| MODEL | KAWASAKI VN 800 VULCAN DRIFTER 1999 - 2001 |
| Year | 1999 - 2001 |
| Engine Type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 805 cc / 49.1 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 88 x 66.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 40.8 kW / 56 hp @ 7000 rpm (50.9 hp @ 7100 rpm at rear tyre) |
| Max Torque | 64 Nm / 47.2 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm |
| Ignition | Digital K-TRIC (CDI) |
| Induction | Keihin CVK36 carburetor |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multiple discs, cable operated |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Steel double cradle, single backbone |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Bottom-link Uni-Trak with 7-way preload adjustment |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 300 mm discs, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | 130 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 760 mm / 29.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 1615 mm / 63.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 246.0 kg / 542.3 lb |
| Wet Weight | 271 kg / 597 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 130/90-16 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/90-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 litres / 3.9 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 18.5 km/l (average) |
| Top Speed | 167 km/h |
The Drifter was a mid-size retro cruiser styled after 1940s Indian motorcycles, with sculpted fenders, chrome accents and a hidden single rear shock for a hardtail look. Its 805 cc liquid-cooled V-twin was a lighter, cheaper alternative to the larger Vulcan 1500 Drifter. The review on the source page praised its handling and styling but criticised the seat and the low floorboards, which scrape in corners.
