KAWASAKI VULCAN MEAN STREAK 1600

My new-to-me 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan Mean Streak 1600cc. Start up, cruise, rev, aftermarket exhaust, LED light and accessories.
RAM MOUNTS: amzn.to/2eVSDs9
X-Grip Handle: amzn.to/2g8R2RJ
Scorpion Helmet: amzn.to/2xDYzPm
Sena Bluetooth: amzn.to/2NzLjVX
Steel & Strength Riding Shoes: amzn.to/2QVT5HW
Military Hard Knuckle Tactical Gloves: amzn.to/2QWiqkN
Hit SUBSCRIBE ► bit.ly/2Lz2Njr
★ "LIKE" my video if you enjoyed it!
My Websites:
Web & Graphic Design - www.slysdesign.com
Travel Blog - www.navigatornick.com
IG: @nickmsylvester
IG: @navigatornick
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Camera Equipment:
The Drone - amzn.to/2Oi25ph
The Camera - amzn.to/2LOvSob
Action Cam - amzn.to/2LDeVQo
Gimbal - amzn.to/2OnAF0K
Tripod - amzn.to/2LOU0a7

[@michaellowrey8159]

I had 2 mean streaks. 1st was the initial year they came out. Had a red 1500. The 1600 did not come out until 2nd or 3rd year to be more competitive with the warrior 1600 and the Honda vtx 1800. I eventually trade up to the 1600 mean streak diabol. Black on red frame. Just loved the bike and my favorite of all I had. Had better one but the meanie is my fav. The only thing was it had 2 rear shocks which made it way more expensive to lower than the Warrior.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Thanks for sharing. I really like mine, I hope to make some upgrades this spring and I will be posting on KZbin. Please Subscribe to my channel to get the updates. I'm 5'8" and I do not have a problem being flat-footed when sitting on the bike. It might look better lowered but I dont plan on lowering the bike. Other bikes I have a hard time being flat-footed, another reason the meanie was the right choice for me!

[@MicMurphy1981]

Michael Lowrey i got one for sale 766 miles. Check it out kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6utmnR9eMZ_lck

[@Navigator_Nick]

CLEAN bike! Looks nice Michael, great bike. Good luck with the sale.

[@greenmmnm]

Nick, what seat is that?

[@kevincito946]

Would you guys recommend this as a beginner bike ? I’m 29 years old, I’m not trying to get into the motorcycle world for speed or to look cool. I Just love the classic look this bike has, and honestly believe riding would probably be good for me, (I hear it’s like therapeutic for some people ) Anyway, it’s right around my price range. Is this bike great for a 3 hour trip? I mean is it Comfortable ? Thanks. 👍

[@BeardedKayakFishing]

Had an 03 Green Meany. Loved it.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Cool, what do you have now? Im thinking about trading the meanie in for a vaquero...

[@raffyc66]

Love the sound of my Meany. Growling Green Monster.

[@knytrydr73]

Loved these bikes. Kawasaki needs to make a new version of this based on the Vulcan 1700s.

[@Navigator_Nick]

I agree. If they price it right it would blow the competition out of the water. Hands down! Although I would never buy a brand new bike, I always wait a few years so the kinks are worked out. :)

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

this was the video which helpd see what mean streak looked like.. with out actually seeing it in real life. I liked it and bought one... Thanks Nick for the nice clean and useful video.

[@Navigator_Nick]

That's great Ahmed! What year did you buy? Color? Price? Mileage?

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

2008 SE, so its black and red. It was about 7500km when I got it about a month ago, Weather was cold but I still put 600km on it since then. I paid 5500CAD. Come spring I have to get new tires and break pads. But I absolutely love how well it runs.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Beautiful! That's about what I paid for my bike too and it had around 8500 miles. You seem to have got a great deal, nice job. I hope to make some more videos with my bike this spring with some new modifications. Did you subscribe to my channel for future videos and smash the "like" button?

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

yes liked and subscribed.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Thank you! Do you have any upgrades planned for the bike already?

[@BeardedKayakFishing]

I got an 04 Green one. Love it. Got power commander, pipes, cone filter and some hydro dipping done on it. Love it

[@Navigator_Nick]

They are awesome machines. I just got new tires and will be making a new video soon. Make sure to subscribe to the channel for future videos! Thanks!

[@BeardedKayakFishing]

@@Navigator_Nick DONE!

[@71pieromat]

Beautiful bike, i love it!

[@aapddd]

I love these 1600 s , they idle nice and low for a fi bike. Proper sound.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Same here, I don't have one complaint about my mean streak, other than I wish it had a 6th gear for the highway.

[@PaddyOutback]

Have an ‘08 1600 with the same exhaust. Sounds fantastic.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Video does not do it justice but I think its perfect. Not too loud but people now you are there when riding in traffic. 😎. How long have you had your 08?

[@PaddyOutback]

@@Navigator_Nick Bought mine in January and I adore it. It’s a ridiculous bike in the best possible sense.

[@robmx2324]

Looks like a beauty

[@Navigator_Nick]

Thanks Rob. She needs a good wax this spring but the 13 year old paint is holding up nicely.

[@michaelwood875]

great choice...am looking for one myself...

[@pminneci77]

Looks sharp, I have a 2005 Meanie 1600 myself - Magna Red. FYI, you can pull the key out once it's started/running so it doesn't go banging around while riding. Then turn to left/right just a tad to shut off for a quick stop. Helps to keep you from leaving your key in as my buddy always does.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Phil Minneci thanks Phil. I hope to pick up some new parts this weekend at the bike show in Chicago. Thanks for the key tip! I'm going to try that.

[@pminneci77]

SLY_WRX I'll be there on Sunday.

[@stacylamb4334]

Just picked this video after buy a used meanstreak. I noticed you have a teamster key chain. I'm also a teamster out of local 519 Knoxville Tn.

[@irregularrex4004]

I like it. Been looking to buy a meanie for awhile now and there's not many videos of them on the highway which is 90% of my riding.

[@Navigator_Nick]

It's a great bike. I'll try to post more footage, maybe hit the highway. Very comfortable sport cruiser, good weight distribution and enough power to keep it fun, you won't get bored.

[@Navigator_Nick]

@Joe Spano After having this bike for awhile I noticed it definitely needs a sixth gear on the highway. Around 80mph, its around 3500rpms and while it's not struggling it feels like I am pushing the bike a little too hard.

[@tomkopp4321]

@@Navigator_Nick I wanted to comment on this rpm Your bike at 75mph is barely running at 50% I paced myself with a Gold Wing in overdrive at 70mph, he was 200 rpm's less than me. Your bike will run at this pace until....well along time if you maintain it. It took me along time, ignore that tach on the hwy!

[@michaelc9128]

@@Navigator_Nick the bike is a cruiser not a crotch rocket..these bikes have no need to approach 100mph

[@RONALD511]

I LIKE THIS ONE

[@Navigator_Nick]

Thanks @RONALD511 . Any questions about the bike? I will be making some updates to it this spring!

[@RONALD511]

@@Navigator_Nick How Fast have you really remember going on a highway ?

[@robmx2324]

I bought one of the first Mean Streaks to hit central Florida. It was an awesome bike for a single rider. Not great as a passenger bike. Drove it to the Florida Keys from Orlando Florida. It rides like a bat out of hell and corners beautifully. Wished I kept it for around town. It was a definite fun bike to ride. Smoked a V-Rod.

[@Navigator_Nick]

First, thanks for subscribing Rob. It really is a great bike at a great price point, I can't tell people that enough. On the used market, its very hard to find a comfortable, 1600cc, well rounded motorcycle for under $5,000. I bought mine for $3,500 with around 8,xxx miles on it. What a steal! I love riding in Florida, besides for the unexpected downpours that leave you stranded on the side of the road for a couple of hours. I have also road from Orlando to Daytona Beach and back. Great ride!

[@robmx2324]

@2_Wheel_Life Bwahahaha. I smoked his ass. Couple of years later, a Yamaha Warrior left me in the dust.

[@robmx2324]

@2_Wheel_Life The first year VRod was an overpriced P.O.S. bike. Before you blow a gasket. I have ridden Harley Davidsons for over 16 years. You have put out extra money to add the three stages of kits to make them run right. The mean streak was a monster right out of the crate.

[@robmx2324]

@2_Wheel_Life I googled this, the 2001 HD V-Rod was a1131 cc engine, the Mean Streak was a 1470 cc engine and was on a stripped down chassis. The V-Rod was heavier than shit. You’re smoking some crazy shit.

[@robmx2324]

@2_Wheel_Life The 2009 Muscle V-Rod had 125 HP on a 1200 cc engine only. Not the 2001 Rod, 85 HP.

[@tomkopp4321]

In your current set up the pipes are only making noise. No performance gain at all. Some tips for ya. 1. The bike cant breath add an aftermarket intake. 2. The bike needs more fuel and timing adjustments. Add a Cobra turner (or similar) under the seat. 3. Remove and plug all the polution control junk. The best part....you'll go from 75 hp to upwards of 100 and the bike will run like it should.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Hi Tom 1. What aftermarket intake do you recommend that is suitable for all kinds of weather? 2. The bike has a cobra tuner, it's just not in the video. It is in the tool compartment 3. Do you have a video on how to do this? What are the pros and cons of modifying these components?

[@tomkopp4321]

@@Navigator_Nick I believe I got all my info from cadman on mean streak forums. I have two, 9" round air cleaners on my bike. They came from Auto Zone. 29 bucks apiece. The left side is just for looks, it only breathes on the right side. I could text or email you some pics if you like. Rebuilding the forks on the bench as I write this. There are no cons to doing this. With your pipes and tuner you for sure need alot more air. Think of it like a big pump, the more ya pull in...the more ya spit out. You'll see that qoute in the forum somewhere.

[@fromthe4gotten]

Theres a sweet deal on one of these on Craigslist where I live. Been wanting a bike for years now! Cool ride man.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Yessir! Look it over really well and make sure mechanically its in good shape and just by a visual inspection you will be able to tell if the owner took care of it. Let me know if you pick it up! Where are you located?

[@fromthe4gotten]

Nick Sylvester I'm from Michigan. It looks pretty flawless in the pictures, might go check it out this weekend.

[@Navigator_Nick]

How many miles, what year, price? Any modifications?

[@fromthe4gotten]

Nick Sylvester It's a 2007, Limited Edition with 10,121 miles for $3,800.

[@Navigator_Nick]

Solid deal! I got my 2005 w/ 9,500 miles for $3,500 and it came with the exhaust and power commander. Highly recommend the bike, I've had it for about a year now and it's been great after a couple thousand miles. I'll probably be doing a review sometime soon.

[@ryanfrasier859]

Hey Nick nice video! Have you taken it on any long trips ie more than 100 miles? Does it stay comfortable or anything start to go numb?

[@Navigator_Nick]

Thanks for taking the time to watch. Yes, I have taken it on numerous 100 mile trips and it does great. The only thing that gets a little numb is my butt but I don't blame the seat or bike design as a factor. I'm 5'8" if that gives you a better indication as to how I fit on it. I can sit flat-footed because of the bikes low center of gravity and low seat height.

[@alfrede.neuman8611]

That's a beautiful Honda VTX....er....I mean, Kawi Mean Streak you've got there man. ;)

[@Navigator_Nick]

Ha, that's true! The bikes are in the same price range new and have some similar features but I like the kawi fit and finish more. Also, the ride height is better for my short legs. LOL

[@ItalianMetalHED]

The Kawasaki has better engine and efficiency and put out more overall power, I used to have vtx but after more research about how they do fuel delivery and valve train/mounts for vibration it’s a solid bike. Crashed vtx and finally ready for another

[@alfrede.neuman8611]

@@ItalianMetalHED Now...I'm not knocking the Mean Streak 1600 is a great boulevard cruiser, but you've really got to specify which VTX you're talking about? If you're comparing it to a VTX 1300, the Mean Streak most certainly makes a bit more power. .....but it doesn't even come close to the power or performance of big brother VTX 1800.

[@boondock6055]

looks good seems just as fast as my vulcan 800

[@Navigator_Nick]

Oh wow, have you swapped the motor in your 800?

[@davidcook3900]

Sorry to be a meanie, but a Vulcan 800 stands no chance against a meanie

[@Joe_1971]

I like it...real sharp looking bike. How does it feel while riding as far as steering response, does it feel nimble or does it feel like it want to resist the initial lean? My vulcan 500 is real nimble for a cruiser...no hesitation to lean when just barely moving the handle bars.

[@Navigator_Nick]

the bike is really nimble and it's low center of gravity makes it weighted very nicely. You can handle slight turns or corners with just moving your hips or point the handlebars and go. It's probably like your 500, just a little heavier, but much more power. This would be a great updated and you would be extremely happy with it. I'm 5'8' and 160lbs and I can handle the bike just fine

[@Joe_1971]

@@Navigator_Nick Thanks for the reply. I test rode a Vulcan 1600 a few days ago and it was an amazing looking bike..sounded awesome..but felt weird, like it wanted to go straight and was reluctant to lean...meaning it took more effort on the handle bars. I think it may have been the tires..they looked old. The middle part on the front tire was kind of flat.

[@mjt106]

Mega top

[@pipperwat262]

Would you reccomend as first bike?

[@Navigator_Nick]

No, it's very powerful and heavy. I'd recommend something with a smaller motor and something easier to handle.

[@BigNogz]

I just bought a 2002 Mean Streak. What kind of seat is that. The Mustang seat on it now is a 2 piece I believe and not what I want to keep.

[@Navigator_Nick]

It's the stock seat but I'm looking to upgrade it.

[@judgegixxer]

A bud of mine got one of these. Rode it once and now wants me to buy it. Other buddy wants to sell me his ZX14. I ride a GSXR1000 now. Trying to decide who to make happy and who to piss off. lol. That's why I watched this. Still not sure.

[@Navigator_Nick]

judgegixxer hey man! I’m not sure how old you are and how your body responds but the biggest reason I got a sport cruiser was to be more comfortable riding. I can ride longer and the bike is just more versatile. Do I miss ripping wheelies and flying around corners, yes I do. But, I’d still rather have this bike. I rode sport bikes for 10years before taking a break for a summer and then getting the meanie. It’s got enough power to satisfy my need for speed and it’s just so comfortable for me. Low center of gravity, and I can plant both of my feet flat on the ground and I’m only 5’8.

[@gimmieliberty6514]

You make it sound like their offloading girlfriends

[@Birdman11221]

What is the top speed of this bike? Looks very powerful.

[@Navigator_Nick]

I'm not sure, I dont think I have ever hit faster than 110mph in Mexico. Its very powerful and a lot of low end torque.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

they should revive the meanstreak as a trim to the 900... new heads and cam and lets say 70 hp, it would sell ALOT

[@Navigator_Nick]

How is this idea different than the current Kawi Vulcan?

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

@@Navigator_Nick current vulcan is 50 hp(63 with pipe intake and flash)

[@dakotrondakota9084]

@@ragimundvonwallat8961 not the 07 meanstre 1600, or "1552" you are high man.

[@ProsperingCunt47]

I need e led’s!!

[@HPST205]

Turn the steering wheel

[@Navigator_Nick]

What do you mean?

[@straightedgecutz8500]

found a really good deal on one of these near me and im wondering if its too much as a starter bike , im pretty cautious and dont plan on doing stupid shit on it, but it will be my first bike after MSF i really dont want anything small im going to get tired of super quick , thoughts?

[@Navigator_Nick]

It really depends on your confidence level. Have you ever rode a motorcycle or dirt bike before? The bike is VERY well weighted and its super easy to ride but It does have a lot of power though so you want to treat it with respect until you are comfortable. For being 1600cc, its manageable power for a beginner but it wouldnt be my first recommendation. You might be better off with a Vulcan 900 or a Honda Shadow, Suzuki Boulevard 50/90.

[@straightedgecutz8500]

i was looking for something with more than 1100 cc those are all bikes ive considered

[@straightedgecutz8500]

i used to ride quads

[@Navigator_Nick]

Obviously depends on the weight of the bike but 1100cc is pretty big for a beginner bike unless you weigh over 180-200lbs. Quads are a whole different story, I ride quads too and the two do not relate at all. I've got some quad videos on my channel and dirt biking as well.

[@straightedgecutz8500]

actually i sat on a meanstreak today and it felt really light to me, in comparison to the yamaha vstar 1100 i sat on i am about 185 actually haha so not a small dude

[@myschathesleddog8100]

What LEDs are those?

[@Navigator_Nick]

It's a cheap kit I found on ebay. It's OK, but not very visible in the daytime though, which worries me for people stoping behind me or seeing my turn signal. At night its fine.

[@myschathesleddog8100]

Thanks for the reply!

[@Navigator_Nick]

Anytime, let me know if you have more questions in the future. I will be posting more videos of this bike in a couple of months.

[@chaoticadventure]

Steering wheel ? And your idle is set to low it should be 950-1000 RPM.

[@elijahaguero5532]

How tall are you??

[@Navigator_Nick]

5'8"

[@Navigator_Nick]

Update 2020: I will be upgraded and adding more modifications to this bike in spring. Looking forward to your comments, idea's and suggestions!

[@dakotrondakota9084]

Hey man. I just picked up an 07 meanie, 7800 miles! Its all stock besides cobra exhaust with no baffles. What more mods did you make on yours man?

[@thisthatandtheotherchan5548]

Heavy?

[@Navigator_Nick]

Nope. Light for the size of the motor. Well balanced.

[@roccolescio1695]

650lbs

[@MicMurphy1981]

Great bike my dad has one also check out my review

[@Navigator_Nick]

Michael Murphy Thank you, I really enjoy it. You cant beat the power to price ratio and the comfort of this bike is incredible, it fits me perfect.

[@jamesmillard1086]

That tag is tacky

[@Navigator_Nick]

That was from the previous owner. It’s changed now and updated videos will be out soon with new mods. Subscribe to the channel to see the new updates in the upcoming weeks.

[@demonizernecrokvlt6393]

My uncle used to have this bike, he ended up selling it because of his meth habit lol

[@Navigator_Nick]

It's a great bike! Meth injection is addicting, but makes the bike less reliable and more prone to issues.

[@demonizernecrokvlt6393]

@@Navigator_Nick o yis