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Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 And why should I be like the others?

Cruiser
Photo of Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000

presentation of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000

the end of the century was marked by the custom craze and nostalgia. At Kawa, we had a nose for detail and made different choices that paid off. The result was the superb W 650, a clone of the Bonneville 650 of the 60s, and the Drifter. Also available in an 800 cm3 version, these machines are not, as usual, inspired by Harleys, but this time by the now-defunct Indian. Characteristically long-skirted over the wheels, this style stands out in the category, although it's not exactly cheerful. Different and eye-catching, the Drifter relies on more than just its silhouette to seduce. Its fuel-injected 1500 V-twin delivers decent power, at least for this type of custom motorization. 64 efficient but smoothly distilled horsepower, backed up by an excellent gearbox. The Kawa's performance is assured, but its feel is somewhat lacking. Easy to handle and comfortable, although the handlebars are too curved, the 1500 Drifter offers good roadholding, as long as you stay on good roads. We couldn't conclude without dwelling a little on this custom's braking, which is excellent despite being equipped with a single disc per wheel. If you want to stand out from the crowd, the Drifter is a must.

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 1Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 1
Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 2Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 2Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 3Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 3Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 4Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 4Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 5Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 5Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 6Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 - 6

M.B
manufacturer's photos

Key facts Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER (2000) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

  • Roadholding
  • Transmission
  • Easy to handle

Weak points

  • Handlebars too curved
  • Suspensions

Prices

Basic version
flag FranceFrance
12,295€

Bikers' reviews

of 9 reviews

Model sold in 1999 2000 2001 2002

Replace VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999

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VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999

Performance

Specifications Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000

Chassis
Frame : double steel cradle
Fuel capacity : 19 liters (5.02 US gallons)
Seat height : 730 mm (28.74 in)
Length : 2,545 mm (100.20 in)
Width : 980 mm (38.58 in)
Min height : 1,115 mm (43.90 in)
Wheelbase : 1,655 mm (65.16 in)
Dry weight : 292 kg (644 lb)
Weight when fully loaded : 324 kg (714 lb)
Front axle
Telehydraulic fork Ø 41 mm, Wheel travel : 150 mm (5.91 in)
Braking 1 disc Ø 300 mm (11.81 in), 2-piston caliper
Front tire : 130 / 90 - 16 → Order this type of tire
Transmission
5 stage gearbox
Secondary cardan shaft
Rear axle
2 lateral shock absorbers, Wheel travel : 100 mm (3.94 in)
Braking 1 disc Ø 270 mm (10.63 in), 2-piston caliper
Rear tire : 150 / 80 - 16 → Order this type of tire
Motor
two-cylinder en V , 4 strokes
Injection Ø 36 mm
Cooling system : liquid
1 ACT
4 valves per cylinder
1,470 cc
64 ch (63.10 hp) to 4,700 rpm
11.40 mkg to 3,000 rpm
Power-to-weight ratio : 4.63 kg/ch
Weight / torque ratio : 25.61 kg/mkg
Compression : 9 : 1
Practical information
Take care of your motorcycle! Find all the parts and maintenance products you need to keep your bike in top condition.
Motorcyle equipment adapted for all members of the family and security elements.

Gallery

Models

2002

2001

2000

1999

Compare the VN 1500 DRIFTER to its competitors

Acceleration

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 Undisclosed
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 Undisclosed
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 : 6.8 s
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 5.3 s
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 : 8.4 s
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 Undisclosed
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 Undisclosed

Fuel consumption

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 : 8.30 liters/100km (0.28 mpg)
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 : 10 liters/100km (0.24 mpg)
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 Undisclosed
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 6.30 liters/100km (0.37 mpg)
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 Undisclosed
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 : 7.20 liters/100km (0.33 mpg)
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 : 6.70 liters/100km (0.35 mpg)

Range

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 : 229 km (142 miles)
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 : 200 km (124 miles)
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 Undisclosed
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 278 km (173 miles)
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 Undisclosed
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 : 278 km (173 miles)
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 : 194 km (121 miles)

Torque

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 : 11.4 mkg
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 : 13.4 mkg
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 : 9.5 mkg
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 10 mkg
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 : 10.6 mkg
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 : 13.4 mkg
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 : 10.7 mkg

Power

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 : 64 ch (63.10 hp)
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 : 102 ch (100.60 hp)
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 : 58 ch (57.20 hp)
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 61 ch (60.20 hp)
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 : 63 ch (62.10 hp)
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 : 63 ch (62.10 hp)
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 : 60 ch (59.20 hp)

Power-to-Weight ratio

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 : 4.63 kg/ch
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 : 3.07 kg/ch
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 : 4.88 kg/ch
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 4.25 kg/ch
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 : 5.09 kg/ch
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 : 4.94 kg/ch
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 : 4.09 kg/ch

Torque-to-Weight ratio

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 : 25.61 kg/mkg
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 : 23.06 kg/mkg
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 : 29.37 kg/mkg
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 25.6 kg/mkg
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 : 29.81 kg/mkg
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 : 22.91 kg/mkg
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 : 22.62 kg/mkg

Speed

Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 : 165 km/h (102.50 mph)
Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000 : 210 km/h (130.50 mph)
Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 2000 : 155 km/h (96.30 mph)
BMW R 1200 C 2000 : 180 km/h (111.80 mph)
Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC FLSTC 2000 : approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph)
Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000 : approximately 170 km/h (105.60 mph)
Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000 : approximately 170 km/h (105.60 mph)

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 9 reviews

Belle mais trop fragile
French Brunaldo Model 1999
It's a nice copy of Indian, albeit longer, but that's where it ends... I've changed the engine twice on my Drifter 1500 (fortunately under warranty), and I've lost count of the number of start-up failures, weak battery, electronics taking over and blocking the ignition with characteristic clicking noises, sensitive to temperature changes, can't take the strain on the brakes in the mountains, high fuel consumption and the need to pump every 110 or 120 km. A far cry from the Honda Shadow I loved so much. It's easy to understand the hierarchy of solidity with Honda at the top, followed by Yamaha, then Suzuki and finally Kawasaki at the bottom of the scale of the 4 main Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. Other than that, comfortable, supple, made for big Americans "cruising" on straight, flat freeways. But I won't be selling it! Rating : 3/5
hello
i've had one for over 5 years and I don't want to sell it
i drove it at 6000 klm
it has 45,000 and works like a charm
merci kawa
a plus
Rating : 4/5
Topissime
A superb, torquey Japanese with character! The only drawback is the single disc brake per wheel... And yet another small hitch, its rarity, which limits the availability of spare parts unless you go directly to the Kawasaki site. Otherwise, I'm proud to ride this machine, which is rarely seen on French roads. Rating : 4/5
French jean pierre Model 2001
so the spec sheet isn't too bad, but some models are carbureted (1500) and tank capacities can differ. I'm trying to buy one with a 16-liter tank, and my fuel consumption was about 5 liters 8 Rating : 4/5
(cont'd:)longest treaty journey: evreux narbonne . 850km.10h00
Arrived cool as a cucumber, with just a little discomfort on the inside of the elbow from maintaining acceleration. Braking of mine on wet ground catastrophic (equipped with Harley tires and I have however a very soft braking)
Rating : 4/5
Very good bike. Original, reliable, supple, comfortable, not very easy to handle at low speed on bumpy surfaces or gravel (center of gravity too high), limited range (175km on the road and 145 on the freeway before a large reserve: 5 to 6 liters), doesn't go unnoticed. I bought it in 2001 and it has never let me down on the road. Battery changed when I was 13. The rest is original. Rating : 4/5
modifier la rentree d air
French bern Model 1999
i've had it for 3 years and I've done boston, cape Code, and many other trips, and I'm satisfied with this bike, suspension and engine nothing to say. it gives me a good performance and nice rides with other bikers Rating : 4/5
It's an old model, and it seems to me that Kawasaki stopped selling it in 2002, so there are only second-hand models left.

However, the VN 1700 classic is still available new.
Rating : 5/5
French lintegre Model 1999
Where can I find a new one? Rating : 5/5
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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000

What is the power of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000?
The VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 develops a power of 64 ch (63.10 hp)
What is the torque of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000?
The maximum torque of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 is 11.40 mkg to 3,000 rpm.
What is the maximum speed of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000?
The VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 is capable of reaching a top speed of 165 km/h (102.50 mph) on the track.
What is the weight of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000?
The VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 has a a dry weight of 292 kg (644 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 324 kg (714 lb).
What is the fuel consumption of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000?
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 8.30 l/100km (0.28 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
QWhat is the seat height of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000?
To ensure good accessibility, the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 offers a minimum seat height of 730 mm (28.74 in).
What is the price of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000?
The price of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000 is 12,295€ in France