Total Motorcycle Website – 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter

– 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter

The Kawasaki Vulcan® 800 Drifter® cruiser has all the 1940s style and advanced features of the 1500 Drifter, but its smaller engine and lighter chassis make this middleweight Kawasaki perfect for those who are just getting started in the retro-cruiser lifestyle.
Power for the Vulcan 800 Drifter comes from an 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.

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.

At the rear of the single backbone, double-cradle frame is a sleek, triangulated steel swingarm and Kawasaki UNI-TRAK® linkage rear suspension system, which provide a smooth ride while maintaining the retro look of a hard tail cruiser. Front and rear disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power.

For comfort, the Drifter’s specially contoured solo saddle is nice and low, allowing the rider to comfortably plant both feet on the ground at stops. Wide floorboards allow for a relaxed sitting position, a heel-toe shifter makes changing gears in the five-speed transmission a snap, and self-canceling turn signals add to rider convenience.

Finally, the generous use of chrome on the engine covers, bullet-shaped headlight shell, fork and shock covers, handlebar and clamp, rear fender rail, and license-plate bracket enhance the custom look. Upon its introduction in 1999, the Kawasaki Drifter motorcycle’s styling was selected for permanent display in the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design collection. Placed on display at the museum’s main building in downtown Chicago, it was declared “a work of art that goes beyond transportation. With its neo-retro style and esoteric performance technology, the Drifter embodies the essence of form and function.”

Features & Benefits

V-Twin 805cc Engine with Gear-Driven Balancer
– Torque from idle to redline

– Smooth and reliable

– Balancer allows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration

Four Valves Per Cylinder

– Better breathing for more power and low-end torque

– Single overhead cam design is simple, lightweight and practical

Liquid and Air Cooling

– Finned cylinders and heads combine with liquid cooling to provide exceptional thermal control

– Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use

– Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic

Five-Speed Transmission

– Ratios designed for great acceleration and relaxed highway cruising

– Exclusive Positive Neutral Finder

36mm CVK Side Draft Carburetor With K-TRIC Throttle Position Sensor

– A throttle-position sensor monitors engine load, allowing its micro-computer to determine the best ignition timing for more power and better fuel economy

Double-Cradle Frame

– Right down-tube unbolts for easy engine access

– High-tensile steel for strength and light weight

Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps

– Compact design complements the bike’s clean look

– Clean-design locking gas cap

– Modern instrument cluster with nostalgic style

Transistor Controlled Breakerless Ignition with Digital Timing Advance (TCBI)

– A hot spark at all engine speeds for easy starting, smooth running and good fuel economy

– Virtually maintenance-free

41mm Front Fork

– Excellent rigidity and 5.9 inches of travel

– Wide fork pitch for classic look

Disc Brakes

– Front and rear disc brakes provide sure stops

48-Spoke Custom Wheels

– Chromed steel rims and spokes with “spool-style” polished aluminum front hub

UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension

– Single shock absorber with seven-way cam-type preload adjuster

Sleek Swingarm Design

– Triangulated, steel swingarm looks like a “hard tail”

– Engineered for rigidity, provides precise handling with good tire and chain life

Specifications

Engine: Four-stroke, SOHC, V-twin, 8 valves
Displacement: 805cc

Starting : Electric

Bore x stroke: 88 x 66.2mm

Compression ratio: 9.5:1

Cooling: Liquid

Carburetion: Keihin CVK36

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

Transmission: Five-speed

Frame: High-tensile steel, double cradle

Rake / trail: 31.5 degrees / 6.2 in

Suspension, front: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork

Suspension, rear: UNI-TRAK® single shock system with seven-way preload adjustment

Wheel travel, front: 5.9 in.

Wheel travel, rear: 4.1 in.

Tire, front: 130/90 x 16 tubeless

Tire, rear: 140/90 x 16 tubeless

Brakes, front / rear: Hydraulic disc / Disc

Overall length: 98.0 in.

Overall width: 39.6 in.

Overall height: 44.3 in.

Ground clearance: 6.3 in.

Seat height: 29.9 in.

Dry weight: 542 lbs.

Wheelbase: 63.6 in.

Color: Black

* Price and specifications subject to change