The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

  • BCScott
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The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

19 Apr 2021 07:53
#847026
Good article from Cycle World:  www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/kawasaki-...leweight-revolution/ . Hang on to those '81s!
Back in the saddle and loving it! KZ1000A1
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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

19 Apr 2021 09:43
#847030
wrote:
Hang on to those '81s!
 

Thanks for the link!

And agreed 100% with the "hang on" piece: I've had mine for almost 30 years.
[img
1979 KZ400 Gifted to a couple of nephews
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R

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  • ThatGPzGuy
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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

19 Apr 2021 10:26
#847035
wrote:
And agreed 100% with the "hang on" piece: I've had mine for almost 30 years.
[img
That is awesome. I wish I could have kept my '83 but poverty being what is was...
My little brother had an '81 and I know he is kicking himself for having sold it years ago. 
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"

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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

19 Apr 2021 14:16 - 19 Apr 2021 14:18
#847045
I agree! This one's a "keeper"
It is such a joy to ride!
I get "thumbs up" a lot, from guys that were teenagers in the 80's!
Love it!
'81 GPz 550 D1
'81 GPz 1100 B1 ELR "Tribute" www.kzrider.com/11-projects/617040-1981-...-rstomod-elr-tribute
'82 Yamaha YB100 Fizzie
'79 Suzuki GT200 X5 TWO STROKE TWIN - SMOKER!

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Last edit: 19 Apr 2021 14:18 by howardhb.

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  • blipco
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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

20 Apr 2021 06:21
#847081
Here's a good read about its big brother.
www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/roadtests/kawasaki_gpz750_cycle.html
"Swim against the current, even a dead fish can go with the flow"-somebody (I forget Who)
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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

20 Apr 2021 18:09
#847117
Thanks for posting that.  I love my 81's.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.

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  • Nessism
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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

20 Apr 2021 18:49
#847122
Repeating myself but my biggest bike selling regret is selling an absolutely pristine '81 before I had to move across the country.  The bike only had about 2k miles on it.  Stupid me.
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

20 Apr 2021 20:36
#847129
I found that article while researching my 2001 zr7s, which I just bought as a winter project. It uses the same motor.
The zr7s is an anachronism... modern looks with old school performance from its ancient engine.  Love it.
"Swim against the current, even a dead fish can go with the flow"-somebody (I forget Who)

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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

20 Apr 2021 20:40
#847130
Nessism, we all have motorcycle regrets but yours was a real doozie. 2000 miles! You hardly got to know her.
Theres a nice one For Sale in my area. 4-5 grand I think.
"Swim against the current, even a dead fish can go with the flow"-somebody (I forget Who)
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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

21 Apr 2021 19:30
#847204
I had a new 1981 model for 4 months and 1400 miles. I liked it OK, but was not overly attached to it and don't miss it. In Mar of 82 got the GPZ1100 that I absolutely loved, but was a real piece of junk to put it in mild terms, but even with that I would love to have the 1100 back. The 550 I have no memory of that brings back lust to have one ever again.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.

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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

26 Apr 2021 05:24
#847473
Why does NADA lists the 81 GPz550 value so low ? Excellent value $2050  . . . . Stupid, 
1981 KZ550 D1

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Re: The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

01 May 2021 14:14
#847838
Last time I saw one for sale was a couple years ago.  It was a parts bike only, and far away.  My buddy ended up grabbing it for next to nothing.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.

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