Welcome, Guest
Username: Password: Remember me
Forgot your password? Forgot your username? Create an account
Forum
Index of Forums
Non-Technical Forums
Bike related
The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
  • Page:
  • 1

TOPIC:

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 19 Apr 2021 07:53 #847026

  • BCScott
  • BCScott's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 236
  • Thank you received: 97
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
The following user(s) said Thank You: loudhvx, ThatGPzGuy, DOHC, cb900f, Nerdy

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 19 Apr 2021 09:43 #847030

  • Nerdy
  • Nerdy's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 1006
  • Thank you received: 378

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.
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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 19 Apr 2021 10:26 #847035

  • ThatGPzGuy
  • ThatGPzGuy's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • More Sparky than Speed Racer
  • Posts: 1464
  • Thank you received: 376

And agreed 100% with the "hang on" piece: I've had mine for almost 30 years.
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"

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 19 Apr 2021 14:16 #847045

  • howardhb
  • howardhb's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • God, I trust
  • Posts: 428
  • Thank you received: 431
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 Click this link: www.kzrider.com/gallery/kz-550/1981-gpz550d1-9094#joomimg
'81 GPz 1100 B1 ELR "Tribute" www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/617040-1981-gpz1100-b1-rst
'82 Yamaha YB100 Fizzie
'79 Suzuki GT200 X5 TWO STROKE TWIN - SMOKER!
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last edit: by howardhb.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 20 Apr 2021 06:21 #847081

  • blipco
  • blipco's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • 2002 KZ1000P
  • Posts: 584
  • Thank you received: 223
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)
The following user(s) said Thank You: ThatGPzGuy, DOHC, BCScott, howardhb

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 20 Apr 2021 18:09 #847117

  • loudhvx
  • loudhvx's Avatar
  • Offline
  • KZr Legend
  • Posts: 10868
  • Thank you received: 1615
Thanks for posting that.  I love my 81's.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 20 Apr 2021 18:49 #847122

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 7280
  • Thank you received: 2673
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.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 20 Apr 2021 20:36 #847129

  • blipco
  • blipco's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • 2002 KZ1000P
  • Posts: 584
  • Thank you received: 223
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)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 20 Apr 2021 20:40 #847130

  • blipco
  • blipco's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • 2002 KZ1000P
  • Posts: 584
  • Thank you received: 223
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)
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nessism

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 21 Apr 2021 19:30 #847204

  • RonKZ650
  • RonKZ650's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 3696
  • Thank you received: 236
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.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 26 Apr 2021 05:24 #847473

  • srsupertrap
  • srsupertrap's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 50
  • Thank you received: 11
Why does NADA lists the 81 GPz550 value so low ? Excellent value $2050  . . . . Stupid, 
1981 KZ550 D1

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution 01 May 2021 14:14 #847838

  • loudhvx
  • loudhvx's Avatar
  • Offline
  • KZr Legend
  • Posts: 10868
  • Thank you received: 1615
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.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
  • Page:
  • 1
Forum
Index of Forums
Non-Technical Forums
Bike related
The Kawasaki GPz550 Launched the Middleweight Revolution
Powered by Kunena Forum
PDM Custom Fabrications
Half Evil Customs