Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Mean Streak vs. Speedmaster

Has anyone ridden the Kawasaki Mean Streak and the Speedmaster? How do they compare, acceleration, braking, comfort, 2 up riding??

Thanks everyone.

Never ridden a MeanStreak. Would wonder what made you put these 2 side-by-side?
Technically I think there's no comparison. The SM gives up almost twice the displacement. The Kaw is a steamer, has FI, dual plugs, 4-pot dual calipers, hydraulic valves (which every bike should have today... oh right, we need that extra .05 hp)... for about $11k.

The BA/SM family is a different ride. If you look at just the numbers, almost any power-cruiser/sport-cruiser/touring-cruiser will be a better value. So if you're looking at the SM, you may want to be looking for something a little out of the ordinary, maybe not compare tech specs.

I am comparing these because I currently own an '05 Mean Steak. I am really interested in the Speedmaster and almost bought one when I got the Mean St. But, I really like the Speedmaster and am, again, thinking of buying one. I just don't want to be sorely disappointed if I do buy one. I understand they are very different machines, but the Speedmaster has so much character and is a very simple bike.My wife rarely rides now that we have a baby and I rarely use the power of the Mean Streak.

You might want to consider test riding one. If your nearest dealer will let you, take one home for the weekend. In my opinion, it's going to be way more laid back. The drop in power could disappoint if you're not well prepared for it. But if you know what you're getting in to, it's not a bad ride.

Noticed in a different post you were asking about 1/4 mile times. If that's meaningful, well.. test ride a Speedmaster and see what you think.

Since when was the Mean Streak 1552cc? I always got the impression that it was one of the itty bitty bikes that tried to make up for 500cc with a big name? I must be thinking of something else. Yikes.

Updated: How come the web site doesn't list the horsepower or torque? Hmmmmm...

As a Speedmaster owner I can truely say that there is nothing quite like this bike. My preference is in style and character(plus a sense of tradition). Not saying the Jap bikes don't have them for there are some Jap rides that I would love to to hit the road on( the mean streak being one of them )Now if you want to tear up the road and live for speed, power and high performance then the America or Speedmaster may not what you're looking for. Don't get me wrong these bikes arn't slow moes and are well made machines that are comfortable to ride and handle well. What I love most about my Speedy is the looks and comments I get when I'm out riding and there are times when, especially durring the winter months, I will put her in the middle of the garage and just stare ( which irks my wife! )May sound strange to out siders but these bikes really do get a hold on you! You have to own one to see what I mean.