1985 Kawasaki 454 LTD
Offered is this 1985 Kawasaki 454 LTD from a private collector in Southern California, as you can see from the pictures this is a well taken care of motorcycle, it has been on static display for a few years. It was last started and ran a few years ago, Clear California Title, Shipping Available
1985 Kawasaki 454 LTD — Overview
The Kawasaki 454 LTD (EN450A) was introduced in the mid-1980s during a period when Japanese manufacturers were producing a wide range of middleweight cruisers to compete with American V-twins. The 454 LTD stood out for combining the classic cruiser aesthetic with a surprisingly sporty and high-revving engine, offering a unique experience among cruiser-style bikes.
Historical Background
-
Introduced: 1985 (as part of Kawasaki’s EN series)
-
Type: Mid-sized cruiser
-
Target Market: Riders looking for a blend of performance, comfort, and style without the size or weight of a full-size cruiser
-
Key Selling Point: The engine — based on the Ninja 900 (GPZ900R) — detuned and modified for cruiser duty
Technical Specifications
Engine & Transmission
-
Engine Type: 4-stroke, parallel twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC
-
Displacement: 454 cc
-
Bore x Stroke: 70.0 mm x 58.0 mm
-
Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
-
Fuel System: Dual constant velocity (CV) carburetors
-
Ignition: Electronic (TCI)
-
Transmission: 6-speed manual
-
Final Drive: Belt drive (not chain — a notable feature at the time)
Performance
-
Power Output: ~50 hp @ 9,500 rpm
-
Torque: ~31 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
-
Top Speed: ~100–105 mph (160–169 km/h)
-
0–60 mph: Approximately 5.5 seconds
Chassis & Suspension
-
Frame Type: Tubular steel double cradle
-
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
-
Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with preload adjustment
-
Brakes:
-
Front: Single disc
-
Rear: Drum
-
Tires:
-
Front: 100/90-19
-
Rear: 140/90-15
Dimensions & Weight
-
Wheelbase: 1,515 mm (59.6 in)
-
Seat Height: ~710 mm (28 in)
-
Dry Weight: ~180 kg (397 lbs)
-
Fuel Capacity: 3.0 gallons (11.4 liters)
Features
-
Cruiser styling with stepped seat and pullback handlebars
-
Comfy ergonomics for light touring and city riding
-
Electric start
-
Tachometer and speedometer standard on dash
Legacy
The Kawasaki 454 LTD was praised for:
-
Its Ninja-derived engine that revved high and made great power for its class
-
Smooth and quiet belt drive, which required less maintenance than chains
-
Affordability and reliability, making it a popular choice for beginners and seasoned riders alike
By the late 1980s, it was eventually succeeded by the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 (EN500), which shared a similar engine platform but leaned even more into cruiser styling.
