2008Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak

★ 5.0

38 fields on record

The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak is a heavyweight cruiser built for riders seeking aggressive styling and commanding presence. Its 1552cc V-twin engine delivers substantial low-end torque ideal for relaxed highway cruising, while the low-slung profile and shaft drive define its cruiser character. Best known for its menacing design and reliable performance in the custom cruiser segment.

Capacity: 1552.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 290.3 kg
Seat height: 701 mm
Power: 93.4 HP (68.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Front suspension	43mm inverted cartridge fork	43mm inverted cartridge fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension	Dual air-assisted shocks with four-way rebound damping	Dual air-assisted shocks with four-way rebound damping / 3.4 in.

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 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 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: 1552.0 ccm
Power: 93.4 HP (68.7 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 8KAXC1.55AAB-004-R01
EPA CO Emissions: 7.0 CO g/km
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3217 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 95.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Dual Plug TCBI with digital advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
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 length: 2410 mm
Overall width: 851 mm
Overall height: 1100 mm
Seat height: 701 mm
Dry weight: 290.3 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 124 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: High-tensile steel, double cradle
Front suspension: 43mm inverted cartridge fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension: Dual air-assisted shocks with four-way rebound damping / 3.4 in.
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 145 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-17
Rear tyre: 170/60-17

Other

Color options: Candy Fire Red, Metallic Diablo Black

Specs last verified against published sources: September 2026.

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 cc	1552 cc	1552 cc	1552 cc	1552 cc
Dry weight	289 kg	290 kg	290 kg	290 kg	290 kg
Seat height	701 mm	701 mm	701 mm	701 mm	701 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L