1985 Kawasaki 454 LTD

Summary:

A great little motorcycle with great styling and good power

Faults:

No mechanical problems other than having the carbs serviced.

Speedometer started sticking and reads 20mph when actually going 55. Found some weird goop inside causing the sticking. Of course now I'm looking for a new speedo.

General Comments:

My first and only motorcycle. Purchased new for $2150 in 1985. I'd bet I could get at least a grand for it.

I was looking for a good starter bike and this one was the right choice. Smart styling that still holds up today and peppy performance. I remember that Kawasaki had an ad for it that stated that it was faster than a Corvette.

Have toyed with the idea of selling it now and then, as I don't ride it that much anymore due to long work hours and other obligations, but I can't bring myself to sell it.

Have had the tank painted once and will probably get it repainted again. Not happy with the way the second paint job is holding up.

If you're looking for a great little motorcycle for short distance riding or your first bike, you can't go wrong with one of these.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2006

3rd Oct 2008, 21:52

Hi, I was surfing for a job related task and landed on this page. I had this bike brand new and sold it years ago. A regret. Thanks for the memory, and glad you still have yours!

3rd Apr 2010, 12:53

I have owned my 1985 454 since it was new. Still have it and went to Tucson, AZ. last year on it from Michigan. 5,327 mile ride in 15 days.

I too, remember the commercial on T.V. about it being faster than a Corvette with a 454 cubic inch motor in it.. That is a no lie statement.

I have had a lot of good times on that little girl.. I weigh 240lbs now and 6'4". It is so comfortable to ride..

I would still like for a street bike 600cc to come up and want to lay $5.00 each on the curb. Make a little run and show them just how darn fast the little sucker really is..

As any of you know who has owned one.. They are a little rocket, and they like to fly..!!!

Gerrit, Michigan.

1985 Kawasaki 454 LTD

Summary:

Great deal for the cost, and impressive performance

Faults:

Timing chain is making a little noise. Probably a simple adjustment will fix this problem.

General Comments:

I just bought the bike, and I am very impressed thus far. Being 6'4" and 220lbs, I was looking for something bigger initially. When I rode the 454, I was first impressed with the power, it is not a slug by any means. It also handles beautifully.

The bike is a little small for my size, but it is much more comfortable than what I anticipated, and it handled myself, as well as my girlfriend no problem.

I lucked out and found one in show room condition with custom paint and pipes for $1,300.00. And, with only 13,000 miles on it, my guess is that she has a lot of life left in her.

The timing chain is rattling a little, which I hear is typical of Kawasaki engines of this vintage, but I assume this can be fixed with a simple adjustment.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2006

3rd Apr 2010, 12:07

It is ironic that I hear you say that the Kaw. 454 fits you so well, at 6'4"!! I am also 6'3" I have owned my 1985 454 LTD since it was new. I loved it from the first time I rode one.. I was driving a Yamaha 650 special (twin). I test drove the 454 just giggles, more than anything else at the time.

I was so impressed at how it rode that I went, and bought one for myself and sold the Yamaha.

I still ride my 454 all over. I do at least one Iron Butt ride on it a year, and just last year took it out on it's longest ride of its life so far.

I live in Michigan and went to see my wonderful sister Chris in Tucson, AZ. It was ride of a life time. I did it by myself on the little 454. I loaded it down with everything that one could possibly need for two weeks..

I left Holland, Mi. at 6:00pm and rode till I got to the south side of Oklahoma City, OK. 1,030 miles In 24 hours.

You need not believe me if you wish.. I am alright with that.. My family knows what I do on it.. To me, that is all that matters..!!

I wish they still made the little rascal. My daughter is now the true owner of my 1985 Kawasaki 454 LTD, semi chopped, classic

Gerrit.

In reply to 3rd Apr 2010, 12:07

13th Jul 2014, 00:00

Hey Gerritt.

I'm in Grand Haven and stumbled on this site looking for info on a 454 that is for sale on CL. I've narrowed down my search between the 85 454 and a Honda 85 500 Shadow.

Bill.

In reply to 13th Jul 2014, 00:00

27th Jan 2016, 01:28

Go with the 454, you can't go wrong...