Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter reviews

best bike I have ever owned!I LOVE this bike! From its appearance to its performance and reliability, it has been an excellent experience. I spent years wanting one since early 1999 when reports first surfaced of this bike. It took years to finally make a decision. In fact, it was my learning that the 1500 had been retired in 2005 and the fact that it appeared the 800 would follow that finally got me to buy, and I have not looked back since. Who could not fall for those beautiful lines! The bike has really proven to be very comfortable on short and long rides. Overall quality is excellent with no mechanical issues to date. I love the attention she gets! I have taken her on a couple of longer trips and, although she is only an 800CC, I find she can keep up with just about any other cruiser out there. The chain maintenance is something to keep in mind, however it is not that bad and I much prefer the look of the 800s concealed suspension and hard tail look. I would highly recommend the bike and hope to enjoy it for years to come. Show less

This is my first bike, I wouldn't change it for any other bike, I'm in it for the long haul. When I was looking for a cruiser for the first time, I looked at every motorcycle dealer site just looking for something that catches my eyes. When I came on about the Kawasaki site and saw the drifter, I told my wife that I just have to have it; I made a few phone calls every one told me that it's a special order so I started to shop around for the lowest price. So far, I bought my bike in the spring/summer off 2005. Overall, I give it a 5 star. But I wish that the double seat with hardware wouldn't cost so much... Show less

After nearly 10,000mi.I still love this bike. You have to like its looks, though, which I do. It's not a powerhouse but then again my last bike was a Suzuki GSX-R 750. This bike is VERY smooth and is quite comfortable, even for two. The only downside is the seat/rear fender setup. You can only ride a passenger if you buy a double seat and rear subframe (from Kaw. $$$$). Also, saddlebag options are limited because of this. Again, it's worth it to me to ride something different. PS: This is my 15th bike. Show less

The comfort is awesome! I thought I would miss my old bike but when I picked up my Drifter and shifted into second there was no looking back. Ride is smooth and the looks of the bike are great. Extremely nice fit for tall riders (6ft).....Seat is awesome!!!!!Handles wonderful.....5 stars Kawasaki....you did it right! Show less

The ride on this bike is much nicer then the 800 classic. I feel fewer bumps on the road, and the ride is easier to handle. Even for my size, I don't feel it is too big for me, yet it still would be big enough for someone around 6'0" Show less

I was not into the whole retro thing, until I rode this bike. It is nimble, quick and just molds to you. Kawasaki has really got the mix of modern and old school down pat. I am fully impressed with this bike and plan to have it for a long time... Show less

What a great looking motorcycle. I'm a new rider and it's got enough power for me. That bike will do over 80 all day. The look is just great. For the money it's a great buy. You get a lot for your buck. You can ride this bike all day and night no problem. The only thing I don't like is no fuel gauge. Show less

This is a great starter bike for any average height man. This is a smooth looking, and riding bike. I have been riding my 2003 Drifter since December 2004. It had only 600 miles on it. It has been a solid bike to learn on because it has a low seat height, wide tires, and is very comfortable. The longest I have ridden is about 110 miles / day. My butt was a little sore because the seat does not give too much. (I am a new rider too though). It could use a slightly longer seat to stretch out, but you could buy cruise pegs too. The floorboards are awesome, and add a lot of comfort too. You don't have to wear thick healed boots either. Performance - Here goes. Plenty of throttle, good stopping. Firm front end, squishy comfortable rear end. (I think that is because I am 250 lbs.) Show less

This 800 Drifter is a super clean bike. With hardchrome pipes and rejetting it runs and sounds great. There's lots of power! It's a dream come true for me. It looks great with bags, a windshield, and full seat. Show less

I bought a Drifter 800 five weeks ago. It has been a great starter bike for me. I love the look and feel. Show less