Cold Start:
Warm Revs:
Produced from 1984 to 2003, the GPz900R was the first bike to bear the “Ninja” name – but not in every country!
A revolutionary design when it came out, some would argue that it was the predecessor of what we consider today to be a modern sport bike. It was the first 16 valve liquid cooled inline four, something the competition would take years to catch up on.
The engine produced 115 horsepower, good for a top speed of 151 miles per hour – it was the first production road bike to top 150. Nowadays these numbers might seem tame, but this bike was an instant legend when it was released.
The cameo in Top Gun didn’t hurt, either.
This example is VIN: JKAZX2A11EB502897. The seller acquired it in October 2021 from the second owner in Fresno, California.
During his ownership, the seller has covered less than 300 miles. The odometer shows 28,970 miles.
“This is my 3rd GPZ900R. Every time I buy one I miss it and after a few years I look for another one to buy. Very clean ones stock ones are harder to find these days. I had planned to simply clean this one and ride it but my cleaning OCD got the better of me and one thing led to another, etc etc. You all know how that goes! Anyway, I would love for someone else to enjoy this beautiful 1st year Ninja now as I move on to another project.” Iconic has worked with the seller before, we privately acquired a 2015 Yamaha R3 from him that we later auctioned off.
Maintenance:
“Shortly after purchase the carbs were rebuilt and synched, cooling system flushed and filled with engine ice, wheel bearings, steering neck bearings, and swing arm bearings replaced, front forks rebuilt, front and rear brake and clutch master cylinders rebuilt, front and rear calipers rebuilt, new pads, new front brake discs, lithium ion battery installed, Bridgestone tires installed, valves adjusted, new spark plugs, new valve cover gasket, new intake manifolds, new carb to airbox boots, replaced the balancer shaft o ring, shifter o ring, air filter, clutch pushrod o ring.”
The seller states that “the bike is a bit cold blooded so it takes a while to fully warm up and be ridden.”
Modifications:
“After purchasing the bike it was stripped down to the frame and a full cosmetic restoration was done. All plastics were repaired and new professional paint job with reproduction decals was applied in the original colors. New fasteners for the bodywork and chassis were sourced from Europe.”
MRA windscreen installed.
OEM handlebars from the UK were purchased as they are lower than the stock US bikes.
Engine covers powder coated with new OEM badges installed. All black plastic trim pieces have been repainted.
New switch labels installed. New reproduction turn signals and mirrors installed. Shorter SSK adjustable levers installed.
Aftermarket fuel filler cap from Accossato installed along with new fuel filter/petcock lever.
Stainless steel brake and clutch lines installed front/rear. Aftermarket front fender extension sourced from the UK installed to help mitigate rock chips off the front tire.
Aftermarket oil pressure gauge setup was installed by previous owner.
I replaced the stock exhaust pipes with Moriwaki slip ons sourced from Japan.
New aluminum radiator installed. Manual fan switch was installed by previous owner. Fan still comes on at higher temps but you can manually turn it on early if desired.
Frame, fairing bracket, radiator bracket, center/side stand, and subframe powder coated gloss black.
Carbon fiber tank cover installed to protect paint.
Rare single seat cowl was sourced new from the manufacturer Dimo in Germany. Everyone looks for this part but for some reason no one simply tried calling them. My friend speaks German so she reached out to them and they happen to have one last example still sitting on a shelf with the seat pan. Her nephew works close by so he picked it up and shipped it to me. Custom upholstery shop made the seat for me.
Corbin Gunfighter seat that the bike came with is included in sale. All OEM parts that were replaced by me will be included in sale which are the US model handlebars, grab rail, brake lines, levers, mirrors, exhaust pipes, radiator, miscellaneous bolts/fasteners, front and rear foot pegs, and gas cap.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone BT46 tires with date codes of 3321 and 3321.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Harbor City, California, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean California title with registration current through October 2026.
Have any GPz900R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
