Faults:

No problems.

General Comments:

I purchased my meanie used but in excellent condition. One owner. Since then I have added my own personnel touch, as most riders do.

The bike is a joy to ride, and I loved it so much that I rode all through the winter months. It has been a great choice for my first cruiser! The bike has plenty of power & handles great. Mind you I was a sport bike guy before! And was very skeptical on the horsepower to weight. But I love the bike. Fuel economy is great; 40 MPG no matter how you ride it!!

Faults:

Rear fender started cracking up to brake light at 36,000kms, replaced.

Steering head replaced at 63,000kms.

Started using oil at 80,000kms.

Replaced drive shaft at 91,000kms.

Replaced front wheel bearing at 94,000kms (waited a week for parts in Saskatoon, hit a huge pot hole in Saskatoon).

Replaced front fork seals at 98,000kms.

General Comments:

If they still made them I would buy another.

Tires Me880 on rear getting 20,000kms, scrapes on twisties, but it's a cruiser.

I have been looking for another bike; there are a few I like the look of, but nothing with the torque and comfort. I'm 5'9" and my back has never bothered me.

Wish it had 6 speeds and a larger tank, but otherwise a great bike.

Faults:

Hose clamps that affix exhaust covers come loose and whir. Easy to fix.

General Comments:

I have the Special Edition Mean Streak 1600, featuring spark black finish on tank and fenders, with flame accents in silver and persimmon, black and persimmon seat, persimmon wheels and frame, black engine, black exhaust covers.

I've been riding for thirty years. My last bike was a BMW R1100S, and before that, a Suzuki 1200GS Bandit.

This is my first cruiser-type bike, but in my opinion,the dimensions of the Meanstreak are really a cross between a sport bike and a cruiser. The power is more than adequate, and you can scorch most cruisers (all Harleys!).

Braking is very good. The bike handles much better than I thought it would, and the seat is low enough (27") that even a short guy like me can plant both feet on the ground at every stop (something I couldn't do on the BMW!).

Brake and clutch bars are adjustable for throw, and the right settings make long rides a joy. I added a Memphis Shades windshield 15" that fits the bike quite well, and a short sissy bar. I also added small, black nylon saddlebags, which are adequate and seem to enhance the sport/cruiser look I'm after.

On the negative side, while riding on a hot summer day and having to wait at a stop signal, you get considerable heat on the inside of your right leg - coming off the exhaust pipes. Also, the flat black exhaust system covers (chrome pipes are underneath) are held in position by a mickey-mouse arrangement of hose clamps. The clamps eventually loosen up, slip out of position and start whirring and rattling. You have to wait for everything to cool before you can re-position them and tighten with a screwdriver or 10mm wrench. It's the only flaw I've noticed so far.

On the plus side, the bike drives beautifully and loves hard turns. Throttle response is fast. I have a sportbike background and appreciate what the Meanstreak will deliver when you drive it hard. Frankly, it handles much better than the BMW R1100S, and is about as agile as the Suzuki 1200GS Bandit I used to have in Hawaii.

On my wish list, I wish this bike had a real fuel gauge instead of an idiot light that comes on at 100 miles -- when you still have 60 or 70 to go before going dry.

Would I recommend the MeanStreak? You bet! This is a dream ride.

Phil Hoffman.