Kawasaki GPZ900R

Like a lot of guys of my vintage (very late 40s) I had always wanted one of these way back in 1984, but it was not until 2012 that I eventually acquired a red and silver A4 model for the modest sum of euro 1400. It was totally standard and unmolested - which was good and bad all at the same time! I then took 6 months to strip her down and rebuild her with parts sourced through ebay and numerous GPZ900 forums on the internet. I had the engine serviced by a pro though, the valves checked and the obligatory carb strip and clean. I even found virtual NOS exhaust cans from an A8 model - a stroke of luck as these are now really hard to find. All this was colmplimented with modern Bridgestone rubber and a new chain and sprocket kit.

The GPZ900R is timeless - it still looks mean, it has all the right sounds and is surprisingly rapid - quick enough for most of us mortals. It handles pretty well for an old girl and I like its balance. I grew up riding late 70s early 80s jap 4s and this bike really was well ahead of the competition when it originally came out. What matters now is the extreme grin factor that this bike gives me. And this I get in spades. It is silky smooth and when pushed beyond 6 grand can really move, she will get close to 150 mph (I live in Germany)if I let her but mostly we potter along the back roads in respect of our combined ages. There is nothing I don't like about this bike; it moved the goal posts in 1984 and it is a true classic exuding a character that some of the modern metal just can't get close to.

Maintaining this bike is easy and most parts are readily available - you just have to do a little internet searching. Regular oil changes are vital for an engine this old and don't be afraid to use a modern fully synthetic 10 W 40. Other than that just get out there and ride.

It may be old, but it's no compressor!Kawasaki GPZ900Rs were the first real 150+ mph machines and today it is still rather fast in the right hands, if a bit of a handful. TT proddie winners 2 years running is a good heritage.As said above it is heavy at over 520lbs but carries the weight low so doesn't feel quite as heavy as it actually is. They can really do it all, tour to italy 2 up at ton plus all the way, commute or scratch (build big muscles!) They are rather dated but have a purposeful look about them that attracts attention.

Insurance is a real boon for a motorcycle less than a £100, reliability is great they built bikes to last in the eighties, it can tour, scratch and it keeps you honest it makes you ride the bike not just sit there and let it do the work, on a 900r you interact wih it

The only bad point on mine was the starter clutch has gone, it means a full engine strip to replace.

I have owned many bikes over the years ranging from an R6 to a K4 GSXR750, (one of the best ever built) and all I have ever wanted was a GPZ 900r , I saw one in 1986 racing at the Northwest 200 and well I have lusted after one since. I have finally managed to get one and apart from he starter clutch problem it has been a joy. It never misses a beat, Kawasaki really knew what they where doing when they created this masterpiece , if you want a bike that is a real classic but can still give modern plastic rocket ships sit up and notice the look no further

The Kawasaki GPZ900R is heavy, by modern standards. The 16" front wheel on early models like the A1 makes tyres difficult to find, & leads to a strange feeling with the handling. The back end feels like is a second or two behind the front. The anti-dive doesn't help with this on early models.

An early taxed & tested Geep can be had for well under a £K. For a reliable bike, BARGAIN! And, in due time, they will be a collectable classic.

The running expenses of my Ninja ZX9-R are making me think about re commisioning the SORN'ed GPz. for all year round, & using the ZX9-R for summer only.