At the heart of the 2001 Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter custom - cruiser motorcycle, Kawasaki pairs a 1471 cc (89.8 cu in) v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 64 HP (46.7 kW) at 4,700 rpm while maximum torque reaches 113 Nm (83.3 lb-ft) at 2,800 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 43.5 HP per liter and a 1,900 rpm working window between peak torque (2,800 rpm) and peak power (4,700 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.
On the scales, the VN 1500 Drifter measures 304 kg (670 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.21 HP/kg (4.75 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 730 mm (28.7 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,655 mm (65.2 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 19-liter (5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 182 km/h (113 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1999 to 2001, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
43.5 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.21 HP/kg (4.75 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
2,800–4,700 rpm
Standover Height
730 mm (28.7 in)
Engine
Displacement1471.0 ccm (89.76 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Power64.0 HP (46.7 kW)) @ 4700 RPM
Torque113.0 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 2800 RPM
Bore x Stroke102.0 x 90.0 mm (4.0 x 3.5 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemInjection
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed182.0 km/h (113.1 mph)
Chassis
Front Travel150 mm (5.9 inches)
Rear Travel100 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheelbase1655 mm (65.2 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre130/90-H16
Rear Tyre150/80-H16
Front BrakesSingle disc
Front Brake Ø300 mm (11.8 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Rear Brake Ø270 mm (10.6 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight304.0 kg (670.2 pounds)
Power/Weight0.2105 HP/kg
Seat Height730 mm (28.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
