Billh has had both. If I recall right at one point he mentioned that the fuel injection was a bit smoother on the Meanstreak. The warrior is much faster, more agile, looks better, and has won every shootout for the power cruiser with the possible exception of speed which the Vrod takes reving much higher. You should look at some back issues of cycle world or other magazines.

I was thinking about the meanstreak..but just don't like the way the bike looks. And the paint job is raunchy with the color pin striping. Now if you need to go with the Kawasaki bikes...the 1600 Clasic is a really good looking bike. You might want to check it.

But I think all the mags and definately all the warrior owners will say that the Warrior blows the socks off of the Meanstreak.

 

If you want more than a regular cruiser go with the Warrior. You will love it!

 

O.K. the mean streak is a neat bike but it is hardly in the same class as the Warrior when it comes to engine performance, handling, and breaking power. If Im correct I believe that the mean streak is built off of a pretty standard Kaw. steel frame, but the warrior frame was designed with performance cruiser in mind. The same goes for the forks and front breaks, same deal. I personally think the Mean Streak is a cool looking bike and if price is an issue its a good deal. You dont see many Mean Streaks rollin around town either, so thats cool. A comparison of the two to me is apples to 102ci. of bad ass torque

 

A big part of the warrior is this site. It really makes ownership of the warrior really fun which is something that has always been lacking with other bikes. So you should also look at that aspect. If you just want a bike to ride every once in awhile...then it really doesn't matter one way or another. But if you are like most of us, the Warrior is an obsession. It is worthy of that time and thought as well. The engine is great, the frame is pretty awesome (ask Bismark who has closely inspected the frame now), the shocks and handling, and best of all it really can do just about anything for anyone. If you want it more sporty...mod it to be more sporty. If you want to cruise change it to be more of a cruiser.

One other thing to consider is that Yamaha is coming out on all of the larger bikes with the warrior engine. So you might find what you are looking for with those bikes as well.

There are tons of choices, but for me...the warrior is the best.

 

Let the stock figures speak for themselves:

Yamaha Warrior 80hp @4400RPM ...104ft/lbs@3500 RPM
KawMean Streak 64hp @5600RPM . 74ft/lbs@2900RPM

Warrior: 12.71 sec at 103.00 MPH
Mean streak: 13.89 sec at 93.52 MPH

The Mean Streak only wins on price.

 

Go with the Warrior. I looked around forever. For an all around value the Warrior is the way to go.

 

King,

I test rode the Mean Streak before the VROD, VTX and lastly the Warrior. I'm actually glad I did it in that order. My first inclination was to go for the VROD, then possibly the Mean Streak - with the Warrior coming in last (c'mon now!). My wife and I took lots of notes, and my personal observations were as follows for criteria I was looking for...

Looks - tie between VROD [B)](don't shoot me) and Warrior
Syle - Tie between Mean Streak and Warrior
Top Speed - VROD[B)]
Bottom and Mid Range - Warrior[/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]
Seating position - VTX and Warrior
Cost - Mean Streak

I tallied up a list of pro's and con's. Combined with the fact that I rode the Warrior last (twice), I came to one conclusion - there's no other choice. Took her home, parked her in the garage and you can see her in the gallery... WARRIOR RULES![/emoticons/emotion-2.gif][/emoticons/emotion-2.gif][/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]

 

Thank you guys very much!!! Fast, friendly, accurate advice. If only everybody was that nice. Any additional input is more than welcome. You guys keep mentioning the price tag, but from what I have seen it is only a minimal difference. $10,999 Mean Streak $11,999 Warrior? MSRP, but after rebates and dealer encentives it really looks like it is a toss up to me. Especially slightly used.

 

King,

Don't you dare go to a dealer with that $12K pricetag in mind. A new '02 (they are out there, believe me) can be had for under $10K. Do your homework, and shop around. Good luck hunting, you won't be sorry...

 

I've ridden both and the warrior is much more for the money you get a 200 rear tire which gives the warrior a custom look the foot controls on the mean streak look like crap the old kaw tank looks it came out of the 70s the rear shocks I cant stand. preformance wise not even close the warrior pulls hard I did come close to buying a mean streak, see here in KY where I live the only thing close is a kawasiki dealer and i have a few 4 wheelers (kaw) and klr 650 motercycle which I love but nobody around here had a dule sport bike(dirt and streat) so I started thinking about a street bike and trading the klr in so my kawasiki dealer was trying to sell me a mean strek then he tells me to hold off hes going to be a yami dealer also so i started resurching large street bikes I looked at the harley hated the sound of that watercooled motor oh yea and that 20000.00 price tag dident help then honda handeled like crap didnt like the look of the kaw then the picture of the warrior what a beautiful piece of art and technology onyx with blue flames man its the best handels like a dream and plunty of power changed the handlebars and got rid of that cannon on the side but the looks I get when I get gas or stop somewhere everyone thinks ita a custom gotta love it my friends have custome motercycles ones 30000.00 and the other guy has over 20000.00 in it and mine blowes them away

 

That really depends on the part of the country he is in. You won't be able to get a new Warrior up here till the 04s come out.

 

If you want a meanstreak,wait until it grow up to 1600cc and change to alluminum swingarm and down tubes. That compare with this bike (Warrior). If you want more power you can install a turbo from Mr.Turbo for your Kawi. Warrior is something different in all aspect and there is room for change. AMA create a class for two cil.bikes and the winner is ..the WARIOR. Good Luck!

 

i had 3 people stop me at lights today and ask "Hey.. what kinda bike is that?"

 

WARRIOR, nuf said.

 

I have owned several bikes and the Warrior is my favorite by far. It's not passenger friendly unless you spend a ton of money on a really ugly seat. Otherwise it's an all around great ride.

 

I do recall reading some good reviews on the Mean Streak, but like many here say, I believe them to be two totally different bikes. I was sold on the uniqueness of the Warrior within the cruiser category. There seems to be nothing out there that comes in one package like the Warrior does. Hopefully, I will be an owner soon.

I agree with Cult about this site. Great source for all kinds of information, if you're a lucky Warrior owner. I've been to other owner sites of other bikes and cars, and this site is one of the best out there.

 

quote:Originally posted by correy
[brIt's not passenger friendly

My girl says its comfy compared to my 2002 GSXR [/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]

 

Well, I think that you guys have sold me on the Warrior. I will definately be looking around for one of those new 2002's still floating around. More power, more handling, better looking bike, best information availible, more upgradeable, and in the same $ ballpark. I think I would be crazy not to listen to ya'll. If only my local Yamaha dealer had been as knowledgable as the member of this site, I'd probably be out riding right now.

Oh yea, how advantageous is it to hold off untill the fall for better prices since demand is up right now? I've heard the supply of barely used bikes goes up significantly and not as many people buy in the fall and winter.

 

quote:Originally posted by 102-Copper

i had 3 people stop me at lights today and ask "Hey.. what kinda bike is that?"

I'm hearing that from january 2002 until today. It's magic!!! They haven't seen something like this. It make me feel like I'm on a new(2004)bike again.[8D]

 

I got my '03 with flames for 9300. Thats the same $ as most places were charging for the '02s. And if you can wait the '04 will save you some cash on a new seat. Just pick your color and go from there. If you want an '02 buy it here or off ebay for around $8k.

 

quote:Originally posted by kingham

Oh yea, how advantageous is it to hold off untill the fall for better prices since demand is up right now?

As far as price goes, it should be better. However, you'll kick yourself in the butt for missing out on a summer of riding!!

 

I have been on both the mean street is a nice docile machine it will do what you want, but if you want a kick go the warrior. It handles its got power and it's just a different kick you will get use to the mean street fast, but the warrior will keep your interest a great deal longer and everything you do to it will amaze you

 

I bought my 02 Warrior on ebay sight unseen. I had only seen the Yamaha ads in the magazine and loved how it looked and had never even sat on one! This bike is wonderful. I have had Yamaha FJ1200s before which are much faster but I bought this for plunking around the Rockies and enjoying the scenery! It is perfect and more for me. If you prefer the Mean Streak buy it because you like it not because of what magazines or other people say. Here in Colorado they are hard to find and only go for list. California is heavily discounted. Again check ebay--there are two for sale now. This site is a huge plus for Warrior owners and there are many 'Star' dress up parts available too.
I don't know what well mannered means but the Warrior is a *****cat when needed but reacts well to a good twist of the wrist!! Whatever you buy---enjoy it and ride safe!!

 

If you want the real dirt from someone who owns one, email Ponchvilla. He's a member here. He's from Texas, but dont hold it against him. He'll give you the lowdown. He owns both.

I rode the meanstreak last week and liked it alot. COMFY! Friendly!. A littel, Idunno ummm BORING. I got back on my Warrior and decided to change the bars, but was glad I had a bike with class and BALLS. For me the shaft drive takes away from the look and power delivery in corners.

T

 

Call around to some dealers. Yamaha has given them $2,000 on the 2002 leftovers, so you can grab a new bike for $9,999. I don't really see a compelling reason for waiting and spending $2,000 more for a 2004. The only changes are a new, uglier seat, different handlebars, and the passenger footpegs come relocated vs. earlier models. You're gonna start reading this site and changing everything anyway. It's a great bike to do mods on and the engine rocks. Start one up, twist the throttle, and hold on. Your choice will be clear.