That Windjammer fairing is chef’s kiss, and an iconic story in and of itself. Before the days of full-dresser Gold Wings and the like, entrepreneur Craig Vetter was producing aftermarket fairings that allowed long-haul riders to go further, more comfortably.
From 1966 to 1978 he produced several series of fairings, but without question, the Windjammer is the most famous. Hundreds of thousands were sold, enough that manufacturers began to notice and started offering fairings-laden bikes themselves, ultimately putting Vetter out of business.
Vetter fairings are so beloved that they have their own owners groups. So, you’re buying two icons in one here.
The KZ550 LTD, meanwhile, was produced by Kawasaki only from 1980-1983, being quickly overshadowed by the GPz550. Both ran the same 553cc four-cylinder engine, with the GPz being markedly sportier. Not that the 58-horsepower KZ550 LTD was dull.
In the May 1980 issue of Cycle World, the KZ550 is described as delivering “many thrills, much fun, and excellent economy.” “It is proof that bikes don’t have to get heavier and bigger to get better,” the magazine concluded.
Meanwhile, I’m not sure how I feel about the aftermarket saddlebags, but certainly they look large enough to carry two Jack Russell terriers. Which is always a selling point.
You can find this KZ550 LTD for sale in Suncook, New Hampshire with a BIN of $1,285 here on eBay.