Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance And More

When it comes to cruisers, riders often prefer an aggressive bike with a badass look, and no Kawasaki cruiser has ever demonstrated more “bad boy” attitude than the Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak. Kawasaki, the famous Japanese bike company , developed this legendary muscle cruiser with enough attitude to not only ensure its popularity forever but also to dominate the city streets in terms of torque, acceleration, and handling.

The bike featured more than outstanding aesthetics that drew admiration from riders. Come and explore the detailed specs, performance, and history of this classic Kawasaki cruiser in this read.

The 1600 Mean Streak was launched by Kawasaki in 2004 as part of the classic Vulcan series (2002-2009) along with the Suzuki Marauders. Powered with a 1552cc motor, the bike was named after its “mean” sinister look, capable of 72 hp at 5300 rpm.

Kawaski produced three variations of a single motorcycle that year, the 1600 Classic, the 1600 Nomad, and the 1600 Mean Streak, all powered with the same liquid-cooled V-twin engine.

The Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak debuted in 2004 with the same long, low, hot-rod-inspired appearance and sport bike handling as its predecessor, the Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak, but with a larger 1552cc V-twin engine.

The piston stroke of the 1600 Mean Streak was lengthened by 5mm to increase the displacement from 1470cc (in 1500 Mean Streak) to 1552cc. Moreover, to enhance low and mid-rpm performance, the cam angle, lift, and valve timing were all modified.

Kawasaki also gave the new 1600 Mean Streak some extra modifications , including redesigned valve covers and revised cooling fins.

The Kawasaki VN 1600 Mean Streak lasted from 2004 to 2009, then it was replaced by the Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan.

All 1600 Mean Streak models had almost the same specifications, except for a little change in the design and color, which was gradually incorporated over the years to give this bike a more modern look.

• Color Options: Black and Orange.

The ignition fuel system of the 2005 Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak was updated with a Keihin CVK40 carburetor. The Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) and TCBI with digital advance were also installed on the bike.

• Color Options: Red and Black

The 2016 model featured a TCBI dual plug digital advance ignition and a fuel system with a carburetor and a DFI with Keihin 46mm throttle bodies. All other specifications remained the same except for a small change in the design.

• Color Options: Ebony, Ebony (New Flame Metallic Persimmon Red)

The fuel system was changed to injection for the 2007 Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak.

• Color Options: Ebony, Two-Tone: Metallic Flat Spark Black / Flame Persimmon Red

No significant changes were made to the next models, except for a slight modification in the outlook and design.

• Color Options: Candy Fire Red, Special Edition: Metallic Diablo Black

The Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak is a low riding bike with a long, hot-rod-inspired style and sport bike handling.

Your eyes automatically wander to the twist-grip handles on the 1600 Mean Streak and you begin to picture the torque and acceleration produced by such a true power cruiser. This liquid-cooled power cruiser was titled as “Mean” for a reason.

The Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak can produce 72 hp at 5300 rpm, 127 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm, and has a top speed of 115mph. The bike is perfect for everyday cruising, with handlebars just wide enough to provide natural reach. The progressive shock system at the rear and the growling sound adds to the mean attitude of this cruiser.

The 1600 Mean Streak is powered with a 1552cc V-twin engine which carries the same fuel-injected, liquid-cooled design as the 1500 Mean Streak, with hydraulic valve lash adjusters and a gear-driven counter balancer.

When riding the Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak, the increased displacement and other engine upgrades are easy to notice. The bike is a lot more potent, thanks to a more low-end drive and a meatier mid-range torque. Owing to high-tech features like electronic fuel injection, dual spark plugs, digital ignition, and four valves per cylinder, the V-twin engine produces a smooth wave of torque to make your journey more enjoyable.

Kawasaki polished the valve covers and cooling fins for a brilliant, high-performance look for the 1600 Mean Streak. In the cruiser market, aesthetics and riding comfort are just as vital as tremendous power. The colorful 17-inch aluminum wheels on the 1600 Mean Streak add to the bike’s high-performance image, while the radial tires provide excellent stability and grip.

The 1600 Mean Streak is a firm-sprung cruiser with fluid handling amongst those in the cruiser category. Unlike other cruisers, this bike has superb high-speed stability and nimble handling. The handling is improved by the sport bike-style 43mm inverted forks and a strengthened swingarm with a dual air-assisted hydraulic shock system.

The 1600 Mean Streak’s handling is superior to that of the large VTX cruiser by a significant margin, and it is comparable to that of the aluminum-framed Road Star Warrior.

For a huge displacement V-twin cruiser, the five-speed transmission shifts pretty efficiently, and there is always ample torque on demand. It seems difficult to choose the wrong gear on this bike.

If you ride a cruiser, the comfortable low seat , the convenient riding position, and the front brake’s power and feedback will amaze you.

The Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak has a top speed of 115 mph or 185km/h.

This heavy muscle cruiser has a dry weight of about 209 kg or 639 lbs.

The average retail price of the Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak is $11,099. However, it can vary depending upon the model year, region, color, and aftermarket work.

Kawaski is still producing the Mean Streak under the name “Meanie” (also known as Special Edition) on a custom basis.

You can create your dream Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak by adding a variety of aftermarket accessories offered for this model. Adding these high-quality parts will give your bike a fresh look and enhance the vehicle’s overall performance. Examples include crash bars, headlights, LED tail lights, seats, and fairings. You can also add the long tube exhaust cobra pipes for a more pleasing sound.

This fantastic cruiser can also be altered to carry your luggage  to make your road trips more enjoyable and convenient. You may add sissy bars, luggage racks, passenger backrests, and saddle bags  to make the bike even more comfortable on extended rides.