Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak - 2009 Specifications and Reviews
The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak is a radical cruiser designed for riders seeking aggressive styling and commanding presence. Its 1552cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers substantial torque, while the low-slung chassis and extended wheelbase provide stability and confidence. Known for its menacing aesthetics and shaft-driven reliability, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts wanting distinctive character with accessible performance.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2009 |
| Model | Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Transmission typefinal drive | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Starter | Electric |
| Ignition | Dual Plug TCBI with digital advance |
| Fuel control | SOHC |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel system | Injection |
| Bore x stroke | 102.0 x 95.0 mm (4.0 x 3.7 inches) |
| Stroke | 4 |
| Engine type | V2 |
| Capacity: | 1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches) |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Wheelbase | 1,704 mm (67.1 inches) |
| Overall width | 851 mm (33.5 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,410 mm (94.9 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,100 mm (43.3 inches) |
| Seat height | 701 mm (27.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Dry weight | 290.3 kg (640.0 pounds) |
Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak dimensions and frame | |
| Rear brakes | Single disc |
| Front brakes | Double disc |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 170/60-17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 130/90-17 |
| Rear suspension | Dual air-assisted shocks with four-way rebound damping / 3.4 in. |
| Front suspension | 43mm inverted cartridge fork / 5.9 in. |
| Rake (fork angle) | 32.0° |
| Frame type | High-tensile steel, double cradle |
Speed and acceleration | |
| Color options | Candy Fire Red, Special Edition: Metallic Diablo Black |
| Fuel capacity | 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | This power cruiser suits riders who already have some experience handling a heavy, torque-laden V-twin at low speeds. |
| Purpose | Built as a muscular performance cruiser, it favors bold, straight-line power delivery and street presence over outright cornering agility or long-haul comfort. |
| Rider Fit | At roughly 290 kg dry with a low 701 mm seat height, it's manageable at rest for most body sizes but demands confident upper-body strength when maneuvering at parking-lot speeds. |
| Character | The Mean Streak has an aggressive, blacked-out streetfighter-cruiser attitude, pairing big-twin torque with a shaft drive for low-maintenance, muscular cruising. |
| Not Ideal For | It's not a good fit for riders seeking a nimble commuter, an off-road capable machine, or a plush, wind-protected long-distance tourer. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (1)
KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).
Risk: ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1-866-802-9381.
Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →
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