New guy with meanie questions

[CrazymaN]

Well I think I got it all narrowed to to getting a mean streak, but first I needed to know a few things about the bike.

First question, is there any difference between the 1500 and the 1600 meanie, a local dealer said there wasent but he was trying to sell me a bike.

Secand, are there any known engine or mechanical problems with the history of the bike?

Third, what made you get a meanie over a vtx or warrior?

fourth, will this bike dust my dads vtx 1300c with pipes,jet kit and hypercharger?

The reason I might choose the meanie is I hear its probally the best handleing sport cruiser out there, and were I ride that is the most important to me.

I currently own a yamaha FZ1, I know the meanie doesent have nearly the pure speed this monster has but I also dont ride with anyone who can keep up with me on it, I normally ride with my dad,brother and other crusier guys, I get pretty bored while I ride with them and think getting a crusier would help that out.

Hope to hear back from you all.

Happy rideing

[meanie]

1. The dealer is correct. The only difference is 100 more CCs and 2 extra horsepower.

2. If you're buying new, I am unaware of any mechanical problems. The 02 models had a minor recall on the fuse for the cooling fan. You can log onto the Kawasaki website and check for recalls on the year and model bike.

3. Looks, handling and overall aesthetics.

4. No.

[Xlr8n]

Have to disagree with number 1 there^^^. It's easy to quote flat peak h.p. figures, but that really doesn't say much about a motor. If you are to compare the h.p. AND torque curves for the 1500 and 1600 motors, you'll see that both come in much earlier in the rpm range in the 1600 and the torque is much more plentiful throughout as well, resulting in more usuable power in the rpm range where you'll use it most. Ride both side by side and you'll find the 1600 to be much more responsive throughout the power band. To quote a peak hp figure without relating it to the rpm range is very misleading and really provides no insight into actual performance.

[jaseman]

CrazyMan,
Like you, I was riding a big sportbike before I bought my Meani (ZX10 - which I still have and ride). It will be a little bit of a transition for you to go from one to the other, but after a few hundred miles, they'll both feel natural to you.

No, there are no major differances between the 1500 and 1600. Other than the fact that the new 1600's have that cool red and black tribal design!

Stock, the Meani should outrun a stock VTX 1300, but not sure about a VTX with mods.

I bought chose the Kawi over the others for a few reasons. First and formost, I got a leftover 03 for under $8,000 [i]after[/] tax, tags, and title. A new VTX was a grand more, and the Warrior was listing at 12 or 13 grand. Also, the Meani handled better than both, and just plain fit me better.

Coming off the FZ1, you will probably like a Meani or Warrior better than the VTX, just by feel alone. At least I did. The VTTX did not feel as sporty to me. And if you normally ride faster than your dad and brother, you probably always will. The bike has nothing to do with that. It's more your riding style. When I ride with my father (Concourse), my cruiser buddies (various), or my wife (Honda 599) I'm still the fastest of the group, except for corners where I run out of lean angle. I just have a quicker riding style.

So even if his VTX is all modded out, if he's one to put around, your still going to be waiting for him at stop signs and intersections.

[troop]

I went from a ZRX1200 with stage 3 jetting, pod intake and fully Muzzy exhaust (133 rwhp) to my 05 Mean streak. With Thunder intake, Cobra speedster shorts and Cobra FI2000 FI programmer I have about 70 rwhp. So, the difference between your Fz1 and MS will be night/day. That said, the MS does handle surprisingly well for a big bike and has that distinctive big bike sound. The 05/06 MS also have radially mounted front discs which are a nice touch. The MS rides sooo much smoother and is a very distinct ride. Less power than Warriors/VTX's but MUCH smoother than a Warrior and much better sounding/handling than the VTX. Always trade-offs but for me a good choice.. Good luck in your decision.. Troop

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by CrazymaN

Well I think I got it all narrowed to to getting a mean streak, but first I needed to know a few things about the bike.

First question, is there any difference between the 1500 and the 1600 meanie, a local dealer said there wasent but he was trying to sell me a bike.

Secand, are there any known engine or mechanical problems with the history of the bike?

Third, what made you get a meanie over a vtx or warrior?

fourth, will this bike dust my dads vtx 1300c with pipes,jet kit and hypercharger?

The reason I might choose the meanie is I hear its probally the best handleing sport cruiser out there, and were I ride that is the most important to me.

I currently own a yamaha FZ1, I know the meanie doesent have nearly the pure speed this monster has but I also dont ride with anyone who can keep up with me on it, I normally ride with my dad,brother and other crusier guys, I get pretty bored while I ride with them and think getting a crusier would help that out.

Hope to hear back from you all.

Happy rideing

My answers mostly echo the others here:

1. Biggest difference I saw between 1500 and 1600 was the low end torque. The 1600 seemed to pull much harder on the bottom. 1600 also seems to have more seat-of-the-pants roll on power. So, I spent a little more on a new 1600 when I could have gotten a better deal on a leftover 1500.

2. No real issues I have seen or experienced. Engine and tranny are known to be noisy, lots of head noise, but that is considered normal for the Kawi v-twins. My bike just turned over 12000 miles with no issues. All I have done is replace tires, and the original battery was replaced under warranty when it died after 6 months.

3. Both VTX 1800 and Warrior were more expensive. VTX sounds like a Model-T when you put pipes on it, and it just didn't feel comfortable. Warrior is just all out ugly and not my style.

4. Depends a lot on rider weight, but all things equal, a 1300 with basic mods will run about even with the Meanie or a little in front. Do the same mods to the Meanie and you are back in front. However, find some twisties and the 1300 will never see anything but your tailight again.

[flyingdgn]

I'd get the 1600 over the 1500. If Kawie thought it would be better to change from a 1500 to a 1600 why not trust them.

Over time you'll appreciate the handling abilities of the Mean Streak. When I go riding with the guys we don't race down the street to see who is the fastest but rather cruise together on twisties. I've outridden the new GXSR600 on the twisties on my Mean Streak (it had a lot to do with the other rider) and I get lots of respect from the fellow riders because the Mean Streak looks so nice. I ride mine stock without any mods and I'm very impressed as it is. Inverted front forks, dual front disk brakes, sportbike rims results in good performance.

BUT if you're bored on an FZ1, any cruiser will put you to sleep.

I changed over to a cruiser to tone down my riding, get some comfort and do some long distance riding as well.

To tell you the truth, I get the itch to ride a Sportbike now and then so I hope you're looking at the Meanie as a second bike so that you're getting the best of both worlds.

[CrazymaN]

I really wish I could have both bikes, but lack of room and funds keep me from doing that.

I was looking at a brand new MS today in the black and red tribal on it, wow nice bike I must say, the dealer evan showed me the new m109 and i still liked the look of the MS more, to me its not about power ive been there and done that so I just want something thats comfortable and competative to the other bikes I run with, plus my wife can jump on from time to time for quick rides.

The dealer took all my info down and im waiting to see if I qualify for there credit for a new MS, he told me it would be 159 a month with a fixed interest rate. The total of the bike is around 11,000 with my trade and them paying whats left on the fz.

This whole process makes me a little nervous, hopefully I can finally find a bike that fits me, this will make 3 bikes in 2 years and the wife is getting a little ticked off at me.

Thanks for all the responses.

[jaseman]

Originally Posted by CrazymaN

....plus my wife can jump on from time to time for quick rides.

She can jump on the back for quick rides, but if you want to do any kind of regular 2-uping, you'll need at least a small passenger backrest/sissy bar.

Don't know about others, but my wife hates the back of mine. She feels very cramped, and every time I roll on the throttle, she feels like she's going to slide off the back! Luckily, she's got her own bike, so it's a non issue.

[Macka1]

The newer 1600 meanstreak over here in Australia also has radial brakes all round which are supposed to work heaps better!

[trikebubble]

My gal hated the "passenger seat" on my old Mean Streak so much she bought her own bike. Well not really, but it sounds cool.
The Mean Streak stock seat really isn't made for man, woman, or fool.

As far as the handling of the MS goes, I bet it would run circles around the M109 on the twisties.

Good luck, the MS is certainly a great bike.

[CrazymaN]

Yeah I would think the meanie could out handle a m109, but the dealer took one out for a spin and said it was awsome.

Heres a new question for yeah, would you go for a brand new MS or buy a used 05 with a few mods? and its about 2500 cheaper.

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by CrazymaN

Yeah I would think the meanie could out handle a m109, but the dealer took one out for a spin and said it was awsome.

Heres a new question for yeah, would you go for a brand new MS or buy a used 05 with a few mods? and its about 2500 cheaper.

Depending on the mileage and condition. I'd go for the 05 with the modifications.

[MeanWon]

Originally Posted by CrazymaN

Yeah I would think the meanie could out handle a m109, but the dealer took one out for a spin and said it was awsome.

Heres a new question for yeah, would you go for a brand new MS or buy a used 05 with a few mods? and its about 2500 cheaper.

yep, get the used with the mods. You're going to mod it anyway just by virtue of participating in this forum, it can't be helped.

[uechi kid]

They also lowered the first three gears for more out of the hole preformance.

[TFC]

CM, I just bought a new MS from a dealer in Santa Barbara, Ca. The total out the door price was 10,700. I hadn't owned a bike in about 15 years. This bike is great! Its a gas to ride just the way it is. Don't worry about beating other bikes. Just riding down the street in to yourself and not worrying about the "other guy", will make you feel very comfortable. Take a test ride if you can. I'm totally happy with my bike.

John

[Illus]

I say get the 05 with the mods, depending on the mileage, condition and mods. Get them to toss in a warranty.

I chose mine over the VTX because of looks, and over the Warrior because of that ugly a$$ exhaust and the lack of liquid cooling...

[CrazymaN]

I found this MS on cycletrader,
2004 KAWASAKI VULCAN, 1600 MEAN STREAK, 5,000 miles, Vance & Hines, straight shot exhaust, some extras, extended warranty, showroom condition.

He wants 8,000 OBO

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by CrazymaN

I found this MS on cycletrader,
2004 KAWASAKI VULCAN, 1600 MEAN STREAK, 5,000 miles, Vance & Hines, straight shot exhaust, some extras, extended warranty, showroom condition.

He wants 8,000 OBO

Probably not a bad deal if the bike is in good shape. 5,000 miles is barely broken in.

[CrazymaN]

I really dont like the color all that much but thats what paint is for. I mite check it out just so I can get a test ride on one, so far no dealer wont let me demo one. Then if I really like it I will offer something real low like 6,700 just to see if he jumps on it or not.