VS
The 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane and 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 are both iconic 1980s sportbikes that defined their respective markets.
The 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane from Japan was powered by a 998cc DOHC inline-4 producing 135hp at 10000rpm. Weighing 235.0kg (518 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 by contrast offered 553cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 58hp at 9500rpm. Tipping the scales at 194.0kg (428 lbs) with a top speed of 185km/h (115 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 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane from Japan was powered by a 998cc DOHC inline-4 producing 135hp at 10000rpm. Weighing 235.0kg (518 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 by contrast offered 553cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 58hp at 9500rpm. Tipping the scales at 194.0kg (428 lbs) with a top speed of 185km/h (115 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
| 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane | 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc | 553 cc |
| Power | 135 hp | 58 hp |
| Torque | 100.0 Nm | 47.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 185 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 235.0 kg | 194.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 258.0 kg | 210.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure sportbike performance, the 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane has the edge thanks to more power (135hp vs 58hp) and a higher top speed. The 1981 Kawasaki GPz550, however, excels when aggressive cornering and track-day performance is the priority and offers a lighter package.
About the 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane
Honda released the 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane in 1987 with a 998cc DOHC inline-4 powerplant making 135hp — a definitive sport bike.
Full 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane Profile →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 →