Thinking About a Vulcan Mean Streak 1600

[BHazz]

I am looking around for another bike. I am not sure how serious but I am thinking about a Kawasaki Vulcan Mean Streak 1600. I found a left-over 2006 for $9,500
Have any of you guys owned or currently own a cruiser before the V-Strom.
I would like your opinions

[Clyde]

BHazz,

I am moving in the opposite direction. I have owned a Valkyrie since 2002 and bought a ST1300 a year ago. I bought a WeeStrom a few months back and absolutely love it. Riding the Valk, which IMHO is the very best cruiser on the road, is like driving a truck after the ST and the Wee. My suggestion is that you ride one before you buy. The Mean Streak is a good bike but it is worlds apart from the Wee.

Clyde

[Strombock]

I sold my 2002 Mean Streak and got a DL1000. Unfortunatley I couldn't keep both. Wish I could've. The Meanie is very stable at high speed interstate runs. It's somewhat lacking in the twisties, but still is able to out-handle other heavy weight cruisers. Stock HP is around 70 or so, but that's easily rectified with a Power Commander, etc. I did all that to mine and added saddlebags, backrest, and a comfy passenger seat. It turned out to be an excellent tourer. That's something Kawasaki might not have wanted to happen, but it worked very well for me.

In short, I say go for it!

Regards,
Will

[cuzimaluzer]

If you are wanting a cruiser I say geta Star Road Warrior. Motorcyclist magazine slammed the mean streak in an article last year. VTX1300 is a good bike also. the warior has a great motor and good suspension.

And the new Harley 1200n looks different. Retro styling, dependable motor, belt drive that is supposed to last the life of the bike.

[Big B]

Get the Suzuki M109R, that boy is bad to the bone! I am not a cruiser person, but I would lean toward a HD Roadking if I were in the market. I really like the HD motorcycles, but that is where it ends!;) My friend has the Suzuki version of the mean streak, he doesn't like it. Not a very good long distance cruiser "unless modified", and he gets horrible gas mileage. We went on a trip, and he was filling up almost every 110 to 120 miles. Sounds like a pretty good deal though, you should get it if you want it.

[BHazz]

Thanks for the input everyone. I welcome anything that you all have to say.

One of my limitations, of course, is money. I would like to spend about $10,000 OTD.
Another important condsideration is weight, no more than 650 lbs.
Also, I want something with decent horsepower and some agility in the twisties.

Clyde - The Honda cruisers do look nice but $$$. A bit expensive for me

Strombock - I am pretty much a "turtle" in the twisties so that limitation shouldn't bother me much. But, I dont' want a total pig, either. Some meanie reviews have pegged its as a very nice handling cruiser. How much did the power commander help on horsepower?

cuzimaluzer - I am also considering the Road Warrior. I like the weight, 613 lbs and the write up. I have found a used 2006 but haven't talked price but it might be a bit more money

Big B- M109R - Very nice bike but over 700 lbs. And, the Road King, big bucks.

So, I think it is coming down between the Road Warrior, Mean Streak or keeping the Wee. I wish that I could afford both.

[djb383]

I've owned one crusier. Never again.

[BHazz]

I've owned one crusier. Never again.

Hi djb383,

What type of cruiser did you own and what's your basic comparison? Id' be very interested to hear your point of view.

[tmcgee]

I am looking around for another bike. I am not sure how serious but I am thinking about a Kawasaki Vulcan Mean Streak 1600. I found a left-over 2006 for $9,500
Have any of you guys owned or currently own a cruiser before the V-Strom.
I would like your opinions

For me, it's the cruiser ergos my back doesn't get along with. Upright works very well for me. My brother with the 27" inseam loves his Sportster 1200. I've been on it and the low center of gravity is nice, but I won't ride it as long as the straight pipes are on it. I've kept my hearing this long...

My son-in-law is thinking about a much more radical change than you, going from a GSXR to a cruiser. Not sure which one is his fancy at the moment. Vstars were/are on the list. He's pretty thorough in his research.

[ditchdoc1017]

I just came off a VTX 1800 very nice bike but very heavy.I throught about keep both but desided not to.You can get a nice VTX for under 10000.
www.vtxoa.com
It is one of the largest forum I haveever seen.

[BHazz]

I just came off a VTX 1800 very nice bike but very heavy...

Hi ditchdoc,
That is a beast of a bike at 732 pounds.
I checked out ths MSRP for the VTX1300 and I think I could make it OTD at $10,000 or under but the VTX1800 MSRP is about $13,000.

Thanks for the info!!

[Clyde]

Thanks for the input everyone. I welcome anything that you all have to say.

One of my limitations, of course, is money. I would like to spend about $10,000 OTD.
Another important condsideration is weight, no more than 650 lbs.
Also, I want something with decent horsepower and some agility in the twisties.

Clyde - The Honda cruisers do look nice but $$$. A bit expensive for me

Strombock - I am pretty much a "turtle" in the twisties so that limitation shouldn't bother me much. But, I dont' want a total pig, either. Some meanie reviews have pegged its as a very nice handling cruiser. How much did the power commander help on horsepower?

cuzimaluzer - I am also considering the Road Warrior. I like the weight, 613 lbs and the write up. I have found a used 2006 but haven't talked price but it might be a bit more money

Big B- M109R - Very nice bike but over 700 lbs. And, the Road King, big bucks.

So, I think it is coming down between the Road Warrior, Mean Streak or keeping the Wee. I wish that I could afford both.

BHazz,

I hope this isn't inappropriate. I have attached a picture of my 1999 Valkyrie which I bought new in 2002. This has been a wonderful bike and I hate to part with it but I have three bikes in the garage and my wonderful wife has informed me that two is enough. Anyway, this Valk which has 90+ HP and weighs in at approx. 675# can be yours for $6800.

I tried to send a PM but couldn't attach a picture.

Clyde

[ditchdoc1017]

http://www.southernhonda.com/new_vehicle_list.asp?sid=1421756E-02X2K4K2007J9I32I18JPMQ1606R0&Manufacturer=1&Category=1&CatDesc=Motorcycles
they run them for under 10000 alot.they could ship it also.There is alot of 04 and 05 that are new at dealer all over you can get for under10000.Go to VTXOA ask around .

[djb383]

Hi djb383,

What type of cruiser did you own and what's your basic comparison? Id' be very interested to hear your point of view.

I owned an '03 Suzuki Marauder and have riden on friends HDs, VTXs, Vulcans and Stars and they all are nice bikes BUT, they only do two things well - look cool and go straight, IMHO.

At hwy speeds, on a cruiser, I always felt like my feet were being blown off of the pegs by the wind. As far as riding position, to me, there's nothing natural, or comfortable, about your hands and feet being stuck way out in front of your body.

I had a chance to ride a friends Honda Blackbird and realized there's a lot more to motorcycle handleing than just going straight. I didn't like the sport bike riding position but the handleing was awesome.

I'm not into how a bike "looks" but I do want it to be comfortable and have excellent handleing. My wife's Suzuki Burgman (scooter) has better handleing than any cruiser I have ridden, IMHO, and is very comfortable to ride.

Currently I ride (or have access to) my DL650, Burgman 400, Honda Helix, Ninja 600, ZRX1200R, KLR650 and a DRZ400SM. I love motorcycles and love to ride but with regard to the cruiser style of bike, I've been there, done that and just don't feel like ever going back.

Again, my priorities may be different from yours. The cruiser style just didn't stick with me at all as I prefer more than flash and going straight but that's what a crusier is designed to do. Good luck.

[BHazz]

BHazz,

I hope this isn't inappropriate. I have attached a picture of my 1999 Valkyrie which I bought new in 2002. ...

Very nice ride but a bit larger than what I need. I have a bad right knee and need to keep that in mind when buying a bike.

[BHazz]

...Again, my priorities may be different from yours. The cruiser style just didn't stick with me at all as I prefer more than flash and going straight but that's what a crusier is designed to do. Good luck.


Thanks for your input. It helped to slow me down and re-examine why I am wanting to buy a cruiser. Maybe I just want a new bike. Or, maybe I am a closet poser.

I am always the slowest rider (especially in the twisties) on my V-Strom rides. I was thinking that a cruiser might fit my stlye of riding better. Oh, if I could only keep both bikes!!

[tmcgee]

Very nice ride but a bit larger than what I need. I have a bad right knee and need to keep that in mind when buying a bike.

Do you have trouble swinging the leg, Bruce? The Vstrom isn't the easiest bike to mount. When I have the Caribou cases on mine, it's much much easier to put it on the center stand, and use the footpeg as a step-stool.

[BHazz]

Do you have trouble swinging the leg, Bruce? The Vstrom isn't the easiest bike to mount. When I have the Caribou cases on mine, it's much much easier to put it on the center stand, and use the footpeg as a step-stool.

Hi Tom,

It's my right knee that bothers me. To make a long story short - About 3 or 4 years ago, I had excruciating pain in my right knee and thigh. I had to use a cane to walk for about 5 months. After 5 doctors, xrays, MRIs, etc... nothing was ever found as the source so for now, I am left with a bum leg and thigh.

One thing that bothers my leg is the pounding of the front-end when the bike and my 285 lbs. hits and decent size bump or rut. So, a smoother ride would help - either a new bike, new springs or maybe a diet is in order. I am also conerned about the bike being so tall and top heavy. When that bike begins to tip, forget it. It is so hard to pull back up. I'm not sure if my leg will handle it or just buckle under ther pressure. Also, on longer riders, the leg does begin get a little tougher to swing over.

That's enough of my problems. I sounding like I'm 90 years old. Maybe it's time for a scooter. AHHHHHHH - NOOOOOO - Can't Do It!!

[Big B]

You should look at the Suzuki C50 or the new Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Both of these bikes are just as quick as most of the bigger bikes, weigh less, cost less and look just as good. One of my best buddies has a new C50 and he "couldn't believe" how much torque and quickness it has. He has ridden allot of big powerful cruisers, and can't see why people spend so much more for the bigger bore bikes. Both of these bikes have gotten EXCELLENT reviews and write ups.

[water warrior]

The C50 was my second choice when looking for a bike. A lot of good reports on it and a lot of bike for the $$. I guess I'm not into chrome and shiny parts. Maybe next time.

[BHazz]

Big B
The C50T (4.1 gal fuel tank) and the C90T (3.7 gal. fuel tank) were both serious considerations of mine but the fuel tank size is constraining. They slap on a saddlebag and a rear seat in the C50 and call it a touring bike. If I only planned on touring my neighborhood, I would agree. Suzuki is blowing with their tiny gas tanks.

The Vulan 900, with a 5.3 gas fuel tank, is much better range but I think that I might regret not buying a bigger cruiser. I do weight 280 lbs.

Water Warrior
I am going to determine the range per tank of the C50T before I rule it out entirely.


Thanks for you comments.

[Big B]

Big B
The C50T (4.1 gal fuel tank) and the C90T (3.7 gal. fuel tank) were both serious considerations of mine but the fuel tank size is constraining. They slap on a saddlebag and a rear seat in the C50 and call it a touring bike. If I only planned on touring my neighborhood, I would agree. Suzuki is blowing with their tiny gas tanks.

The Vulan 900, with a 5.3 gas fuel tank, is much better range but I think that I might regret not buying a bigger cruiser. I do weight 280 lbs.

Water Warrior
I am going to determine the range per tank of the C50T before I rule it out entirely.


Thanks for you comments.

The 2 people that I know with the C50's get 50 to 60 MPG, that is pretty easy to do the math for mileage per fillup. You weighing what you do means very little on these bikes....good example is the Strom 650. Your getting a bigger engine in the C50 and the Vulcan, with a choice of shaft or belt drive depending on what you buy. Go look up some 0-60 or quarter mile run numbers...these 2 middle weight cruisers can hang with MOST bigger bikes easily. The C50T is an AWESOME touring bike, and is dead reliable. My best friend's Dad is racking up some serious mileage on his, and he doesn't regret not buying that Gold Wing or big ass cruiser. Sounds like you are doing your homework, and not jumping the gun. Best thing you could do is take some test rides, that will be the deal breaker.;)

Either bike isn't full of BLING, which is what makes them so practical IMHO.

Later,

BB

[BHazz]

Hello All,

I really appreciate all your help. I looked at so many bikes and read so many write-ups that my head is spinning.

I am going to check out a few other bikes (Triumph Tiger, Honda ST1300) but I have decided to keep the V-Strom.

Honestly, for my needs I couldn't find anything that I liked better than the V-Strom. This is one heck of a bike.

For now, I am going to have the front springs replaced and see how that goes.

Thanks again everyone!!!

[tmcgee]

I am going to check out a few other bikes (Triumph Tiger, Honda ST1300) but I have decided to keep the V-Strom.

Yay!

For now, I am going to have the front springs replaced and see how that goes.

I just this minute got my 1.0kg/mm package from Sonic. I'm about 270 lbs. right now, but I put 300 into the calculations and said the bike weighed 500 pounds.

The only thing I don't know is what the stiffness of the stock spring is, but guys half our size like it.

[BHazz]

[QUOTE=tmcgee;79432]Yay!
...I just this minute got my 1.0kg/mm package from Sonic...

I'm not sure what brand but it's going to cost me about $350 from my dealer. This includes everything.

[Clyde]

BHazz, It seems that we think somewhat alike. I have attached a picture of the three bike I currently own. I have owned the Valkyrie since 02, the ST1300 for a year and the WeeStrom for 6 months. When I am traveling with my wife on trips over 500 miles form home, the ST is the bike of choice. For everyday riding and short trips, under 500 miles, the Wee is the bike I choose, even if it's riding two up. I am selling my beloved Valkyrie just because I like the handling of the lighter bikes. The ST is a great bike but it is not a lightweight and enen though it is lighter than the Valkyrie, it is top heavy and is more of a chore to handle at slow speeds. It's managable even with my 29" inseam but you can drop it if it gets over too far in the parking lot. I don't need three bikes but I'm fascinated with the new Tiger and it might not take too much for me to find a reason to "need" one. :-D Hello All,

I really appreciate all your help. I looked at so many bikes and read so many write-ups that my head is spinning.

I am going to check out a few other bikes (Triumph Tiger, Honda ST1300) but I have decided to keep the V-Strom.

Honestly, for my needs I couldn't find anything that I liked better than the V-Strom. This is one heck of a bike.

For now, I am going to have the front springs replaced and see how that goes.

Thanks again everyone!!!

[tmcgee]

[QUOTE=tmcgee;79432]Yay!
...I just this minute got my 1.0kg/mm package from Sonic...

I'm not sure what brand but it's going to cost me about $350 from my dealer. This includes everything.

Seems a bit steep, but I haven't yet got into the service manual and the particulars of what it takes to change them. I've got to work on the front end anyway (new tire), and I may well be cursing before the project is over. The springs themselves were $92.

[BHazz]

..I don't need three bikes but I'm fascinated with the new Tiger and it might not take too much for me to find a reason to "need" one. :-D

Hi Clyde,
I am fascinated with the Tiger too but it was love at first site for the new BMW F 800 line, especially the ST model. Provided the quality is there, I think that this bike will be a "home run" for BMW.

I just might end up owning either the new Tiger or the F 800 ST.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/bmw-f-800-st/bmw-f-800-st.jpg

[Clyde]

[quote=BHazz;79485]Hi Clyde,
I am fascinated with the Tiger too but it was love at first site for the new BMW F 800 line, especially the ST model. Provided the quality is there, I think that this bike will be a "home run" for BMW.

BHazz,

That F 800 ST is one great looking bike and sounds just about perfect for the kind of riding I do. The MSRP of $10,900 is the only downer. I was looking for a light weight ST bike and figured I could make the WeeStrom into such an animal for a lot less than the BMW and the reliability of the Wee is well known. I believe that Rotax is making the engine for the F 800. I'm sure it will be a great bike but I would want to watch it for a while before taking the plunge... the same goes for the new Tiger. I don't know what kind of demand there is for smaller, lighter Sport Touring bikes but it's exactly what I want. If Suzuki made a ST650 with the DL / SV motor, I would be first in line to get one. :mrgreen:

[Juan_Banjovy]

djb383, I had a similar experience. I've owned 7 bikes including my current K7 & the only uncomfortable & bad handling one was the only cruiser I owned. I had a Suzuki S40 Boulevard. Dry weight was 352 pounds but it felt 100 pounds heavier than my K7 in corners because of the 35 degree fork rake. Pushing on the pegs to shift my weight only slid me backward. Comfort? Felt like driving my car without a seat back to lean on. Slouched over. My back was good for 45 minutes max. Some people like cruisers but they don't suit me at all. I should have rented one for a day before buying.

[ILuvUMan]

Thanks for the input everyone. I welcome anything that you all have to say.

One of my limitations, of course, is money. I would like to spend about $10,000 OTD.
Another important condsideration is weight, no more than 650 lbs.
Also, I want something with decent horsepower and some agility in the twisties.

Clyde - The Honda cruisers do look nice but $$$. A bit expensive for me

BHazz:

I just sold my 2002 Honda VTX1800. A very nice bike, but weight is much over 650 lbs. I had 25,000 miles on it, no problems what so ever.

I have several friends with Cruisers and I have driven just about everything. I haven't driven the Mean Streak, but I have driven a 2005 1600 Nomad Vulcan. Bike was ok. Seemed underpowered to me compared to a VTX1800. The Nomad also as heavy to me as my VTX1800 and I'm not sure the Mean Streak would weigh much less than the Nomad. I know it weighs a little less without bags and windshield, but not much.

If I were to buy a new Cruiser now, I'd look long and hard at the brand new Yamaha V-Star 1300. MSRP is right at $10k. If you look around, you can pick one up for around $9,000. They are fuel injected, 4 valves per cylinder and from what I've heard very powerful and fast. More power than a VTX1300. I've ridden a VTX1300 and I'd say the power of the 1300 is very similar to the 1600 Nomad. Thus, I'm rather certain the Yamaha 1300 would be faster/more powerful than the Meanstreak. From the literature I've read the Yamaha V Star 1300 weighs 623 lbs. too, which is less than the 650 number you have been looking for. Do a Google search. There are many reviews about this new Cruiser and I read nothing but GOOD things about it. Looks like one heck of a cruiser to me. Here's an article for starters. http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/2007_yamaha_star_v_star_1300/ and following is a picture;

http://motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/xl+2007_Yamaha_Star_VStar1300+blue_right_side.jpg


Myself? I've owned about 20 motorcycles. About half Cruisers about half dirt bikes. I'm really looking forward to a New V-Strom. I'm still undecided as to which model, but I'm really leaning toward the 650. 62-66 Horsepower to the rear wheel, is plenty of power. Especially when one considers the 650 V-Strom only weighs a little over 400 lbs.

Lots of dirt road and offroad riding in Utah, where I live. I'm looking forward to many, many dirt and gravel roads to explore, which I didn't dare do, without worrying about an 800 lb. bike falling on me, if one hits a little gravel. And trust me. A big cruiser will go down, in the gravel very easily, I've seen in firsthand many many times. And than try to get one of those 800 pounders righted. My oh my, is that ever fun, especially if by yourself. LOL

Good luck.

[BHazz]

BHazz:

...If I were to buy a new Cruiser now, I'd look long and hard at the brand new Yamaha V-Star 1300. MSRP is right at $10k. If you look around, you can pick one up for around $9,000. They are fuel injected, 4 valves per cylinder and from what I've heard very powerful and fast. More power than a VTX1300. I've ridden a VTX1300 and I'd say the power of the 1300 is very similar to the 1600 Nomad. Thus, I'm rather certain the Yamaha 1300 would be faster/more powerful than the Meanstreak. From the literature I've read the Yamaha V Star 1300 weighs 623 lbs. too, which is less than the 650 number you have been looking for...
Good luck.

Thanks for the info. The V-Star 1300 does look impressive.

I just found out that my son is engaged. So, I have to start saving for the wedding, this Sept. I am not sure If I will be buying anything this year.

[Big B]

Thanks for the info. The V-Star 1300 does look impressive.

I just found out that my son is engaged. So, I have to start saving for the wedding, this Sept. I am not sure If I will be buying anything this year.

I think that is backwards???? Doesn't the family of the "bride", float the majority of the bill? And yes.........the new Yamaha's look GOOD!!!

[BHazz]

I think that is backwards???? Doesn't the family of the "bride", float the majority of the bill? And yes.........the new Yamaha's look GOOD!!!

I wish but it's not so. More and more families are splitting the cost or very near splitting the cost.