2004 Mean Streak, should I ?

[tigertom]

Good Morning, All. I'm new here and in need of your advice and wisdom. I'm 98% sold on the 04 Mean Streak, and I've found a Thunder Blue for an out the door price of $10,000 (U.S.).I assume this is a good deal. What are the quirks and concerns that I may encounter? I've read of exceesive oil usage, coolant leaks, various rattles, pings, whistling and the pesky variances as to the fuel light. I'm about to sign the papers, but I need a tad of persuasion. Should I, or should I wait to see what 2005 brings.Thanks to all!

[lonestar]

Tiger,
Sounds like a good deal. The Meanstreak was bike of the year just two years removed, and that was with the 1470 cc engine. Their is absolutley nothing inheirently wrong with this bikes design, all bikes have some quirk or other. I have never heard one person that owns one say that they wer dissatisfied in any way. (the blue would be my choice too!)
Buy it! Ride it! Enjoy it! Good luck,
Lonestar

[bikeaholic]

go get it!!! i don't believe the 05's will see much change

[MeanieRider]

Tigertom - I think you should trust your gut level feeling and get the Mean Streak. It's a great bike and I continue to read rave reviews about it. I've had mine for about 2 years and love it. The only two quirky things that come to mind are: As you mentioned - the fuel light comes on too early. But it seems like it gets a little "smarter" because after awhile, it comes on later that it did initially. (Also it seems like fuel mileage gets better after the bike is broken in.) But this is a trivial complaint because it's better to use the tripometer anyway.

Also, for some people, including me, the handlebars can be a little too far foward which can cause some discomfort on longer rides. The good thing is that it can be remedied by either getting risers or different bars (which I did). It's not a whole lot of money and helps a lot. Then again you might be one of the many people that like the stock bars.

Overall, those are very small complaints. The bike has plenty of power, absolutely excels in braking and handling, and looks beautiful. I think you'll have lots of great motorcycling experiences with it.

[ryanmross]

Just get it.

[zero260]

The only thing I would suggest you consider on the Mean Streak is the tires. This bike uses sport bike profile tires which Usually are softer compounds and wear out quicker. They are also expensive. I speak from my experience buying a new front tire for mine. The front tire is a 130/70R/17 which is hard to come by. Not every tire manufacturer makes this size. I had to end up having a 120 profile tire mounted on mine. After my initial tire buying experience, I will definitely be buying my next tire from a mail order discounter.

[vaporgas2000]

go for it

[ispeed77]

i have talked to a couple people that own them and they have nothing but good things to say. after all, its a kawi !!! just get it !

[MotoLappa]

Go get it. You will be glad you did. I am very happy with mine. I have not had a single issue with mine. I was able to buy other more expensive bikes but this bike was the best value for me. It looks and performes awesome.

[tcobar]

Well. if you have not gotten it by now, then run out there and get it! I have the 2004 thunber blue and I love it! It is an awesome bike. You will not regret it. I have about 1700 miles now and the more miles I put on, the better it gets. My perma grin is still in place.

[Ken]

Go get it, tiger! It's the weekend. Go man!

[siasmaster]

Get it. You won't regret it.

[Trailryder42]

Sounds like a deal. All the little rattles, pings and whistling can be tracked down and eliminated. In fact, there are plenty of us that can tell you exactly where to look and how to eliminate them. No big deal. The fuel light, IMO, is only an issue for those that had different experiences with their light on another bike. It's no big deal, you'll get the hang of how to use it. I don't believe that excessive oil usage and coolant leaks are the norm, sure I've seen those posts, but I have over 8K on my '03 and I've not had those issues.

I say go for it.

[bud8fan]

dont think i need to repeat what everybody else has told you.... you got it yet or are you havin to much fun to get on the forum

[Spok]

yes!

[Spok]

yes!

[bushmeal]

I've got the blue '04. Thought about it for about 1/2 a sec before making up my mind. A very good decision. Absolutely a blast to ride.

It's a sound decision (good for the mind), and wonderful feeling to own and drive one.

[JeffQ]

If you want the best all around perfoming cruiser on the market today than buy it. I have 2,500 mile on my 04 since purchasing about a month and a half ago and have had no problems.

[sledman]

I've got about 850 miles on my black '04, and I love it! The handling is unbelievable for a cruiser. I tried the handle bar risers, and went back to stock.I guess my arms are long enough the way they are, although the risers I have are very nicely done. I also installed a Thunder Air Kit, Power Commander, Coasters, a vertical side license plate bracket, relocated the rear turn signals, and switched to the grips and pegs.
This is a very fun bike to own, and you will get a lot of compliments on it. The best part, though, will be trying to wipe the grin off your face, as you try to fall asleep at night, but you can't because you can't stop thinking about the bad *** bike in your garage!