The 1970s 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 RD400s of the late ’70s. 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-Trak 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: JKAZXFA12EA007900. The seller purchased this bike from the original owner in September 2025 in Ohio. The seller states “The previous owner bought it new, installed the Kerker pipe at the dealer at the time and rode it until approximately 2004 or so and then stored it in his garage until finally deciding to sell it September 2025. He put 15,775 miles on it and serviced it periodically as needed. So he rode it for 20 years and stored it for 20 years, then sold it. The tank was dry when I got it, the carbs were drained and no battery was in it, so he stored it properly.”
During their ownership, the seller has covered 1,702 miles. The odometer shows 17,477 miles.
“It has served me well for my desired purpose at the time, I brought it back to excellent condition, rode it on a couple 800-mile trips and now it’s time to pass it on to the next person for another 40 years of service, bike is solid. This is something I do a lot of with bikes, very satisfying to bring them back to life for another 40 years of riding. I give them a few good rides, remember the times I’ve had on such bikes in the past and move on to the next, very rewarding in my retirement years to do this..”
Maintenance:
“New Michelin Road Classic tires, new O-ring chain and sprockets, new spark plugs, new oil and filter, new battery, new steel brake lines front and rear, Race Tech Fork kit and springs, new MRA windscreen, new Barnett heavy duty clutch kit with springs, adjusted valves, cleaned carbs and flush tank, new K&N air filter, Rebuilt brake calipers and master cylinder, new brake pads. This bike has absolutely zero mechanical issues, none, it needs nothing but fuel and a rider for the next 5,000 miles.”
Modifications:
Not pictured: Race Tech Fork kit and springs, Barnett heavy duty clutch kit with springs, and K&N air filter.
Tarozzi fork brace, steel brake lines front and rear.
Kerker exhaust.
MRA windscreen.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road Classic tires with date codes of 2023 and 0925.
The sale includes 1 ignition key, spare OEM parts, and the original owners manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: The seller states: “This bike shows cosmetic wear of 41 years of life. There is a knee indentation on the tank not from a crash, other than that just ordinary scuffs and scratches of being a bike that was a daily rider in it’s time. Little cosmetically challenged here and there but overall still a nice looking machine.” Please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Oklahoma title. Have any GPz550 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
