Cruisers

1999Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter

26 fields on record

The 1999 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking relaxed, low-slung riding comfort with authentic V-twin character. Known for its accessible 65 horsepower and manageable weight, it delivers dependable performance ideal for highway cruising and casual riding. Its shaft drive and smooth 1470cc engine make it a reliable choice for cruiser enthusiasts prioritizing style and stability over raw power.

Capacity: 1470.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 298.0 kg
Seat height: 730 mm
Power: 65.0 HP (47.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

Other years 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring65%

Two-up65%

Track10%

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 730mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1999 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1470.0 ccm
Power: 65.0 HP (47.8 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2181 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 90.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Performance

Top speed: 177.0 km/h (110.0 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1655 mm
Seat height: 730 mm
Dry weight: 298.0 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

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.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMApr 1999 · 99V067000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES (VN1500-J1/L) EQUIPPED WITH A DIGITAL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND A VEHICLE-DOWN SENSOR. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FROM CONTINUING TO PUMP FUEL IF THE MOTORCYCLE FALLS DOWN, BY SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION AND FUEL INJECTION PUMP. DURING BATTERY MAINTENANCE, THE VEHICLE-DOWN SENSOR CAN BE DISLODGED FROM ITS NORMAL MOUNTED POSITION. IF THE SENSOR IS OUT OF POSITION, THE MOTORCYCLE MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL DURING CERTAIN DRIVING MANEUVERS.

Risk: IF THE SENSOR IS NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED, THE ENGINE CAN CRANK BUT NOT START OR THE ENGINE COULD STOP DURING CERTAIN RIDING SITUATIONS, LIKE LEANING OVER IN A TURN. SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD CAUSE THE OPERATOR TO LOSE THEIR BALANCE RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER MOUNTING OF THE SENSOR AND RE-INSTALL IF IT IS NOT IN THE CORRECT POSITION. DEALERS WILL ALSO AFFIX TO THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME, A WARNING LABEL THAT PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS ON REPOSITIONING THE VEHICLE-DOWN SENSOR AFTER SERVICING THE BATTERY.

These recalls cover some 1999 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →