Kawasaki Z550 GP (1981-82)

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The Kawasaki GPz 550, also known as the Z 550GP, was produced from 1981 to 1982. It features a 553cc, four-stroke, transverse four-cylinder engine with DOHC and two valves per cylinder. The bike has a 10.0:1 compression ratio and is cooled by air. With its four 22mm Teikei constant vacuum carburetors and CDI ignition, it has a maximum power output of 58 horsepower at 9000 rpm and a maximum torque of 35.5 lb-ft at 8000 rpm. The six-speed transmission is paired with a wet-multiplate clutch and a #530 O-ring chain final drive. The frame is a double down tube full cradle with a box section aluminum swing arm, while the front suspension consists of telescopic forks and the rear suspension is dual shocks with a swinging arm. The dual front brakes and single rear brake are 260mm discs. The GPz 550 has a seat height of 800mm, ground clearance of 147mm, and wet weight of 210kg. It has a fuel capacity of 15 litres with an average consumption of 46 mpg. The bike can reach a top speed of 191.5 km/h (119 mph) and can do a standing quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds at 102 mph.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki GPz 550 / Z 550GP

Year: 1981 – 82


Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.
Capacity: 553 cc / 33.7 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 58 x 52.4 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Induction: 4x 22mm Teikei constant vacuum – main jets #94
Ignition: CDI
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 58 hp / 42.3 Nm @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque: 35.5 lb-ft / 48.1 Nm @ 8000 rpm
Clutch: Wet- multiplate
Transmission: 6 Speed
Final Drive: #530 O-ring chain
Frame: Double down tube, full cradle, Box section aluminum swing arm
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks

Front Wheel Travel: 165 mm / 6.4 in
Rear Suspension: Dual shocks, Swinging arm
Rear Wheel Travel: 100 mm / 3.9 in
Front Brakes: 2X 260mm disc
Rear Brakes: Single 260mm disc
Front Tyre: 3.25 H19
Rear Tyre: 3.75 H18
Seat Height: 800 mm / 31.6 in
Ground Clearance: 147 mm / 5.8 in
Wet Weight: 210 kg / 461 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 15 Litres / 3.9 US gal
Consumption average: 46 mpg
Standing 1/4 Mile: 13.0 sec / 102 mph
Top Speed: 191.5 km/h / 119 mph

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