Driving report Kawasaki VN 1500 Mean Streak

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Driving report Kawasaki VN 1500 Mean Streak

Brother Grim

Kawasaki provides the peaceful cruiser sisters with an evil brother named “Mean Streak”, freely interpreted as “grim expression”. The competition must now shiver with fear?

Although the translation of the type designation by Kawasaki can be disputed, it is clear that “mean” means grim. And like Harley’s V-Rod and Honda’s VTX 1800, the newcomer renounces the nostalgic pompous retro style of the Drifter clan, which is still available, as well as the playful look of the other Vulcan models. Her no-frills, flowing figure with the lengthy swing arm is more like a serious quarter-mile steam announcement. Presumably the intention remains, because a look at the data sheet ensures relaxed faces among the competition, the water-cooled, injected and exhaust-gas-cleaned 1471-cm3-V2 generates a manageable 72 horsepower with a U-Kat and a secondary air system. Seven horsepower more than the tamer Kawa sisters, merit of larger valves, changed valve timing and a more throughput two-in-two exhaust system.
The 50-degree twin stomps bravely from 1000 rpm and, in view of the displacement, turns straight ahead, almost greedily for cruiser standards, towards the red area, which starts at 6000 rpm. Rough mechanical noises or unpleasant vibrations are not on the program? instead, rich beats pulsate in the crew’s ear canals while they are on the omnipresent wave of torque ?? maximum 114 Newton meters ?? may indulge. So, engage fifth gear and you’re done, at country road speed the crankshaft has to turn in its bearings just 3000 times per minute.
In terms of seating comfort, mean streak drivers should have tolerance despite the comfortable upholstery, as the strict cruiser ergonomics dictate a long-term, strenuous seating position. In addition, the air-assisted rear struts with adjustable rebound damping are not exactly squeamish when passing on road construction ailments. Especially when accelerating, when the elevator effect of the cardan drive is added, it catapults the driver out of the saddle every now and then. The upside-down fork, which is also quite tight, absorbs unevenness in a much more binding manner.
VOrnly equipped with six-piston pliers, the brake system always keeps the performance cruiser, which weighs more than six hundred pounds, under control without being particularly biting. The rear stopper willingly provides assistance, supported by the grippy 17-inch Dunlop Sportmax – not only good for short braking distances, but also for more lean angles than the footrests allow. Who wants can cruise quickly through the area ?? at least as long as the radii aren’t too tight and the roads aren’t too bumpy. And enjoy the massive character of the Mean Strak: from the ignition lock on the chrome-plated tank console to the clutch and handbrake lever ?? both adjustable ?? down to the handlebar grips, everything primitive, but not grim at all. So nobody should be fooled by the sinister sounding name? the new Kawa is actually a very nice one.

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