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

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD from United States of America

Summary:

Sport-bike quickness and handling, great cruiser styling, reliable and ROCKS!

Faults:

Not a single thing.

General Comments:

I just bought this bike - had been sitting in a humid garage for 7 years, and was COVERED in rust. The cost of a few brillo pads, some chrome polish, and about 2 hours general maintenance (checking hoses, wires, etc.) was all the time and money I've put into this bike. Talk about the reliability of a well executed design!!

It now looks (almost) new again, and runs like it just came off the showroom floor. Accelerates quickly due to the "1/2 Ninja" adapted liquid cooled mini v-twin power plant.

Belt drive is responsive and quiet, brakes apply quickly and evenly, delivering great stopping power. Rips on the highway at around 100mph with 2500 rpm to spare in 6th gear (I did replace stock airbox with some cheaper aftermarket oiled paper filters and drilled some small holes in muffler tip - boosted about 8 horsepower)

I wish they still made these!!! Awesome machine!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2007

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD from United States of America

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 from Canada

Summary:

Great value, power, and economy

Faults:

The carbs are sure fussy on it cold, it's very easy to flood below 15C. Once it's warmer out or the engine is warmed up, it runs awesome. They've been synchronised, and I've tried injector cleaner with the gas, so I may just try a different dealer if it persists.

General Comments:

Awesome value in this bike. I bought it cheap enough ($1200 CDN) ready to ride and it's been great. I'm having the tank repainted for a couple scuffs, and to sharpen it up a bit, and I'm sure it will make me money when I'm ready to sell it and go bigger.

I'm 6' tall/200lbs, and it's still very capable for my size. I've ridden a lot of late model bigger bikes, from Honda's to Harley's, and I'm not at all disappointed with mine.

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

Review Date: 10th May, 2006

1986 Kawasaki 454 LTD from Puerto Rico

Summary:

A little-big baby

Faults:

Definitely the cables: Clutch, speedometer, tachometer. Now are fine.

Suspension has to be fixed.

General Comments:

I bought this little-big baby 2 years ago. And I love it. Smooth ride, enough power, low gas consumption, 6-speed transmission, great sound, automatic signal lights. Wow, a lot of gadgets for that small piece of art of 1986.

This little baby was found in a backyard with rust, no tires, and many loose parts. With love and patience, the 454 is my joy and my pride. And it looks great!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th November, 2005