Cruisers
2000Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter
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The 2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter is a cruiser motorcycle designed for riders seeking a low-slung, accessible riding position with classic styling. Its 1470cc V-twin engine delivers substantial low-end torque ideal for relaxed highway cruising and city riding. Known for its affordable entry into the cruiser market, the Drifter combines manageable weight and accessible seat height with authentic custom appeal.
- Capacity
- 1470.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 302.0 kg
- Seat height
- 730 mm
- Power
- 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM
What’s new for the 2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter
vs the 1999| Spec | 1999 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 65.0 HP (47.8 kW) | 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM |
| Torque | — | 113.0 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 2800 RPM |
| Top speed | 177.0 km/h (110.0 mph) | 140.0 km/h (87.0 mph) |
| Dry weight | 298.0 kg (657.0 pounds) | 302.0 kg (665.8 pounds) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and classic American-style styling rather than outright performance or agility.
- Built for
- A retro-styled, V-twin cruiser that rewards a relaxed riding style with a deep torque-driven feel, shaft-drive smoothness, and heritage cruiser presence.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high-speed performance, or any off-road capability.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 1470.0 ccm
- Power
- 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM
- Torque
- 113.0 Nm (11.5 kgf-m) @ 2800 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2119 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 102.0 x 90.0 mm
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 140.0 km/h (87.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1655 mm
- Seat height
- 730 mm
- Dry weight
- 302.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 16.00 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
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 270 mm
- Front tyre
- 130/90-H16
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-H16
Other
- Color options
- Red
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1470 cc | 1470 cc | 1471 cc |
| Dry weight | 298 kg | 302 kg | 304 kg |
| Seat height | 730 mm | 730 mm | 730 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16 L | 16 L | 19 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter?
The 2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter has a Capacity of 1470.0 ccm (89.70 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter have?
The 2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter has a Power of 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter have?
The 2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter?
The 2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter has a Torque of 113.0 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 2800 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter weigh?
The 2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter has a Dry weight of 302.0 kg (665.8 pounds).
Shop this bike
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Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
2000 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic Fi
1470 cc · 292 kg · 720 mm
1999 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic
1471 cc · 292 kg · 705 mm
2001 Suzuki VL 1500 LC Intruder
1462 cc · 296 kg · 700 mm
2000 Suzuki VL 1500 LC Intruder
1462 cc · 296 kg · 700 mm
2000 Harley-Davidson FXSTD Softail Deuce
1449 cc · 305 kg · 659 mm
2001 Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce Injection
1449 cc · 305 kg · 719 mm
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