VS
The 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja and 1987 Kawasaki EX500 represent two chapters in Kawasaki's storied history.
The 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja from Japan was powered by a 908cc DOHC inline-4 producing 115hp at 9500rpm. Weighing 228.0kg (503 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1987 Kawasaki EX500 by contrast offered 498cc of DOHC twin power, delivering 60hp at 10000rpm. Tipping the scales at 173.0kg (381 lbs) with a top speed of 190km/h (118 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 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja from Japan was powered by a 908cc DOHC inline-4 producing 115hp at 9500rpm. Weighing 228.0kg (503 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1987 Kawasaki EX500 by contrast offered 498cc of DOHC twin power, delivering 60hp at 10000rpm. Tipping the scales at 173.0kg (381 lbs) with a top speed of 190km/h (118 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
| 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja | 1987 Kawasaki EX500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 908 cc | 498 cc |
| Power | 115 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 86.0 Nm | 44.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 228.0 kg | 173.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 248.0 kg | 189.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1495 mm | 1400 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Kawasaki machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja laid the groundwork with 115hp, while the later 1987 Kawasaki EX500 pushed output to 60hp. 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 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 →About the 1987 Kawasaki EX500
Kawasaki released the 1987 Kawasaki EX500 in 1987 with a 498cc DOHC twin powerplant making 60hp — a definitive sport bike.
Full 1987 Kawasaki EX500 Profile →