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Motorcycle User Reviews - 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak

I've just passed 52,000 miles on my 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak and have been very pleased with this MC in nearly every way.

Tire life is the only gripe I have. But, that should be blamed on ALL the tire manufacturers using compound that is too soft for the distance rider. I just put Dunlop's new Road Smart tire on the rear that uses two compounds in the tire. The center tread is harder and the side tread which is used during cornering is softer.

This bike has been on several 2000+ mile road trips and is fantastic in this role. I've noticed higher oil consumption if I ride over 70 mph for long distances. Everyone I know who has a 1500/1600 Vulcan has the same experience with this. Not a problem. Just bring a quart of good mc grade oil with you and ride on and on.

I have soft saddlebags and a Cortech Cruiser sissy bar bag for long trips. If riding solo, you can put the bag on the front of the sissy bar sitting on the passenger seat for some added back support.

The Mean Streak places most riders in a slightly leaned forward riding position and this is annoying on long rides so I suggest adding risers to the handle bars. A 3" rise makes a HUGE difference on this bike. Kewl Metal and Scootworks each have a version that will correct this problem nicely.

The only problems encountered with this bike have been swing arm and rear end related. First, the swing arm needle bearings were not lubed when manufactured. If your Meanie requires cornering corrections when you change throttle positions I suggest that you get it checked out. Second, I just replaced the rubber dampers in the rear hub because of a vibration and found these to be loose on the hub.

The bike still runs and performs nearly as well as new. I expect to run this bike for 120,000 miles or more. It looks as though it will go the distance. -- Howard Bond

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