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 bought this bike from a previous Iconic Motorbikes listing in May 2022.
The odometer shows 1,492 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: OK
Parking Light: OK
Turn Signals: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): OK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): OK
Plate Light: OK
Horn: OK
Kill Switch: OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 4821
Tire Date Code Rear: 3621
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 30
Tire Press. Rear: 32
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.9
Running Condition: Runs on Bench
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Bike is in excellent shape
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Kerker exhaust.
Carbs are jetted for the Kerker exhaust with Dynojet main jets and needles.
Tinted windscreen.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT46 tires with date codes of 3621 and 4821.
The sale includes one key.
The bike also comes with the original windscreen, crash bars, center-stand and hardware, and the Dynojet kit, which includes the OEM main jets and needles and full OEM exhaust.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Kawasaki is offered on a clean New Jersey title that is still in the previous owners name. Have any GPz550 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
