Kawasaki GPZ750 (1981)

The Kawasaki GPz 750 / Z 750GP motorcycle was introduced in 1981. It featured a four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC engine with a capacity of 738cc and two valves per cylinder. The bike was air-cooled with a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and 4x 36mm Mikuni carburetors for induction. Its digital ignition allowed it to start electrically. The bike’s maximum power was rated at 78 hp / 57 kW @ 9500 rpm and its maximum torque was 6.0 kgf-m / 43.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm.

The Kawasaki GPz 750 had a 5-speed transmission with final drive via a chain. It also had front and rear suspensions consisting of 36mm air-assisted forks and dual shocks spring preload and rebound damping adjustable, respectively. The bike had a front and rear wheel travel of 150 mm / 5.9 in and 112 mm / 4.4 in, respectively. It was equipped with 2x 260mm discs for the front brakes and a single 260mm disc for the rear brake.

The Kawasaki GPz 750 had a rake of 28 degrees, a trail of 100 mm/ 3.9 in, and a wheelbase of 1500 mm / 59 in. The seat height was 780 mm / 31 in and the bike weighed 217 kg / 478.5 lbs dry and 230 kg / 506 lbs wet. The fuel capacity was 24.5 Litres / 5.8 US gal allowing for an average consumption of 45.7 mpg. The bike could reach a top speed of 217 km/h / 135 mph and complete a standing 1/4 mile in 12.2 seconds at 107 mph.

Overall, the Kawasaki GPz 750 was well received and praised for its performance, handling, and comfort on long rides. It was a popular bike among both leisure and sport riders, receiving positive reviews from Cycle magazine in 1982.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki GPz 750 / Z 750GP

Year: 1981

Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder

Capacity: 738 cc / 45.0 cu-in

Bore x Stroke: 66 54 mm

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

Induction: 4x 36mm Mikuni carburetors

Ignition: Digital

Starting: Electric

Max Power: 78.hp / 57 kW @ 9500 rpm

Max Torque: 6.0 kgf-m / 43.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

Transmission: 5 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Front Suspension: 36mm Air assisted forks

Front Wheel Travel: 150 mm / 5.9 in

Rear Suspension: Dual shocks spring preload and rebound damping adjustable

Rear Wheel Travel: 112 mm / 4.4 in

Front Brakes: 2x 260mm discs

Rear Brakes: Single 260mm disc

Front Tyre: 100/90 -19

Rear Tyre: 130/90 -16

Rake: 28 degrees

Trail: 100 mm/ 3.9 in

Wheelbase: 1500 mm / 59 in

Seat Height: 780 mm / 31 in

Dry Weight: 217 kg / 478.5 lbs

Wet Weight: 230 kg / 506 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 24.5 Litres / 5.8 US gal

Consumption Average: 45.7 mpg

Standing 1/4 Mile: 12.2 sec / 107 mph

Top Speed: 217 km/h / 135 mph

Road Test: Cycle 1982