1979 Kawasaki LTD 1000

[Prisoner6]

I found it interesting that this "custom" bike from the same era as our Specials sold yesterday morning for $7,900 ...



A gorgeous example of the LTD 1000 ... I've always thought Kawasaki nailed just the right look on these big '79-'80 LTD's.

Here is the link to the original Ebay ad with more pics:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Kawasak...p2047675.l2557

[Bikes]

I agree....i was a big Kawi fan back then, had a couple GPZs and a 74 900....
Heres a nice 900, not as pricey but close......
http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/5041865764.html

My BIL just picked up a 1000 shafty...so I got to work on it and ride it some....nice bike but not as smooth as the Yamaha.....

[IanDMacDonald]

I actually disagree. Never been a fan of those, or the "L" models of the Suzys. I think Yamaha nailed it, lol.

[XJOK2PLAY]

Ya know, Marco... That's a really nice bike, but $7900 's pretty strong $$ for a '79 model.

I've seen low mileage, pristine Concours's go for less!

Good looking bike though.

[jetmechmarty]

Those particular Kawasakis are very strong performers in the market for that vintage. They bring a lot more money than an XS1100, even though they don't perform as well on the street. I love the look of them, especially the LTD with its short tank and fender.

[madmax-im]

Totally agree that Kawasaki hit the mark on the 1000 LTD...this one is pristine and is stunning....it is good to see bikes of our vintage commanding such values...they will only appreciate more as time moves forward...

[IanDMacDonald]

I'm completely surprised so many like the look of that bike! I guess that's why I don't own any specials though . . .

[madmax-im]

You need to age more Ian...LOL The look is awesome...

[jetmechmarty]

I'm completely surprised so many like the look of that bike! I guess that's why I don't own any specials though . . .

Ian, you're 30 years old. Why would you like it? In 1979, I was 20. This styling was beginning to take over and it was all the rage. That's why I like it today. The older guys prefer standards. Ya, they're great, but the Special is what floats my boat.

[madmax-im]

very well said Marty...Those thoughts were on my mind as well but I didnt express it that way...ofc we grew up with this look so it is nostalgic to a certain extent but we genuinely love the look...we get it...

[natemoen]

I like the look up until the tail light/fender thing.

I like the tank, it is kind of a mix of the standard and special tanks from the xs.

I actually saw one the other day and really liked it but didn't know what it was until this (no badges or marking on it). The one I saw had a modified tail end though that looked better. The tank is a dead giveaway though

[Prisoner6]

Ya know, Marco... That's a really nice bike, but $7900 's pretty strong $$ for a '79 model.

Those particular Kawasakis are very strong performers in the market for that vintage. They bring a lot more money than an XS1100 ...

Yeah, guys, I've noticed over the last couple of years that these big LTD's are commanding premium prices (when they're in great shape)

compared to prices paid for other liter-size factory "customs" of that era (in similar condition) from Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.

Any ideas why?


On a side note: For some reason, the seller of the '79 above included the rear grab rail in the sale, but chose not to show it mounted in the pics.

Here is a pic of an '80 LTD 1000 with the grab rail in place ... it's inclusion on the bike gives the illusion that the tail section is shorter than it really is:



And FWIW, this one was in an Ebay auction a few weeks ago, and the auction ended with the high bid at $7,100.01 ... reserve was not met... again, a premium price.

And this one is clearly not all-original! Aftermarket exhaust, pods, handlebars, etc.