Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVN 1500 DRIFTER 1999 And why should I be like the others?

presentation of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999

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.

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Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

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Key facts Kawasaki VN 1500 DRIFTER (1999) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Roadholding
• Transmission
• Easy to handle

Weak points

• Handlebars too curved
• Suspensions

Bikers' reviews

of 9 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1999 2000 2001 2002

Replaced by

VN 1500 DRIFTER 2000

Performance

• Max speed : 165 km/h (102.50 mph)
• Average fuel consumption : 8.30 liters/100km (0.28 mpg)
• Estimated range : 229 km (142 miles)
  Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Competitors

Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 1999

Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow 1999

BMW R 1200 C 1999

Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 1999

Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 1999

Find others Cruiser of 1999

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 9 reviews

Belle mais trop fragile

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! 07/29/2021 11:25 Rating : 3/5 Respond to Brunaldo

jac Model 1999

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 02/13/2021 10:14 Rating : 4/5 Respond to jac

Topissime

Pil Model 2001

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. 07/11/2020 08:42 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Pil

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 05/30/2020 20:05 Rating : 4/5 Respond to jean pierre

FAB Model 2001

(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) 01/30/2018 15:40 Rating : 4/5 Respond to FAB

FAB Model 2001

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. 01/30/2018 15:30 Rating : 4/5 Respond to FAB

modifier la rentree d air

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 04/08/2017 15:40 Rating : 4/5 Respond to bern

Nioume membre de l'équipe Model 1999

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. 01/11/2012 22:09 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Nioume

lintegre Model 1999

Where can I find a new one? 01/11/2012 18:10 Rating : 5/5 Respond to lintegre

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999

What is the power of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999?

The VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999 develops a power of 64 ch (63.10 hp)

What is the torque of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999?

The maximum torque of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999 is 11.40 mkg to 3,000 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999?

The VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999 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 1999?

The VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999 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 1999?

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 1999?

To ensure good accessibility, the VN 1500 DRIFTER 1999 offers a minimum seat height of 730 mm (28.74 in).