1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD from Netherlands

Summary:

Highly recommend this bike, but due to age, some problems might be possible

Faults:

This year I had to replace the starter motor; the old one died on me. Bought one second hand and installed it myself together with a fresh oil and filter change; still working really good.

Also a few weeks ago I had the CDI unit replaced, the bike was not running good.

For a 30 year old bike I think these are small issues.

The bike is running great now, having great fun.

Normal service and maintenance gives these bikes very long lives.

The first LTD I owned had no engine problems.

Only fault I found with these bikes are the problems with the speedometer and tachometer. On my first bike I had to replace them because they stopped working. And sometimes they don't work on my current bike, so I already bought a reserve speedo and tacho.

I would highly recommend these bikes.

General Comments:

Owned a '87 LTD 2006 and 2007, never went wrong on me, a pretty good bike with high fun factor.

Decided to buy another LTD as an daily rider for my trip to work.

First I wanted to buy a 500cc bike, but then I remembered the fun times I had with my LTD 454.

The belt drive, good gas mileage and cheap insurance and road taxes due to the bike being from 1986 really are an added bonus.

It's still a good bike and really fast after 30 years.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2016

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD from United Kingdom

Summary:

For its size it's great

Faults:

Can't find any, and I've been over this bike looking.

General Comments:

This bike is a US custom import.

I bought it off a guy that had had it in his front room for 10 years; must be mad.

I put a new battery on and changed the plugs, and it runs a treat. Changed the fork seals this year and it flew through the MoT.

I'm 63 and have ridden bikes on and off for 45 years, and I would be happy to have another one, but they don't make them any more.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th August, 2014

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD from United States of America

Summary:

Great bike for the beginner

Faults:

Switch fan, radiator.

I had this bike since 1986, but it was sitting in the garage for a good 20 years.

General Comments:

It was my first bike, never ridden any other before.

Loved it in the first 2 years, only put 3700 miles on it. Got married, had no time for it, so it was sitting in the garage for about 20 years. I would start it every year and ride it around the block, but that's it.

Now the kids are big, I went back to ride it.

Because it was sitting for a while, the radiator got clogged, I had to clean the cooling system, and the switch fan wasn't working right (it was overheating), from sitting all this time. Changed new plugs, and voila, a brand new bike again!!!

Other than that, no problem at all. I'm a tall guy 6"4, the bike is little now for me and my girl, but I still ride it in the city streets.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th March, 2010

29th Mar 2010, 09:25

They were nifty little bikes!

I wish we could still get bike like the ones manufactured in the 70's & 80's.

I've got a couple of Yamahas from the era parked in my garage.

I wish that Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha & Suzuki still manufactured "regular" street bikes. You know the ones that didn't look like racers or choppers. Just nice street bikes like the old Honda CBs, the Suzuki GS's etc.

Don't get me wrong, I like some of the Customs, but bikes with "normal" seats and without "ape hanger" handlebars were more comfortable for the average rider, in my opinion.

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD from United States of America

Summary:

Biggest 'little bike' ever built

Faults:

Had to replace handbrake indicator switch, cost $20 new.

General Comments:

I'm the 3rd owner of this bike, and the only repair made so far is the brake switch, very reliable.

This is my first street bike, but I'm a life long dirt bike rider and I was surprised by the power and speed demonstrated by this small engine. I have had no problem keeping up with friends on much larger motorcycles, and can even outpace a few.

The only negative aspect of this bike is that it's a little tight for space when I have my wife on the back, other than that it's the perfect bike for me.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2008