Kawasaki LTD is the name given to chopper versions of several Kawasaki model ranges, sold from 1975 to 1989 with engines from 443 to 1089 cc. The look of the LTD models was the work of the motorcycle designer Wayne LaVar Moulton, and the first of them was the KZ 900 LTD.
Kawasaki LTD at a glance
| Maker | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Type | chopper versions of road models |
| Sold | 1975–1989 |
| Engine sizes | 443 to 1089 cc |
| Designer | Wayne LaVar Moulton |
| First model | KZ 900 LTD, 1975 |
| Most common in Germany | Z 440 LTD, in the cheap 27 hp insurance class |
| Japanese market | filled the attractive class up to 400 cc |
| Influence | the other three big Japanese makers copied the idea |
Based on one source, the German Wikipedia article on the LTD; there is no English article.
History of the Kawasaki LTD
From the mid-1970s Kawasaki offered an LTD version of many of its motorcycles. All of them were choppers, with the styling that the designer Wayne LaVar Moulton gave the first one, the KZ 900 LTD of 1975. In Japan, local regulations made the LTD variant a useful addition to the attractive class up to 400 cc.
A model for every size
The range covered almost every capacity Kawasaki built: the KZ 900 LTD from 1975 to 1976, the Z 650 LTD from 1977 to 1983, the KZ 1000 LTD in 1977 and 1978, the Z 750 LTD parallel twin from 1975 to 1985 and the four-cylinder Z 750 LTD from 1980 to 1985, the Z 250 LTD from 1980 to 1982, the Z 440 LTD from 1980 to 1984, the Z 450 LTD from 1985 to 1990, the Z 550 LTD from 1980 to 1983, the Z 1100 LTD from 1981 to 1985 and the ZN 1100 LTD from 1983 to 1984, a US model with 136 hp.
Success and imitation
The most widespread LTD in Germany was the Kawasaki Z 440 LTD, because it fell into the cheap 27 hp insurance class. The success of the models persuaded the other three big Japanese manufacturers to copy Kawasaki’s concept.
Design and features
- Chopper styling: the LTD versions turned Kawasaki’s road bikes into cruisers.
- One designer: Wayne LaVar Moulton shaped the look of the whole family.
- Wide coverage: from a 250 to an 1100, including parallel twins and fours.
- Commercial success: rivals copied the idea soon afterwards.
Kawasaki LTD versions
- KZ 900 LTD (1975–1976): the first LTD.
- Z 440 LTD (1980–1984): the most common in Germany.
- Z 750 LTD: built as a parallel twin from 1975 and as a four from 1980.
- ZN 1100 LTD (1983–1984): the US model with 136 hp.
The LTD versions were based on Kawasaki’s road models such as the KZ1000. More models are in the Kawasaki collection.
Video: kawasaki 440 ltd max speed
Video by Mr. Fixit on YouTube.
Sources
- Kawasaki LTD, German Wikipedia: history, designer, model list, market position
