The 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo from Japan was powered by a 738cc DOHC inline-4 turbo producing 112hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 261.0kg (575 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750 by contrast offered 748cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 105hp at 11000rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 lbs) with a top speed of 245km/h (152 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
| 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo | 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 738 cc | 748 cc |
| Power | 112 hp | 105 hp |
| Torque | 92.0 Nm | 70.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h | 245 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 261.0 kg | 195.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 282.0 kg | 213.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1505 mm | 1440 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.0 L | 18.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Kawasaki machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo laid the groundwork with 112hp, while the later 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750 pushed output to 105hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo holds the edge with a 7/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Kawasaki collection. Parts availability is difficult for the 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo and good for the 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo
Introduced in 1985, the 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo features a 738cc DOHC inline-4 turbo engine producing 112hp, establishing itself as a notable sport bike.
Full 1985 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo Profile →About the 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750
Introduced in 1989, the 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750 features a 748cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 105hp, establishing itself as a notable sport bike.
Full 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750 Profile →