Author Topic: Got That Kawasaki GPZ1100 And It Is Fantastic "Cycle" (not "Pshyco") Theraphy! (Read 9497 times)

bill440cars · « **on:** July 30, 2009, 06:15:51 PM »

I don't know of anything bad about them, but not as knowledged as a number of you all are. Looking for some good honest opinions based on your experience or knowledge of someone else's.

Thank you, Bill

masonryman · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2009, 08:07:33 PM »

I had a 86 1000 rr, it's a gpz based motor it was flat on bottom end but came on very strong to the rev limiter the only problems in 25,000 miles was a diaphram in carb #2 and the starter chain and tensioner.

I am guessing with the pods it will stumble around on bottom.

My wife made me sell it in 91 due to pregnancy " I'm not raising an orphan, it's got to go".
Riding wheelies with her on the back was probably a deal breaker.

bill440cars · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2009, 08:13:59 PM »

Here is the Bike I was talking about:

Uh, I think that there's something you all should know...............
.........................uh, it's...........uh....... mine.

I'm not going to be killed, am I? $:-\$

masonryman · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2009, 08:18:21 PM »

I don't think the needles are adjustable in that. in my 86 I pulled the needles and put a couple pop rivet washers under the head to raise them up to richen up the idol. it helped with the in town riding temp.

It should be a very fast bike, if it is running well the speedo needle will hit the back side of the p in MPH

kpier883 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2009, 08:21:43 PM »

I have a Kawasaki 1000 that I also have parts for to make it an 1100 from using KZ1100 and GPZ1100 barrels, pistons, and camshafts. So I am also a Kawasaki fan.

I think the CB750 is overall more reliable and comfortable, but the Kaw is a kick to ride.

Congratulations on the new bike! Is that an 83 or 84? Those are known to have the best heads of all the air cooled liter size Kawasakis.

How does it run?

bill440cars · « **Reply #5 on:** July 30, 2009, 10:16:29 PM »

Quote from: kpier883 on July 30, 2009, 08:21:43 PM

I have a Kawasaki 1000 that I also have parts for to make it an 1100 from using KZ1100 and GPZ1100 barrels, pistons, and camshafts. So I am also a Kawasaki fan.

I think the CB750 is overall more reliable and comfortable, but the Kaw is a kick to ride.

Congratulations on the new bike! Is that an 83 or 84? Those are known to have the best heads of all the air cooled liter size Kawasakis.

How does it run?

I will not even try to compare the Kaw to the Honda 750 and this doesn't change my feeling about Hondas either. Thing is, ever since I got to ride a Kawasaki 900 Z1 back when they came out, I was marked! I have always wanted one. This GPZ is an 83' and as far as how, it runs, I just committed to buy this one right after I put this thread on here, asking opinions and got nervous that someone would pull it out from under me, so I went ahead and bit the bullet!. I may be picking it up as soon as this Saturday.

BTW, I'm still open to any and all suggestions and comments about this bike

Now, if only I could find a better looking muffler for that exhaust.

Thanks for any and all input, Bill

KB02 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 31, 2009, 04:43:15 AM »

Quote from: bill440cars on July 30, 2009, 10:16:29 PM

Now, if only I could find a better looking muffler for that exhaust.

Thanks for any and all input, Bill

Sweet pick up, Bill.

Pop off the muffler and just polish it up. It will look much better that way.

Leino · « **Reply #7 on:** July 31, 2009, 05:09:38 AM »

Looking good Bill.
GPz doesn't have the midrange of a Suzuki GS but other than that a nice bike

.

kpier883 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 31, 2009, 05:21:24 AM »

Wasn't that model fuel injected? If so, is it still set p that way or has someone replaced them with carbs?\

Check out www.kzrider.com. A lot of those guys deal with the z1 and 1015cc KZ1000 motors, but there are some guys familiar with the 998 and 1089 engines. Pay attention to all parts you buy because of the differences between the units up to 1980 versus 1981 and up. Your bike came with electronic ignition and a pretty powerful charging system. Lights are bright for night riding.

Gen Mar, Heli Bar and others may be able to provide higher handlebars if you find that you need them. The valve adjustment is more difficult than the Honda SOHC because they are shim type and I believe on yours, the shims are underneath the buckets versus the shim over bucket of the non GPz models. However, the valve covers are easy to remove, unlike the CB.

The pucks on the ends of the valve cover (4 required) tend to leak oil but are easy to replace and will stop the leak for a while. The lift on the camshaft for your model is .375 versus .345 on the 1981 style GPz. An LTD100 (at least the 1982 model) has .315 lift and consequently has its power band lower down the RPM range. All these cams are interchangeable from 1981 and up. The Police model KZ1000 remained in production until at least 2000. Therefore, a lot of parts like gaskets and such are available from the dealers.

It can be difficult to find the cam adjustment shims in the thickness you need, but shims for Yamaha Venture models were the same diameter and can be used. Check out Z1 Enterprises for a good parts resource:

http://www.z1enterprises.com/

Keep us posted on how it goes.

bill440cars · « **Reply #9 on:** July 31, 2009, 05:51:22 AM »

   Thanks for all the input on this bike. Sounds like it COULD be interesting. It still has injection and the seller says that it runs spark plugs a nice brown color.

   Here's the listing:

   http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260455026599&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

   And here's what HE said about it in that listing:

   " 1983 KAWASAKI GPZ1100 VERY CLEAN
Vehicle Description

   Well the divorce woes continue, so another bike has to go. This is my 1983 Kaw GPZ1100 This came from Co. a couple of years ago and is in great shape. It has a brand new rear tire. The rear brake line has been changed out for a steel braid one. This might be the last one around here that the fuel Injt. still works great. The air box is removed, 83's did not have the mass airflow box. The Injt has been set up for the more airflow (plugs nice and brown) The pics were taken 5 minutes after a ride. The bad stuff: The plastic rear fender is cracked (I repaired it with the old dirt bike trick with zip ties) The Kerker pipe could use some new paint on the down pipes. I'm adding a new set of tapered roller bearings for the goose neck. It feels a little tight. The paint is weathered the amount you would expect for a 26 year old bike. It still looks great (see pics) but the paint is not new, its original. It starts right up, no smoke, and runs out great, very fast and the pipe sounds loud and mean. (KERKER) It gets lots of attention where ever I take it. I don't want to see this go, really hard to find another one is this great shap, but money woes force it. The buy it now is just $100.00 over the res, its what I have in it. I can't go lower. High bidder to pay $250.00 down, up front with Paypal. This can be shipped, but it would be better if the buyer picked it up. I like to meet my buyers. I'll keep is stored inside till it can be picked up. Please you fake overseas payers, look some where else (I'm on to that one) This is for sale local, so it might go away fast. Thanx for looking"

   Thanks for the Interest, Bill

BTW, Still feeling pretty good, and SHE Knows that her only COMPETITION was motorcycles and muscle cars.

ALSO: I had heard of www.kzrider.com, but didn't think about it and glad you brought it up; I also knew of www.z1enterprises.com and didn't think of them either, so thanks for that as well. I didn't think to ask for that info and I appreciate you doing it for me.

bill440cars · « **Reply #10 on:** July 31, 2009, 06:39:53 AM »

Now, after some road time, and things start coming together, I can get on with Honda Projects.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2009, 08:39:16 AM »

Well I am entirely way too late into this but...

If you need cam shims mail me one and relative sizes and I'll see what I have.

I built several 1100's and for the time the FI was the baddest around.

You ever need anything PM me.

bill440cars · « **Reply #12 on:** July 31, 2009, 09:13:58 AM »

Quote from: HavocTurbo on July 31, 2009, 08:39:16 AM

Well I am entirely way too late into this but...

If you need cam shims mail me one and relative sizes and I'll see what I have.

I built several 1100's and for the time the FI was the baddest around.

You ever need anything PM me.

Hey there Havoc, Sure nice to know that you've been involved with those. I was looking for someone with some knowledge on them. I know that others have responded with some info as well and meant to acknowledge them as well (don't remember if I did or not). I'll be looking for some specifics about those bikes AND a service manual, if there is one still around for them. I've had the WANT for several bikes over the years (The SOHC CB750, The Kawasaki 500 H1, The Kaw 750 H2, the Kaw 900, The Yamaha XS1100 Midnite Special, and so on, but I just never was able to get bikes like that, cause I just wasn't that good at saving money and seemed to have about as many bills as there was money coming in. Gonna be doing a big cleaning out, in the way of projects, at my place (when I get the chance). Now the Honda projects and the Jawas will stay, but most of the rest will go. Not sure about the RD350 Yamaha though. I'll be working that out later.

Rest assured that My Brenda will still be in my thoughts, but this bike will help me to move on somewhat.

Thanks for the support on this Havoc, Bill

bill440cars · « **Reply #13 on:** August 01, 2009, 03:12:33 PM »

Well, I am now on CLOUD NINE (at least!)

Got that sucker home, unloaded it, took a spin around the neighborhood to get the feel of it.

I was concerned that the handlebars might be a bit low for my use and the aren't, but I'd feel better if they were a little bit longer for more leverage. I'm going to see if I can get used to that though. Starts right up and runs GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I say it runs GREAT!!

Just wanted to be sure tha you all got the message about how it runs.

This is gonna be GOOD!

Now, I've got this STUPID Grin on my face!

kghost · « **Reply #14 on:** August 01, 2009, 08:26:48 PM »

Hey what great news...

I sure am glad to hear about this Bill....

May be the best therapy money I've ever seen spent

Course being in Ar-kansas and having a Modern bike.....Will you still talk to us stone age brutes?

We gonna be the cavemen from the geico ad?

paulages · « **Reply #15 on:** August 01, 2009, 09:00:43 PM »

nice find, bill. glad it's making you grin.

Hush · « **Reply #16 on:** August 01, 2009, 09:50:14 PM »

Nice find Bill, great therapy too, gonna name her....I got one in mind....begins with a B!

bill440cars · « **Reply #17 on:** August 01, 2009, 10:24:26 PM »

Quote from: Hush on August 01, 2009, 09:50:14 PM

Nice find Bill, great therapy too, gonna name her....I got one in mind....begins with a B!

Thank you Hush, We're on the same page here! Brenda it is! Fact is, the GPZ has "Attitude" just like Brenda could be!

bill440cars · « **Reply #18 on:** August 01, 2009, 10:34:23 PM »

Quote from: kghost on August 01, 2009, 08:26:48 PM

Hey what great news...

I sure am glad to hear about this Bill....

May be the best therapy money I've ever seen spent

Course being in Ar-kansas and having a Modern bike.....Will you still talk to us stone age brutes?

We gonna be the cavemen from the geico ad?

Best money You've ever spent?

Sounds like some of that GHOST humor.

Stone age Brutes? Yeah, I might be able to slow down enough to shoot the breeze with you all.

Well, even Cavemen can handle it, right?

Now, don't forget that I am going to be getting into the Hondas before too long (I hope). I haven't gone Totally Kawasaki on you all!

Take care All, Bill

bill440cars · « **Reply #19 on:** August 01, 2009, 10:36:33 PM »

Quote from: paulages on August 01, 2009, 09:00:43 PM

nice find, bill. glad it's making you grin.

Like the cat that caught the Mouse!

bucky katt · « **Reply #20 on:** August 02, 2009, 12:58:40 AM »

THAT is one sweet looking Kawi Bill. enjoy!

bill440cars · « **Reply #21 on:** August 02, 2009, 02:07:44 AM »

Quote from: bucky katt on August 02, 2009, 12:58:40 AM

THAT is one sweet looking Kawi Bill. enjoy!

Thanks Jeff, I'll tell ya, I'm going to be using that baby, as often as possible. Lots of folks have commented that it is pretty good that it still has the Fuel Injection and hasn't been converted to carburetors.

That's got to be saying something, don't ya think? And that sucker seems to start almost instantly!

Everything works on it, except the Gas Gauge! Can you believe it? The Gas Gauge! Just as well, the only way I know to check the gas level in the tank, is to look!

But, I will have to say that I've NEVER had a motorcycle that had 120HP on tap and ready to go!

kghost · « **Reply #22 on:** August 02, 2009, 08:36:15 AM »

Seen spent Bill.....SEEN

bucky katt · « **Reply #23 on:** August 02, 2009, 09:46:05 AM »

Bill, if you do decide to get a different muffler i'll but the one thats on there if you want to sell it.

crazypj · « **Reply #24 on:** August 02, 2009, 12:39:39 PM »

Hi Bill, you dont drive it, you ride it, the bars are fine as they are, just check head bearings ain't notched.
It does need to be powered around most corners, just go in fast, lean over and accelerate

Anyone taking bets on how quick you get a ticket

They look pretty wierd with a reverse cone mega, need a more 'modern' silencer to go with the tank/seat/squared off fairing combo

PJ

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Author Topic: Got That Kawasaki GPZ1100 And It Is Fantastic "Cycle" (not "Pshyco") Theraphy! (Read 9497 times)

masonryman

masonryman