Kawasaki VN1500 middle stripe
In an era when the greenhouse effect warms the planet, and the world's policemen are hunting for the allegedly guilty, and at home we get charming euros from marks, super-powerful cruisers enter the scene. Not only the Mean Streak, but also the Honda VTX1800, Yamaha Road Star Warrior and Harley's V-Rod have filled a hitherto unexplored motorcycle niche.
The formula, at least in the case of Kawasaki, is very simple: you take an existing home V-design twin-cylinder unit and charge it. You stretch and lower the bike and "build" it so that it looks like an American Styrian Arnold. Attachments such as a solid frame, powerful brakes and suspension, and sticky tires are a must. Yeah, and chrome. Lots of chrome.
New philosophy of old roots
Mean Streak is the latest in a line of children from the VN1500 family. However, its development required more than just wearing fashionable Dunlop tires. Rumors suggest that Kawasaki's American affiliate even dealt with a turbine unit that didn't hit fertile ground during the targeted biker cluster chosen. Instead of a turbo beast, the already well-known 1470 cc V-twin engine was chosen.
Adapted to the new philosophy, it features modified fuel injection with 40mm intake manifolds, different cams, larger valves and pistons, and a new Harley-like exhaust system. The excellent five-speed transmission has also been redesigned and the cooler is bigger. After such fitness, the device gained a good 6 hp muscle mass.
Instead of a heel-toe switch, the switch mode is normal.
More than in general, changes in the overall structure and frame are noticeable. The sign of aggression is undoubtedly given by the drop-by-drop fuel tank, slightly bent back handlebars, low seat and fenders.
Mini in the front, maxi in the back. That this is serious is confirmed by the choice of color. Mean Streak is only available in black, only some markets can attack in orange. The sporty rider's heart flutters when his gaze catches the suspension and brakes. An inverted 43mm telescopic fork is standard on sport bikes and until recently was considered heresy on cruisers. As are the six-piston front brakes standard on the ZX-9R home model.
Sports cruise
When I sit on it, the Mean Sreak feels lighter than the VN 1500 Drifter. The scales confirm that for only 13 pounds, but it is known. The view from the damn low seat, planted just 700mm from the ground, is a spike. The steering wheel resembles a dragster steering wheel and is similarly mounted on the top fork axle. Retro gauges with white base are chrome plated, and a contact lock with indicator lamps is located on top of the fuel tank on a chrome platform. When I wake him up, the generator rumbles deeply and reminds me of the quiet grunt of our Labrador.
On rural roads, I admire the responsiveness of the injection system, which usually dispenses fantastic food throughout the work area. The unit successfully drums even at 1500 rpm in top gear and at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour.
Less pounds are welcome when steering and driving the bike into corners. There, a decent distance off the ground allows for more aggressive riding and dodging without fear of getting stuck on the pedals or even the generator. While it is known for its cruising nature, riding winding roads with it is a real experience. It seems that the lion's share of gratitude is attributed to the suspension.
The front forks are indeed set at a 32-degree chopper angle, and their cornering responsiveness doesn't give that feeling. I swerve onto the freeway, take third, and press the gas all the way. Up to a speed of 150 kilometers per hour, it shoots right at me. When I touch it (namely speed), I go around the perfect gearbox, flick my heel, and maintain speed. Bomb! The ride turns into an adrenaline rush, accelerating to 190 mph. Even at this speed, despite the aforementioned geometry, the bike is trustworthy. Hoyle, athletes, where are you?
Brakes are equipment that screams after praise. Heavy-hungry front 6-piston brake calipers eat away at the 320mm disc, leaving a solid feel in the fingers. Quite often it happened to me that I grabbed the brake lever too roughly (cruisers only), but my braid safely untangled. But I definitely would not want to repeat the exercises on a wet road. A pair of rear air and adjustable dampers are also worthy of praise. To dispense air into them, a pump is absolutely necessary, which, unfortunately, I did not have.
Mean Streak is a motorcycle that pleases with its appearance and the listed features. While it will certainly be more expensive than its VN 1500 family brethren, it will find buyers among riders who opt for a powerful sport cruiser. There are more and more such motorcyclists every day.
Represents and sells: DKS doo, Jožice Flander 2, (02/460 56 10), Mb.
Technical information
engine: Liquid-cooled, V-cylinder, SOHC, 8 valves
Hole diameter x: 102 x 90 mm
Volume: 1470 cm3
Compression: 9:1
Maximum power: 53 KW (72 KM) at 5500/min
Maximum torque: 114 Nm at 3000 rpm
Energy transfer: 5 gears, cardan
Switch: ojna, multidimensional
Suspension (front): Telescopic forks “upside down”, f 43 mm, wheel travel 150 mm.
Suspension (rear): Pair of adjustable air dampers, wheel travel 87 mm
Brakes (front): 2 spools f 320 mm, 6-piston caliper
Brakes (rear): Coil f 300 mm, 2-piston caliper
Wheel (front and rear): 17 inches
Tire (front): 130/70 x 17, Dunlop Sportmax D220 ST
Elastic band (ask): 170/60 x 17, Dunlop Sportmax D220 ST
Wheelbase: 1705 mm
Seat height from ground: 700 mm
Fuel tank: 17 liters
Dry weight: 289 kg
Text: Roland Brown
Photo: Phil Masters and Roland Brown
Technical information
engine: Liquid-cooled, V-cylinder, SOHC, 8 valves
Torque: 114 Nm at 3000 rpm
Energy transfer: 5 gears, cardan
brakes: 2 spools f 320 mm, 6-piston caliper
Suspension: Upside down telescopic forks, f 43 mm, wheel travel 150 mm / Pair of adjustable air dampers, wheel travel 87 mm.
Fuel tank: 17 liters
Wheelbase: 1705 mm
Weight: 289 kg
