1986 Kawasaki reviews

I've owned two 454 LTD's and I think they're generally great bikes. They don't cost much to purchase and are just the right size for around town riding. They also get great mileage, although this is something most motorcyclists don't care much about. The engine is impressively smooth and has surprisingly ample torque, a surprise for a midsize motorcycle. Aside from Honda's Magna series there's never been a better looking small cruiser bike. My only complaint is that the frame geometry and long front fork that make this such a great looking bike make the handling a little sloppier than I'd like. My old '74 KZ 400 and my '85 GPz 750 can smartly outcorner and outmaneuver the 454 any day of the week. I made a big mistake when I sold my first 454, but I'll be riding my second one until the wheels fall off. Show less

I recently picked up an 86 ZL600-A1 Eliminator with 23K...it is my first bike but I've ridden a sportster 883 prior for a while. I'm 5'11, 190 lbs and the bike fits like a glove. I've researched many bikes but found this one to be an excellent compromise between a Sport bike like an Ninja 600R and a cruiser like a Vulcan 750. I couldn't decide which bike style to start on as I love both styles, so this is just perfect. It is a very RARE bike and I've received many looks on it. I find this bike to have excellent power, it's a blast to rip through the gears, and it handles well. The sound from the two bazooka sized exhausts is sweet at 5000+ RPM. The look is all power cruiser, sort of like a mini V-MAX. Show less

This is my first bike and it came to me with 20,ooo miles on it. This parallel twin engine is still be used by Kawasaki in the Vulcan 500 and the Ninja 500. Several motorcycle mechanics rave about the reliability and longevity of this particular engine. Speaking first hand, I can only say that it has always started and run well for me, though there is a lot of mechanical noise. It has some nice features for being an entry level machine: auto off blinkers, a temp gauge, belt drive, "sissy bar" (of sorts ), handlebar choke, and a decent tool kit. If you care about performance you will appreciate its low 13's @ 94mph times (which is nearing its top speed). You can ride 2-up in the town but it shows its lack of displacement trying to maintain freeway speeds with a passenger on. One complaint is that I have found the seat to be uncomfortable for medium to long distances and I am of average height. Show less

I'm in my mid 30's and started riding bikes as a teenager long before I could drive a car. Never had much money to spend and always ended up with an older model that was strictly utilitarian. I got this EN450/454 LTD a couple of years ago and am very happy with it. Reliable and handles well. Nothing fancy or pretentious it's just a good mid-frame bike. I'm over 6 feet tall and it is somewhat cramped but for short trips around town or commutes to work it's fine. This model was started in the 80's when the Japanese were trying to break into the cruiser market - this model is actually the forerunner to the very popular Vulcan series. A big plus to this bike is you can pick them up fairly cheaply and usually with low miles nowadays. Be warned however - this is by no means a status bike. The Harley people will still ignore you and the crotch rockets will still rocket by you at ungodly speeds. But for a good little bike either for a beginner or experienced rider I would recommend it. Show less

I have owned this motorcycle for two years now and find it a rather fun bike. Sits low and great profile looks. Very little maintenence or problems. Just sit and git! The six-speed comes in handy and the stock seat is all-day comfort. Brakes could be stiffer but has decent stopping power. Great for beginners or smaller riders with having low seat height. Show less

This bike is fast, period. Although it is my first "street" bike (I've owned numerous dual-sports and dirtbikes) so I can't compare it too much with many others. My friends' 94/99 750 Magnas always give it a good run. This is a fun bike and is a rocket. Looking to upgrade to a sportbike now because I feel I've outgrown this one. Handlebars are kinda narrow and feel weird but nothing anyone can't handle. Show less

More power than I thought but it gets uncomfortable on the long rides, I took it to lacuna w/out changing the fluids a day after buying it and it had sat for a year, I had no problems save for one overheat. Show less