Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter (motorcycle classic)

[@robertgauvin6577]

The Drifter originally started as a custom concept designed by Denny Berg of Cobra Customs. he tried to imagine what a new Chief would look like if they were being made, which they get that right in the video. They WEREN'T being made. Anyway you can still see the bike on their Cobra USA site, as well as a police version. Legend has it that someone at Kawi got wind of it and a collab was born. There were some legal issues i think after Indian of Gilroy was awarded the rights to make S&S powered Chief's in the late 90's. The Drifter's weren't super popular at the time, but now have become a little more of a cool piece of motorcycle design history. There was also an 800 version.

[@OMGMOTO]

It is a really neat bike for sure. I didn't know they has. a police version. Thank you for watching.

[@roadkingjim3818]

Have always loved the styling of the drifter, it's a shame they're not in production anyone

[@OMGMOTO]

It is a cool lokking bike.

[@michaelb.42112]

What a bike ! In my opinion, all Vulcan models even the 500cc parallel twin are legendary. I totally forgot the fact that Indian wasn't a company again at that time, so Kawasaki wasn't really stealing anything,. only borrowing heavily from the past. Oh yeah, those ammo bags are a perfect touch. They are the right proportion to the bike when I look at it. So, is that how the weather is where you live ? Sunny one minute, rain, then sun again ? Those seem like less than ideal riding surfaces.

[@OMGMOTO]

It is a very cool bike. The back story was neat too. I had forgotten that as well. Thank you for watching.

[@coreysycz8877]

It’s crazy cause I’m actually trading my 06 crown Vic for a 99 1500 drifter. That’s why I was here looking at reviews, thanks guys

[@OMGMOTO]

Two great vehicles, the Crown Vic is the new classic.

[@jarihuotari448]

I owned at least 10 bikes and Drifter is my last bike and best. I never sell it.

[@OMGMOTO]

They are cool bikes

[@silverback802]

I have a 2002 kawasaki drifter 1500. Original paint, It's two tone Blood Red and Black.

[@OMGMOTO]

I would like to see a picture of that. Send it to my Instagram. instagram.com/omgmoto/

[@Xxxyyyzzzaaa]

I have two. I just bought my second this week. 2001 11k miles. Beautiful bikes. I have harleys and even a chopped goldwing but the style of the drifter is amaZing. The weakness of the vn1500 is the front bevel bearing.

[@OMGMOTO]

I would love to see the chopped Goldwing. Send a picture to my Instagram inbox.

[@Xxxyyyzzzaaa]

@@OMGMOTO you have a facebook page dont have instagram

[@Xxxyyyzzzaaa]

@@OMGMOTO check you instagram

[@OMGMOTO]

@@Xxxyyyzzzaaa No, I have [e-mail]

[@Xxxyyyzzzaaa]

@@OMGMOTO check your outlook box

[@middletennesseeconcrete3673]

I like all motorcycles but I love Harley davidson and Rob has a cool beard

[@OMGMOTO]

Agreed!!!

[@edwardpoff575]

That was my first bike. Really loved it now on a new Road Glide

[@OMGMOTO]

I like the old school styling.

[@edwardpoff575]

@@OMGMOTO me too. I needed a better ride for a bad back. Sold a 10 heritage Cholo.

[@troysetzer4368]

I’m going to get a drifter 1500 for 500.00 just needs a clutch and I have a friend that Is going to repair it for me and I just have to buy the parts. They want me to start riding with them.

[@OMGMOTO]

@@troysetzer4368 Iis great. I hope you have a fast repair.

[@kevinpollard1550]

I had one in burgandy loved it dont see many in the uk

[@OMGMOTO]

Very cool. I bet that looked good. I appreciate the watch from across the pond, brother.

[@ronniewelch2246]

Good video about Josh and his bikes. The Blue Ghost will be the “Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner” name of your Bike. It is very Franklinesqe…

[@OMGMOTO]

lol, hmmm lol

[@Xxxyyyzzzaaa]

I run mine without bags i love seeing those sweet skirts. Im out in hickman co. Lets ride some time

[@OMGMOTO]

Very cool, brother.

[@Xxxyyyzzzaaa]

@@OMGMOTO you get the pic?

[@OMGMOTO]

@@Xxxyyyzzzaaa nothing yet. Where did you send it?

[@juans3728]

Is a Kawasaki Drifter an Indian? Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter - Wikipedia The Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan Drifter is a fuel-injected, shaft driven and water cooled, part of the Kawasaki Vulcan line of cruiser motorcycles created in the classic style lines of the 1940s Indian Chief. Kawasaki built this model between 1999 and 2005 so Indian moto cycles was already in business.

[@OMGMOTO]

I think at some point Indian may have felt like it was. I don;t know enough of the story.

[@juans3728]

There has to be more to the story you and I both know no company will let another replicate their brand or name. @@OMGMOTO

[@OMGMOTO]

Very true, I will have to look into it. @@juans3728

[@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube]

Kawasaki started Drifter production one year ahead of the "Gilroy" Indians. It was an obvious attempt to kill Indian before they could reach profitability. Indian was cash strapped and so small, Kawasaki had little to fear from law suits. Kawasaki could keep things tied up in court and likely help bankrupt Indian. That was until Polaris got involved. Polaris got the case into court. Although no penalties were levied against Kawasaki that Iam aware of, the court basically said Kawasaki would have to pay royalties to Indian for the fender design if production continued. The rest of the bike is of a design already in production as the Vn800a and b. Kawasaki chose to cease drifter production instead.

[@juans3728]

Yes it did.