What kind of bike is the Kawasaki GPz550?
Kawasaki, in particular, became the ’81 middleweight leader with the GPz550, a handsome lightweight Super-bike complete with three discs, adjustable suspension components and 12-second quarter-mile credentials. Although the 550 engine and GPz styling have changed little for 1982, the running gear is completely different—and much improved.
What was the rear wheel travel on a 1982 GPz550?
The logical progression was the true GPz550 of 1982 with Uni-Trak rear end. Wheelbase and rear wheel travel both went up, and the forks got air assistance and dual rate springs. They squeezed another 3bhp out of it with 28mm instead of 25mm inlet ports and Tekei carbs up to 26mm.
When does a Kawasaki GPZ 550 start to smoke?
They normally start to smoke around the 35,000 mile mark, but can normally go on to 50,000 before you need a top-end overhaul, which is normally for worn valve guides and piston rings. A major area to inspect is the Uni-Trak rising-rate linkages, if you are going for a later model.
When did the Uni Trak cpz550 come out?
The Uni-Trak CPz550 really set the middleweight class alight when it came out in 1982. It was the result of steady development that produced a mid-weight that could give the big boys a good run for their money.
When did the Kawasaki GPZ Z1R come out?
As the Z1 developed during the middle-to-late 1970s, becoming the KZ900, KZ1000 and the café-flavored Z1R of 1978 (which would strongly influence GPz styling), Kawasaki also began building smaller fours with the same performance focus. These were UJMs, for sure, but very good ones.
How big is the wheelbase of a Kawasaki 550?
Single-shock rear suspension units, other then Yamaha’s monoshocks, position the shocks between the swing-arm pivot and the rear wheel. This unavoidably stretches out the wheelbase; in the case of the Kawasaki 550, 2.1 inches have been added, bringing it to 57.0 inches.
What kind of Springs does a Kawasaki GPZ use?
The 1982 fork legs interconnect; this makes charging the fork a snap. The fork’s coil springs are marginally stiffer this year and use a TrtHe more spring preload. More significantly, the rebound damping rate is up 14 percent over last year’s GPz, and the compression damping rate is up a whopping 42 percent.
How old is the Kawasaki GPZ 550 bike?
1985 Kawasaki Gpz 550, recently restored paint and frame up overhaul. 58K miles but still running strong. 2nd and same owner for 20 yrs, clean title, xtra parts, great bike. K&N, Basani 4-1 pipe, stage 2 jets.
What kind of bike was the 1982 Kawasaki GPZ?
1982 Kawasaki GPZ 550, 1982 Kawasaki GPZ 550 Classic Sport Bike. They Call This One The Godfather Of Crotch Rockets. The GPZ Was Known To Be The Leader Of Middle Weight Bikes In The Early 80’s.
How much horsepower does a Kawasaki GPZ have?
The GPz received domed pistons for increased compression. As a whole package to increase power, Kawasaki also gave the GPz reshaped ports, electronic ignition, a less-restrictive airbox and exhaust, and larger main jets. Output jumped from a claimed 53 to 57 hp at 9,500 rpm (the redline)]
As the Z1 developed during the middle-to-late 1970s, becoming the KZ900, KZ1000 and the café-flavored Z1R of 1978 (which would strongly influence GPz styling), Kawasaki also began building smaller fours with the same performance focus. These were UJMs, for sure, but very good ones.