My posts & replies

[eaglerider]

OK, might step on some toes here: Lately, I have made some comments in my replies that have been a little different from my normal replies, and kinda "sharp". Some of the questions, comments, etc, that have been posted, have indicated that the person posting, has done very little/not enough "research" to understand what the Kawasaki 454 LTD is. It is not anything like the "comparable" Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, or any of the other 4 cycle bikes. I have kinda got to where I am a little upset that someone buys a bike that he/she knows nothing about, and then seems to not do any "research" to find out what the bike is. I bought my 454 about 6 years or so, ago(knew nothing about it, but thought it too small), and immediately started to try to find out about it, by searching the internet for information. That led me to GWK's website, and this forum, then to a very close friendship with GWK, and more "learning" about the 454, to present day.
I think that anyone that buys ANY bike, should do all they can to find out everything they can about that bike, and getting that bike in the best running condition possible, before making any changes to it.
That is why I have made some of the replies that I have made. I certainly do not mean to tick anyone off - I think the 454 is the best bike, for its size, that was built - proven by the fact that the engine design is still being built as the Vulcan & Ninja 500.
So, If I have upset anyone, I apologize - but I have got to the point that I am sometime gonna be sorta "blunt" with some replies, to some posts.
Y'all just bear with me, I do care a bunch for this bike, and want to help anyone, just about anytime!!

[dbrotherwood]

What is a 454?



Just Kidding. ;D

[chopperfreak2k1]

maybe not the best time for jokes

i hear ya Eagle. simply put, some of these guys don't know what they have to start with and already want to change the bike. i'm all for chops and mods but get to know your bike first, then you'll know what changes you want to make if any.

[eaglerider]

;D ;D a "slap on the hand to u, dbrother. ;D
Chopper, u keep makin those "well saids".....& somebody might just get jealous! LOL Well, at least you guys know where I'm commin from.....Thanks. Now, don't take that last Emocon the wrong way!!LOL

[geezyrider]

I'm too dang busy getting the "The Wind in MY Face" to even think about modifying the "Best overall Bike" that was ever put on the market. I agree with The Eagle, why mess with perfection???

[chopperfreak2k1]

thanks Eagle! ;D

i love the bike just how it is. now having said that i do want to try some things. i want a 750 vulcan front end so i can have dual brakes. i weigh 335lbs and my wife is around 200lbs, in an emergency situation i can see where the performance of dual discs could save lives.

also i want to add the 500 vulcan swingarm. i found the stock wheelbase to be just a tad too twitchy for me, so i thought the vulcan swingarm should put me right where i want to be.

[eaglerider]

;D Thanks, Geezy.
Chopper, those are what I would call sensible mods.

[pdougc]

Having a "read first post" pinned at the top of the forums with all the general knowledge information about the bike would help out greatly...

[eaglerider]

Don't know what exactly what u mean about general knowledge, but all the specs, etc are in the left sidebar of the website. To make a post of all questions, etc about the 454 would require more space than this whole forum takes, and tons of time, to post. If that were done, there would be no more use or reason for the forum, except maybe pics.

[intillzah]

I think that those who are wanting general knowledge "stickie" are hinting to something like this sample:

Q: What the heck is a 454 LTD?
A: This was a motorcycle that was produced from 1985 to 1989 (US market). It was classified as a "cruiser" (Laid back riding position, forward foot pegs and controls). The bike was marketed as "Half of a 900 Ninja" as it has half of the displacement of a 900 Ninja (the Ninja actually displaced 908cc's, as the original Z1 did). The 454 does go on in a limited way, even though production stopped on them years ago. The engine is still used in the Ninja 500 and the 500 Vulcan (bored out to 500cc's)

Q: What did they sell for new?
A: The introductory price was $1,999 in 1985

Etc.....


Kinda like this??

[pdougc]

The website is too hard to find for new people, plus it does not have the right type of information...

I am talking about something like this:

www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402139

You pin it faq, or read first...

A post like this does not eliminate the need for the forums, it gives new members a place to start.

[eaglerider]

Hard to find? I differ in opinion. There is a link to it here on the forum, and if people are smart enough to download & install the toolbar, all you have to do is click the "home" box. I have told many to do that very thing.

[eaglerider]

Now, we can get real fancy with this forum(not our goal) and charge a nice sum for membership (we are not), because No. 1, no one would pay, and the forum would close (it is not). We assume that those that want to learn are old enough, and smart enough to use the internet - after all, this forum is easily found - all anyone has to do is type in kawasaki 454ltd in the search box of their browser, in their computer, and 90% of the work is done. Our forum and the website are rated in the top of the top 5 locations for that search. If a Hardly dav shop can find it to ask us how to work on a 454, I would think anyone could very easily find us. This is true...a Har Dav shop in Arizona (I think) looked us up, and Called GWK on the phone, for help!!! This may be a little sharp, but come on, guys....get real. We are here to help... not fuss about things that should be simple.

[chopperfreak2k1]

i can see where pdougc is comin from. on some forums the stickies are nice, however it's usually cuz you'll catch flack for asking the same questions that have been asked for years. on "our" forum you don't get chastized (sp) for askin the questions. here you get more "human contact", more interaction.

i like things the way they are here. GWK and Eagle put alot into making it how it is and i'm not gonna come in here and tell them i think their system needs improved upon. especially since this is just about the only resource for us on the net. these guys cared enough to build this site for US, and i for one appreciate it.

thank you GWK and thank you Eagle!!!

[eaglerider]

Chopper, I humbly thank you, and I know GWK would/will agree with me. I know, I get sharp here lately, I guess I'm gettin too old to have enough patience with folks. Maybe, perhaps I just care too much for the 454 (although mine no longer has a 454 engine), and this forum. I know GWK has felt pretty darn frustrated in the past, which is one reason he does not make a lot of posts/replies, anymore. I have got to where I say enough for both of us! Again, I ask everyone to bear with me/us, and use what is said where & when & if you can.....we are here to give help, information, and "promote" the Kawasaki 454LTD, not cause "problems". We do this on our own, and our own pockets, hopefully for everyone's benefit.

[chopperfreak2k1]

you're very welcome. you and GWK run the show here and you do a darn fine job of it. i'm proud to call myself a member here and it's because you guys have built this place to have a family atmosphere. don't ever change a thing!

[pdougc]

Eagle, there is nothing directing people to the website, nothing that says read first. That is why I say it it hard to find. People jump on the forums first, unless there is a "read me first" they wont go looking any where else.

Nothing of what I have said is complaining! I am not sure how it has come across like that?!?! I am simply suggesting a way to help out the current and new members with all the questions that have been asked time and time again.

Eagle has already admitted some of his replies have been rather "sharp" lately...that family feel of a website can go down really quick. I have seen it on other boards I am on.

This site is great, only one of its kind! I am just suggesting this to help make it better as it grows.

Since it was brought up I will say this one more time, there are tons of free forum hosting sites that will allow this forum to have way more storage for free...last time I will mention that again.

I am just trying to bring some knowledge I have seen from other sites here.

Since this is GWK and Eagles site they are free to do whatever they want...

Thanks for doing what you have so far!

[eaglerider]

Wanna know how long this forum & website have been around - just like it is (and who knows how many it has helped), just as it is? They both have been #1 and #2 (sometimes the website, sometimes the forum)on the internet so much, that those "in the know" know exactly where to go to get answers. O, to answer the first question.....about 10 years!!! Here's hopeing they will be around 10 years from now!!!!!!!!