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.

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.

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