The 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 from Japan was powered by a 738cc DOHC inline-4 producing 83hp at 9500rpm. Weighing 218.0kg (481 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 748cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 90hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 145.0kg (320 lbs) with a top speed of 210km/h (130 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 | 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 738 cc | 748 cc |
| Power | 83 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 65.0 Nm | 72.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 218.0 kg | 145.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 236.0 kg | 158.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 L | 10.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 is built for aggressive cornering and track-day performance, while the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750's 90hp trumps the 1982 Kawasaki GPz750's 83hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 if you value aggressive cornering and track-day performance; pick the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 and very difficult for the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1982 Kawasaki GPz750
A sport bike from 1982, the 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 delivers 83hp from its 738cc DOHC inline-4 engine.
Full 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 Profile →About the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750
Born in 1970, the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 is a 748cc twin-cylinder racing machine producing 90hp from Harley-Davidson.
Full 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 Profile →