Kawasaki GPZ750

The Kawasaki GPz750 was a sport bike introduced by Kawasaki in 1982. It was more than a warmed-over KZ750, as it was improved in many areas, focusing on high-performance. Changes started at the front, with tapered bearings in the steering head instead of the KZ750's ball bearings, and the upper triple clamp was changed also, giving the GPz solid aluminum clip-on handle grips instead of the traditional handlebar. A bikini fairing almost identical to the one on the GPz550 was added too. The GPz750 boasted increased power, with slightly higher compression, and camshafts designed to get the valves to full lift quicker, and fitting Mikuni 34mm carburetors to it for smoother airflow. The cylinder heads were also given a new combustion chamber with a 'squish zone' and porting & polishing from the factory. To maintain reliability oil passages were installed under the pistons for increased cooling, and an oil-cooler was added. The GPz750 was the quickest factory 750, as Cycle World recorded a time of 11.93 seconds at 109.62 mph (176.42 km/h) in the 1/4 mile.[1] The GPz750 underwent some significant changes in 1983. The original was based on the 1981 KZ750-E.[2] Kawasaki retired the KZ750 after 1983. The 1983 KZ750L3 was nearly identical to the '82 GPz750, but for different colors, no bikini fairing, and without the porting & polishing in the cylinder head.[3]

This article is about the normally aspirated motorcycle. For the turbocharged variant, see Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo.
Kawasaki GPz750 (ZX750A1-3)
ManufacturerKawasaki
Also calledZX750A1-3, GPz750
Parent companyKawasaki Heavy Industries
Production1982–1985
PredecessorKawasaki KZ750-R1,
Z750 (non-US)
SuccessorGPZ750R (Liquid-cooled version)
ClassSport bike
Engine738 cc (45.0 cu in), 4-stroke, transverse 4-cylinder, air-cooled, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Bore / stroke66 mm × 54 mm (2.6 in × 2.1 in)
Power60 kW (80 bhp) @ 9,500 rpm (claimed)[1]
Torque65.8 N⋅m (48.5 lb⋅ft) 7,500 rpm (claimed)[1]
Ignition typeElectronic
Transmission5-speed
Frame typeSteel
SuspensionFront: telescoping fork
Rear: aluminum swingarm, dual shock (1982) Uni-Trak (1983– )
BrakesFront: dual disc
Rear: single disc
TiresTubeless, front: 110/80-18
Rear: 130/80-18
Rake, trail28°, 100 mm (4.1 in)
Wheelbase1,500 mm (59 in)
DimensionsL: 2,185 mm (86.0 in)
W: 775 mm (30.5 in)
H: 1,215 mm (47.8 in)
Seat height780 mm (31 in)
Weight230 kg (506 lb) (​1⁄2 tank)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity22 l (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal)
RelatedGPz750 Turbo, GPz 750R, Z 750
GPz750 without lower fairings

In 1983, the engine was modified further, mostly in the combustion chamber, and an all-new frame was used with Uni-Trak suspension. There were also modifications to the suspension, brakes and wheels, as well as the bodywork. The bike became more sport-oriented, but lost some of the versatility of the '82.

Basic Shapes (1982-1985)
GPz750 without lower fairings
  • 1982 - First Year of Manufacture. Bikini Style Headlight Only
  • 1983 and 1984 - Second and third years of manufacture. Full sized upper fairing (half-faired version).
  • 1983 model had clip ons and no cover for the fairing internals.
  • 1984 model had taller handlebar mounts for a more upright seating position. Also had a plastic cover inside the fairing to block headlight scatter and to conceal wiring.
  • 1985 - US model was sold in black only, had seating position identical to 1984 model, and included fairing lowers with a E-model style front fender.

MSRP/List prices

The 1983 MSRP was $5,599 (US).[4]

GPz 750 R

In 1986, Kawasaki issued the new GPz 750 R (ZX750R), which in many parts was an identical twin of the GPz 900 R "Ninja" (presented 1983), just with smaller bore in the same motor.

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See also

References
  1. "Cycle World Test: Kawasaki GPz750", Cycle World, Newport Beach, California: Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., pp. 34–41, March 1982, ISSN 0011-4286
  2. Salvadori, Clement (July 6, 2012), "Retrospective: Kawasaki KZ750-E: 1980 – 1982", Rider, archived from the original on February 2, 2014
  3. Richard Backus (April–May 2009). "Kawasaki KZ750". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  4. http://www.turbomotorcycles.org/TMIOA/Bike_Kawasaki_ZX750.html
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