The Kawasaki VN 1500 Mean Streak motorcycle specifications include a 1,470 cc (89.70 cu in) engine, a 5-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 316 kg (696.7 lb).
Key specifications
The 2002 model is treated as the standard specification. Only later model years with a different supplied value are shown below.
How the Kawasaki VN 1500 Mean Streak compares
This compares the motorcycle with all Kawasaki models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the Kawasaki database average.
About 114% higher than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 94th percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 52% heavier than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 93rd percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 13% lower than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 9th percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 11% larger than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 56th percentile across Kawasaki models.
Kawasaki database percentile rankings
Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the Kawasaki specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.
1,470 cc — larger displacement than about 94% of Kawasaki models.
316 kg — heavier than about 93% of Kawasaki models, or lighter than about 7%.
700 mm — taller than about 9% of Kawasaki models.
17 L — larger than about 56% of Kawasaki fuel tanks in this database.
Dimensions compared with Kawasaki average
Each measurement is compared with the average value across Kawasaki models where that dimension is available.
2,410
2,122
14% above average.
850
833
Close to average.
1,100
1,175
6% below average.
1,705
1,441
18% above average.
700
801
13% below average.
125
187
33% below average.
Mechanical overview
Additional useful specifications
| Front tire size | 130/70-R17 M/C 62H |
|---|---|
| Rear tire size | 170/60-R17 M/C 72H |
| Front tire pressure | 36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa) |
| Rear tire pressure | 36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa) |
| Engine oil | SAE 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.10 L (3.28 US qt) |
| Oil filter | K & N Oil Filter – KN-303 |
| Spark plug | NGK DPR6EA-9 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.13:1 (Oversquare) |
Engine specifications
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,470 cc (89.70 cu in) |
| Torque | 108.0 Nm (11.0 kgf-m or 79.7 ft.lbs) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Bore × stroke | 102.0 x 90 mm (4.0 x 3.5 inches) |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection |
| Fuel control | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starter | Electric |
| Engine oil | SAE 10W-40 |
| Oil capacity | 3.10 L (3.28 US qt) |
| Oil filter | K & N Oil Filter – KN-303 |
| Spark plugs | NGK DPR6EA-9 |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
|---|---|
| Final drive | Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) |
Chassis and suspension
| Front suspension | 43 mm inverted telescopic fork |
|---|---|
| Rear suspension | Swingarm with twin shocks, 4-way rebound damping |
| Fork tube size | 43 mm (1.7 inches) |
Brakes, wheels and tires
| Front brakes | Double disc. Six-piston calipers. |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Two-piston calipers. |
| Front tire | 130/70-R17 M/C 62H |
| Rear tire | 170/60-R17 M/C 72H |
| Front tire pressure | 36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa) |
| Rear tire pressure | 36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa) |
Dimensions and weight
| Wet weight | 316 kg (696.7 lb) |
|---|---|
| Dry weight | 289 kg (637.1 lb) |
| Seat height | 700 mm (27.6 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,410 mm (94.9 inches) |
| Overall width | 850 mm (33.5 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,100 mm (43.3 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 1,705 mm (67.1 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 125 mm (4.9 inches) |
Fuel and emissions
| Fuel capacity | 17.00 L (4.49 US gal) |
|---|
Performance
| Top speed | 185.0 km/h (115.0 mph) |
|---|---|
| Power/weight ratio | 0.2491 hp/kg |
Electrical and instruments
| Battery | YTX20CH-BS |
|---|
Other specifications
| Brake fluid | DOT 4 |
|---|---|
| Coolant | 2.00 L (0.53 US gal) |
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from Kawasaki models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official Kawasaki information before relying on them. Visit the official Kawasaki website.