[Sails]

Has anyone had any experience/advice about a Kawasaki 454 LTD. Son number two wants me to look at a couple.
Seems that if son number one and Dad have bikes, Triumph Speed 4 and a Burgman 650, he figures that he might be missing something. So he is doing lessons and shopping.
Now this is the frugal son, so he has gone from buying new to buying used. It is not that he is strapped for cash, just figures that he is not going to spend it!

So if anyone has any advice as to what to look for with the Kawa I would appreciate it!

 

[pauljo]

Kawasaki builds good bikes. I've had several, my oldest son has had one, my wife also had one. No issues with any of them. However, with any used machine, prior care is important. They've been out of production for some time I think. They were belt final drive (as was my wife's Kawa 440). He might want to check with the local dealer regarding current availability of the belt and pulleys. Generally it is just the belt that needs replacing about every 20k miles if I recall correctly - unless a pully has sustained damage. The seat is also severely stepped on this cruiser bike, which may be a problem if he is long legged. Found pictures here.

http://www.motorcycleminnesota.com/pre0 ... ki_454.htm

 

[madonna]

The 454 LTD was my first bike. It was a sweet ride. I particularly liked the seat - lower and pretty comfortable. As long as the specific bike he buys is in good working order, I think he will like it. Decent pickup, water cooled, belt drive. Great for commuting or longer rides. If you son will do any distance riding, he may wish for highway pegs.

One thing I miss on the Burgman is chrome. I'm old school about that and think nothing looks quite as good as a shiny bike with lots of chrome. The Kawasaki 454 LTD is a nice blend of painted metal/plastic and chrome.

IMHO, a nice choice.

Madonna

 

[Sails]

Thanks for the insight and advice!

 

[bechtoea]

The 454 LTD was punched out to the Vulcan 500. The current Vulcan 500 is called the "Vulcan 500 LTD" and has the same engine, a parallel twin right out of the Ninja 500. This is the same engine that was used in the 454 LTD. The current one has chain drive while the old 454 LTD and V500 having belt.

I am not aware of any major problems with any of them.

 

[pauljo]

The 454 LTD was punched out to the Vulcan 500. The current Vulcan 500 is called the "Vulcan 500 LTD" and has the same engine, a parallel twin right out of the Ninja 500. This is the same engine that was used in the 454 LTD. The current one has chain drive while the old 454 LTD and V500 having belt.

I am not aware of any major problems with any of them.

My oldest son had a used Vulcan 500 for a couple of years recently. No problems.

 

[Sails]

Seems he is picking up a Kawa Ninja 250R, another good beginner bike from what I have read.
The 454 that we looked at was very rough. He is finishing is bike training this weekend and we will see how he does.

Thanks for all the help :roll: