VS
The 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 and 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja represent two chapters in Kawasaki's storied history.
The 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 from Japan was powered by a 553cc DOHC inline-4 producing 58hp at 9500rpm. Weighing 194.0kg (428 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja by contrast offered 908cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 115hp at 9500rpm. Tipping the scales at 228.0kg (503 lbs) with a top speed of 250km/h (155 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.
The 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 from Japan was powered by a 553cc DOHC inline-4 producing 58hp at 9500rpm. Weighing 194.0kg (428 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja by contrast offered 908cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 115hp at 9500rpm. Tipping the scales at 228.0kg (503 lbs) with a top speed of 250km/h (155 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
| 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 | 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 553 cc | 908 cc |
| Power | 58 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque | 47.0 Nm | 86.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 194.0 kg | 228.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 210.0 kg | 248.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1430 mm | 1495 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.0 L | 22.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Kawasaki machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 laid the groundwork with 58hp, while the later 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja pushed output to 115hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja holds the edge with a 8/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Kawasaki collection.
About the 1981 Kawasaki GPz550
The 1981 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 is a 553cc four-cylinder sport bike that became one of Kawasaki's most memorable motorcycles of the 1980s.
Full 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 Profile →About the 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja
Introduced in 1984, the 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja features a 908cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 115hp, establishing itself as a notable sport bike.
Full 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja Profile →