1979 Kawasaki reviews

This is actually a review of a '78 KZ400 A2 Deluxe. I bought this bike off Ebay on a whim and it has been a fantastic sight unseen purchase. I liked it because of what I thought were aftermarket add ons. After I had the bike brought to SC from GA and did some research, I found out the fairing, hard bags and crash bar were all factory stock. The man who had her just loved to tinker with old bikes and make them run well. He did a fantastic job on this one. It is the first used bike I have owned that I didn't have to do anything to. I already own an '88 Kawasaki Voyager (super comfortable) and a '90 Yamaha V-Max (super fast)and believe it or not this is the bike I would give up last. It's dead reliable with basic maintenance and just so easy to ride that it's just what I thought the two wheel experience should be. It is actually a fantastic TOURING bike if you actually tour which to me means getting out there to see the sights on the two lane state roads rather than mind numbing interstate rides which are just traveling rather than touring. Getting out on the two lane low country SC backroads and visiting country stores, farmers' stands and little roadhouse eateries is where this bike shines. Totally comfortable and stable at 60mph with some throttle to spare but the scenery is so nice, why rush? Rides just as well two up also. And no need for for fancy or "in character" type biker clothes. A denim jacket, work boots, and basic white 3/4 helmet with sunglasses is what seems to fit the style of this bike. Performance is on par with a spirited econo car and this bike will run away from most cages in town. The seat could be a little softer but I'll figure out something for that. I have recently become interested in the super scooters like the Suzuki Burgmans, but every time I ride this I ask myself if I would gain that much for what I would spend on them. If I had to pin it down, evertytime I ride this bike, it just makes me smile. Show less

This was my first bike. I bought it used for practically pocket change. It was filthy and out of tune. After a week-end of scrubbing and wrenching I started riding it full-time. Eventually I put a nice two-into-one Kerker header and some top-notch tires on it and really started learning how to ride. That little twin took me all the way through the desert southwest, out to West Virginia and back, all without a single breakdown (wore out a chain and took a nail in my rear tire though). I eventually sold it (for more than I paid for it) years later when I moved to the South Pacific. I still regret letting that gutsy, little scooter get away from me. Show less

I had one of these. Put 37,000 miles on it then sold it to a gal who still uses it for her paper route. Now it has 55,000 miles on it without major breakdowns. I remember it was a box basic bike and few frills but it rode good, was reliable, didn't cost an arm & leg to operate. I've had many bikes. This one was one of the best. Ah. It's the simple things we remember. Show less

When I went to the motorcycle dealer for my first bike, most of them were out of my price range. But there was a little black bike in the back room that was very affordable. I bought it, and I have ridden it for a couple of years now. It's comfortable, fun, and doesn't need a whole lot of upkeep. The size is perfect for beginners as is the price. Show less