Positioned in Kawasaki's custom - cruiser motorcycle lineup, the 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter utilizes a 805 cc (49.1 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 56 HP (40.9 kW) at 7,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 64 Nm (47.2 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 69.6 HP per liter and a 3,500 rpm working window between peak torque (3,500 rpm) and peak power (7,000 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.
On the scales, the Vulcan 800 Drifter measures 271 kg (597 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.21 HP/kg (4.84 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 759 mm (29.9 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,615 mm (63.6 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5.41 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 277 km (172 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 167 km/h (104 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2005 to 2006, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
69.6 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.21 HP/kg (4.84 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
3,500–7,000 rpm
Theoretical Range
~277 km (172 mi)
Engine
Displacement805.0 ccm (49.12 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Power56.0 HP (40.9 kW)) @ 7000 RPM
Torque64.0 Nm (6.5 kgf-m or 47.2 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM
Compression9.5:1
Bore x Stroke88.0 x 66.2 mm (3.5 x 2.6 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin CVK36
Fuel ControlSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)
IgnitionDigital with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control
CoolingLiquid
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveChain (final drive)
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operated
Performance
Top Speed167.0 km/h (103.8 mph)
Fuel Consumption5.41 litres/100 km (18.5 km/l or 43.48 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases125.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Rake31.5°
Front Suspension41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear SuspensionUNI-TRAK® single shock system with seven-way preload adjustment / 4.1 in.
Wheelbase1615 mm (63.6 inches)
Ground Clearance160 mm (6.3 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre130/90-x16
Rear Tyre140/90-x16
Front BrakesDouble disc. Two-piston calipers.
Front Brake Ø300 mm (11.8 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Rear Brake Ø130 mm (5.1 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight245.8 kg (542.0 pounds)
Weight incl.271.0 kg (597.5 pounds)
Power/Weight0.2278 HP/kg
Seat Height759 mm (29.9 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.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
