Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => Drifter 1500 only => Topic started by: Jobi on February 15, 2016, 11:09:52 AM

Title: Highway/Interstate Cruising Speeds
Post by: Jobi on February 15, 2016, 11:09:52 AM
So, what speed do you 'drift' at when on the Interstate/Highway? (also, what is the limit of the highway and what accessories you have in front would be nice to know).

I'm finding I tend to cruise at 90-100kmh (~55-60mph), and feel comfortable up to about 115kmh (70mph) (comfortable, meaning I don't feel as if the engine is asking me to calm down).

With a few friends when we take longer trips and hit real highways the speed increases to 140-145mph (87-90mph) which I start to dislike on the drifter because it feels as if it's not really happy there. (or is my drifter 'bluffing'?)

I run a big windshield, handguards, lowers, crashbar covers. Outside city limits we can do 90kmh (55mph) and highways are 140kmh (87mph)
Title: Re: Highway/Interstate Cruising Speeds
Post by: shunter v8 on February 18, 2016, 15:49:50 PM
I agree with you 60-70mph is fine. I don't have a screen so above 70mph it starts to be hard work but I am sure the bike would be fine.
Title: Re: Highway/Interstate Cruising Speeds
Post by: greenbarn on February 18, 2016, 19:44:38 PM
Around here, country roads and 2 lane highways, I like to cruise 60 mph, give or take.  It's more relaxing for me, I enjoy the scenery more and the wind is a lot better.   If I'm on the interstate, it's almost always going to be because I'm going quite a distance and would like to get there sooner than later.  I'm usually comfortable around 70 mph, but 80 mph does not ruffle the bikes feathers - it seems just fine there.
Title: Re: Highway/Interstate Cruising Speeds
Post by: jmbo on February 18, 2016, 19:50:24 PM
While she will do better, sixty five to seventy seems to be a sweet spot for m '99er.  Obviously I do not have a tac so I am not sure what the revs are at that speed.  I can say this.  I am tacking a much lower RPM at seventy than my son on his FLHTP.  Seems to be a good torque range as well.  At slower speeds she grunts a little on big hills.  At 65 I find very little drop in the engine even on steep hills.  I also ride with a windshield, lowers, and during cold months, crash bar chaps.

Title: Re: Highway/Interstate Cruising Speeds
Post by: Pilgrim on February 19, 2016, 08:05:40 AM
70-75 on the Interstate..higher or lower as needed
Title: Re: Highway/Interstate Cruising Speeds
Post by: DC on February 19, 2016, 08:59:03 AM
I'm not one for a lot of speed.  60-65 seems fine to me.  As I've said on many occasions, these engines are begging for a 6th gear.
Title: Re: Highway/Interstate Cruising Speeds
Post by: Troll on February 20, 2016, 15:32:19 PM
70-75. All day long.