1981 Kawasaki Z440 LTD review from United Kingdom
"Good, cheap bike"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
Stripped gearbox output shaft, starter packed up in Hungary in 1987.
Cam chain replaced at 40,000 miles.
Carb diaphram split in 1988 - araldite fix.
General comments?
A good, reliable twin, same engine as the 440 LTD, but in a conventional chassis.
Toured all of Europe 2 up, steady 85mph no problem - until the starter packed up, then had to bump start it.
Gearbox output shaft stripped, fixed by mig welding the sprocket to the shaft, was still there 20,000 miles later, with a scot-oiler fitted to prevent wear.
Heavy on chains until the use of the Scot-oiler.
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1981 |
| Year of manufacture | 1981 |
| First year of ownership | 1985 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1988 |
| Acceleration marks | 5 / 10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Handling marks | 4 / 10 |
| Braking marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 21000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 57000 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Honda H100A |
| Date of Entry | 15th February, 2005 |