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 1974 Norton John Player Norton, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 828cc of OHV twin power, delivering 70hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 175.0kg (386 lbs) with a top speed of 215km/h (134 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 | 1974 Norton John Player Norton | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 738 cc | 828 cc |
| Power | 83 hp | 70 hp |
| Torque | 65.0 Nm | 65.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 215 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 218.0 kg | 175.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 236.0 kg | 188.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -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 1974 Norton John Player Norton targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1982 Kawasaki GPz750's 83hp trumps the 1974 Norton John Player Norton's 70hp, 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 1974 Norton John Player Norton for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1982 Kawasaki GPz750 and very difficult for the 1974 Norton John Player Norton — 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 1974 Norton John Player Norton
The 1974 1974 Norton John Player Norton is a 828cc twin-cylinder racing machine that became one of Norton's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1974 Norton John Player Norton Profile →