Cruisers

2005Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak

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The 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak is a power-cruiser designed for riders seeking aggressive styling and substantial performance. Its 1550cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine and low-slung frame deliver commanding presence and confident handling on both highways and backroads. Known for blending classic cruiser aesthetics with modern engineering, the Mean Streak appeals to experienced riders wanting a commanding, feature-rich machine.

Capacity: 1550.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 288.9 kg
Seat height: 701 mm
Power: 93.2 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering45%

City riding50%

Daily riding55%

Touring55%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: Built as a muscular performance cruiser, it favors bold, straight-line power delivery and street presence over outright cornering agility or long-haul comfort.
Built for: 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.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 701mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1550.0 ccm
Power: 93.2 HP
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3226 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 95.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance and Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC)
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1704 mm
Overall width: 851 mm
Overall height: 1100 mm
Seat height: 701 mm
Dry weight: 288.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 124 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: High-tensile steel, double cradle
Front suspension: 43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic cartridge-style fork
Rear suspension: Dual hydraulic air shocks
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 130/70-R17
Rear tyre: 170/60-R17

Other

Color options: Red, Black

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Capacity	1550.00 ccm (94.58 cubic inches)	1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches)	1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches)	1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches)	1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches)
Dry weight	288.9 kg (637.0 pounds)	290.3 kg (640.0 pounds)	290.3 kg (640.0 pounds)	290.3 kg (640.0 pounds)	290.3 kg (640.0 pounds)
Seat height	701 mm (27.6 inches)	701 mm (27.6 inches)	701 mm (27.6 inches)	701 mm (27.6 inches)	701 mm (27.6 inches)
Fuel capacity	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)	—	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)
Color options	Red, Black	Ebony, Ebony (New Flame Metallic Persimmon Red)	Ebony, Two-Tone: Metallic Flat Spark Black / Frame Persimmon Red	Candy Fire Red, Metallic Diablo Black	Candy Fire Red, Special Edition: Metallic Diablo Black