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82 GPz for $1700, decent price?

I like the double rear shocks, especially after reading the brochure,
Just wonder if they're rebuildable.
Kawasaki%20GPZ750%20%201.jpg
 
I was looking at the shocks on my 700A, they look identical to those on the GPZ, sans red paint. I don't think they are rebuildable, at least not easily. They're constructed like other stock KZ and GS shocks from the era.
 
Those shocks are not rebuildable. They have adjustable damping, but the shock bodies themselves are fairly low tech and are not gas pressurized.
 
Here's a nice GPZ550, local to me. I'd get it, but my wife would kill me.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/5422805976.html

1982 Kawasaki GPZ 550 - $1500 (Pendleton)

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Nice GPZ- New tires, oil change, did rebuild carbs last fall- one is leaking now. Good bike, been setting in garage- does have small dent front left tank, other than that is nice bike. Clear Indiana title. 317823one065. Will not reply to scams.



I had one of those for a short period of time. I actually forgot about it. It wasn't running when I bought it, and my mechanic (very trustworthy) got it running for me. On the way home from him working on it, it threw a rod and shattered the guy's windshield behind me. I bought another motor to put in it, but never got around to it and sold it to a local bike shop for 50 bucks.
 
I had one of those for a short period of time. I actually forgot about it. It wasn't running when I bought it, and my mechanic (very trustworthy) got it running for me. On the way home from him working on it, it threw a rod and shattered the guy's windshield behind me. I bought another motor to put in it, but never got around to it and sold it to a local bike shop for 50 bucks.

I've read about a fair number of 550's with crank/rod bearing failures. Something to do with the oiling system. I'd be cautious purchasing a 550 for fear that it was raced and thrashed.
 
Posted this on the Vintage Kawasaki Trader page on Facebook and a guy in Oregon has purchased it for another friend overseas in the UK. Another one heading across the pond.

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Forget GS's , now we're talking ! Did someone mention '83-4 Gpz 1100 DFI's ?? Here's my 9100 mi. oem restored '84

 
I had a buddy with an 1100 GPZ. We ran each other a half dozen times, me on my GS1100 EZ. I outweighed him 30 lbs and it was a wash between us every time except twice when his shifting got hung up between gears. He said it happened pretty often, right out of the box, and it was common on those. Only on full out use.
 
Forget GS's , now we're talking ! Did someone mention '83-4 Gpz 1100 DFI's ?? Here's my 9100 mi. oem restored '84



Looks KILLER!
It's all about that fairing, that's what I dig.
Wymple, missing shifts and getting false neutrals, that's just technique with the olde bikes. I used to get them all the time on my GS1100G, don't anymore.
 
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Forget GS's , now we're talking ! Did someone mention '83-4 Gpz 1100 DFI's ?? Here's my 9100 mi. oem restored '84


My 1984 KZ1100R, (not available in USA), has that motor, only carbureted, I've never had any issues with the transmission, always rock solid and smooth.
 
Looks KILLER!
It's all about that fairing, that's what I dig.
Wymple, missing shifts and getting false neutrals, that's just technique with the olde bikes. I used to get them all the time on my GS1100G, don't anymore.

I have to agree with the GPz tranny's feeling very "notchy" with the shifts. My '82 GS1100E shifted way smoother. I don't know if it's got anything to do with the fact that the 83-84 GPz's came with a special HD tranny or not. Kawi built the GPZ's was winning at the drag strip as a primary focus.
 
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My 1984 KZ1100R, (not available in USA), has that motor, only carbureted, I've never had any issues with the transmission, always rock solid and smooth.

A good friend of mine whom owned a Kawi dealer for over 30 years was who sold my my Gpz 11. He also owned a pristine 82 R1 Lawson , and an 83 R2 superbike replica. He unfortunately hit financial hardships and had to sell both bikes a few years ago.
 
OK RC... Next North East meet you gotta come and bring one of your gorgeously maintained bikes!

Will do, Vermont Rally and probably the GPz are on the attend radar. Problem is with the GSXR is i can only ride for about 100 miles max and my legs and arms are JUNK. The 1st gen GSXR tucked the pegs up pretty high and a low "sit in" type seating position. I will be closely watching the NE rides now that i'm done with school !
 
Will do, Vermont Rally and probably the GPz are on the attend radar. Problem is with the GSXR is i can only ride for about 100 miles max and my legs and arms are JUNK. The 1st gen GSXR tucked the pegs up pretty high and a low "sit in" type seating position. I will be closely watching the NE rides now that i'm done with school !
Good!
I'm hoping to spur a ride again with everyone soon!... Get those bikes out!!! Get Ready! 2016 is season is going to be here fast this year!
 
Hijacked again by Mr self promoter. :eagerness:

Yeeouch. That was a stinger.


I agree with you Bill on the monoshock GPZs (and GSes, for that matter) looking a lot slicker than the twin shock models. But your choices in modding the rear suspensions are the biggest limitations on the monoshocks. You can still get a Hagon monoshock for most of the mid-80s Japanese models, but it ain't cheap. Some have found units off newer models that will fit the older bikes as well.

I like both types very much. If I were looking to race in a vintage class or just have a fun day track bike, I'd go with a twin shock model though, mainly for the suspension choices still available.
 
Upgrading the rear suspension on a twin shock bike comes with lots of options. Once you get above the Progressive/Hagon standard shock range though the price increases steeply. I believe this is due to the bikes needing TWO shocks. Mono shock offerings on the low end are fewer but you can get a higher end shock with adjustable damping for less money than a comparable pair for a twin shock bike. Check out YSS for example. http://www.yssusa.com/products_yss.html
 
Ok, would it be too weird or crass to put the GPz 84-85 front cowling on an 82-83?
I like the twin rear shocks.
 
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