1500/1600/2000cc - Page 15

ScabbaRanker · 01-24-2008

Hello all!

I'm extemely new here and I have a question.

I'm thinking about getting a bike. It will be my first one. I am considering the 1600 Mean Streak. I was originally going for the 900 Custom but I found it to feel smaller and rather uncomfortable in comparison to the 1600 MS.

I have some riding experience. Last summer I spent a lot of time on a friends Virago 535 (WAY too small), and occasionally his dad's Honda Shadow 1100.

So more or less, I am a beginner. I am 6'2, and weigh about 225.

Would the 1600 MS be too much bike for me? I know that comfort is important, as the 1600MS is MUCH more comfortable than the 900C. But I don't really want to kill myself either.

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks.

**Spok** · 01-24-2008

I'd suggest enrolling in a Motorcycle Safety Class, get proper training and full understanding of how to operate a motorcycle.

being a larger guy, the Meanie could be a good bike for you...only you can really tell...

ScabbaRanker · 01-24-2008

^^^^^

Already signed up! Taking one in April!!

**Spok** · 01-24-2008

^^^^

+ 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

best move you've made so far.

*Tod* · 01-24-2008

Welcome! Good call signing up for the MSF.

As long as you're not intimidated by the size/weight of the 1600, and you respect it's power and traction capabilities, you can grow into it as you learn.

Capt. Redbeard · 01-24-2008

I'm 6' 250lb and handle my 1600 Classic....respectfully. By that I mean that I don't try to do what it's not designed to do, and that I know not only it's limitations, but my own. When one learns that, they now have a good command of their ride and, all other things considered, will have many safe years on the road.
The MS is a very fine machine and it will easily be your preferred ride.

Arrg! Enjoy it mate!

*ispeed77* · 01-24-2008

we are supposed to have limitations ? crap, why didn't someone tell me that before......

ScabbaRanker · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Redbeard

I'm 6' 250lb and handle my 1600 Classic....respectfully. By that I mean that I don't try to do what it's not designed to do, and that I know not only it's limitations, but my own. When one learns that, they now have a good command of their ride and, all other things considered, will have many safe years on the road.
The MS is a very fine machine and it will easily be your preferred ride.

Arrg! Enjoy it mate!

Yes absolutely. I totally agree with having respect for the machine; as well as knowing it's limitations. Driving like an ***hole is definitely NOT my goal. The weight plays a big factor too. Much easier to "dump" in a parking lot the heavier it is.

It seems that engine size matters more in the rockets than it does with a cruiser when it comes to choosing a bike for a beginner. I could be wrong, but I seem to be perceiving it that way.

Is it also true that the 900's are (almost) just as fast as the 1600's? A Kawasaki dealer told me this. I have no idea if I should believe him or not. He said it's due to the 16's weight in comparison to the 9's - sounds kinda weird, but I have no knowledge that could support his statement or not.

So far it seems like I could handle a 1600MS if I'm not a moron about it, lol.

I appreciate the comments. Thanks everyone.

**Spok** · 01-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by ispeed77

we are supposed to have limitations ? crap, why didn't someone tell me that before......

yes david

pipes on the right side and kickstand on the left seem to be your limitations

*ispeed77* · 01-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spok

yes david

pipes on the right side and kickstand on the left seem to be your limitations

oh, THOSE limitations. yeah, i live within THEM.

LD2 · 01-27-2008

Has anyone modified the stock pipes on an 06 2k? I would like to improve the sound without changing the pipes.

Still lost · 03-24-2008

Check the fuses. They should be on the right side under the side panel.

Chris
1500 Nomad
C14

Still lost · 03-24-2008

Once a person recognizes that pain is not a good thing, fear is healthy and riding shiny side up is best then the Mean Streak should work just fine. Still throwing the Motorcycle Safety Course in is the smartest part of this particualr equation.

Respect your MS and recognize that many people in those cars around you are trying to kill you and you'll do fine.

*ispeed77* · 03-25-2008

welcome to the forum Chris. one thing though, when you want to reply to someone's specific post, its a good idea to quote them so we all know who and what you are referring to.

Razorpoop · 03-28-2008

Ok Guys! Answer me this?

Why, after the number of years that the VN2000 has been out and the following the Vulcan has, why is it soooooo hard to find a wide assortment of Metric custom parts designed for the Vulcan 2000? Seems like there is always lots of people peddling custom parts for Yamaha's and Honda's.

What's with that?

gonzosc1 · 03-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorpoop

Ok Guys! Answer me this?

Why, after the number of years that the VN2000 has been out and the following the Vulcan has, why is it soooooo hard to find a wide assortment of Metric custom parts designed for the Vulcan 2000? Seems like there is always lots of people peddling custom parts for Yamaha's and Honda's.

What's with that?

one thing that I found out after I got my 06 1600 classic was that there was not alot of after market parts "listed" for it. listed is the key word here! I found that you have to find out what fits what. something listed for one model may fits yours but how to find out is the problem..
with the 1600 and its different model letters, model A,D,C,E and whatever else they have got me crazy. mine is an E model but some A parts fit while others don't. the only place I found that out was here from Rich. kawasaki has no mention of it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

*Lobocop* · 03-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorpoop

Ok Guys! Answer me this?

Why, after the number of years that the VN2000 has been out and the following the Vulcan has, why is it soooooo hard to find a wide assortment of Metric custom parts designed for the Vulcan 2000? Seems like there is always lots of people peddling custom parts for Yamaha's and Honda's.

What's with that?

In reality there are a lot of aftermarket items available for the V2K, but not under one roof. Honda and Yamaha both have a larger selection available for them as opposed to the Kawi, but the parts are still out there ... it all depends on what you want and where you look.

*ispeed77* · 03-29-2008

as Ken mentioned, Kawi does not have the following that Honda or even Yamaha does. for that reason, you have to really look around to find parts.

Capt. Redbeard · 03-29-2008

Got to agree with gonzosc1. I had a tough time finding stuff for my 1600A3 when I first bought it, but forums like this one and the VROC site are a wealth of information and links. With the Beartooth support here it makes it easy, and the discount helps too.
I would like Ma Kawi to take a lesson from HD in the marketing area. Everywhere you go asound the U.S. and the world, there is HD stuff. Rarely though do you find Vulcan items, or good looking Kawi stuff even in the Kawi shops.

gonzosc1 · 03-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Redbeard

Got to agree with gonzosc1. I had a tough time finding stuff for my 1600A3 when I first bought it, but forums like this one and the VROC site are a wealth of information and links. With the Beartooth support here it makes it easy, and the discount helps too.
I would like Ma Kawi to take a lesson from HD in the marketing area. Everywhere you go asound the U.S. and the world, there is HD stuff. Rarely though do you find Vulcan items, or good looking Kawi stuff even in the Kawi shops.

yeah, just about everything in my local kawi dealership is for the 1500's

01-24-2008	#282 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 36,699	I'd suggest enrolling in a Motorcycle Safety Class, get proper training and full understanding of how to operate a motorcycle. being a larger guy, the Meanie could be a good bike for you...only you can really tell... __________________ AUGUST 2006 MOM In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed. Official Cup Holder Inspection Officer

01-24-2008	#284 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 36,699	^^^^ + 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 best move you've made so far. __________________ AUGUST 2006 MOM In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed. Official Cup Holder Inspection Officer

01-24-2008	#285 (permalink)
Tod I yam what I yam Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 21,991	Welcome! Good call signing up for the MSF. As long as you're not intimidated by the size/weight of the 1600, and you respect it's power and traction capabilities, you can grow into it as you learn. __________________ “Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know.” - Cullen Hightower

01-24-2008	#286 (permalink)
Capt. Redbeard Road Pirate Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fremont, California Posts: 421	I'm 6' 250lb and handle my 1600 Classic....respectfully. By that I mean that I don't try to do what it's not designed to do, and that I know not only it's limitations, but my own. When one learns that, they now have a good command of their ride and, all other things considered, will have many safe years on the road. The MS is a very fine machine and it will easily be your preferred ride. Arrg! Enjoy it mate! Last edited by Capt. Redbeard : 01-24-2008 at 07:47 PM.

01-24-2008	#287 (permalink)
ispeed77 RIP Deron Harden :-( Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 32,533	we are supposed to have limitations ? crap, why didn't someone tell me that before...... __________________ David - Moderator 2002 Suzuki DRZ400 2003 1500 Meanie, scraping pipes and frame :-) In loving memory of Deron Harden, forever in our thoughts :-(

01-24-2008	#281 (permalink)
ScabbaRanker Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bristol NY - Finger Lakes Region Posts: 3	Hello all! I'm extemely new here and I have a question. I'm thinking about getting a bike. It will be my first one. I am considering the 1600 Mean Streak. I was originally going for the 900 Custom but I found it to feel smaller and rather uncomfortable in comparison to the 1600 MS. I have some riding experience. Last summer I spent a lot of time on a friends Virago 535 (WAY too small), and occasionally his dad's Honda Shadow 1100. So more or less, I am a beginner. I am 6'2, and weigh about 225. Would the 1600 MS be too much bike for me? I know that comfort is important, as the 1600MS is MUCH more comfortable than the 900C. But I don't really want to kill myself either. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.

01-24-2008	#283 (permalink)
ScabbaRanker Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bristol NY - Finger Lakes Region Posts: 3	^^^^^ Already signed up! Taking one in April!!

01-27-2008	#291 (permalink)
LD2 LD2 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 3	Has anyone modified the stock pipes on an 06 2k? I would like to improve the sound without changing the pipes.

03-24-2008	#292 (permalink)
Still lost in Canuckistan BTK Beginner Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: London ON Posts: 75	Check the fuses. They should be on the right side under the side panel. Chris 1500 Nomad C14

03-24-2008	#293 (permalink)
Still lost in Canuckistan BTK Beginner Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: London ON Posts: 75	Once a person recognizes that pain is not a good thing, fear is healthy and riding shiny side up is best then the Mean Streak should work just fine. Still throwing the Motorcycle Safety Course in is the smartest part of this particualr equation. Respect your MS and recognize that many people in those cars around you are trying to kill you and you'll do fine.

03-25-2008	#294 (permalink)
ispeed77 RIP Deron Harden :-( Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 32,533	welcome to the forum Chris. one thing though, when you want to reply to someone's specific post, its a good idea to quote them so we all know who and what you are referring to. __________________ David - Moderator 2002 Suzuki DRZ400 2003 1500 Meanie, scraping pipes and frame :-) In loving memory of Deron Harden, forever in our thoughts :-(

03-28-2008	#295 (permalink)
Razorpoop "If it can move, Ride It" Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 19	Ok Guys! Answer me this? Why, after the number of years that the VN2000 has been out and the following the Vulcan has, why is it soooooo hard to find a wide assortment of Metric custom parts designed for the Vulcan 2000? Seems like there is always lots of people peddling custom parts for Yamaha's and Honda's. What's with that?

03-29-2008	#298 (permalink)
ispeed77 RIP Deron Harden :-( Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 32,533	as Ken mentioned, Kawi does not have the following that Honda or even Yamaha does. for that reason, you have to really look around to find parts. __________________ David - Moderator 2002 Suzuki DRZ400 2003 1500 Meanie, scraping pipes and frame :-) In loving memory of Deron Harden, forever in our thoughts :-(

03-29-2008	#299 (permalink)
Capt. Redbeard Road Pirate Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fremont, California Posts: 421	Got to agree with gonzosc1. I had a tough time finding stuff for my 1600A3 when I first bought it, but forums like this one and the VROC site are a wealth of information and links. With the Beartooth support here it makes it easy, and the discount helps too. I would like Ma Kawi to take a lesson from HD in the marketing area. Everywhere you go asound the U.S. and the world, there is HD stuff. Rarely though do you find Vulcan items, or good looking Kawi stuff even in the Kawi shops. __________________ 05 1600 Classic "The Frigate" "Arrg! Road Pirates shoot volly's from both sides" Last edited by Capt. Redbeard : 03-29-2008 at 08:52 PM.

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