2000 Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter *DOUBLE SEAT INCLUDED* – SN600

UK Registration: W131 YJG

🏍️ For Sale: 2000 Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter – Rare Retro Cruiser | Fuel Injected | Corbin Seat | 7,250 Miles 🏍️

Inspired by the past. Built for the present.

🕰️ The Story Behind the Drifter – A Tribute to a Legend

The Kawasaki Drifter series stands as one of the most unique and nostalgic cruiser lines ever built by a Japanese manufacturer. Launched in the late 1990s, the Drifter was conceived as a stylistic tribute to the classic Indian Chief motorcycles of the 1940s — machines revered for their art deco styling, full skirted fenders, and timeless road presence.

In fact, Kawasaki worked with renowned custom builder Don Emde, who designed the original Drifter prototype based on a customized Indian Chief. Kawasaki took that concept and, in a bold departure from traditional cruiser design, put it into production — bringing old-school Americana to the modern motorcycle world with a reliable Japanese twist.

What emerged was a cruiser with:

• Fully valanced fenders

• Streamlined, minimalistic lines

• Hidden components for a cleaner profile

• And a clear homage to the glory days of early American motorcycling

While the VN800 Drifter launched first in 1999, the VN1500 followed as the flagship, offering big-bore V-twin power, fuel injection, and shaft drive — all wrapped in jaw-dropping vintage styling. It became an instant cult classic, and today, good examples are increasingly hard to find.

🔧 Technical Specs & Condition

• Model: Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter

• Year: 2000

• Mileage: Just 7,250 miles (Note: Odometer reads in km, not miles)

• Engine: 1470cc liquid-cooled V-twin

• Fuel System: Fuel-injected (not carbureted — smoother, more efficient running)

• Transmission: 5-speed manual

• Final Drive: Low-maintenance shaft drive

• Suspension: Traditional dual rear shocks (not hidden monoshock like the VN800)

• Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes

• Color: Burgundy with chrome and black accents

• Style: Classic cruiser with full skirted fenders, sweeping body lines, and clean period-correct finishes

🧰 Recent Work & Upgrades

This bike has been freshly serviced and carefully maintained, ready to ride or show:

• ✅ Brand new battery

• ✅ New front tyre

• ✅ 4 new spark plugs (twin-plug cylinder heads)

• ✅ Oil and filter change

• ✅ New air filter

• ✅ Front and rear brake calipers rebuilt with stainless steel pistons

• ✅ Master cylinders rebuilt with new seals

Mechanically sorted — no expenses spared.

💎 Noteworthy Features

• 💺 RARE Corbin solo seat — premium leather, studded with fringe; highly sought-after and expensive upgrade

• 🧳 Includes the original dual seat for flexible two-up riding

• 🔧 Recently overhauled braking system, both front and rear calipers rebuilt

⚖️ VN1500 vs. VN800 – The Real Deal

This VN1500 is not to be confused with the smaller 800cc version. Here’s why it matters:

💬 Final Thoughts

The Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter is more than a motorcycle — it’s a rolling tribute to history, and one of the few factory bikes that dared to combine modern reliability with uncompromising vintage style. With low miles, rare upgrades, and fresh servicing, this example is an exceptional find.

Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or just someone who wants to ride something truly unique, this Drifter is ready for the spotlight.