Kawasaki VN1600 Mean Streak

[wkid_one]

Along with the news of the new 2,053cc VN2000 model Kawasaki also released details of a new VN1600 Mean Streak. Kawasaki claim that a host of engine and chassis upgrades feature on the new Mean Streak along with a capacity increase from 1,470cc to 1,552cc.  The engine is based on a modified Vulcan 1600 Classis engine with modified cylinder heads with larger valves, more aggressive cams and other improvements to boost power. An electronic fuel injection system supplies the engine from a 17 litre fuel tank via a pair of 40mm throttle bodies.  Spent gases exit via 2-1-2 system. A stiffer swingarm is employed for 2004 to help handle the increased power while new seat mounts help to reduce vibration.  This combines with the 43mm inverted forks and a pair of shocks adjustable for rebound and preload to offer a reasonable ride. A pair of six-piston calipers clamp on large 320mm discs at the front of the machines and are assisted by a 300mm disc at the rear which should bring the 290kg Mean Streak to a brisk halt. The five speed gearbox is shifted by way of a normal sports style shifter rather than the traditional heel-toe item used on most cruisers. The seat height is a very low 700mm making the Mean Streak quite a low rider. A separate speedometer and tachometer are mounted atop the triple clamps while the ignition switch is located on the tank. Other information provided by the instrumentation include an odometer, tripmeter, clock and a low fuel warning lamp.  The key may be removed after starting to help prevent any damage from a key chain. The only colour available in Australia will be a striking 'Candy Lime Green'.

Specifications - Kawasaki VN1600 Mean Streak (2004) Engine - 1,552cc 4-stroke V-Twin Valvetrain - SOHC, 4-valves per cylinder Compression Ratio - 9.0:1 Induction - Electronic fuel injection, 2 x 40mm throttle bodies Gearbox - 5-speed Drive - Shaft Clutch - Wet, multi-plate Rake - 32° Trail - 144mm Tyres - 130/70R17 (F), 170/60R17 (R) Front Suspension - 43mm inverted forks Rear Suspension - Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, adjustable for rebound and preload Front Brakes - Twin 320mm discs, 6-piston calipers Rear Brake - Single 300mm disc, twin-piston caliper Length - 2,410mm Width - 850mm Height - 1,100mm Wheelbase - 1,705mm Ground Clearance - 125mm Seat Height - 700mm Dry Weight - 290kg Fuel Capacity - 17 litres Claimed Power - 54kw (73hp) @ 5,300rpm Claimed Torque - 125N-m (13.1 kgf-m) @ 2,500rpm Colour - Candy Lime Green

[Dave]

nice

[MikeL]

Lots of torque (or is that just talk?) but only 73 hp out of 1600cc???

[jrandom]

Originally posted by MikeL
Lots of torque (or is that just talk?) but only 73 hp out of 1600cc???

Well, if you design and tune the engine so that it makes maximum torque at low revs (as per the Holy Cruiser Specification) you're not going to have enough torque to make more power at high revs, innit? And, as we all know, making torque at high revs is the key to Real Power (tm).

[Dave]

And, as we all know, making torque at high revs is the key to Real Power (tm).

And this from a man with an FXR150!!!

[Eurodave]

Yummy, that is one nice looking bike, the last Kwaka I had was a Z1000 Z1-R about 20 years ago

[Waylander]

Sure is an odd looking sportbike or tourer....

[MD]

saw one for the first time at Manfeild 25/2/06. Damn nice looking bike in black. Owner seemed as pleased as punch with it. If I was after a cruiser (again) then one of these would be on my short list -but below the Speedmaster. At the mo no othere cruisers appeal to me. 72hp is a bit better than the current pack aswell. Whatever happened to those Guzzi Jackals, don't see any on the road. I liked the look of them and they were about 90hp I think with the added bonus of good handling.

[beyond]

Well, my GSX1400 turns out 126nm of torque at 5500rpm.
90% of that torque is available from 2500rpm through to 7500rpm.
Maximum HP is 106 and I have a video of a stock GSX1400 hitting 100kmh in 2.57 seconds.

Not too bad and heaps of torque down low with plenty of horsies as well.

Now if you want you can shove a turbo unit on it and Snake in OZ is getting 300hp at the rear wheel and is now aiming for 400hp. Currently running at 200 NM torque.

Now thats talk/Torque.

[MidnightMike]

Urrrggghhh yuck!!

[Shadows]

I don't like the pipes. Maybe they need to be upswept a bit.

[2much]

My old lady's got one, fun bike to ride for a cruiser and wicked brakes. Looks much better in the orange....

[terbang]

My old lady's got one, fun bike to ride for a cruiser and wicked brakes. Looks much better in the orange....

Now Mark I wouldn't call Olivia the old lady or else... while you are sleeping..

[terbang]

Cool looking bike that..though 290 KG worries me..

[adiddy]

i love the look of it, althoughi am into my sportsbikes.... wuld be nice but wouldnt it be better just to pay that lil bit more and get a vulcan 2000?