Motorcycle Community
$keywords!    RSS Feeds
$keywords!    Motorcycles on TV
 
Motorcycle Competitions
Motorbike search Engine    Competitions
 
 
 
Motorcycle Galleries
Motorbike search Engine    New Bikes
Motorbike search Engine    Classic Bikes
Motorbike search Engine    Custom Bikes
Motorbike search Engine    Motorcycle Legends
Motorbike search Engine    Touring
 
Motorcycles General
Motorbike search Engine    Sitemap
Home | Contact Us | About Us
GoogleCustom Search

2004 Kawasaki VN1600

2004 Kawasaki VN1600Kawasaki VN1600

For the 2004 model year the Mean Streak gets meaner than ever thanks to a host of upgrades to engine and chassis which further boost this "long, low and sporty" cruiser's already impressive performance. While most Kawasaki cruisers focus on the relaxed, feelgood riding ethic of main-stream cruising, the Mean Streak's more aggressive styling and top-shelf chassis components give it a hard-core performance-cruiser image that no competing machine can match.

The main differences between the VN1600 Mean Streak and VN1500 Mean Streak can be described as follows:

  • Increased Engine Performance:
  • UThe new engine is based on a modified version of the VN1600A (VN1600 Classic) engine and boosts the Mean Streak's displacement from 1,470 cm3 to 1,552 cm3. Power characteristics in the low and medium rpm ranges are significantly improved, and off-idle acceleration is much stronger. Modifications to the cylinder heads increase its power output even further over the VN1600A power unit.
  • Other updates:
  • UChassis upgrades include a stiffer swingarm to suit the more powerful engine, new seat mounts to reduce vibration and host of cosmetic upgrades which refine and improve the machine's appearance.
  • UThe larger external dimensions of the VN1600A engine's heads and cylinders give the new Mean Streak a more muscular image to back up its more muscular performance. Other cosmetic touches include new tank graphics, new mirror assemblies, polished master cylinders for the clutch and front brake, new grips and a new finish for the cast wheels.
  • The Mean Streak's other key sales features can be summarised as follows:
  • Engine Tuned for High Performance - For hard-hitting acceleration and gutsy throttle response across the rev range, the Mean Streak is equipped with electronic fuel injection featuring big-bore 40 mm throttle bodies. Compared to other cruisers in the VN line-up, the Mean Streak's engine tuning favours high-rpm operation for increased power output and superb off-the-line acceleration.
  • Low-and-Long Chassis with Supersport Components - Contributing the Mean Streak's aggressive image is a stretched out chassis design straight from the world of custom cruisers. The combination of a low seat height, a sturdy chassis and supple suspension system give the Mean Streak the handling performance of sports cruiser with the look of a power cruiser. A number of high-performance components more commonly found on supersport machines than on cruisers, like an inverted front fork, large-diameter dual front disc brakes, and 17" cast wheels with radial tyres, place Mean Streak at the high-performance end of the cruiser spectrum.
  • Custom Styling - With a styling package that features a flangeless tank, triple-spoke cast wheels with an attractive new finish and straight handlebar and plenty of polished aluminium and chrome componentry, the Mean Streak is already very close to being a true custom machine straight out of the factory.
  • Use of the VN1600A base engine increases the Mean Streak's displacement from 1,470 cm3 to 1,552 cm3, resulting in a significant boost to torque and horsepower. Low- and mid-range performance is greatly enhanced as a result, and off-idle acceleration is much stronger.
  • Modifications to the VN1600A base engine include 37 mm valves from the VN1500P (VN1600A intake valves are 33 mm) and larger diameter intake ports for increased intake efficiency.
  • The intake and exhaust cams were also modified to deliver improved performance in the low- and mid-range.
  • The 5-speed transmissions on U.S. models have shorter gearing, so the transmission gears in these models have been strengthened to handle the added power.
  • The Mean Streak runs a sophisticated electronic fuel injection system for easy starting, smooth running, high performance and reduced exhaust emissions. Sensors include intake vacuum, water temp and intake air temp.
  • Large-bore 40 mm throttle bodies deliver hard-hitting power across the rpm range and gutsy roll-on performance in every gear.
  • Regular sports-type gear shift lever (as opposed to cruiser heel and toe type) allows for slicker shifting.
  • High-capacity oil pump delivers high oil volume to ensure reliable lubrication during extended periods of high-speed, high-temperature operation.
  • Large-capacity radiator is tailored to suit the contours of the Mean Streak and provides efficient cooling capacity.
  • Although the Mean Streak appears to sport stylish twin straight pipes, the configuration is actually 2-1-2. Large-diameter exhaust pipe with inner diameter of 38.1 mm contributes to the impressive power characteristics. Pre-chamber honeycomb-type catalyser keeps emissions friendly. Integrated chrome muffler cover conceals single-pipe catalyser section to maintain straight pipe image.
  • The Mean Streak's stable handling qualities come courtesy of a double cradle hightensile steel frame with a long wheelbase.
  • To suit the increased performance of the larger displacement engine, a new, more rigid swingarm with a redesigned cross bar and a gusset added to the left-side tube is featured.
  • Riding position is like that of an American low-rider custom cruiser. Handlebar shape, hip point and footpeg position were all selected for optimum low-ride ergonomics. Seat height is a low 700 mm.
  • Large tapered roller bearings are used in the steering head for high stability and high chassis rigidity.
  • Sporty 43 mm inverted front fork provides first-rate compression and rebound damping, excellent steering feedback and surefooted handling. Guards protect against damage to the lower fork legs.
  • Dual rear air-assisted shocks deliver superb comfort and high stability. Laid-down shock orientation also contributes to the Mean Streak's low-and-long profile. 4-way rebound damping allows tuning for varying load and riding conditions.
  • High-spec front brakes deliver top-performance braking, with 6-piston callipers gripping huge, dual 320 mm x 5 mm semi-floating front discs. Differential-bore calliper pistons measure 24, 27 and 27 mm.
  • Large 300 mm diameter rear disc and twin 30 mm rear piston brake calliper contribute further to the Mean Streak's impressive braking capabilities.
  • Front master cylinder diameter is 15.87 mm; rear master cylinder measures 14 mm.
  • Stylish triple-spoke cast wheels enhance the Mean Streak's custom cruiser image and accommodate the tubeless radial tyres. 17-inch wheels (front: J17xMT3.50, rear: J17xMT5.00) contribute to the bike's excellent handling characteristics and high-performance/sporty image.
  • The Mean Streak runs high-traction radial tyres. The massive 170 mm rear tyre is the largest that can be accommodated without interfering with the shaft line. Front tyre size is 130/70R17M/C (62H); rear is 170/60R17M/C (72H).
  • Black engine coating with polished fins gives the engine a sporty look. The edges of the cylinder fins are now machine finished for a cleaner, higher-quality appearance.
  • Larger, VN1600A type valve covers and the fins on the crankcase result in a more muscular, more massive looking engine.
  • Oil lines to the cylinder heads have been re-routed for cleaner external appearance.
  • Clean-looking flangeless tank has a 17 litre capacity, minimising refuelling stops. A raised emblem on the tank is one of many high-class finishing touches on the Mean Streak. New chameleon tank graphics change colour depending from what angle they are viewed.
  • Ignition switch is located prominently on the fuel tank and allows on-position key removal, preventing key bunches from damaging the tank's lustrous paintwork whilst the bike is in operation. Turning the ignition switch collar to the "off" or the "park" position (illuminating the tail lamp) turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart.
  • Separate electronic speedometer and tachometer units are mounted on the top triple-clamp. Other instrumentation includes odometer, tripmeter, clock, and low fuel warning lamp.
  • Compact headlamp body and attractive tail lamp design enhance appearance.
  • Custom-style seat with low-profile integrated passenger pad enhances the bike's low-and-long lines.
  • New colour coating for the wheels gives them a true custom look and makes the wheels easier to clean.
  • VN1600A-style mirrors give the Mean Streak a more modern image.
  • The clutch and front brake master cylinders are now polished, for a cleaner, more elegant image.
  • New handlebar grips from the VN1600A eliminate the earlier end caps for a cleaner look.
  • Secondary air valve switching changed from pressure activation to solenoid activation (controlled by ECU) to reduce exhaust emissions.
  • Reliable shaft drive is clean, quiet and requires minimal maintenance.
  • Balancer reduces engine vibration for smooth running.
  • Newly designed damping rubbers mounted on the seat where the seat contacts the frame rails reduce vibration for enhanced ride comfort.
  • Steering lock is located at the bottom of the steering head for easy access.
  • Auto-cancelling turn signals.
  • Pearl Blazing Orange (EUR)
  • Metallic Spark Black
  • Candy Thunder Blue (USA/CAN)
  • Candy Lime Green (USA/CAN/AUS)
  • Engine Type - Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin
  • Displacement - 1,552 cm3
  • Bore and Stroke - 102 x 95 mm
  • Compression ratio - 9.0:1
  • Valve system - SOHC, 8 valves
  • Fuel System - Fuel injection: Ø 40 mm x 2
  • Ignition - Digital
  • Starting - Electric
  • Lubrication - Forced lubrication, wet sump
  • Transmission - 5-speed, return
  • Final drive - Shaft
  • Primary reduction ratio - 1.517 (85/56)
  • Gear ratios: 1st - 2.500 (40/16), 2nd - 1.590 (35/22) [1.750 (35/20) for USA/CAN], 3rd - 1.192 (31/26) [1.333 (32/24) for USA/CAN], 4th - 0.965 (28/29) [1.074 (29/27) for USA/CAN], 5th - 0.781 (25/32) [0.867 (26/30) for USA/CAN]
  • Final reduction ratio - 2.619 (15/21 x 33/9)
  • Clutch - Wet multi-disc, manual
  • Frame Type - Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
  • Wheel travel: front - 150 mm, rear - 87 mm
  • Tyre: front - 130/70R17M/C (62H), rear - 170/60R17M/C (72H)
  • Caster (rake) - 32°
  • Trail - 144 mm
  • Steering angle (left/right) - 38° / 38°
  • Suspension Front: Type - 43 mm inverted telescopic fork
  • Rear: Type - Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks
  • Rebound damping - 4-way
  • Spring preload - Fully adjustable
  • Brakes: Front: Type Calliper - Dual semi-floating 320 mm discs, Dual 6-piston
  • Rear: Type Calliper - Single 300 mm disc, Twin-piston
  • Overall length - 2,410 mm
  • Overall width - 850 mm
  • Overall height - 1,100 mm
  • Wheelbase - 1,705 mm
  • Ground clearance - 125 mm
  • Seat height - 700 mm
  • Dry weight - 290 kg
  • Fuel capacity - 17 litres
  • Maximum power - 54 kW {73 PS} / 5,300 rpm
  • Maximum torque - 125 N·m {12.7 kgf·m} / 2,800 rpm (EUR/AUS), 128 N·m {13.1 kgf·m} / 2,500 rpm (USA/CAN)
  • Price; VN1600 Classic - £8195.00, VN1600 Mean Streak - £8295.00

    The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.



© Motorbike Search Engine
Disclaimer
Privacy Policy