Topic: Should I buy - Kawa GPZ 550

[CaféElite]

Appears to be a pre 83 GPZ 550.. Curious if anyone has knowledge on this bike and if you think its worth the price or can suggest what you think its worth based of the limited info in the AD. Also curious about what are common issues on these bikes so I go check it out and I know what to look for.

Thanks..

Fixed link:
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/1670044421.html

[seaweb11]

No ad show up?

But I had one in Jamaica for a couple months and LOVED it!  Payed $800.00 for it 20 years ago.
F8ck I'm old.

[kirkn]

That'll be an '81.  '82 was the first year for the Uni-Trak rear end.  BTW, that '82 GPz was Kawasaki's FIRST monoshock for the street.  I had an '82.  Absolutely great bikes.

And, AFAIK, they had zero weaknesses.  Strong motors.  Strong chassis.  Strong (for the time) brakes.  Absolutely cleaned up in box-stock racing classes.  No reliability issues, no particular parts problems nowadays.

The deal will hinge on the condition of THAT SPECIFIC bike, not the model line.  After all, any bike can be abused/neglected to death.  If it's a good 'un, I'd go for it.  You won't likely be disappointed.

And $1200 bucks?? Around here, it'd be gone the first day.

And if I'm wrong, I'll cheerfully refund the price of my opinion...  

Kirk

[bikerbart]

buy it,I loved mine,rode the #$%* out of it,took it on long rides with no problem at all(1500 miles in a coupl of days)if its in good shape I'd go for it.

[Stev-o]

Those were hot bikes in their day! Although that is not a great color [IMO], it is still a hot looking bike. Go test drive it and if it doesn't appear to have any major isues, make him an offer.

Good Luck.

[seaweb11]

20 years ago $800.00 for a runner, now $1000.00 or so.

As stated above give her a spin.

[bucky katt]

thats a pretty nice looking motorcycle, i'd buy it in a heartbeat

[bill440cars]

   Yeah, looks like a deal!  But now, if you'd like TWICE the bike for about twice the money, I know here there is an '83 GPZ1100 that's currently for sale!    Sorry, just had to throw that in there.

[LWATCDR]

Yep they where great bikes. I would love one.

[HavocTurbo]

I've had every uni-track model before the zx900

550/750/1100/750 turbo

All of them were just larger iterations of the 550. God awful fast too. If it's in good condition... go for it.

   Yeah, looks like a deal!  But now, if you'd like TWICE the bike for about twice the money, I know here there is an '83 GPZ1100 that's currently for sale!    Sorry, just had to throw that in there.

So much for calling me when you decided to get rid of it.... Yea no that's ok.... I'll live.

 

[shizzomynizzo]

I just bought a KZ 550 a few month back, basically the same bike. The GPZ has dual brakes, fairing, a little higher top end, etc...

LOVE IT! It will smoke my 550 honda in a second, but does not look as good or sound as good! IMO



Yes I bought it when it was snowing here in MI.

Here are some FYI's your after...
     Very reliable motors. They were used as mail route bike in Europe and some had over 250,000 KM before they retired them (read somewhere on kawasaki forum). The carbs are a pain in the a$$ to take off compared to my honda. Main jets are nearly impossible to find for the gpz model. cam chain tensioner spring likely will have to be replaced, too weak from factory. Valve adjustments are a real PITA! you have to remove the valve covers and cams if you have to swap out shims to adj the clearance. There is a little trick with a zip tie to avoid having to take the cam chain off the sprockets.

kzrider.com
and
www.gpz550.com/scripts/gpz_forum_2005/default.asp

two valuable forums for lots of info. neither are nearly as good as this one, takes a while to get responses and the search functions are really pretty useless, but there is some good info there.
If you like the bike, go for it.