Road test: 2004 Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600

Now for 2004, Kawasaki has bumped up the performance and made an excellent motorcycle even better. The liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder, 50-degree V-Twin motor has been bored out from 1470cc to 1552cc, and the cam's lift and valve timing were also revised to help the motor breathe. Digital fuel injection provides excellent engine response, with no surging or hiccups, because two different systems are used according to engine load, and are monitored by a faster electronic Engine Control Unit. Fuel is fed through larger 40mm dual throttle bodies, while 4 nozzles at the tip of each injector help to atomize the fuel more efficiently. Dual spark plugs cut detonation for added durability. By using rubber engine mounts, no-maintenance hydraulic valve lash adjusters, and a gear-driven engine balancer, the single-pin crankshaft engine runs smoothly without annoying vibrations, yet still retains the character of a V-Twin powerplant. And for good measure, new valve covers, and polished cooling fins make the engine look better as well.