1500 Drifter vs a 1600 Mean Streak

[Iron Indian]

I own both. '04 Drifter 1500 and '07 Mean Streak special edition. Both are no longer made, no new models.
Drifter geared taller and lopes along 500-600 rpm less in 5th.
Meanie outhandles and out accelerates Drifter by considerable measure.
Meanie lighter and bigger engine (same engine longer stroke)
Meanie SE looks cool with matte black and flames and persimmon frame and wheels
Meanie has massive brakes which outstops Drifter hands down.
Meanie has more vibration.
Meanie cross between sportbike and cruiser
Drifter is a real cruiser with a big bike feel. (and is big.)
Drifter looks cool per Indian design.
Drifter gets superior fuel mileage by about 9-10 mpg. (gearing and engine size I figure.)
Meanie at Dealership for sale on consignment because I just love my Drifter much more.
Will never sell Drifter because it is just too neat and I am in process of buying another very low mile '03 1500 as a backup because you just never know. And I love my Drifter. did I say that already?

Iron Indian John

[Chris]

I have ridden both bikes, a 2002 Drifter 1500 and a 2007 1600 Mean Streak. The Mean Streak was fast and looked pretty cool, but the riding position sucked a fat one. It wasn't as far foward leaning as say a Ninja, but this particular model had drag bars and you had to lean over the tank to reach them, which in turn scoots your ass back and makes it less comfortable to reach the foot controls. Then I rode the Drifter, orgasamed instantly, and had to replace the 2up seat with a solo Corbin saddle. Needless to say I bought the Drifter. As far as performance the Drifter lacks the 1/4 mile times to make it truely a monster. But I think it could probably keep up with the 1600 most of the time. My bike has some engine mods, usb fuel processor, K&N air filters and some other go fast stuff and it regularly runs 10.2 in the quarter, with no laughing gas. My hot pass last year fetched a 9.95, whipping the piss out of a sport bike squid on a '07 Honda CBR999rr. (I think that maybe he didn't know how to ride, but what do you expect out of spoiled 18 year old punks riding on mommy and daddy's money?) So anyways if you want style and comfort and very good performance go Drifter. If full skirts and nostalgia aren't your thing, Mean Streak. You can't go wrong when you ride Green.

[pcarrell]

I'm not sure about drivetrain differences, but the Drifter has a completely different rear suspension setup then any other bike I've ridden (I've only ridden a couple in the last year though).  It feels like the pivot point for the rear wheel is below the drivers seat.  It's slightly odd feeling at first, but not for long.  Personally, I think maybe the longer trailing arm setup in the rear smooths the ride out.

These two bikes you mention are different animals.  The Drifter is a cruiser, pure and simple.  It's geared more for a relaxing type ride, with enough guts to quicken the heartbeat once in a while.  It offers a relaxed riding position and a rather plush ride quality.  The Mean Streak has a bit more bad boy attitude to it.  I have a friend that just got rid of his and bought a Suzuki Boulevard C90T (another nice big cruiser).  The riding position isn't too bad, though it's not as comfortable on longer rides.  I think the gearing on it more towards the sport side, and the ride is a bit more harsh.

I guess it depends on what you're going to use the bike for as to which is better.

A couple of hours in the saddle, maybe with the little lady, just enjoying the wind in your face?  The Drifter.

Saturday night cruising the strip looking for fun and going stop light to stop light?  Maybe the Mean Streak is a better choice.

This article might help in making up your mind a bit.  It includes a Drifter 1500 and a Mean Streak.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/big_v_twin_motorcycles_compared/index.html

[AikinutNY]

Has anyone ridden both bikes?  How do they compare?  I am looking for a Drifter, but a close friend had a Mean Streak that I could ride, how will the handling compare?  Any major upgrades in the motor and drive train on the newer model?