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Motorcycle numbers have been increasing over the past 10 years. It is unusual to drive
down any street or road in America and not come across at least one motorcycle, even in the dead of winter.
While this is a good thing for the motorcycling community, it has become increasingly more difficult for bikers to
differentiate themselves from the rest of the "pack".
$50,000 customs have begun to look like clones of each other. Herds of brand-named bikes appear on every street differentiated only by a few bolt-on chrome gadgets. Brand specific clubs further promote sameness. |
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Into this bland landscape comes an unexpected hero, Kawasaki. With the introduction of the Vulcan Drifter line in 1999, Kawasaki gave bikers a new and different choice at prices most can afford. | |
The 1940's retro styling won't appeal to everyone, but that really is the point. The Vulcan Drifter may rarely be seen on the street, but when it is – it attracts a lot of attention. This tribute to the 1940's Indian Chief is about as true to the spirit of that great motorcycle as any we've seen in recent years, including the recent attempts by the now defunct "new" Indian MC company. |
Kawasaki produces two very different versions of this motorcycle, but both sport the deep, nicely curved fenders reminiscent of the original Indian Chiefs. | |
The Drifter 800 has a hardtail look about it. A 36mm carburetor feeds the 805cc v-twin. The single overhead cam and single-pin crankshaft provides for that classic v-twin rumble one would expect from this retro styled cruiser. The chain drive furthers the look. |
The Drifter 1500 with its dual rear air shocks is equally attractive. No carb here, the 1500's 90 c.i. liquid-cooled v-twin is fed by an advanced fuel injection system. The chain is gone from this model as well. In its place a low maintenance shaft drive does the work of moving the bike down the road. | |
The rear suspension is unique to these models. The fender floats with the rear tire. While this allows for the sleek
design of the rear fender, it also means saddles, racks,saddlebags etc. have to be specifically designed for these bikes.
One of the difficulties of owning a unique bike is the somewhat limited selection of aftermarket accessories. Drifter owners have proven to be resourceful and you will find most of what you need to personalize this bike. |
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With more than four years of experience on the 1500, we find very little about the bike not to like. It is very comfortable;
controls are well placed and can be adjusted to suit your choice of riding position. It is a powerful, smooth running, low maintenance
and highly reliable machine.
We don't like where the ignition switch sits, in front of the engine low on the frame. But there are sufficient aftermarket remedies for this and any other warts you might find. |
Specifications
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Vulcan Drifter 800
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Vulcan Drifter 1500
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Engine
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Four-stroke, SOHC, V-twin, 8 valves
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Four-stroke, SOHC, V-twin, 8 valves
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Displacement
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805cc
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1,470cc
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Starting
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Electric
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Electric
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Bore x
stroke
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88 x
66.2mm
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102.0 x 90.0mm
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Compression
ratio
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9.5:1
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9.0:1
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Cooling
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Liquid
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Liquid
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Carburetion
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Keihin CVK36
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fuel injection with dual 36mm throttle bodies
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Ignition
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Digital with
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Digital
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Transmission
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Five-speed
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Five-speed
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Final
Drive
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Chain
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Shaft
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Frame
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High-tensile steel, double cradle
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High-tensile steel, double cradle
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Rake/trail
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31.5 degrees / 6.2 in
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32° / 6.5 in.
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Front
suspension/wheel travel
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41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
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41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
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Rear
suspension/wheel travel
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UNI-TRAK® single shock system with seven-way preload
adjustment / 4.1 in.
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Dual air-assisted shocks / 3.9 in.
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Front
Tire
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130/90x16 tube required
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130/90 x 16
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Rear Tire
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140/90x16 tube required
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150/80 x 16
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Front
brake/Rear brake
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Hydraulic disc / Disc
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Hydraulic disc / Disc
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Overall
length
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98.0 in
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100.2 in.
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Overall
width
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39.6 in.
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38.6 in
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Overall
height
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44.3 in
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43.9 in
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Ground
clearance
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6.3 in.
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4.9 in.
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Seat
height
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29.9 in
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28.7 in.
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Dry
weight
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542 lbs
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670 lbs.
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Wheelbase
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63.6 in.
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65.2 in.
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Fuel
Capacity
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5 gal
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MSRP
(2006)
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$7,399
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$11,549
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Vulcan Drifter 800
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Vulcan Drifter 1500
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V-Twin 805cc Engine with
Gear-Driven Balancer |
1,470cc OHC V-Twin
Gear-Driven Engine Balancer |
Four Valves Per Cylinder |
Four Valves per Cylinder
Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters |
Liquid and Air Cooling |
Liquid Cooling |
Five-Speed Transmission |
Five-Speed Transmission
Positive Neutral Finder (Kawasaki Exclusive) |
36mm CVK Side Draft Carburetor With
K-TRIC Throttle Position Sensor |
Digital Fuel Injection Dual Throttle Bodies Idle Speed Controller |
Double-Cradle Frame |
Double-Cradle Frame |
Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn
Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps |
Five-Gallon Fuel Tank |
Transistor Controlled Breakerless Ignition with Digital Timing Advance (TCBI) |
Shaft Drive |
41mm Front Fork |
Hydraulic Clutch Release |
Disc Brakes |
Disc Brakes |
48-Spoke Custom Wheels |
Self-Canceling Turn Signals |
UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension |
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Sleek Swingarm Design |
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