Kawasaki has been making massive cruisers since way back in 1988 when the first VN1500 rumbled out of showrooms. And they got the design sorted pretty much from the start.
The Mean Streak was introduced for 2002 as a leaner, meaner version of the VN1500 Classic Tourer. Both bikes use the liquid cooled, eight-valve, single overhead camshaft 1470cc V-twin engine. Like all bikes in the VN1500 range since 2001, the Mean Streak has dumped the carburettor and replaced it with fuel injectors for cleaner emissions and better economy.
The Mean Streak's engine has been tweaked with massive 40mm throttle bodies for a satisfying boost in performance. Valve sizes have been increased too and the valve timing gets more overlap, transforming the nature of the machine and encouraging riders to rev the motor freely.
But in spite of all this high tech wizardry, the Mean Streak pumps out a measly 71bpp, which is only adequate for hauling 289kg of metal and plastic around. Fortunately the big VN delivers 84ft-lb of torque from 3000rpm - that's better than Harley's Electra Glide Ultra Classic and even more than the spanking new V-Rod.
The Mean Streak dumps the valanced mudguards of the Classic Tourer for skinny blades, and the suspension has been upgraded with 43mm inverted forks for first-rate compression and rebound damping, excellent steering feedback and surefooted handling for a "sportier" ride. The swingarm has air adjustable twin shocks. Ground clearance is increased over the tourer as well.
The brakes are impressive for a cruiser - there's a pair of 320mm discs with six-piston calipers up front and a single 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper at the rear.
Wheelbase is 1705mm so don't expect to be doing U-turns. But footing around shouldn't be a problem - seat height is a lowly 700mm
Although the Mean Streak appears to sport twin straight-thru pipes, the configuration is actually 2-1-2. Separate electronic speedometer and tachometer units are mounted on the top triple-clamp. It all adds up to the best VN1500 yet.
