Kawasaki GPZ750

This article is about the normally aspirated motorcycle. For the turbocharged variant, see Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo.
Kawasaki GPz750 (ZX750A1-3)
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Also called ZX750A1-3, GPz750
Parent company Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Production 1982–1985
Predecessor Kawasaki KZ750-R1,
Z750 (non-US)
Successor GPZ750R (Liquid-cooled version)
Class Sport bike
Engine 738 cc (45.0 cu in), 4-stroke, transverse 4-cylinder, air-cooled, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Bore / stroke 66 mm × 54 mm (2.6 in × 2.1 in)
Power 60 kW (80 bhp) @ 9,500 rpm (claimed)[1]
Torque 65.8 N·m (48.5 lb·ft) 7,500 rpm (claimed)[1]
Ignition type Electronic
Transmission 5-speed
Frame type Steel
Suspension Front: telescoping fork
Rear: aluminum swingarm, dual shock (1982) Uni-Trak (1983– )
Brakes Front: dual disc
Rear: single disc
Tires Tubeless, front: 110/80-18
Rear: 130/80-18
Rake, trail 28°, 100 mm (4.1 in)
Wheelbase 1,500 mm (59 in)
Dimensions L: 2,185 mm (86.0 in)
W: 775 mm (30.5 in)
H: 1,215 mm (47.8 in)
Seat height 780 mm (31 in)
Weight 230 kg (506 lb) (12 tank)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity 22 litres (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal)
Related GPz750 Turbo, GPz 750R, Z 750
GPz750 without lower fairings

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]

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

MSRP/List prices

The 1984 MSRP was $4,599 (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.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "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
  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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