2006 drifter 800

[david4R]

I recently purchased a new 2006 Drifter 800. A very attractive bike - especially after the add ons. However, I am dismayed at the poor performance of this bike. I took my first cruise (about 300 miles) and I was climbling a small grade when I ran out of throttle (against the stop) and could not excellerate beyond 65 MPH.

After that episode I find that I am frequently at the top end of the throttle curve and lack performance. I have a 95' vulcan 750 that will run circles around the drifter. Similarly, my wife's Suzuki Bergman 400 scooter is faster.

Is there something I am missing here? Have I missed something?

How can I increase the performance of this bike??????

[brother]

Is it a shaft or chain drive,cause other's on this forum talk about how the vulcan 800 get up and go. I have a 1500 Nomad and with me and the wife on it still gets up hill or no hill.

[oletaterhead]

Is it running too lean?

My 02 is stock, but will climb hills pretty well. Can't wait to get the new intake and pipes on it to open it up.

[Plato]

[quote=david4R]I recently purchased a new 2006 Drifter 800. A very attractive bike - especially after the add ons. However, I am dismayed at the poor performance of this bike. I took my first cruise (about 300 miles) and I was climbling a small grade when I ran out of throttle (against the stop) and could not excellerate beyond 65 MPH....QUOTE]


What gear are you in ? Notice any headwind ?

On my Nomad, if I'm cruising at 55mph in 5th and come up to a steep grade it will struggle up the hill unless I downshift. OTOH, if I'm already zipping along at 70 when I get to the hill it will fly up the hill and even speed up while in 5th. Basically, I have two top gears (4rth & 5th) -and it all depends on the situation and current RPMs as to which one I should be using...

If I'm going into a strong wind it gets much worse, especially since my Nad has the huge windshield + huge lowers + currently engine guard chaps