1985Kawasaki Z 450 LTD

19 fields on record

The 1985 Kawasaki Z 450 LTD is an all-around middleweight twin suited for riders seeking reliable, manageable performance. Its liquid-cooled 454cc parallel-twin engine delivers 50 horsepower with smooth character, making it ideal for commuting and weekend riding. Known for balanced handling and accessible ergonomics, it represents practical Japanese engineering of the mid-1980s.

Capacity: 454.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 199.0 kg
Seat height: Not on record
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Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1985 Kawasaki Z 450 LTD

vs the 1984

Spec	1984	1985
Power	41.0 HP (30.6 kW)	50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9500 RPM

Other years 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering45%

City riding60%

Daily riding55%

Touring40%

Two-up40%

Track20%

Best for: It's built for relaxed cruising and casual weekend rides rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: It has a laid-back, classic cruiser personality with modest performance and a distinctive belt-drive, liquid-cooled parallel twin setup unusual for its era and class.
Not ideal for: This is not the bike for riders seeking high-speed thrills, aggressive cornering, or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 454.0 ccm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2513 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 72.5 x 55.0 mm
Compression: 10.7:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Performance

Top speed: 162.0 km/h (100.7 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wet weight: 199.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 11.00 litres
Seat height: Not on record - add it
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 140/90-15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1984	1985	1987	1988	1989
Capacity	454.00 ccm (27.70 cubic inches)	454.00 ccm (27.70 cubic inches)	454.00 ccm (27.70 cubic inches)	454.00 ccm (27.70 cubic inches)	454.00 ccm (27.70 cubic inches)
Fuel capacity	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)