Cruisers

2009Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak

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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.

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 ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

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 2009 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)
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
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, Special Edition: Metallic Diablo 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 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

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESOct 2010 · 10V507000

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.

These recalls cover some 2009 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →