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Post by taxedout on Mar 24, 2015 18:18:46 GMT -6
First a big thankyou for your dedication and offering this resource. Allowing old farts like me to relive the past a bit by helping us keep these awesome bikes running is a gift and sincerely appreciated. Second, I'm 60 (the family's grown and out of the nest) and I just wanted to sport around a bit. Wanted unique. Didn't want big. Wanted some zip. Didnt want expensive (don't ride enough to justify big $$).Wanted smooth reliability. Didn't want serious ongoing mechanical problems. Wanted to tinker just a bit. Didn't want to keep something running that wasn't fun enough to ride. Ok... you get the point. Well boys & girls I found an '85 494 ltd with 5200 original miles. No rust. Everything shines like new. Runs like new. New tires. New battery. Perfect seat with sissy bar & pad. All original. Exceptional!
I may have paid too much. I have a total of $1,600.00 into her. A lot less than my first wife! but I had to have this bike. I'm 5' 10". 210 (solid / fit lbs) and I have fallen in love again.
Best handling bike I have EVER driven. Period! For my build, arm length, leg length its perfect!. I don't need the speed. But got it if I need it.
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Post by Blaine on Mar 24, 2015 18:21:33 GMT -6
Welcome to the family......Your gonna like it here!!   |
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Post by taxedout on Mar 24, 2015 18:42:53 GMT -6
Thanks Blaine! I should clarify... though impressive all around bike. My comment about it being the best I have ever ridden refers to within a 20 mile radius of downtown. Which is exactly what I was wanting. No complaints at 55 mpg. However will need to buy a windshield soon. Comfort becomes more important as we get miles on US too. A short one so I can see over that pushes the air up and over my helmet if any one has one they want to part with. I'm Scott by the way.
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Post by Blaine on Mar 24, 2015 21:21:32 GMT -6
Thanks Blaine! I should clarify... though impressive all around bike. My comment about it being the best I have ever ridden refers to within a 20 mile radius of downtown. Which is exactly what I was wanting. No complaints at 55 mpg. However will need to buy a windshield soon. Comfort becomes more important as we get miles on US too. A short one so I can see over that pushes the air up and over my helmet if any one has one they want to part with. I'm Scott by the way. I had a National Cycle Street shield on mine (16") It fit well & looked good.  |
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Post by eaglerider on Mar 25, 2015 6:19:19 GMT -6
Welcome! Wish I was 60 again!!! We are here to help....we love these bikes, too! |
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Post by psnw on Mar 27, 2015 11:25:04 GMT -6
I seen one on Craig's the other day that fit the description of your bike. Around 5k for miles, all original, with racks, bars, windshield, one owner and all paperwork/records for $1750. Needless to say, if I had it I would travel the distance to bring this one home.
I have to agree with you about the size of the bike and riders build. I am around the same, and I love this bike because it is not too heavy. I have a few miles (years) on me and this is my first bike - ever. Welcome to the family!
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Post by taxedout on Mar 28, 2015 8:55:30 GMT -6
Been searching site and trying to find a complete listing of factory add ons that were available in the day for the 454. I know they are difficult to find. Just need to start someplace. Looking for rear luggage rack... ya i know... wish me luck! Will be adding a winshield when i figure out which is best.looking for best wind protection and still be able to look over the top edge. More comments on best shield? Maybe radiator trim and engine guard. Wish me luck! Thanks. Fun bike to ride! Really don't need bigger or faster. Smooth! Maybe someday ill get a big bike, but will always keep this one I'm digg'n the compactness and ease of handling. Thanks gang! Glad to be aboard.
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Post by psnw on Mar 28, 2015 20:08:47 GMT -6
I just thuoght about it! I have the 1985 454 LTD sales brochure for my bike. All the way through, nice shiny new bike, cute 80's chick sitting on it.... but no luggage rack, or engine gaurds (freeway bars?). It looks pretty much stock as is in 1985. It has the tool box, fender cowls and no trim on the radiator. I picked the sales brochure up on Ebay. If you find a list ... Hey! pass it around. I would be interested to know what may have been offered in later years.
I want my bike to look that good. Maybe this winter I can tear it down. Mmmmmm Baby!!
"Heads turn when you roll down the street on a 454 LTD from Kawasaki. Because it is an all-new machine from the ground up- and there is nothing else like it anywhere. You'll know why when you start the engine . Listen to the strong beat of Kawasaki power, Liquid cooled for state-of-the-art performance and reliability...."
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Post by eaglerider on Mar 29, 2015 4:19:17 GMT -6
Main or basic accessories for the 454 were the engine guard and luggage rack.......both very difficult...to almost impossible to find, and due to that, when and if found, demand a very pricey cost.
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