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Cruisers

2000Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter

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The 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter is a mid-sized cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its liquid-cooled 805cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, accessible power ideal for both new and experienced cruiser enthusiasts. Known for its low seat height and manageable weight, the Drifter excels as an approachable entry-level cruiser with timeless appeal.

Capacity
805.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
248.0 kg
Seat height
760 mm
Power
57.0 HP (41.9 kW)

What’s new for the 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter

vs the 1999
Spec19992000
Torque — 61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m or 45.0 ft.lbs)
Top speed 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph) 170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Dry weight 298.0 kg (657.0 pounds) 248.0 kg (546.7 pounds)
Other years 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 35Agility 40Comfort 68Off-road 10Touring 55Road manners 60
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering35%
City riding45%
Daily riding55%
Touring58%
Two-up55%
Track10%
Best for
Built for relaxed, classic-styled boulevard and weekend cruising rather than outright speed or sport handling.
Built for
A retro-styled V-twin cruiser that emphasizes styling, torque-driven low-end pull, and unhurried highway comfort over performance.
Not ideal for
Not a good match for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 760mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
805.0 ccm
Power
57.0 HP (41.9 kW)
Torque
61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m)
Engine type
V-Twin
Power/weight ratio
0.2298 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
88.0 x 66.2 mm
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1615 mm
Seat height
760 mm
Dry weight
248.0 kg
Fuel capacity
15.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
150 mm
Rear wheel travel
100 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
300 mm
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Rear brakes diameter
270 mm
Front tyre
130/90-H16
Rear tyre
140/90-H16
Other
Color options
Red, beige

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 19992000200120022003
Capacity 805 cc 805 cc 805 cc 805 cc 805 cc
Dry weight 298 kg 248 kg 246 kg 246 kg 246 kg
Seat height 760 mm 760 mm 760 mm 760 mm 760 mm
Fuel capacity 15 L 15 L 15 L 15 L 15 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter?

The 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter has a Capacity of 805.0 ccm (49.12 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter have?

The 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter has a Power of 57.0 HP (41.9 kW).

How many gears does the Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter have?

The 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter?

The 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter has a Torque of 61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m or 45.0 ft.lbs).

How much does the Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter weigh?

The 2000 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter has a Dry weight of 248.0 kg (546.7 pounds).

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