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2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak Motorcycle reviews

5.0 (14 reviews)
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Reliability
5.0
Overall quality
4.9
Performance
4.9
Comfort
5.0

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14 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Fabian Bishop

Christ Church, St. Thomas, Barbados

Reviewed on October 19, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
I recently bought my 2006 meanstreak after owning a 2006 ZX636 sportbike and was very impressed with this bike from the first day. It is black and fully chromed out with aftermarket parts and really steps up to the plate. The overall design is nice with its flowing lines from the handlebars to the back fender... read more
I recently bought my 2006 meanstreak after owning a 2006 ZX636 sportbike and was very impressed with this bike from the first day. It is black and fully chromed out with aftermarket parts and really steps up to the plate. The overall design is nice with its flowing lines from the handlebars to the back fender, Kawasaki was successful at creating that sexy line which most manufacturers work hard to achieve. The ride is comfortable with a leaned back riding position. The distinctive exhaust note is very pleasing especially when you upgrade to Vance & Hines longshots and power commander with all the right settings dialled in. Overall I am very satisfied with this bike and find it a challenge to think about replacing it.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Ken Holmes

Medical Lake, Washington

Reviewed on May 22, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
Great bike out of the box but some modes makes it even better. Quality and performance of the bike has been outstanding. don't know why Kawasaki dropped it from their line in 2009. My bike is the solid black. I can't stand the red and black limited version.... read more
Great bike out of the box but some modes makes it even better. Quality and performance of the bike has been outstanding. don't know why Kawasaki dropped it from their line in 2009. My bike is the solid black. I can't stand the red and black limited version.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

skbrown9

Hudson Falls, New York

Reviewed on April 21, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
Love this bike. I also ride a sportbike, but wanted something for longer rides...not being quite ready for an old man cruiser, I looked into the power cruiser market. Love the styling of the Meanstreak! This thing handles great for a big bike! Plenty of power, great looks, sweet growl from my Cobra Speeds... read more
Love this bike. I also ride a sportbike, but wanted something for longer rides...not being quite ready for an old man cruiser, I looked into the power cruiser market. Love the styling of the Meanstreak! This thing handles great for a big bike! Plenty of power, great looks, sweet growl from my Cobra Speedster Shorts...catches eyes and comments everywhere I go. I highly recommend one to someone who wants performance and comfort, with a lot of flare, without looking like an old man.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Tom

Vernal, Utah

Reviewed on February 7, 2008

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
I knew I would own a Mean Streak the moment I saw the '05 special edition orange. At that time, it was a bit out of my price range, so I settled for a Kawi 800 classic. It was a nice bike, but more power was needed so after 1 1/2 years I traded up to the '06, special edition, red and black Mean Streak. At fir... read more
I knew I would own a Mean Streak the moment I saw the '05 special edition orange. At that time, it was a bit out of my price range, so I settled for a Kawi 800 classic. It was a nice bike, but more power was needed so after 1 1/2 years I traded up to the '06, special edition, red and black Mean Streak. At first I was not as impressed with the color scheme and it must have been mutual with others because it was in the local showroom from 2006 into 2007 without being purchased. As I took it out for a test drive it became apparent that you have to get those red accents into the sun to give them justice. They seemed to pop off the black and quickly changed my perceptions. By the time I returned I was already smitten and finished the paperwork. Although taller than average, I weigh only 155 and with just 3 years of around town riding experience, I LOVE the way this bike handles. Very smooth operation throughout and well placed gauges and controls make for an unbelievably easy learning curve. It eats up switchbacks for lunch and could not be more fun to ride. When reviewed against the Harley V-Rod, Honda VTX 1800 and the Yamaha Warrior (around 1700 cc), all of them are great looking bikes. The Mean Streak is always pegged as the underpowered of the group and as far as flat out, off-the-line speed they are probably correct. But to me, when you consider styling, price, handling and the fact that this bike still has tons of power; one cannot afford to pass this by (and you can always upgrade performance parts).
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Cliff Crank

Ripley, West Virginia

Reviewed on June 29, 2007

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
I bought this cruiser to take on a trip to Key West. I got it used off of ebay and was a bit nervous purchasing it online. The transaction turned out to go very smoothly and I have been so very happy with the bike. I didn't like the look of the radiator stock, so I got a chrome cover to break it up a little b... read more
I bought this cruiser to take on a trip to Key West. I got it used off of ebay and was a bit nervous purchasing it online. The transaction turned out to go very smoothly and I have been so very happy with the bike. I didn't like the look of the radiator stock, so I got a chrome cover to break it up a little bit. The handling of the bike is amazing, it is very smooth on the interstate and it will handle turns beautifully. Although I was a little disappointed in the power, it will outrun almost any of the other cruisers out there. But a V-Rod, Warrior, Valkarie or another of the muscle bikes would probably beat it in a straight line. The Mean Streak deserves this category from a handling and stopping perspective, but is a littly iffy on the muscle side. But considering the cost, I can't imagine a better deal. I rode it 3000 miles to Key West and back and literally did not have a single issue. When I got home my Cobra slashdowns had arrived and after installing them the backfire was significant enough to warrant the fuel processor. I hope that may give it a little more power although many people would argue it doesn't need it. The bike will also stop on a dime, ensuring a lot more confidence in going a little faster if one so chooses. Overall I really can't say enough about Kawasaki. I was previsouly a Yamaha man but this bike has changed my outlook. And there is no need to compare it to a Harley unless you are so hell bent on buying American...the V-Rod is the only bike that MIGHT outperform and with some customization you will love the looks. And from what I can gather on reliability issues, like it or not the Japanese bikes are just better than the Harleys at half the cost. I was skeptical of the bike and am typically a harsher critic, but honestly I can't imagine being disappointed in purchasing one of these Mean Streaks. Happy riding!!!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

NoHardleys4me

Phoenix, Arizona

Reviewed on April 26, 2007

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
I bought this baby in Feb 05. Changed the oil every 2000 mi. All fluids every 10,000 and have gone through 2 sets of tires and brakes-still running just like the day I got her. I rode Hardleys never again. The 95 cubic inches of this bike are what 1 less than the new Hardleys at twice the price. What Har... read more
I bought this baby in Feb 05. Changed the oil every 2000 mi. All fluids every 10,000 and have gone through 2 sets of tires and brakes-still running just like the day I got her. I rode Hardleys never again. The 95 cubic inches of this bike are what 1 less than the new Hardleys at twice the price. What Hardley ever went 42,000 without needing an engine and tranny rebuild? Thought so! I would like a bigger machine - a Warrior, VTX 1800 or a Victory which isn't much bigger at all. I live in Arizona where we ride all year. I do not get that great of gas mileage and never did. Maybe 30mpg. But at 80mph the tach is showing about 3300 rpm in 5th gear-I have ridden the sh** out of this bike with no appreciable problems whatsoever. Buy one, you'll like it!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Earl

Great Falls , Montana

Reviewed on March 31, 2007

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
I have not ridden in over 15 years and was having a hard time deciding between the V-Star 1100 with their great low price, a V-Max which I've wanted since I bought my last street bike, a 1988 700, and the MS. As my fever to have a new bike grew higher, I visited my local Kawi shop only to find they had a new... read more
I have not ridden in over 15 years and was having a hard time deciding between the V-Star 1100 with their great low price, a V-Max which I've wanted since I bought my last street bike, a 1988 700, and the MS. As my fever to have a new bike grew higher, I visited my local Kawi shop only to find they had a new ebony 06 still in the box. While they were putting it together, they let me borrow a little 150 enduro to ride on a little dirt track to see if I could still ride. Yep, just like getting back on a bike. 3 pm I pulled out of the shop and head home on my new 1600 MS. Even though I haven't ridden in forever the MS was a breeze. A little choppy on the very low end, but sweet as honey on the open road. After about 200 miles, I know I would have tired of the V Star 1000 series right away. Nice power in town and on the open road. I'm a little bit of a straight-away speed freak and the MS fills that niche. Only problem I have is the break in period has me keep it below 3 g's. But bi aside, 100 mph is no problem at a little over 4g's. The big MS dog wants to run. I'll be very happy with this bike for a long time and I got it at a great deal on it too. Wife, who doesn't ride much, found the back seat surprisingly comfy riding around town, but tired of it after about an hour. don't know if there is more bang for the buck than an MS. I would recommend the MS to anyone.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Dan

Sparks, Nevada

Reviewed on December 31, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
I've had my blk/red '06 Meanie for almost a year now and am still loving the ride. The red tribal graphics on black has been a great platform to build on. With a few add ons, I have one custom looking bike without breaking the bank. It will out perform any Hardley out there and looks so much better for about ... read more
I've had my blk/red '06 Meanie for almost a year now and am still loving the ride. The red tribal graphics on black has been a great platform to build on. With a few add ons, I have one custom looking bike without breaking the bank. It will out perform any Hardley out there and looks so much better for about half the price. Have been riding for 29 years and it just does not get any better.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Richard

Denver, Colorado

Reviewed on August 28, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
I've been looking at the Mean Streak since 2004. In June I finally pulled the trigger on it. The black and red color scheme looks great. It's everything I dreamed it would be. I ride in the mountains a lot and it handles the twisties with ease. This is my first bike and although it's big, it's easy to handle.... read more
I've been looking at the Mean Streak since 2004. In June I finally pulled the trigger on it. The black and red color scheme looks great. It's everything I dreamed it would be. I ride in the mountains a lot and it handles the twisties with ease. This is my first bike and although it's big, it's easy to handle.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

rich rosenbaum

elk point, South Dakota

Reviewed on August 25, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak view listing

5.0
3 weeks ago I went to my friend's Kawi dealership with my 2005 Vulcan 800 totally enjoying that ride, and left a couple hours later unexpectedly with my black '06 mean streak. I have a few friends with earlier models and have been intrigued with the bike for quite a while. I made the correct choice. This b... read more
3 weeks ago I went to my friend's Kawi dealership with my 2005 Vulcan 800 totally enjoying that ride, and left a couple hours later unexpectedly with my black '06 mean streak. I have a few friends with earlier models and have been intrigued with the bike for quite a while. I made the correct choice. This bike is hot. She has great road manners, looks muscular and beautiful at the same time, and makes me smile every time I'm riding her. Great bike and great price.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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