Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter is a 1940s-styled cruiser loosely based on the lines of the c. 1940 Chief produced by the Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company.

Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter
Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter
ManufacturerKawasaki Motorcycles
EngineFour-stroke, SOHC, V-twin, 8 valves[1]
Bore / stroke88.0 x 66.2 mm
Compression ratio9.5:1
Ignition typeDigital with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control
Transmission5 speed
Tires130/90x16 (front)
140/90x16 (rear)
Wheelbase1,615 mm
Weight245.8 kg (dry)
Related1500 Drifter
800 Drifter customized to look like an Indian motorcycle

Features

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The Drifter VN800 is powered by a modern, carbureted, single overhead cam, single pin, liquid cooled 805 cc 55-degree V-twin engine. The twin cylinders have 'cooling fins', but they are almost entirely for show.

The Drifter has a hidden rear mono-shock to make it appear to be a hard-tail, akin to a Harley-Davidson Softail. The front and rear fenders cover about half of the respective wheel, and are the most striking visual cue.

Discontinued

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When Kawasaki revealed its 2007 models, the 800 Drifter no longer appeared in the Vulcan line-up.

References

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  1. ^ "2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter @ Top Speed". February 2006.