I have been riding my mean streak every day now for the last two weeks, about 520 miles now. My first bike is a 2003 Honda Shadow 750 ACE which I have for sale, but contemplating keeping it. Anyway, the honda is very mellow and easy going. Doesn't like to go too fast and would need mods for comfortable highway speeds. Extremely comfortable for city cruising.
My first impression of the mean streak was it's obvious power increase from the Honda. Couldn't stop grinning for a few days! A little scary for the first couple of hours, but got the hang of it right away. It actually feels lighter even though it is about 100 punds heavier. Performance and stoping power just don't compare. This meannie stops on a dime and corners like it's on rails. Very solid feel.
This bike gets really hot! Compared to the Honda, the meannie is blowing a lot of really hot air up my thighs. So much so, that I called my dealer asking him if this was normal. He said that yes, compared to the 750 Honda, it is much hotter, but compared to other 1600's or big bikes, it is about the same. Bigger engine, more heat. Not a problem while riding in the freeway, but hot riding stoplight to stoplight. I guess I'll get used to it.
I did not have a problem with the hydrolic clutch, other than my hand would get tired after a while of riding around the streets. The friction zone is way smaller than the Honda. The Honda has a friction zone that goes for days, but on the mean streak it seems like it is only about an inch or two. Something that I am still getting used to.
The Honda is chain drive and the meannie is shaft. BIG difference. I did feel the drivetrain lash. I like to ease off the throttle and downshift, if you will, as I come to a stop. This was easy with the chain drive, but with the shaft I get bumped back and forth. Don't get me wrong, it is not a drastic lash, but enough that I could feel an obvious difference. I have learned that it is a matter of throttle control. Before, I would roll off the throttle pretty fast, but now I have to ease off it slowly so that, as the coupler disengages - engages, it does not slap, but allows for a smooth transition. A little clutch control also helps. I know that everyone rides a bit different, but this is how I have adjusted for my riding style.
In the first few miles of riding, I hear and audiable "Chirp" However, after the first few miles, it goes away. I hope it doesn't develope into something more, and from what I have read, most meannie owners have similar noises. I have also felt the slight buzz around 30-35 mph range. I put up a seperate post on this topic.
This bike loves to be reved up! During the break in period I have taken it past the 3K rpm limit but not beyon 4K. I have gotten on the freway and accelerated fast through all gears going past 3K rpms on each gear. Man does this bike accelerate! Very smooth. Hope this helps the rings set in nicely and provide lifelong awsome acceleration.
I have heard other small noises coming from engine. For now I am just assuming that they are normal noises that this particular bike makes. I will ask lots of questions about this when she goes in for the first 600 mile check up.
Sorry for the long post. Let me know if you guys have any questions. Will put a follow up post after the check up.
Tony
My first impression of the mean streak was it's obvious power increase from the Honda. Couldn't stop grinning for a few days! A little scary for the first couple of hours, but got the hang of it right away. It actually feels lighter even though it is about 100 punds heavier. Performance and stoping power just don't compare. This meannie stops on a dime and corners like it's on rails. Very solid feel.
This bike gets really hot! Compared to the Honda, the meannie is blowing a lot of really hot air up my thighs. So much so, that I called my dealer asking him if this was normal. He said that yes, compared to the 750 Honda, it is much hotter, but compared to other 1600's or big bikes, it is about the same. Bigger engine, more heat. Not a problem while riding in the freeway, but hot riding stoplight to stoplight. I guess I'll get used to it.
I did not have a problem with the hydrolic clutch, other than my hand would get tired after a while of riding around the streets. The friction zone is way smaller than the Honda. The Honda has a friction zone that goes for days, but on the mean streak it seems like it is only about an inch or two. Something that I am still getting used to.
The Honda is chain drive and the meannie is shaft. BIG difference. I did feel the drivetrain lash. I like to ease off the throttle and downshift, if you will, as I come to a stop. This was easy with the chain drive, but with the shaft I get bumped back and forth. Don't get me wrong, it is not a drastic lash, but enough that I could feel an obvious difference. I have learned that it is a matter of throttle control. Before, I would roll off the throttle pretty fast, but now I have to ease off it slowly so that, as the coupler disengages - engages, it does not slap, but allows for a smooth transition. A little clutch control also helps. I know that everyone rides a bit different, but this is how I have adjusted for my riding style.
In the first few miles of riding, I hear and audiable "Chirp" However, after the first few miles, it goes away. I hope it doesn't develope into something more, and from what I have read, most meannie owners have similar noises. I have also felt the slight buzz around 30-35 mph range. I put up a seperate post on this topic.
This bike loves to be reved up! During the break in period I have taken it past the 3K rpm limit but not beyon 4K. I have gotten on the freway and accelerated fast through all gears going past 3K rpms on each gear. Man does this bike accelerate! Very smooth. Hope this helps the rings set in nicely and provide lifelong awsome acceleration.
I have heard other small noises coming from engine. For now I am just assuming that they are normal noises that this particular bike makes. I will ask lots of questions about this when she goes in for the first 600 mile check up.
Sorry for the long post. Let me know if you guys have any questions. Will put a follow up post after the check up.
Tony
