Hey guys I've got the motorcycle fever again after not riding for 6 years. I plan on getting a cruiser and the bike I'm hung up on is the 1500/1600 Mean Streak. That bike fits me perfectly. But what I was wondering does this bike sound like a Harley when after market pipes are installed? I've heard other metric cruisers with after market pipes and they don't sound good and then again I've heard some metrics that do sound good. What type/name brand of pipes produce a nice rich sound?

I know everyone is saying if I want the Harley sound then get one. Bottom line I don't want a Harley, I want a Kawasaki cruiser.

 

You wont here me say get a harley!!!![&:] I dont know much about cruisers, but i just wanted to say my $.02. Oh, welcome to the forum. Dont you just hate that it!! It cost a ton of $$$ to scratch it!!!!!! Keep up posted on what you get.

 

If you want HD sound you gotta get an HD.

If I were in the market for one I would be looking at the new V-Rod.

 

Welcome to the forums! Keep us posted on what you get, the Mean Streak is a sharp looking bike! I don't blame ya for not wanting an HD, I wouldn't want one either!

 

If you want a Harley, then it is my experience you will never be satisfied until you at least ride one. And, sadly, cnce you get it in your blood it is tough to get it out - but I think it does come out! Take it from me. A definite "been there, done that". We can take it off line cause the story is a bit extensive, but bottom line is I have owned and ridden Harleys for the past 13 years (and jap bikes before that) but now have an 02 Meanie.

This is the first year in about 13 or 14 years my garage is Harley-less. Why I switched is a long story and my HD buddies still can't believe it! But, to keep it short - I saw a Meanie on display and thinking it pretty tight, checked out a local shop. Luckily for me, the one they fired up had a pair of Bub pipes (not much difference at an idle OR acclerating between it and my Harleys (which were *loud*). At a constant speed on the road I will say the Meanie can be fairly quiet though - also not a bad thing when cruising by "the man". At any rate, I was slightly "hooked". Just a tiny bit. No where near like my Harley bug which I haven't been able to completely shake.

The ONLY jap bike I would consider at this conjuncture, though I am sure there are probably other v-twin cruisers could be configured similarly (haven't seen it yet though), is the Meanie. Shortly after, browsing on e-bay I saw one I couldn't pass up (2002 1500 with only 860 miles). Got it and had tough time deciding whether to sell my Harley or sell the Meanie (knew I could turn a profit on either). Wish I could have kept both, but not in my cards. FWIW, I don't flip bikes (literally or figuratively). My HD FXR I owned for 12 years. Nuff said.

Pros and Cons

Con to the Meanie: You probably won't lose much money on a Harley (holds it's investment well). The fact I picked up a Meanie for $7,500 and the original owner paid $10k (or so) and had a couple of grand of chrome added proved to me what I had thought about typical jap bikes (don't hold their value as well as a Harley). I'm sure there are exceptions.

Pro to the Meanie: This is the best handling bike I've ever ridden. Best sounding Jap bike I have ever owned. Acceleration isn't bad - hopefully will be better next year (adding a few components).

But, unfortunately I still have Harley in my blood (though not in my garage)!

Couple of personal points for this year (life after the Meanie): Did I forget to say this is the first year I didn't lose some riding time to doing some wrenching? Or that this is the first bike I've owned in some time that I didn't feel like I was taking a risk not having a cell phone on me (in case of breakdowns)? Or this is the first v-twin cruiser I've had that I feel like I can beat the **** out of and still expect it to run fine the next day? Little by little the Meanie is winning me over. Hard to believe, but people still complement me on the Meanie (not as much as my Harley's - but still, they do - which I can't believe!).

Don't get me wrong, I miss my Harley. But none of my Harleys can do what my Meanie can "overall". And because of that, I call my Meanie the bike I hate to love (but do).

There isn't much doubt in my mind that it will end up being the bike I love because it is without a doubt the better overall choice. Guess I will have to keep giving blood until all the Harley in me has run out. Or I have enough room in my garage for both my Meanie and a hog (the most obvious, better choice!)

Hope this helps! Good luck!

- Matt

 

Mobetterman

I just added Vance Hines "Big Shots" to my '05 Vulcan 1600 and it sounds great It doesn't sound exactly like an HD, but pretty close. Besides, although I would love to have a "Fat Boy", I just can't justify spending more than twice the money as my Vulcan, less performance (stock), with less reliability (IMHO).

 

i have some 3" hard chrome pipes on mine. and it has a really deep, strong sound to it. sounds about as close to a harley as a non harley can gte

 

I'm in this same boat, I owned Harleys for years then the police department got some Kawasaki and I tried one. I wound up being one of the guys to trade the FLHP for the KZ1000. A crash got me away from bikes for 17 years. July of 04 I bought a Suzuki Volusia, a great bike, but a middle weight and I'm riding two up most of the time now.
I'm gonna trade for a Vulcan 2000 LT.
I would like to change the pipes, etc but don't see any where in these forums anyone talking about this bike.

 

m2oh3

try this: http//forums.delphiforums.com/kawvulcan/start

There's tons of information, pix and great custom stuff.

 

Mtilley, I've never owned an HD and can honestly say I have never ridden one. I do appreciate the details of your experience as it helps me to understand the commitment some have to HD.

I've always liked the look of HD's and the sound. On my last bike (99 VN800A) I removed the baffles and to me it sounded great. Although I did pick up a little bottom end speed, I lost the oomph at the top. Now that my new ride is stock, I must admit I am enjoying the peace. I know, I know, everyone has their opinions and I still get excited when I look up after the first sound of clean pipes or a run hits my ears. (I'm laughing at myself for rambling on).

Thanks again, I really do appreciate the info.