1986 Kawasaki EN450-A2 454 LTD Manual

The 1986 Kawasaki EN450-A2 454 LTD is a cruiser-style motorcycle featuring a 454cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin engine, 5-speed transmission, shaft drive, dual shock rear suspension, front disc brake, and classic cruiser styling with teardrop fuel tank and stepped seat. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, and service procedures.

1. Specifications 2. Controls and Features 3. Pre-Ride Inspection 4. Operation 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Basic Maintenance Procedures 7. Troubleshooting 8. Storage Procedures 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information

Specifications

Key technical specifications for the 1986 Kawasaki EN450-A2 454 LTD.

Feature	Specification
Engine Type	454cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin
Bore x Stroke	70.0 x 59.0 mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Fuel System	Dual Mikuni CV34 carburetors
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks, adjustable preload
Front Brake	Single disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear Brake	Drum brake
Fuel Capacity	3.4 gallons (12.8 liters)
Seat Height	28.3 inches (720 mm)
Dry Weight	423 lbs (192 kg)

Controls and Features

Main controls and operational features of the motorcycle.

Control	Function
Ignition Switch	Main power control with steering lock
Choke Lever	Cold start enrichment system
Fuel Valve	Three-position (ON, RES, OFF) fuel control
Clutch Lever	Wet multi-plate clutch engagement
Front Brake Lever	Hydraulic disc brake operation
Rear Brake Pedal	Mechanical drum brake operation
Gear Shift Lever	5-speed pattern: 1-down, 4-up
Throttle Grip	Carburetor control with return spring
Instrument Cluster	Speedometer, odometer, warning lights

Pre-Ride Inspection

Essential checks before each ride.

Fuel level: Check gauge, fill if below 1/4 tank
Engine oil: Verify level between marks on sight glass
Tire pressure: Front 28 psi, rear 32 psi (cold)
Brakes: Test front and rear brake operation
Lights: Check headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Chain/Shaft: Inspect for proper tension and lubrication
Controls: Verify throttle, clutch, brake smooth operation
Fluid leaks: Check for oil, fuel, or coolant leaks

WARNING! Never ride with inadequate tire pressure or brake function. Always wear proper protective gear.

Operation

Starting and riding procedures.

Starting cold engine: Turn fuel valve to ON, set choke, ignition ON, pull clutch, start
Warm-up: Allow 2-3 minutes with partial choke
Shifting: Use clutch smoothly, match engine RPM to road speed
Braking: Use both brakes together, front brake provides 70% stopping power
Cornering: Look through turns, maintain steady throttle
Highway riding: Maintain safe following distance, use mirrors frequently

CAUTION! Avoid rapid throttle openings and sudden braking. New riders should practice in safe areas.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals.

Service Item	Every 600 mi	Every 3,000 mi	Every 6,000 mi
Engine oil change	✓	✓	✓
Oil filter replacement		✓	✓
Air filter cleaning		✓	✓
Spark plug replacement			✓
Valve clearance check			✓
Brake fluid change			✓
Carburetor sync			✓
Drive shaft lubrication		✓	✓

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Essential maintenance tasks for owners.

Oil change: Drain warm oil, replace filter, refill with 3.2 quarts 10W-40
Air filter: Remove foam element, clean in solvent, re-oil with air filter oil
Spark plugs: Replace with NGK DR8ES-L, gap 0.028-0.031 inches
Chain adjustment: Maintain 1.0-1.2 inches free play at midpoint
Brake pads: Replace when worn to 1mm thickness
Tire inspection: Check for wear, damage, proper inflation
Battery: Maintain fluid level, check terminals for corrosion

NOTE: Use only Kawasaki Genuine Parts or equivalents meeting specifications.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Dirty carburetors, weak battery	Clean carbs, charge/replace battery
Poor idle	Clogged pilot jets, vacuum leaks	Clean jets, check intake boots
Engine misfire	Fouled plugs, bad ignition coils	Replace plugs, test coils
Oil consumption	Worn piston rings, valve seals	Compression test, inspect engine
Brake fade	Contaminated pads, old fluid	Replace pads, flush brake fluid
Electrical issues	Bad connections, failed regulator	Check grounds, test charging system

Storage Procedures

Proper storage for extended periods.

Fuel system: Add fuel stabilizer, run engine 5 minutes
Battery: Remove and store on maintenance charger
Tires: Inflate to maximum pressure, lift off ground if possible
Engine: Change oil and filter before storage
Exterior: Wash and wax, cover with breathable material
Rodent protection: Place mothballs around storage area

CAUTION! Never store with ethanol fuel without stabilizer. Drain carburetors if storing over 6 months.

Safety Information

Important safety reminders.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, jacket, pants, boots
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs
Maintain safe speed for conditions and skill level
Be visible: Use headlight, wear reflective gear
Inspect motorcycle before each ride
Take rider training course for skill development
Carry insurance and registration documents

WARNING! Motorcycling involves risk. Proper training and protective gear reduce but cannot eliminate all risks.

Warranty Information

Original 1986 warranty details (expired).

Kawasaki Motorcycle Limited Warranty: 12 months unlimited mileage from purchase date. Coverage included repair or replacement of defective parts. Normal maintenance, tires, batteries, and damage from accident, misuse, or modification excluded. For current support, contact Kawasaki Customer Service at 1-800-661-RIDE or visit www.kawasaki.com.