KAWASAKI Vulcan 800 Drifter (2006-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1984, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer introduced the Vulcan series, a range of custom or touring motorcycles with the "VN" designation. The range comprised numerous models powered mainly by a V-twin engine with different displacements and appearances.

In 2006, the Japanese motorcycle maker launched the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter, a 1940s-styled cruiser motorcycle based on the looks of the 1940 Indian Chief model. It was powered by a modern, carburated V-twin engine that featured stylish cooling fins almost entirely for show.

On the rear end, the Drifter featured a single shock absorber on the rear that created a hard-tail design like the Harley-Davidson Softail, and the front and rear fenders covered about half of the wheels, making them the most striking visual cue.

In the aesthetic department, the bike had standard features, such as a round headlight up front with a chromed housing, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single seat, bobbed fenders, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and wire-spoke wheels.

Suspension-wise, the motorcycle was built on a high tensile double-cradle steel frame with a 41 mm telescopic fork on the front and an adjustable uni-trak shock absorber on the rear, offering a hard-tail design and optimum handling capabilities.

As for power, the 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter had its soul brought to life by an 805cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered 56 hp at 7,000 rpm and 64 Nm (47 lb-ft) torque at 3,300 rpm.