2002 Mean Streak Buying Advice

[EH45]

I've been searching and reading through this board for information for some time and I believe I have decided to buy a 2002 Mean Streak with about 11,000 miles on it. Everything is stock on the bike at this time as far as I can tell. I have ridden it a bunch of times and it feels good. I am looking for advice as to what I should look for in the area of problems it has had. And just any advice positive or negative that could sway my decision. The other bike I am looking at is the honda VTX 1300, but I like the looks, price, and the feel of the MS by far. Right now I ride a 2006 V-Star 650 Silverado mostly, but it just isn't as much fun. Any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Erik

[fugem]

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...500/index.html Here's a review on the 2002 Mean Streak that might help, I have a 2003 and love it!! All I can say is it handles great, looks hot, and there are many mods you can do to get more power. It's all personal choice etc, if it's stock now I'd put on pipes and a power commander. I'd also get an air intake but it depends what you want and how much you have to spend?? Good luck to you!

[SleekStreak]

I thoroughly have enjoyed mine. I'd just try to make sure you were buying it from somewhere reputable that doesn't deal in bikes that have ever been down. At the very least, make sure it's never had a salvaged title. Other than that, if the price is right, I think you'll be happy.

[SilverEagle]

Meanstreaks are very good bikes, I'm sorta on the look for one myself and have discovered they seem to keep their value fairly well.......I have yet to find one under 6200 unless it had 25k+ miles on it.

[Grumbler]

Originally Posted by EH45

I am looking for advice as to what I should look for in the area of problems it has had.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V246]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Models:
2002 Kawasaki VN1500-N3
2002 Kawasaki VN1500-E5
2002 Kawasaki VN1500-P1

Number Potentially Involved: 698
Dates of Manufacture: December 2001

Defect: On certain “Mean Streak,” “1500 Classic,” and “1500 Classic Fi” motorcycles, a flange on the transmission output shaft can fracture, resulting in engine damage with possible engine lock-up. Flange failure could cause the outer gear on the shaft to contact the transmission housing, pieces of the flange could interfere with transmission operation, or operation in first gear could allow two sets of transmission gears to mesh simultaneously. These failures could cause sudden transmission lock-up, which would cause both the engine and rear wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will disassemble the engine and replace the transmission output shaft. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002. Owners should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.

[EH45]

Thanks for the info. I know this subject has been pretty much beaten to death on this site, but I appreciate it. The bike is at a dealer I trust, and now we are just bickering about the price. They wanted $6400, now I have them at $6000. I have done some checking and talked to the old owner. He is in his mid fifties and drove it to work and on a few shorter trips. He traded it for a Nomad. Local law enforcement has never had contact with the bike or the previous owner so maybe he was responsible. I already had my mind pretty much made up, but needed some confirmation. Now I have to decide whether to keep my V-Star, or trade it. Thanks for posting the recall Grumbler. I have done alot of research as far as reviews and recalls, but wanted some opinions from owners. If/when I pick this up I will let you know.

Thanks again,

Erik

[streakerman]

I bought my 02 mean streak 2 months ago from the original owner with 12000 miles. It has been an outstanding motorcycle in every way. I've already put nearly 3000 miles on it and continue to be amazed at the handling, braking and power. Its been trouble free as one would expect from a kawasaki. I can see myself keeping this bike for quite a long time. One day I may step up to a v2k but I'm going to have a lot of fun in the mean time. I think your making a wise choice. Lets see some pictures when you get it. Rock on Ride on! Streakerman

[ann-mike-2008]

I'll be selling my 2002 MeanStreak--- 6,500 miles, factory windshield, engine guards and Vance&Hines Long shots, origial tires--- $6000--
I love the bike but my daughter's getting bigger and I need a Classic or a Nomad--- in fact, I might be open to a good trade
call Mike at 443-235-9013 afte 2:30 ESTor write to somerset-cycles@comcast.net
the bike is located In Princess Anne, Md about 6 miles south of Salisbury--- you can fly in and ride it home

[bloodbarber]

when you buy a bike bone stock is the way to go. that way you know that the other guy did not mess it up

[furious70]

not sure what the values are like up there, but I paid $6500 for my 02 in 04 with only 4200mi on it. I'd try to work them down a little more on the price, especially with winter approaching up there.

[fugem]

Mine is for sale WWW.BADAZZVTWIN.4T.COM $7500.00 takes it and it's mint!

Originally Posted by EH45

I've been searching and reading through this board for information for some time and I believe I have decided to buy a 2002 Mean Streak with about 11,000 miles on it. Everything is stock on the bike at this time as far as I can tell. I have ridden it a bunch of times and it feels good. I am looking for advice as to what I should look for in the area of problems it has had. And just any advice positive or negative that could sway my decision. The other bike I am looking at is the honda VTX 1300, but I like the looks, price, and the feel of the MS by far. Right now I ride a 2006 V-Star 650 Silverado mostly, but it just isn't as much fun. Any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Erik

[ann-mike-2008]

I have a question about my '02 MS---- when I lean into a turn I hear a noise I thought was a wheel bearing-- my dealer says some MS's have this noise, it's normal yada- yada-yada---
anyway has anybody else heard or experienced this???
Mike
somerset-cycles@comcast.net

[furious70]

My experience has been it's the OEM dunlop tires. I'm on Bridgestone Exedras now and don't hear that near like I used to.

[alstensby]

Hey, EH...Welcome from a fellow Minnesotan...and Meanie rider! I think that is a bit much on what they're asking for stock unless it's insanely low miles. It books on NADA at $5500 clean retail. I actually bought my '06 last march in FL. Had 171 miles, pipes, Mustang seat and a few others for $7200. I'd look around. They're hard to come by in MN typically, but I know there are several out there. If you come across any in the metro area or somewhat nearby, let me know and I'll check it out for you before you coming down. What part of MN are you in? I'm in the NW Metro, near where 694, 494 and 94 merge.

[ann-mike-2008]

I bought My '02 at the end of july, had 5,538 miles-- all stock Kaw equipment except for a Corbin solo seat--- stock tires are getting thin and I'm looking for replacements now