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...

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD

Summary:

Small, has potential and lovable... A small bike with big bike abilities!

Faults:

Due to neglect from the previous owners...

Front brake master cylinder was destroyed.

Front blinkers destroyed.

Speedo, tach and choke cables destroyed.

Carb leaked a little fuel (bad seals, but it's a 20 year old bike).

PO removed the air filter assembly and installed UNI filters causing a bog at mid throttle... working to find parts to fix!

General Comments:

I loved my first 454 LTD bike I had on 98, moved to Alaska and sold it due to the short riding season...

Got to the 48 states again and had to get another one... and at the $500 price it was a steal!

After about $200-250 in parts, she's going strong!

I love my 454, it's small and nimble... reliable...

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2006

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD

Summary:

A great all around bike with a lot of power and great looks

Faults:

The cooling fan sensor went out 2 days after I bought it.

The kickstand kill switch shorted out the first time I washed it.

General Comments:

Extremely punchy across the whole operating range.

A very tough bike. It has taken everything I have thrown at it.

It rides great and handles well.

Don't pop the clutch and you will be OK, otherwise you will be on your back like I did the other day.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2005

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD

Summary:

A hot bike that still gets attention from the guys

Faults:

Have had no breakdowns. But did discover a rock in the belt one time.

Do have problems keeping the carburetors synchronized. This needs to be done often.

General Comments:

This motorcycle has a lot of off-the-line punch.

I can pack my saddle bags with enough for at least a week, take off and not worry that it will carry the load. It even handles two-up with ease.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th March, 2005

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD

Summary:

Kick ass fast on a budget!

Faults:

1986 454 LTD (en450)

My clutch blew out and needs to be fixed before I drive it any further.

Starts rough some times, but runs like a dream after that.

General Comments:

An awsome small bike. Only a 454, and it can handle 2 riders and blow my brothers 600cc away like it was standing still.

A nice ride even though I am over 6 feet tall. Quick and comfortable, I would buy another Kawasaki since I bought this bike.

Two chrome pipes and a good look and sound. Good standard options like belt driven, liquid cooled, sissy bar, automatic turn signals (mercury sensors?).

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2005