2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter Review

2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter

Great first cruiser with Great classic styling and at a great price…

For cruiser enthusiasts who love the styling cues of the 1940s, the 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter cruiser has all the class and technological virtues of its larger sibling, the Drifter 1500 – including a solo saddle, wire wheels draped with sculpted fenders, sturdy V-twin engine and a fishtail muffler. This smaller Drifter is also easier on the bank account for riders who are just getting started in their cruiser experience.

The Drifter’s 36mm carburetor features the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) throttle position censor, which is connected to the digitally mapped ignition system. K-TRIC varies ignition timing according to throttle position and engine rpm so that the ignition compensates for differing engine loads. The result is crisp throttle response and better fuel efficiency.

The 2004 Vulcan 800 Drifter is powered by a 805cc V-twin SOHC four-stroke engine with a single-pin crankshaft for a classic V-twin rumble and gear driven balancer to reduce vibration. Finned cylinders and four-valve heads are liquid-cooled for optimum thermal control. Concealed automatic cam chain tensioners preserve the engine’s clean lines and allow more precise cam timing, while a spin-on oil filter helps make maintenance a quick and easy job.

2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter Key Features

2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter – Specifications/Technical Details
USA MSRP Price: $6,999 USD
Canadian MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in CDN

DIMENSIONS
Length 98.0 in.

Height 44.3 in.

Width 39.6 in.

Weight 542 lbs.

Ground Clearance 6.3 in.

Wheelbase 63.6 in.

Seat Height 29.9 in.

ENGINE
Engine Four-stroke, SOHC, V-twin, 8 valves, Electric Start, Liquid Cooled

Displacement 805cc

Bore x Stroke 88 x 66.2mm

Compression Ratio 9.5:1

Fuel System Keihin CVK36

Ignition Digital with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC)

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission Five-speed

Final Drive Shaft

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES
Brakes Front: Hydraulic disc
Rear: Disc

Tires Front: 130/90 x 16 tubeless
Rear: 140/90 x 16 tubeless

OPERATIONAL
Frame High-tensile steel, double cradle

Suspension Front: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork; 5.9 in. travel
Rear: UNI-TRAK® single shock system with seven-way preload adjustment; 4.1 in. travel

OTHER
Colors Ebony/Galaxy Silver

Suggested Starting Price shown does not include tax, title, or destination charge. Dealer prices may vary.