The
800 Drifter, smaller cousin to the 1500 Drifter, now comes with
a solo saddle, to emphasize its 1940s-Indian styling. You can
buy last year's seat, which accommodates a passenger, as an
accessory. Those deep, deep fenders never fail to generate discussion
wherever you park this gorgeous machine. As with the other Vulcan
800s, this is a bike for those who have already mastered the
basic controls of a bike, or are large of stature. If that's
you, then this is one of the most beautiful bikes around, period.
Seat height: 29.9 inches.
This
is one of my rare exceptions to the metric mid size cruisers.
I'm torn between assigning a B or C rating here, the Drifter
is simply a heavy bike for a middle-weight. The dry weight
nearly rivals the Kawi's original 1500A Vulcan, 542 pounds
(the 1500A was 556 dry). I daresay Suzuki's 1400 Intruder
almost makes a better choice at $1300 more than the Drifter,
for the simple matter that the 'Truder tips the scales at
533 dry. The Intruder's extra power is what keeps me from
giving it a higher rating than the Drifter. On that note,
I would give the Drifter the same rating I would the Intruder
(or even an 1100 Shadow Spirit), for a mid-sized bike that
ranks in the same weight category as a big bike is why I
can't give it better marks. Still, even at 600+ pounds wet
I'd have to recommend the Drifter over the Sportster due
to a lower center of gravity. That and they just look so
sweet too, Kawasaki did a better job at revamping the Indian
than Indian did.
Recommendations
made by Beginner Bikes Magazine, it's staff, team members
or riding club officers, are based on the skills of a novice
rider, of average stature and do not necessarily represent
the ideal for every rider. While Beginner Bikes encourages
safe, smart riding, we do not assume responsibility for
each individual. Please ride with care at your own risk.
Beginner
Bikes Buyer's Guide
