Kawasaki Drifter 1500 vs Harley-davidson Nightster
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Drifter 1500 vs Harley-davidson Nightster. Kawasaki Drifter 1500: 67 hp @ 4,800 rpm hp, 329 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Harley-davidson Nightster: 89 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 220 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Drifter 1500
Harley-davidson Nightster
Horsepower (hp)
67 hp
89 hp
Torque (Nm)
119 Nm
95 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
185 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
329 kg
220 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
67 hp @ 4,800 rpm
89 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
119 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
95 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated)
185 km/h (estimated)
Weight
329 kg (wet/curb weight)
220 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, typical real-world average)
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Drifter 1500
7.5/10
"A gorgeous cruiser worth buying only in excellent condition."
Pros
+Stunning retro Indian-inspired styling
+Punchy torquey V-twin
+Comfortable long-haul ergonomics
Cons
−Parts nearly unobtainium now
−Chrome deteriorates badly neglected
−Carbs temperamental after storage
Harley-davidson Nightster
7.8/10
"A genuinely good motorcycle that earns respect beyond the badge."
Pros
+Revolution Max engine is excellent
+Actually corners with confidence
+Low, manageable seat height
Cons
−Stock seat is punishment
−Cramped for tall riders
−Limited wind protection
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
