I just don't like my LTD....recommendations?

I bought me a '82 1000 LTD two weeks ago. Didn't pay much for it, its in nice shape and runs great. The front breaks were sticking so I rebuilt both calipers and the mastercylinder. PO had put pods on it, found a air box and put it back to stock. The bike runs and rides great. Plenty powerful and I love the looks.

I don't like the way I feel on the bike. I bought an LTD thinking I would sit more "in" the bike as compared to on top of.

The bike was cheap to buy and is cheap to own. I really want to love riding the bike.

The bars are horrible and need changing but beyond that I think I will still feel just on top of the bike.

Any suggestions?

IMO you should change the bars. I personally dislike LTD bars. Try a set of superbike or euro bars. It's a cheap mod, that helps you to feel more comfortable on the bike.

As for sitting on the bike as opposed to in the bike, I would say keep riding it for a couple of months, and see if you don't get used to it. Does the bike seem too tall for you? Have you ridden another bike that you feel more comfortable on?

Not sure what exactly you mean by "on top of it". A Vulcan/Shadow/Harley/Victory/etc would be lower if that's what you mean.

sell it and buy a 73-80 900/1000 :laugh:

I'll try to better explain.

The last bike I had was an FZ1, I was comfortable on it but wanted more of a layed back bike without spending much money and still have some good power.

I am not uncomfortable on the bike but feel like I am still on a standard style bike as compared to a cruiser as the LTD appears.

If the seat was a couple inches lower, the front end a little longer and of course different bars it would probably be much better.

The bike feels kind of small really. I am 6'2 & 230.

But I love looking at the bike. I think it has great lines and is very stylish.

Shorter rear shocks and new bars?

And forward control which aren't available.....would probably do it I am just not certain.

Do I look to big for the bike? Most of my riding will be two up.

put a rear swing arm from a Zuki GS1100 on it.Pretty much a plug and play install.Drops the bike 2 inches and increases the length between axles by 2 inches.Bike is now lower ,longer ,handles better and cant be told from stock unless u r really looking.handles better and should improve ur view of the bike as a good cruiser.bj

no u look just fine and so does the bike.bj

Might need stiffer springs @ 230lb and 2up and 2 inches shorter ride height too.

hocbj23 wrote:

no u look just fine and so does the bike.bj

I agree. Your bike looks fantastic, great shape.

This bike IS a standard...I think the point of the LTD bikes was to give people who like the American bike aesthetic a kawasaki they can own, but not sacrifice performance much. The frame is the same as their all out racing bikes of the time, so it's not as low-down as the name sort of suggests. Unless you do some more substantial modifications it will always seem small, I had my neighbor who used to restore indians, like 750 cc indians tell me my 1000 LTD felt small when she sat on it...I am bigger and taller than you, and can sit on it just fine for hours. You can get case guards for our bike and mount highway pegs to the guards to give you a more layed back look, but that will be uncomfortable if you get shorter bars.

If I decide to spend the money and customize I would not go with a sport bar rather a slightly taller bar with less pull back, a mini ape hanger I guess.