new drifter

https://spokane.craigslist.org/mcy/6094328500.html

[Jess from VA]

I wonder if this guy has Indian decals on everything he owns?

Bikes, cars, house, lawn mower, screw driver, dog?     

[_Sheffjs_]

Sweet! Very nice. I have always liked the Drifter. The seller still has his Craigslist ad up. Did he move much off his price?

Yes, His early ads and current CL listing in parts of Calif??  not sure the list there but--- was 56 and current local was 54 I took it at 5G  He was honest about scratches and I was ok with that seeing it goes to the painter.    I am not a Fan of the "Gooseberry" color Sherry is but realizes the Drift needs paint.    

[_Sheffjs_]

I wonder if this guy has Indian decals on everything he owns?

Bikes, cars, house, lawn mower, screw driver, dog?      

Nah he bought it this way (Note: less than 24 hours as of yesterday and it looked totally different!   I no waste time!)  I see it as the last owner as too busy for serious biking, or biking LOL, Nice gated golf community and very Sweet mercedes benz amg.