Top speed?

[klake1]

I finally found something on the top speed on the Drifters at Bikez.com
For the 800 they have the 1999 listed as 93.2 mph and the 2000 and 2001 listed as 105 mph
For the 1500 they have the 1999 listed as 110 mph, the 2001 listed as 113 mph and for some reason they have the 2000 listed as 87 mph.
I have had my 1500 up to 95 mph and had a bit to go but was not gaining very fast, so reasonably one could get their 1500 up to between 90-95 mph in a short period of time if needed. I still prefer to ride mine around the 65-75 mph range.
You can check the info out at the following links:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/kawasaki_vn_1500_drifter_2001.php
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/kawasaki_vn_800_drifter_1999.php

[chief]

Yep, I think 80 is supposed to be the top speed for the 800. There is more there I'm sure... but likely not a lot and it would situation based.

[funkeydragon]

I,ve been 130 kilometer per hour on my 1999 800 cc drifter (about 80 mph). and still had more to go....probably not that much.

[chief]

Not necessarily. There is some amount of error in EVERY speedometer... plus cruise control speed will vary (brake/throttle) depending upon terrain and engine size. Larger engines hold the speed more accurately in all sorts of terrain - usually.

So, your speedo could be right on and hers off 5mph... or any combination. 

[1SG CAV]

Following my wife in the car. She set the speedometer at 72. The bike speedometer read 80. So mine is off any where from 5-8 mph depending on the speed I'm traveling. My wife though I was going slow for a reason when I was in the lead. So is this due to the speedometer being electric?

[pcnorton]

My 1500 is 10% off. I checked it out after I was down in Georgia were the posted limit was 70 and people kept zipping by me. I went by a radar speed sign and I was going 50 when speedo said 55. 54 when speedo said 60.

One of these days I will get a speedo healer. MCN listed a 99mph top end on drifter 1500 as I recall.

Paul

[Varooom]

I'm sure tire size throws things way off.  I'm running the design Dunlops and used a digital watch on the highway, with the markers at 1/10ths of a mile and was off 10 mph.  I'm glad I learned this; I get places faster now and still don't get tickets.  Piss fewer drivers off too!
Varoo0m

[chief]

Mine isn't off by much... but most vehicle speedo's can be off. A lot depends upon tire size changes, gearing changes etc apparently. There are several speedometer "healer" boxes that allow you to correct the speedometer... especially useful if you change drives, tire sizes etc.

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=all&stype=1&si=speedometer

[pcarrell]

I've heard several people say that Vulcan speedos are off by 7-10%.

[1SG CAV]

trust me when I say 65-70 makes for a better ride. I won't be pulling those speeds again. I also seem to be going slower than the speedometer reads. I will test it by having my wife follow in the car.

[Varooom]

My 1999 reads 70 when I'm actually doing 60 mph so check using mileage markers on an interstate before you nail this figure.
I'm happy at 70 all day.
Varooom

[1SG CAV]

I've been 110 on my 1500, it still had some throttle left. It sounded like it was near the end of it peak. Handled great, but I won't do it again. I like the cruising speed better.

[klake1]

Does any one know what the top speed and 1/2 mile times are for both the 800 & 1500.

Now I probobly will not get anywhere near the top speed, I just wanted to know becasue I could not find it on the specifications.