A few questions about the Meanie et al...

[Tiger77]

Sat on a '05 Meanie today and cranked 'er up. Okay - this one had the tornado air and the Cobra pipes. I just wanted to hear a Meanie run before purchasing one. It sounded a little loud to me (but then I'm kinda old). Are the Cobras a lot louder than stock pipes? Personally, I would prefer that it be a little quieter - even if it meant less HP.
Also, I only sat on it while running the engine, but there seemed to be a lot of vibration. I could barely make out anything in the mirrors for the vibration. Is that what I should expect from the Meanie? Or does it sound like something is wrong here? I thought the Meanie had motor supports that would reduce most of the vibration (one of the main reasons I've been looking at this bike). Have I understood this wrong? Should I have let it warm up longer or something (even though I think it had time to warm up)? It seemed to vibrate about the same at any RPM. I couldn't really tell that much difference, even though it planed out a little at higher RPMs.

One thing though - I could almost feel the power this thing has just racing the engine. It felt pretty sweet to me. I'm used to a 805cc engine - big diff.

[Spok]

yeah the cobra pipes are much louder than the stockers. stock pipes are on to meet noise and emmision requirements and really choke the engine. you can find other pipes and combined them with different baffles to reduce to overall volumn of the exhaust note.

can't talk to the vibration, it is a v-twin motorcycle with a single pin crank that by its design is going to vibrate. yes, there are vibration dampeners in the motor. My 1500 classic vibrates a bit but I can see whats in my mirrors.

good luck with your decision, the meanie is a fine machince and i've not found anyone on this board who thought it was a bad decision to buy

[G]

^^^
+ 1 above , the meanie is a awesome machine , but check out the VN 1500 / 1600 classic's they are slightly detuned version's of the Meanie's engine .

[anamosity]

When I sit on the meanie, I can feel the vibration, but its not enough to vibrate the mirrors. Maybe each bike is different. I dunno. But yea the Cobras are going to be louder than stock!

[Green_Streak]

Yes cobra pipes are louder than stock, but as has been said stock pipes are very restrictive, with baffles the cobras shouls not be bad... of course mine are not baffled he he he.

Vibration, nature of the beast, but if the mirrors are aftermarket most of them seem to vibrate more than the stock ones. All V-Twins vibrate, as do, but it is not that bad on the Meanies.... try an old Harley, or triumph, or a Norton.... THOSE vibrate!

The Meanie's strengths are these... Great engine, with minor mods you can increase HP by 25-30% over stock, reliability hydrolic valves, fuel injected, shaft drive, electronic ignition, and liquid cooled. It handles well for a cruiser, it is fairly light and nimble.. mine feels more like a sports bike than a cruiser because of its weight, and handling. Mine is lowered so in tight curves I have been known to scape, but the lower stance makes it feel even lighter.

Before buying a bike consider taking it to an independent shop and having a buyers check, many will give a guarentee if they miss a problem, they fix it for 30-90 days depending on the shop.

Good luck!

[Spok]

^^^

you forgot to add self adjusting valve lash too...

[trikebubble]

I had Cobra Speedsters on my old Meanie (they were both loud and awesome) and I had Kuryakyn mirrors that were basically useless. They vibrated all the time.

[Tiger77]

Yeh - I forgot to mention that the mirrors are aftermarket (not sure what brand though). He has ALL the original equipment, and those pieces are all included in the sale, so I'd probably go back to the original mirrors. they look good, but I want them to be effective.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by Tiger77

Yeh - I forgot to mention that the mirrors are aftermarket (not sure what brand though). He has ALL the original equipment, and those pieces are all included in the sale, so I'd probably go back to the original mirrors. they look good, but I want them to be effective.

I took this picture last year while riding glacier national park. as you can see my stock mirrors are pretty smooth when riding

[Him1600]

I have V&H Big Shots on my Meanie, loud but beautifull sound, loud but soooooo nice. Being an old git mybe I'm just shot away but whoi cares ride and be loud.As I dont get any vibration in my mirrors I can only think it must be the after market mirrors you have. For my sins I used to ride Yammy Virago 1100 and boy if you want vibration ride one of thse, the meanie is so smooth and an absolute drewam to ride. 2 years on it and still in heaven.

[Deeppurple52]

Ride before you buy. The Meanie is a very popular bike here but I would be assassinated if I gave my honest opinion of how it rides. It has killer looks but they are far outweighed by other annoyances. It may be the bike for you, but by your comments, I suspect not. Don't buy for looks alone. There is a lot that makes a bike satisfying and it varies widely between individuals. Sounds like you want smooth and quiet. I might suggest that you seek out what turns your crank.

[SixFiveOh]

An honest opinion that is factual is nothing to be fearful of. ALL bikes are compromises to one degree or another. Sometimes the compromise is something one can live with, sometimes it isn't.

My wife loves her Mean Streak, but I doubt I would enjoy it as my only bike. My 'Busa is awesome in many ways, but a bit much in slow speed manuvers. You just kinda have to find the compromise that leans the most toward the type of riding you do the most. Not the least.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by Deeppurple52

Ride before you buy. The Meanie is a very popular bike here but I would be assassinated if I gave my honest opinion of how it rides. It has killer looks but they are far outweighed by other annoyances. It may be the bike for you, but by your comments, I suspect not. Don't buy for looks alone. There is a lot that makes a bike satisfying and it varies widely between individuals. Sounds like you want smooth and quiet. I might suggest that you seek out what turns your crank.

I'd really be interested in your honest opinion. i've never ridden a mean streak, they are sexy machines, i have friends who have had them and some that still do and all say its a great ride.

[bikeaholic]

i agree with purple - its a hot rod bike with a hotrod sitting position and rides like a hot rod,if that you thats great
but dont expect it to ride like a classic cause it dont..........

but it rides reeely good on the twisties

[bigjohnyeti]

As it has been said,all bikes are compromises.If you like the style and feel it will work for you without major alterations,by all means buy it and make it your own..Otherwise,look for one that more suits your style...
Hey Spok-that is one exceptional photo !!who`s dat in the mirror?
John

[accord_guy]

Originally Posted by Spok

I'd really be interested in your honest opinion. i've never ridden a mean streak, they are sexy machines, i have friends who have had them and some that still do and all say its a great ride.

Risers and a Mustang seat make it more comfortable.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by accord_guy

Risers and a Mustang seat make it more comfortable.

well, risers and a mustang seat made my 1500 classic more comfy too

[kingofwings]

I've got the same setup. What type of FI tuner does the bike have (it needs one). The map I had in my PCIII at first gave me a little too much idle vibration. I tuned it out after A LOT of experimentation.

[JoyRider]

Originally Posted by Tiger77

Sat on a '05 Meanie today and cranked 'er up. Okay - this one had the tornado air and the Cobra pipes. I just wanted to hear a Meanie run before purchasing one. It sounded a little loud to me (but then I'm kinda old). Are the Cobras a lot louder than stock pipes? Personally, I would prefer that it be a little quieter - even if it meant less HP.
Also, I only sat on it while running the engine, but there seemed to be a lot of vibration. I could barely make out anything in the mirrors for the vibration. Is that what I should expect from the Meanie? Or does it sound like something is wrong here? I thought the Meanie had motor supports that would reduce most of the vibration (one of the main reasons I've been looking at this bike). Have I understood this wrong? Should I have let it warm up longer or something (even though I think it had time to warm up)? It seemed to vibrate about the same at any RPM. I couldn't really tell that much difference, even though it planed out a little at higher RPMs.

One thing though - I could almost feel the power this thing has just racing the engine. It felt pretty sweet to me. I'm used to a 805cc engine - big diff.

Tiger77, I learned on a Vulcan 500 (06) and test rode a Vulcan 900 (07) and I ride a 1600 Mean Streak (06). Vibrations were a LOT on the 500 and 900. When I rode the Meanie (stock) it was VERY smooth, the only time I get any shakes in the mirrors is on a ruff road. I personally would not get any loader pipes for my Meanie but I can understand why others do. My stock Meanie has plenty of power for the way I ride, somewhat agressive in a sport bike way. I like the twists and turns of the road but when I open her up I can haul (so far up to 110mph..no traffic, straight road). Don't know if the 05 is set up any different than the 06, but I LOVE my meanie....

[Tiger77]

Originally Posted by kingofwings

I've got the same setup. What type of FI tuner does the bike have (it needs one). The map I had in my PCIII at first gave me a little too much idle vibration. I tuned it out after A LOT of experimentation.

I know little-to-nothing about that subject, but it sounds like you're onto something. The bike seemed to have plenty of power, but yet seemed to need a little tuning. The guy didn't mention anything about a tuner, so I'm not sure about that. Something to check out.

You guys are making me think a lot - whew! I'm pretty sure it's the Meanie - or end of keeping the '03 Intruder that I have until I find something else that I like. This seems like such a sweet ride, so I'm pretty sold on it. I sure like the grin I get when I sit on one.