Chris Hurst is an unusual motorcycle dealer. He runs his own business all week, he’s surrounded by bikes, customers, salesmen etc. with all their associated problems, and he still happily joins a group of riders who have purchased Kawasaki’s or second hand bikes from his shop, for a Friday evening ride once a fortnight. This is good public relations, but more than that, it shows, that he enjoys what he does. It was during one of these rides that I was given the chance to sample a new bike and the opportunity to cover about 150klms on it.

Stuart Dollin said "what do you get if you cross a sports bike with a cruiser? Answer, the Kawasaki VN1500 Mean Streak". And that pretty much sums it up really. Were the Kawasaki designers inspired by the new Harley V Rod? quite possibly. Initial impressions are "WOW", with inverted front forks and 17" sports bike wheels and tyres, this cruiser has brilliant handling potential, but, the after market exhaust (which I loved the sound of) is unfortunately way too low so, you can't lay this bike over without some fireworks. A damn shame because if you could, I’d love to see the look on the face of the Fireblade rider when you pass him on a bend down the Putty Road. In contrast, I’m informed that the original system gave a bit more clearance. Chris told me I had to steer the bike more and lean less, Ah well!

There is plenty of thrust from the fuel injected 53kW 1500cc V twin engine, so much so that you sometimes forget you’re on a cruiser and start to put your feet up behind you and not up front where they belong. At 100kph in top gear (of the very smooth 5 speed box), the tacho indicates a lazy 2,500rpm. The riders seat is very comfortable, and you look out across lashings of good quality chrome, paintwork and solid steering componentry. The pillion had better small of beam because there isn’t much for them to sit on, still there are probably alternative seats available.

The front dual disk brakes with 6 piston calipers, look as if they have been stolen off a Ninja sports bike and can drag the 290kg (dry) behemoth to a rapid halt. The Speedo nacelle houses digital readouts for the clock, odometer and trip meter, while on the flangeless (look ma no seams) 17 litre fuel tank has an array of warning lights and the ignition switch mounted in a chrome fascia. The mirrors are rock steady at all speeds but the horn like on most other bikes is ordinary. The self-canceling blinkers are a nice addition and the headlight is excellent on low and high beam. The sidestand is easy to deploy unlike some of the other cruisers I've sampled, and shaft drive means no greasy chains to adjust.

The ride went down as far as Catherine Hill Bay and around the lake to Toronto, a duration of about 5 hours all up and a very pleasant way to spend it too.

Kawasaki have over the years, gained a reputation for good quality bikes and there has been an exponential interest in their cruiser range from the very first models. The Mean Streak will no doubt find a long term place in the cruiser lineup. The price on road without trade won’t leave much change from $20,000 but if you love cruisers and want something fast and furious with plenty of attitude, I’m sure you’ll find the dosh.

Test Bike courtesy of Newcastle Kawasaki Broadmeadow 49524955.