
LOT 108
1981 Kawasaki GPZ750 Frame no. JKAKZFD15BA001950 Engine no. KZ550DE002019
Sold for US$2,185 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 108
1981 Kawasaki GPZ750 Frame no. JKAKZFD15BA001950 Engine no. KZ550DE002019
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1981 Kawasaki GPZ750
Frame no. JKAKZFD15BA001950
Engine no. KZ550DE002019
Frame no. JKAKZFD15BA001950
Engine no. KZ550DE002019
Derived from the Z500, Kawasaki's first offering in the '550' category was the GPz550 of 1981, which in typical Kawasaki fashion immediately set new performance standards for the class. That first twin-shock D1 model lasted for only a single season before being superseded by a revised H1 version boasting mono-shock (Uni-Trak in Kawasaki parlance) rear suspension. Another major revision occurred in 1983 and in this restyled form the GPz550 lasted in the range into 1988, despite the fact that its place as Kawasaki's top sports middleweight had been taken by the GPz600 a few years previously. Before then, in 1983, a touring version equipped with shaft drive – the Z550GT – had been added to the line-up and this immensely successful model would enjoy one of the longest production runs of any Kawasaki motorcycle, lasting into 2002.
In the USA the Kawasaki GPZ550 was 'the' middleweight sport bike of the eighties, the words 'hot rod' were often bandied about. It was light, fun and affordable, and was the bike to compete with in club level road racing. It did not hurt it that Its big brother was popularized in the hot shot movie Top Gun thus making all GPz motorcycles popular given their similar appearance.
This bike is in stock configuration, sold 'as-is' and with the recommendation that the buyer undertake all necessary recommissioning tasks, plus safety and operational checks, before riding.
In the USA the Kawasaki GPZ550 was 'the' middleweight sport bike of the eighties, the words 'hot rod' were often bandied about. It was light, fun and affordable, and was the bike to compete with in club level road racing. It did not hurt it that Its big brother was popularized in the hot shot movie Top Gun thus making all GPz motorcycles popular given their similar appearance.
This bike is in stock configuration, sold 'as-is' and with the recommendation that the buyer undertake all necessary recommissioning tasks, plus safety and operational checks, before riding.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
Please note this motorcycle is a model GPZ550, not a GPZ750, and the title will be in transit.











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