Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500 vs Kawasaki Drifter 1500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500 vs Kawasaki Drifter 1500. Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500: 68 hp @ 4,800 rpm hp, 309 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Kawasaki Drifter 1500: 67 hp @ 4,800 rpm hp, 329 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500
Kawasaki Drifter 1500
Horsepower (hp)
68 hp
67 hp
Torque (Nm)
118 Nm
119 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
309 kg
329 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
68 hp @ 4,800 rpm
67 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque
118 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
119 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h
175 km/h (estimated)
Weight
309 kg (wet/curb weight)
329 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L)
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500
7.8/10
"Reliable, characterful cruiser that genuinely embarrasses bikes costing twice as much."
Pros
+Bulletproof Kawasaki engine reliability
+Strong low-end torque delivery
+Parts widely available cheap
Cons
−Carb needs attention if neglected
−Chrome deteriorates and costs
−Heavy for newer riders
Kawasaki Drifter 1500
7.5/10
"A gorgeous cruiser worth buying only in excellent condition."
Pros
+Stunning retro Indian-inspired styling
+Punchy torquey V-twin
+Comfortable long-haul ergonomics
Cons
−Parts nearly unobtainium now
−Chrome deteriorates badly neglected
−Carbs temperamental after storage
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
