Mean Streak
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2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak™
Model Overview

  Specs (below)   

2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak
You could call it the newest member of the Vulcan motorcycle line-up, or you could call it a cruiser that satisfies the  requirements of both function and form. Or you could call it a down-and-dirty street fighter that’s been blessed with sportbike soul.

Although the uniquely styled Mean Streak benefits from its Vulcan heritage, extensive engine and chassis modifications have resulted in a motorcycle that stands out within the Vulcan line-up. Because Kawasaki wanted the Mean Streak to be a high-performance motorcycle, its liquid-cooled, single overhead cam 1470cc V-twin engine was retuned to make more power. Engineers culled  additional horsepower from the motor by increasing the size of the intake and exhaust valves, redesigning the cylinder head, camshaft and pistons, and increasing the diameter of the fuel-injection throttle bodies.

Chassis changes are also many, and include completely reworked frame geometry for increased stability and relatively nimble handling. Sporting touches include an inverted cartridge-style fork, and air-assisted rear shocks with four clicks of rebound damping adjustment. Also reminiscent of more sport-oriented machines are Mean Streak’s brakes. More specifically, the front rotors are grasped by a set of six-piston calipers plucked from the ZX-9R. The finishing touch is provided by radial tires.

Performance Features

• Reconfigured frame geometry results in a solid-feeling chassis, and agile handling
• Custom, drag-style handlebars complement the overall riding position, which is more upright and aggressive than on most cruiser-style motorcycles
• Plush seat is low to the ground
• Dual-disc front brakes borrow six-pot calipers from the ZX-9R sportbike
• Sportbike-style inverted cartridge fork designed specifically for the Mean Streak
• Air-assisted rear shocks provide four-way adjustable rebound damping
• 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels are shod with radial tires for improved handling 

Engine Features

• Liquid-cooled, single  overhead cam, eight-valve, 1470cc V-twin engine draws upon 15 years of technological evolution
• New camshaft design and larger intake and exhaust valves result in a higher-revving and more powerful motor
• Revamped five-speed close ratio transmission delivers smooth power and easy shifting
• Chromed mufflers emit inspiring exhaust note and are styled with a custom aftermarket look
• Low-maintenance shaftdrive means no chain adjustment
• Hydraulic valve lash adjusters mean no valve adjustments and contribute to smoother power delivery

Additional Features

• Sculpted fuel tank has smooth, seamless lines and is complemented by tastefully shaped fenders 
• Model comes in three colors: Pearl Mystic Black, Candy Gold Spark, and Candy Persimmon Red 
• Five positions of adjustment at the clutch and front brake levers 
• Self-canceling turn signals for added convenience 
• Easily operable ignition switch located on the tank 
• Electronic speedometer and tachometer 
• Low-fuel indicator 

Digital Fuel Injection

• Provides excellent engine response and power with less fuel consumption

• More compact electronic control unit processes information faster for better engine response

Dual Throttle Bodies

• Dual 40mm throttle bodies use one injector for each cylinder 
• Separate intake tract for each throttle body for smoother engine operation 
• Four nozzles at the tip of each injector, with two nozzles aimed at each intake valve 

Dual Plug Digital Ignition 

• Microprocessor-controlled timing, never needs adjustment 
• Two spark plugs in each combustion chamber cut detonation for extra durability 

Gear-Driven Engine Balancer 

• Counter-rotates at engine speed to cancel vibration 
• Allows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration 

Five-Speed Transmission With Positive Neutral Finder

• Five-speed transmission combines great around-town acceleration with relaxed highway cruising
• Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily, every time

Kawasaki 2002 Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak - specifications - Engine V-Twin, SOHC, 8 valves     Displacement 1,470cc Bore x Stroke 102.0 x 90.0mm Compression Ratio 9.0:1 Cooling Liquid Induction Mitsubishi Digital Fuel Injection with dual 40mm throttle bodies Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance and Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) Transmission 5-speed Frame High tensile steel, double cradle Rake/trail 32 degrees/5.7 in. Suspension type, front 43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic cartridge-style fork Suspension type, rear Dual hydraulic air shocks Suspension adjustments, rear 4-way adjustable rebound damping/air adjustable preload Wheel travel, front 5.9 in. Wheel travel, rear 3.4 in. Tire, front 130/70R17 Tire, rear 170/60R17 Brakes, front/rear Dual hydraulic disc/Disc Overall length 94.9 in. Overall width 33.5 in. Overall height 43.3 in. Ground clearance 4.9 in. Seat height 27.6 in. Dry weight (claimed) 637 lbs. Fuel capacity 4.5 gal. Wheelbase 67.1 in. Colors Pearl Mystic Black, Candy Gold Spark, Candy Persimmon Red MSRP (USA) $10,999 Available July 2001

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