Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak

For 2002 Kawasaki has released the Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak on to the Australian market for a competitive $18,990.

As many other manufacturers are starting to realise not all cruiser buyers want to completely sacrifice and the Mean Streak is aimed at the cruiser buyer with a bit of a sporting bent.

Uprating the mid-range and peak power performance of the fuel-injected 1,470 cc V-Twin engine are a package of modifications including larger intake and exhaust valves plus revisions to valve timing and lift. A more compact fuel injection control unit with revised settings, an increase in throttle body diameter and a large diameter 2-1-2 exhaust further enhance the performance of the Mean Streak's powerplant. These improvements add up to greater power output, faster off-the-mark acceleration and improved high-rpm performance.

With increased speed high spec' brakes are always welcome and the Mean Streak does not disappoint. 6-piston calipers grip twin 320 mm semi-floating discs at the front and a 300 mm rear disc with twin caliper provides further stopping power out back.

Responsive handling qualities come courtesy of a relatively short trail and a sporty 43mm inverted front fork, shorter and mounted low to maintain low ride height.

Engine		4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement		1,470 cm³
Bore and Stroke		102 x 90 mm
Compression ratio		9.0:1
Valve system		SOHC, 8 valves
Fuel injection		Ų 40 mm x 2
Ignition		Digital
Starting		Electric
Cooling		Liquid
Transmission		5-speed, return
Primary drive		Gear
Final drive		Shaft
Clutch		Wet, multi-disc
Type		Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension	front	43 mm inverted telescopic fork
	rear	Swingarm with twin shocks with 4-way rebound damping
Tyre:	front	130/70R17 M/C 62H
	rear	170/60R17 M/C 72H
Caster (rake)		32°
Trail		144 mm
Front brake		Dual semi-floating 320 mm discs
Front caliper		Dual 6-piston calipers
Rear brake		Single 300mm disc
Rear caliper		Two-piston caliper
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		289 kg
Fuel capacity		17 litres
RRP		$18,990