Top 20 2004 kawasaki VN 1600 Mean Streak Questions & Answers

Which VN model do you have?

Hey C.. Are any of these three mechanics Factory Trained Kawasaki mechanic's...??? This may be a situation that results from normal wear on that particular engine that produces the noise. (..ie... getting louder every year..it very well maybe "normal"..)..You can try going to a heavier grade oil, sometimes a 15w-40 will quieten it down...good luck..

Not getting enough power. Did new battery get charged? Check for bad ground or other faulty electrical connection. Briefly try to jump start.? Make sure wire didnt get hot and touch frame causing short. Good luck. Oil light comes on after shutdown . If on while running, you could have locked it up.

Clutch probably not engaging. Could be a clutch mechanism problem.

Some thing to do with your wiring

pull the spark plug tubes out and inspect.you probably have cam chains that are loose.if this is the case see gadgets fix-it page for info for getting extenders for tensioners.

hope this helps,mike

It sounds like the fork sliders might not be doing their job as far as shock absorbtion. How is the oil in the forks?

Could be a number of things. I would start by giving it a fresh set of plugs and a clean carb and air filter. Fresh fuel wouldn't hurt - especially if it's been sitting all winter. Maybe try some 'dry gas' or moisture remover. I would be suprised if this doesn't fix your issue.

G'day.
Here you go- here's a link for your fork diagram.
http://www.mrcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=390385&category=Motorcycles&make=KAWASAKI&year=2004&fveh=8999

Hope this helps.

Regrds Andrew Porrelli

It is very possible that when you had the short it did damage the #2 injector and will need replaced, but just a little more FYI, if you replace #2 injector it would be wise to go ahead and replace injector #1 as well.

That could be caused by a blown head gasket. Is there water in the oil?

If it is smoking, then your going to need piston rings.

If its leaking the oil, try to located the leak and buy the new gaskets to fix the leak. If its a side cover gasket, or maybe an o-ring on the oil cap or o-ring on the oil filter cover.
Wipe the bike down or wash it down and look for the oil.

Look near the oil filter and see if oil is leaking, i have saw this several times where the oil filter is leaking, and oil blows down the whole underside of the bike.

The only other place the oil can go is in your airbox. Check to see if your engine crankcase breather hose is blowing by way to much oil and soaking your airfilter. If this is the case then you need to change your oil and filter.

take 25.00 and buy you a repair manual..its worth it.

Yes, the problem is most likely in the injectors - dirt has accumulated in them and is obstructing the fuel flow. But you should also check the fuel pump - it might be worn out ant not delivering its full pressure, the throttle sensors - they might not signal the fact that the throttle is closed, and the air filter - it might be clogged.

Oil checks are performed with the bike upright and level.

you either have a fouled plug on one of your cylinder and not burning off the fuel that is injected. or you have a injector stuck open and pouring fuel through motor.

If its set up like mine, there is no "reserve" tank as I used to know it (I.E. a petcock that you turned to access the remaining fuel in the tank). If you mean how much is left after the fuel light comes on, I have noticed two things. The fuel light will start dim and grow brighter as you continue getting closer to empty (easier to see at night : )). I have noticed that when the light is on fully and I pull in to fuel (done this multiple times espec. when I first got the bike), I only was adding 3-3.5 gal. in fuel which means there is between 1-1.5 gal LEFT in the tank. quite a reserve off a 4.5 gal. tank, right? HaHa. Hope this helps. I generally the purpose of the fuel light and when it comes on I take note of the odometer, and pull in when convinient (20-30 miles AFTER the lite comes on and never had a problem. Probably could push it more than that, but...

3.1 qt if changing without a new filter
3.3 qt if you are changing the filter

You should have a cover between tank and the forks. Remove it and you should find a fill cap.

Try ringing you local kwaka dearlship and ask them for the location of your fuses