Hi all,

I have been around, just lurking... Anyway, I just bought myself a new toy!

Its a 1989 Kawasaki 454 LTD (EN 450). Has 6800 miles on it, well cared for, one owner. Got it from him for 500 bucks! Heres the lowdown:

Last fall he laid it down, and now is afraid to ride. He is about 66, and feels lucky he made it out alive. Didnt really hurt the bike, he was going about 20. It needs some cosmetic stuff, but is mechanically sound. He has all the cosmetic stuff, I just have to put it on. The front end was all crooked, but I already fixed that. I just loosened it all up, and aligned it. I rebuilt the fuel petcock, and the carbs. Thing runs like a raped ape! 53mpg, DOHC 2 cylinder. Just filled er up for a whopping 4.88. I am likin this! It needs little things, but what doesnt?

I will post pics tomorrow after I get it all cleaned up.

Andrew

Congrats! Lucky bastard, I want 53mpg!

Sounds cool, Andrew!

Is that bike a belt or a shaft drive? If I remember correctly the predecessor to that bike was a 440 LTD. They began as chain-driven bikes and at some point during the 80's they switched to belt drive and then they increased the engine displacement to 454ccs. I think they may have went to shaft drive at that point. I used to drive nothing but Kawasaki street bikes. I had an 81' 250 LTD, an 82' 305 CSR, an 82' 550 LTD, an then my final bike was an 87' Z1000 Eliminator.

The KZ series in-line, air cooled engines IMO were one of the most reliable motorcycle engines ever manufactured. You could usually double or triple the life of the motor by installing an oil cooler to it.

Prior to getting my first Oldsmobile, the motorcycle was my only means of transportation.

Recently, I just saw someone putting up for sale a nicely restored 83' GPZ 550. If I had some extra spending cash, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Congratulations on your new purchase!

It'd be nice to have a motorcycle....even though I've never ridden one before, it sure as hell would be a lot less heavier on the pockets as far as gas mileage goes.

TOC Admin
Brando