The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

  • BCScott
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19 Apr 2021 07:53 #847026 by BCScott
The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution was created by BCScott
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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19 Apr 2021 09:43 #847030 by Nerdy
Replied by Nerdy on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

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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19 Apr 2021 10:26 #847035 by ThatGPzGuy
Replied by ThatGPzGuy on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution

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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  • howardhb
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19 Apr 2021 14:16 - 19 Apr 2021 14:18 #847045 by howardhb
Replied by howardhb on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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/our-forum/11-projects/61...-elr-tribute?start=0
'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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20 Apr 2021 06:21 #847081 by blipco
Replied by blipco on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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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20 Apr 2021 18:09 #847117 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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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20 Apr 2021 18:49 #847122 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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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20 Apr 2021 20:36 #847129 by blipco
Replied by blipco on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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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20 Apr 2021 20:40 #847130 by blipco
Replied by blipco on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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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21 Apr 2021 19:30 #847204 by RonKZ650
Replied by RonKZ650 on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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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26 Apr 2021 05:24 #847473 by srsupertrap
Replied by srsupertrap on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
Why does NADA lists the 81 GPz550 value so low ? Excellent value $2050  . . . . Stupid, 
1981 KZ550 D1

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01 May 2021 14:14 #847838 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
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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