K&N Filter in stock air box

[hoosierfish]

I checked around the internet and found " THE WOLF'S BIKE SHOP ", .. WOW !!!! This guy opened my eyes as to how to get these 800 Drifters to run correctly. I highly recommend the " WOLF'S BIKE SHOP "  for all 800 Vulcan (DRIFTER) Riders Thanks All

[Troll]

    I believe I said ALMOST foolish.....I miss my '58 Desoto, '65 Riviera, '68 GS 400 conv. and my '77 Olds Holiday...with the 403 and the Muncie 4 speed....Ford says you can have both...economy and power... just not at the same time!

[chief]

Its NEVER foolish to want power over economy... which is why I drive a 5.7l v-8 truck instead of a Smart Car, and prefer 1500/1800 bikes over scooters!!! <g>

[Troll]

    My 1500 always ran rich, for what ever reason... it's little brain put too much fuel in the mixture. I opened up the intake and now it's running correctly. My W-650 was always on the edge of too lean, under certain throttle openings  (a common problem, I have read). I did some mods to the air box that increased air flow, and the bike would hardly run. I installed a dynojet kit and the magic returned, but with more power above 4,000 rpm and surprisingly, the same fuel mileage I was getting before, and better driveability.  Bottom line, if you put in the K&N and it runs badly, then you will need to do something about it, but if it runs the same or better, then leave it alone...In an era of $3.50+ fuel prices, it's almost foolish to worry about power ahead of economy...With the mod on the W there was no going back, but with the K&N, you can always put the stock filter back in until you get the kit...

[49Reo]

I have always found that by increasing the air, and thus the fuel, actually increases the mileage, especially with pipes that flow more exhaust gases as well. (it might go down a bit at first, but once a person gets used to the extra power and quits "playing" with it, it evens back out).

One thing you want to watch for is over oiling of the element. I took my Harley in for some work last fall, decided to have it serviced while it was there, and finally, this spring, after that filter dripping oil all winter long, I blew out the excess oil. It takes very little oil on them to work properly; too much means oil all down the side of your engine; you don't want it looking like a Harley!!LOL

Regards and such,
49Reo

[greenbarn]

more air = more fuel... but does that always = lower fuel mileage??   I hate to knock down the fuel mileages - only getting about 45 as it is. 

[49Reo]

Very good chance you will have to re-jet. The K&N flows a LOT more air thus requiring more fuel. You don't want to run too lean; you will spend too much of your riding season( and money) re-doing the valves and possibly deeper repairs..

Regards and such,
49Reo

[greenbarn]

I just ordered a K&N the other day, so should be getting it in soon.  I hope to not have to jet carb, but I guess we'll see.

[hoosierfish]

Fellow 800 Drifter owners out there, I have a stock 2006 800 Drifter and would like to upgrade my intake filter, is it possable to use a K&N filter in my stock intake filter box? Would I see any gain in performance & gas milage with this simple upgrade? Would I need to do any adjustments to the carb. I would love any help with this. Thanks in advance.