Description
Additional photos of this Kawasaki GPz550 are available here for your perusal.
The 1970’s were all about big ccs and big power, with bikes like Kawasaki’s KZ1000, Honda’s CBX, and Suzuki’s GS1000. Most of the motorcycle world’s attention was focused on these big bore UJM creations, at the expense of budget-friendly middleweight bikes that could still offer great performance. In 1981, Kawasaki changed everything with the introduction of the GPz550 – it was the first real middleweight four stroke motorcycle that could go up against something like the Yamaha RD400’s of the late 70’s. When measured against the more pedestrian KZ500, the GPz was downright sporty – and that made it wildly popular.
The GPz550 featured an inline four that was air and oil cooled and put out around 57 horsepower through a six speed gearbox. 1982 saw an update to Kawasaki’s Uni-track rear monoshock suspension, a bit more power, new gauges and different colors. The bike had triple disc brakes which were a big upgrade over the prior KZ model’s single front disc and rear drum, the suspension was also much better with an air adjustable fork and rebound adjustable rear shock. Performance was excellent with a stock bike being able to return mid 12 second quarter mile times.
1984 saw the power bumped up to 65 hp and a change to more stylish, flowing bodywork. The GPz laid the ground work for what would become the Ninja several years later, and the rest is history.
This example is VIN: JKAZXFA17FA010650. The seller acquired it in Florida 13 months ago from a private collector who was the second owner.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 211 miles. The odometer shows 1,474 miles.
The bike had been sitting since 1988, so the seller performed the following when he acquired it:
“– Carburetor system completely overhauled
– Front and rear brake system completely overhauled
– New Battery
– Engine oil and filter change”
Modifications:
Engine guards.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes that the “paint is in immaculate condition. The windscreen has minor vertical stress cracks that are barely visible and do not affect the rider’s vision, black chrome exhaust condition is a 9.5 out of 10, and the exhaust and flanges have minor pitting near the cylinder head.”
“The inside of the fuel tank is immaculate.”
It is riding on the original Bridgestone tires.
The sale includes the owner’s manual.
Currently located in West Palm Beach, Florida, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean New Jersey title.
The seller sums up his bike by saying, “this museum quality 1985 Kawasaki GPZ 550 is probably the nicest and most original, unrestored GPZ anywhere. This bike has been stored in A/C since new and everything is how it came from Kawasaki. This bike runs and rides flawlessly, all electrics including tachometer and voltmeter function perfectly. This little GPZ runs and rides like new. It is a fantastic collector item for anyone wanting a near concours condition 1985 GPz550.” Have any GPz550 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
