Worthless Video about an ugly bike. My 1983 1000R ELR is far superior to this junk. With its Liquid Cooled Engine, Dual Exhaust Chrome Pipes, Short Wheelbase, Mono Shock Rear Suspension and Short Seat, how can anyone claim this to be blah, blah, blah. The idea of riding a motorcycle with a Water Pump is absurd. For a manufacturer It was cheaper to design a Big Block Liquid Cooled Motorcycle Engine, not because it was better. The same applies in the use of Plastics and Resins as opposed to Chrome and Steel. My Kerker 4 into 1 Megaphone Exhaust System has not been improved upon.
Can remember borrowing my mates 900r for a quick blast on a summer evening 85 or 86 I would be 20 or 21 years old, and on a fairly long straight the bike went straight to an indicated 150mph effortlessly, it was just so fast and felt like it could blast anything into the weeds. It was the red and deep grey colour that was very popular here in UK. At the time it really was the pinnacle of relatively cheap serious performance. Happy days 🙂 Thanks for posting and brings back some great memories
to me, this is the coolest bike from the ninja series ever, those 80's lines r just so beautiful, that deep set rectangular single head lamp, that sexy analog instrument panel, comfy yet sporty clip ons and rear sets, beautifuly sculpted fuel tank and side panels and so on ❤❤❤❤... kawasaki should re launch this bike keeping the same styling but with modern bits like slipper clutch, usd forks, traction control, abs brakes etc ....come on kawasaki !!, take us back to the 80's.
Absolutely agree with you there. Would love to see a new Ninja, styled like the GPZ900R, much like Yamaha have done with the XSR900GP which we have on loan at the moment
I had one in the 80’s and was the bike everyone was in envy of. Those carbs was n permanent duty to clean when they worked they were brilliant when they didn’t the bike road like crap. I think that was the bike that thought me to ride any bike out of a snake or a tank slapper in a turn. Saying that it had the best handling of the time. If not for the 900R I don’t think we’d have the bikes that we have today. The first Fire Blades had that same 16” front wheel.
Damn you're right. Under real hard acceleration (was there any other sort on this bike) it would sometimes try and shake its head. Nearly had me a couple of times. They way to get back control was more throttle, lift the front wheel and fix it then crack on! Had my 84' model from 92' until 99'. Same colour as the one in this vid. I loved that you could carry a pillion, strap on camping gear, or go out with the lads riding hell for leather on a day out down the coast. The bike i should of kept, but sold because every day the ride to work was an Isle of Man TT race. I couldn't stop myself. The acceleration through the revs was ridiculous and made me shout in my helmet with joy - and fear . I've had the rear wheel spin up in the wet at 90mph and at a bike show on an airfield gone through timing lights at 150 mph. I loved my GPZ but she would of killed me - the guy i sold it to wrote it off a week after he bought it and walks with a stick so i guess i got off it just in time...
I don't have a 900R but I do have a 600R, been working on it for 2 years and it's my first bike, hopefully I'll be able to drive it by the end of next month
Great vid. I'm in Canada and bought a '85 Ninja 900 as my first vehicle. License office said no way, you r 16. Said I am riding it out of here with or without license so he gave in. learned lots about staying alive but was a massive rush everyday. Rode for 5 years and loved it every day. Had a CBR600 and a harley over the years but 900 was the most addictive.
A fantastic bike , I left school in 84 , and had a RZ 250 at the time , older mates of mine had Z900 , Z1000 and GPZ900 R and 750 Turbo . Back in the day you ride everywhere doming the tonne ( 160kph ) I’m amazed I’m still alive. Crazy 😜 days .
I had to have one when they came out and bought the 2nd one in our city. Incredible bike that just cleaned up anything else on the road ! A fantastic bike which I rode for a looong time ! Magic all rounder as well. A truly wonderful bike !
Great video. The bike that made me love sport bikes. Never owned one of those Kawasaki bikes but did go on to own a 1988 CBR-600F. 80’s bikes were a blast.
You did a great job reviewing the beloved 900r (Ninja in USA) One of my best friends while we were stationed in UK in the 1980s. He had the exact colour as well. He chose the 900 over the 84 GPz750 Turbo which also was new at the time. I bought my beloved GpZ550A1 same time Galaxy Silver. I loved my bike as it competed against Honda VF500F. Spencer and Sheene baby at the time. Were US AF aircraft maintenance inmy second enlistment.RAF Fairford and Mildenhall. Thanks for sharing brother.
@@BikerTorque seems like not long ago I was living the life. My first overseas assignment. Tom bought the 900r. We used to call him "Turbo Tom". Our other buddy owned Eddie Lawson Replica 1982 and I bought my GpZ550. It was a tru unbelievable time as young aircraft maintenance tech in the early mid 1980s. Everyones life's were much better in those days. Many memories that are good and a few not so much. Thanks for finding the Blue 900 I dedicate to Turbo Tom.
I started riding (on the road) in 1991. This was my fave bike alongside the ZZR1100. Unfortunately back then I wasn’t quite old enough to buy and run one. I did get to ride a ZZR many years later and loved it, so 50% strike rate 😂. Enjoyed that.
Definitely the golden era for Japan. Each manufacture had a very distinctive style that set them apart from each other. Kawasaki ruled with the GPZ back in the mid eighties for a short time, awesome bike and great review.
When all my mates had GPZ900R s. I ended up buying the new GPZ1000RX. I had a turbo for a short time too over the years I’ve had 5 GPZ1000RX’s But still never owned a 900R. But I had a ride on one about a year ago. And decided to buy one. I ended up buying another GPZ1000RX. I will buy one.
The gpz900r was a more mature man's bike, I remember in the 80s I had a 350lc then a 500lc, the gp9 was the fastest bike out there in 1984, best colour scheme too in blue, lovely bike 👍
My mate Tim who owns that bike could never be described as mature😂😂😂. Thanks for watching, I do like the Blue colour scheme, but if I were to buy one it would have to be black and red
@@BikerTorque I was a youngster then the insurance would have killed me! The bikes had character then, like the 1100 slabside suzuki, Rg500, the gpz750 turbo, vf1000r great times
I had the Yamaha fj1100 which was a direct competitor. I have ridden the gpz good looking bike. I think the top gun film made it more of a desirable machine.
I lived in Brisbane Queensland in the mid 80s so bought my GPZ900 blue and silver off Phil Beaumont Kawasaki it was later traded for an FJ 1200 a much more powerful and stronger low down mile muncher im 65 in August so ATM love riding my FJR 1300 sports tourer which im hopefully last longer than myself it's got so much power it's pretty bloody quick
Errata…the 1982 Honda VF750S followed by the VF750F in 1983 were the first liquid cooled 16 valve motors, not the 1984 GPz900R. No matter, legendary bikes of the 80’s, both. I had an ‘83 VF750F Interceptor when it came out and it was a brilliant motorcycle but with a weak motor. I traded it on an ‘84 GPz900R Ninja and never looked back! I traded that on an ‘86 900 Ninja and it was brilliant too! I know we wished we’d kept all of our old motorcycles we’ve ever owned, but I’ll say this…if Kawasaki ever decided to relaunch a GPz900R again, I’d be first in the queue! 🏍️👍🇿🇦
I got the blue/silver 900R -86 thats shown i this. Not many blue/silver left. You made my day when I found this video 🤩 . Do you got any more information about the Blue/Silver, there was only 5 with this color in our country -86, now it's only my bike that's still on the road.
That is awesome! Don’t have any more info on it, but my mate who owns it might. It was a relatively recent purchase for him, within the last couple of years
You would love the 900 as it was tough and would go forever with little more than tires, chain and sprockets, fuel, and the general adjustments. Put it to you like this. I put 2 front tires on per year, 4 on the rear per. I rode it like I stole it daily all year round and yes even in the snow. It was the toughest thing I've ever seen machine wise. 165 all day long after the carbs were jetted. Spent more time cleaning and waxing than I did repairing it. Nothing I ever ran up against would come close. Talk about drop a gear and disappear? That bike was the reason for that saying. Don't get one unless you know how to ride and never raise up at 140 without a grip on the bars or your on the ground and not in a good way. Be careful as it will make you want to go faster with every gear you grab brother. I miss the ole gal and would love to have er back.
Double check the Honda vf750f 1983…interceptor…..as the first super bike v4 16 valve with anti dive shocks. I own one. But you are right this is a nice bike.
ZZR 11 was a powerhouse. Looked at getting a ZZR 1200 thingy new, but got a low mileage 2nd hand Gen 1 '99 Busa instead and still have it. Kawasakis, Suzukis and Triumphs for me. (Oh, 2 x Vfr800fi s now for posterity - their like will not come again)
Great bike. The anti-dive tech was ordinary though. My Dad took it off his using a blanking plate, he put a nice set of progressive springs in the forks instead and it was much better - removed a fair bit of weight too.
Owned the A & B models with the 16" wheels. Would have loved the 17" after the tank slappers on crappy NSW roads you tended to take your life in your hands when you pushed it. Although the Oxley Hwy between Gunnedah and Tamworth is where you took the bike flat chat off the dial to see what its max was. Not one for a steering damper though. The (Armidale)-Uralla-Dorigo-Bellingen Mountain way was superb for high speed riding, testing yourself in the Dorrigo bends and then race corners down Dorrigo mountain. Overtaking mates doing 2x sign posted speed on their twins, leaving them in your wake and coming back to you - how the f*** did you do that, it looked effortless. Mate it wasn't me, it was the bike. The late 80's was an absolute ball, more roads than cops. Edit: Bad bits steering head bearings, cam chain.
@@BikerTorque I picked it up from a local guy here in Kansas USA in 2012ish. Traded a nice 1982 Suzuki GS850 for it. I was really stoked as I couldn’t believe he’d trade straight across. I’m a big first gen sport bike guy. Have the first gen GSXR’s, first gen Honda 500, 750 and 1000cc Interceptors, the 85 ZX 900A1 Ninja and the 89 ZXR 750 H1…..and a few choice Ducatis as well. Lol Do you have others?
@@thetemplar8695 I have a few bikes, but the GPZ isn’t mine, it is one of my good mates bikes. He also has a KZ900 that we did a video on not long ago. If you are into old school Suzukis, check out the video we did not long ago with a guy named Ian who has a couple of GS1000S models
@@BikerTorque I’m more of a full fairing, mid/late 80’s and 90’s sportbike guy. Lol Raced for Suzuki for a few years up and down the east coast. So naturally I have several Gixxers. Haha Also, love your country. Spent some time over there in 1998, traveling up from Sydney to Brisbane and camping on the beaches. Was an amazing trip. Got to see Steve Irwin at his park before he passed. Wished I’d of had a bike and some buddies back then. Haha
Nostalgia and Top Gun aside , how long will it be until the manufacturer themselves deem this a "classic" worthy of a remake as they have with the Z* RS range harking back with a nod to the 70's Z series? After all, it's just a shell they'd need to design on established engine platforms 😎 Great video and nice to see the GPZ in colours other than the red/black, I think it looks even better in blue/silver
@@BikerTorque I Had an 82 AND! an 83 Yam XZ550 VISION( teeeeeeRRible bikes..Needed TWO Please LOL!) Tops on the Speedo? 85 . Many were Club raced..easily Hit 120 Mph at Sea Level. Usa was then going after " Sports Bikes" after this . I lived in Missouri Usa..And our great senator tried to Illegalize " Sports Bikes " in 85 or so. Glad Danforth did not go far on that one! Oh!! then: the Usa Got the " Tarriff Bikes" I had Intruder 700 cc. Suz Gs 700, Honda "InterFESTER" 700 Etc.. We had Fun in the 80s withall the " rules..." Dave Boulder CO USA 74 Rd 350 2003 Triumph 900 Thunderbird, 2008 KTM 300 XCW
It's called fishing for comments. It's a cheap youtuber tactic. He says something that is obviously wrong to get people triggered to correct him and boost the algorithm to push the channel Don't fall for it.
@@BikerTorque _Definitely_ was over 250k/150mph. I saw 255km/h on the dial and still rising, but the straight of most racetracks isn't long enough to find the full top speed.
I remember taking g a pillion ride on one. Rider was a nutter. He had purposely removed one of the pillion footpegs - a despatch rider based in West Yorkshire. First time I'd been well over 130mph, just my arse in contact with the bike, in the dark - raining! Blimey. Later I got one in the same colour as this video. Did its big ends in Ireland. Some top folks down in Cork rescued us. When I got back into Wales the turtle back recovery driver wanted to lay it on its side!! Oh no!. Rebuilt it after getting the crank regrouped. Where is it now?
The GPz900r was the bike to have in the 80’s. I love how manufacturers (in the 80’s) had their own distinctive look. Those three fashions from the 80’s 🤮.
From the time when both pillion and rider got good seats. What has happened to new bikes? You are forced to buy a sports tourer to get even a good front seat. Let alone a comfortable pillion seat. Also there was none of this short tail, like modern bikes have. Old bikes were covered properly by a complete mudguard effect. Again we need to buy a sports-tourer to get proper mudguard protection. Is it really that important to cut the last gramme of weight off, to compete with other bikes. Surely bikers can make the decision between a complete bike, and cut-down bike made to go that fraction faster.
Agree with you 100% Bugger all basic bikes with comfortable seating. I've got a FJR1300, it covers all the bases that you mentioned. Purchase choice was made with pillion comfort very high on the priority list.
@@swampmarshy I saw the MissendenFlyer's early review impression of his Kawasaki Z900 RS SE. While it has a great seat, it splashes the back seat and back of the rider. I am guessing the mudguard feature doesn't work as well as on the original 1970s bike. Doing a quick look online at the original Z1 Kawasaki Z900 from the 1970s, there's a noticable difference. On the Z1, the seat and wheel are much close together. On the Z 900 RS (and SE) there is a considerable gap between wheel and seat, I guess due to the monoshock. (Also maybe due to wheel size.) I guess all that space on the 900 RS (and SE), leaves space for much to splash out sideways. Still a great bike though, I hope there's a mod for it. Discussing this as the Z900 RS (SE) is a passionate retro motorbike. To me it's comparable with all muscle bikes of old and not so old. Or not so transformer type looking as many modern bikes are. You really have to go full on tourer to get it right, as you say.
The GPZ1000R is the real early 80s classic was the worlds fastest bike. The 900r was the prototype the 1000r the finished article. You should ride a 1000 before you decide I own both.
@@BikerTorque make sure its a really good gpz1000r. I rode mine trough the Alps in four countries and rode across 10 countries home. I bought mine new from its original owner he said he never got around to using it.
80s cool! My neighbour used to piss me off because he was a cool guy who had an Escort RS1600i and a Yamaha Rd500 YPVS … if he’d had one of these too I’d have just shot myself.
I has a GPz1000rx and found it heavier and the 16" front made it a bit odd handling. But toured well to Germany and elsewhere. Unfortunately had problems with it and broke it for bits - with the ex having the front end on her chop. Still have a few odds and sods from it. Interested in getting another black one
The original advertising said it would do 155mph. Mine had a sports exhaust and was dyno jetted producing about 115 at the rear wheel rather than the crank. On a 'Run what you brung' day at a UK airfield you could ride flat out down the runway and timing lights would record your speed. I am quite tall so not very aerodynamic but saw a measured 150.4 mph average over two runs. We were very jealous of our mate Bob who had a very tuned ZZR1100 bored out to 1260. Even though he was a lump he galloped through with a measured speed of 168! On the day a guy with a road legal (?) turbocharged ZZR100 managed 199 mph. Still a bike to be respected!
Such great looking bike but they always sound like they are running on 3 not a nice sounding power plant. The replacement 1000RX was awful. Poor old Kawasaki as just a year after introduction the world moved on to the FZ750 and GSX-R750 which were only about 10hp less but much lighter.
Worthless Video about an ugly bike. My 1983 1000R ELR is far superior to this junk. With its Liquid Cooled Engine, Dual Exhaust Chrome Pipes, Short Wheelbase, Mono Shock Rear Suspension and Short Seat, how can anyone claim this to be blah, blah, blah. The idea of riding a motorcycle with a Water Pump is absurd. For a manufacturer It was cheaper to design a Big Block Liquid Cooled Motorcycle Engine, not because it was better. The same applies in the use of Plastics and Resins as opposed to Chrome and Steel. My Kerker 4 into 1 Megaphone Exhaust System has not been improved upon.
Anyone agree that this is a worthless video? In any case, thanks for sharing
Clearly you are triggered out of jealousy and spite
@@mehmeh5471
Jealousy and Spite, are you kidding or delusional ? You obviously did not understand my comment about a modern Retro Junk.
The stupidest comment I've ever read in my life. This engine is a rare collector's vehicle. It symbolizes the birth of the z series. you stupid egoist
Absolutely no one agrees with you or cares for your opinion bud
Can remember borrowing my mates 900r for a quick blast on a summer evening 85 or 86 I would be 20 or 21 years old, and on a fairly long straight the bike went straight to an indicated 150mph effortlessly, it was just so fast and felt like it could blast anything into the weeds. It was the red and deep grey colour that was very popular here in UK. At the time it really was the pinnacle of relatively cheap serious performance. Happy days 🙂 Thanks for posting and brings back some great memories
Thanks for watching. The red and grey version is the one I’d have if I was looking for one.
The blue one was the most rare I believe
I have a 86 900r that hasn't been on the road for a few years. This video has inspired me to relive my youth!
Nice one, time to get it back on the road
to me, this is the coolest bike from the ninja series ever, those 80's lines r just so beautiful, that deep set rectangular single head lamp, that sexy analog instrument panel, comfy yet sporty clip ons and rear sets, beautifuly sculpted fuel tank and side panels and so on ❤❤❤❤... kawasaki should re launch this bike keeping the same styling but with modern bits like slipper clutch, usd forks, traction control, abs brakes etc ....come on kawasaki !!, take us back to the 80's.
Absolutely agree with you there. Would love to see a new Ninja, styled like the GPZ900R, much like Yamaha have done with the XSR900GP which we have on loan at the moment
I had one in the 80’s and was the bike everyone was in envy of. Those carbs was n permanent duty to clean when they worked they were brilliant when they didn’t the bike road like crap.
I think that was the bike that thought me to ride any bike out of a snake or a tank slapper in a turn. Saying that it had the best handling of the time. If not for the 900R I don’t think we’d have the bikes that we have today.
The first Fire Blades had that same 16” front wheel.
Agree, I’m still envious of anyone who owns one. Thanks for watching
Damn you're right. Under real hard acceleration (was there any other sort on this bike) it would sometimes try and shake its head. Nearly had me a couple of times. They way to get back control was more throttle, lift the front wheel and fix it then crack on! Had my 84' model from 92' until 99'. Same colour as the one in this vid. I loved that you could carry a pillion, strap on camping gear, or go out with the lads riding hell for leather on a day out down the coast. The bike i should of kept, but sold because every day the ride to work was an Isle of Man TT race. I couldn't stop myself. The acceleration through the revs was ridiculous and made me shout in my helmet with joy - and fear . I've had the rear wheel spin up in the wet at 90mph and at a bike show on an airfield gone through timing lights at 150 mph. I loved my GPZ but she would of killed me - the guy i sold it to wrote it off a week after he bought it and walks with a stick so i guess i got off it just in time...
I had mine straight from launch and it was a game changer, not just and engine , but a complete bike
Congratulations, I hope you still have it. Agree, complete bike is amazing
I don't have a 900R but I do have a 600R, been working on it for 2 years and it's my first bike, hopefully I'll be able to drive it by the end of next month
Nice one, what year model? The 600 is still a great bike. I had a GPX600R which I loved.
@@BikerTorque it's a 1986 Kawsasaki GPZ 600R, should have clarified that lol
Still got my1984 kawasaki gpz900r. ❤it
.
Nice one
Great vid. I'm in Canada and bought a '85 Ninja 900 as my first vehicle. License office said no way, you r 16. Said I am riding it out of here with or without license so he gave in. learned lots about staying alive but was a massive rush everyday. Rode for 5 years and loved it every day. Had a CBR600 and a harley over the years but 900 was the most addictive.
Cheers, thanks for watching. Awesome first bike to have.
A fantastic bike , I left school in 84 , and had a RZ 250 at the time , older mates of mine had Z900 , Z1000 and GPZ900 R and 750 Turbo . Back in the day you ride everywhere doming the tonne ( 160kph ) I’m amazed I’m still alive. Crazy 😜 days .
Crazy days indeed
I had to have one when they came out and bought the 2nd one in our city. Incredible bike that just cleaned up anything else on the road ! A fantastic bike which I rode for a looong time ! Magic all rounder as well. A truly wonderful bike !
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching
I had a Gpz 900 r back in 85💪🏼❤️
Great bikes, bet you wish you still had it
I loved my old 900R that bought another 20 years later.
Still not done any miles on it, but putting it in the shed put my arm hairs on edge.
Love that feeling
Great video. The bike that made me love sport bikes. Never owned one of those Kawasaki bikes but did go on to own a 1988 CBR-600F. 80’s bikes were a blast.
They certainly were a blast and still are. Thanks for watching, glad you liked the video
You did a great job reviewing the beloved 900r (Ninja in USA)
One of my best friends while we were stationed in UK in the 1980s. He had the exact colour as well. He chose the 900 over the 84 GPz750 Turbo which also was new at the time. I bought my beloved GpZ550A1 same time Galaxy Silver. I loved my bike as it competed against Honda VF500F. Spencer and Sheene baby at the time. Were US AF aircraft maintenance inmy second enlistment.RAF Fairford and Mildenhall. Thanks for sharing brother.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video, I think your mate was right in choosing the 900 over the 750 Turbo
@@BikerTorque seems like not long ago I was living the life. My first overseas assignment. Tom bought the 900r. We used to call him "Turbo Tom". Our other buddy owned Eddie Lawson Replica 1982 and I bought my GpZ550. It was a tru unbelievable time as young aircraft maintenance tech in the early mid 1980s. Everyones life's were much better in those days. Many memories that are good and a few not so much. Thanks for finding the Blue 900 I dedicate to Turbo Tom.
'Borrowed' a 750 turbo for an afternoon. Lots of fun. Would like one of those too
I started riding (on the road) in 1991. This was my fave bike alongside the ZZR1100. Unfortunately back then I wasn’t quite old enough to buy and run one. I did get to ride a ZZR many years later and loved it, so 50% strike rate 😂. Enjoyed that.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it. Yes the ZZR1100 another Classic from Kawasaki, loved those also, some pretty funky pain schemes
Definitely the golden era for Japan. Each manufacture had a very distinctive style that set them apart from each other. Kawasaki ruled with the GPZ back in the mid eighties for a short time, awesome bike and great review.
Yes, very distinctive. Thanks for watching, glad you liked the video
This was a great visit to the past!
I had a 1985 "Kawi" 600 Ninja ...loved it!!
Glad you enjoyed it!.
mate i would have sold a kidney to get that bike in 1985/86/87/88..
About to get my gpz900A1 in red/grey this weekend... Surely the best colours! Can't wait
red / grey or red / black? Either way great bike, enjoy.
Muscle bikes we will never see them again, bikes that started it all have owed 41 bikes you have triggered memories, great content you have.👍👍👍
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video
Another great video Ross. That bike sounds amazing!
Thanks Andrew. You should add a GPZ to the garage so the Zed has company.
@@BikerTorque of course I went straight to Bikesales after watching. They are still reasonably priced and will be a future classic. One day, maybe.
i really really realy really want one
You are not alone
When all my mates had GPZ900R s. I ended up buying the new GPZ1000RX.
I had a turbo for a short time too over the years I’ve had 5 GPZ1000RX’s But still never owned a 900R. But I had a ride on one about a year ago. And decided to buy one. I ended up buying another GPZ1000RX.
I will buy one.
I haven’t ridden the GPZ1000RX, but they do look the goods
The gpz900r was a more mature man's bike, I remember in the 80s I had a 350lc then a 500lc, the gp9 was the fastest bike out there in 1984, best colour scheme too in blue, lovely bike 👍
My mate Tim who owns that bike could never be described as mature😂😂😂. Thanks for watching, I do like the Blue colour scheme, but if I were to buy one it would have to be black and red
@@BikerTorque I was a youngster then the insurance would have killed me! The bikes had character then, like the 1100 slabside suzuki, Rg500, the gpz750 turbo, vf1000r great times
Awesome bike, even better review. Great work.
Love the GPZ900. Probably the bike that made me fall in love with bikes.
Can’t wait to get mine back on the road! 🔥👍🏾
How long have you had yours? Good luck with the resto.
@@BikerTorque 12 years, got it when it wasn’t running! 😂 Thanks!👍🏾
I had the Yamaha fj1100 which was a direct competitor. I have ridden the gpz good looking bike. I think the top gun film made it more of a desirable machine.
Haven’t ridden the FJ1100, I I think you are spot in re Top Gun, definitely a great way to make a bike desirable. Thanks for watching.
I lived in Brisbane Queensland in the mid 80s so bought my GPZ900 blue and silver off Phil Beaumont Kawasaki it was later traded for an FJ 1200 a much more powerful and stronger low down mile muncher im 65 in August so ATM love riding my FJR 1300 sports tourer which im hopefully last longer than myself it's got so much power it's pretty bloody quick
Errata…the 1982 Honda VF750S followed by the VF750F in 1983 were the first liquid cooled 16 valve motors, not the 1984 GPz900R. No matter, legendary bikes of the 80’s, both. I had an ‘83 VF750F Interceptor when it came out and it was a brilliant motorcycle but with a weak motor. I traded it on an ‘84 GPz900R Ninja and never looked back! I traded that on an ‘86 900 Ninja and it was brilliant too! I know we wished we’d kept all of our old motorcycles we’ve ever owned, but I’ll say this…if Kawasaki ever decided to relaunch a GPz900R again, I’d be first in the queue! 🏍️👍🇿🇦
I get the feeling it would be a long queue if they ever did a re-release of the GPZ900R. Thanks for watching
I'm in the process of restoring a 1986 gpz900R. But is will be with a GPZ1100 engine and 17" front and rear wheel.
will post a video of it.
Nice one, send us some pics when you are done.
I got the blue/silver 900R -86 thats shown i this. Not many blue/silver left. You made my day when I found this video 🤩 . Do you got any more information about the Blue/Silver, there was only 5 with this color in our country -86, now it's only my bike that's still on the road.
That is awesome! Don’t have any more info on it, but my mate who owns it might. It was a relatively recent purchase for him, within the last couple of years
This bike is a unicorn, I want one
Actually went for a ride with my mate this morning, he was on his GPZ900R, running beautifully. Wonderful bike.
You would love the 900 as it was tough and would go forever with little more than tires, chain and sprockets, fuel, and the general adjustments. Put it to you like this. I put 2 front tires on per year, 4 on the rear per. I rode it like I stole it daily all year round and yes even in the snow. It was the toughest thing I've ever seen machine wise. 165 all day long after the carbs were jetted. Spent more time cleaning and waxing than I did repairing it. Nothing I ever ran up against would come close. Talk about drop a gear and disappear? That bike was the reason for that saying. Don't get one unless you know how to ride and never raise up at 140 without a grip on the bars or your on the ground and not in a good way. Be careful as it will make you want to go faster with every gear you grab brother. I miss the ole gal and would love to have er back.
Double check the Honda vf750f 1983…interceptor…..as the first super bike v4 16 valve with anti dive shocks. I own one. But you are right this is a nice bike.
Someone else mentioned that in a comment, my bad.
ZZR 11 was a powerhouse. Looked at getting a ZZR 1200 thingy new, but got a low mileage 2nd hand Gen 1 '99 Busa instead and still have it. Kawasakis, Suzukis and Triumphs for me. (Oh, 2 x Vfr800fi s now for posterity - their like will not come again)
Nice collection
Awesome looking bike. I miss my ZZR.
Yep, great looking bike. Shouldn’t have sold the ZZR.
@@BikerTorque I wish I kept it.
Great bike. The anti-dive tech was ordinary though. My Dad took it off his using a blanking plate, he put a nice set of progressive springs in the forks instead and it was much better - removed a fair bit of weight too.
Yes, progressive springs should work well. Thanks for watching.
Owned the A & B models with the 16" wheels. Would have loved the 17" after the tank slappers on crappy NSW roads you tended to take your life in your hands when you pushed it. Although the Oxley Hwy between Gunnedah and Tamworth is where you took the bike flat chat off the dial to see what its max was. Not one for a steering damper though. The (Armidale)-Uralla-Dorigo-Bellingen Mountain way was superb for high speed riding, testing yourself in the Dorrigo bends and then race corners down Dorrigo mountain. Overtaking mates doing 2x sign posted speed on their twins, leaving them in your wake and coming back to you - how the f*** did you do that, it looked effortless. Mate it wasn't me, it was the bike. The late 80's was an absolute ball, more roads than cops. Edit: Bad bits steering head bearings, cam chain.
Hope you still got one of them.
@@BikerTorque As they say, "buddy can you spare a dime."
I owned the 87 blue and silver bike really loved the Kawasaki 900 i later traded it 4 the FJ 1200 Yamaha in the early 90s
Very nice!
luvd my a2 did adelaide to brizzie and back, broken hill to adelaide 3.5 hrs oops
I’m not even going to g to ask how fast you were going, but well done 🤣
I have this rare color scheme (American version) and will never sell this classic first gen Ninja.
Thanks for the wonderful documentary! 👍💯🦾
Cheers, glad you like it! Love the GPZ, what a great bike. How long have you had yours?
@@BikerTorque I picked it up from a local guy here in Kansas USA in 2012ish. Traded a nice 1982 Suzuki GS850 for it. I was really stoked as I couldn’t believe he’d trade straight across. I’m a big first gen sport bike guy. Have the first gen GSXR’s, first gen Honda 500, 750 and 1000cc Interceptors, the 85 ZX 900A1 Ninja and the 89 ZXR 750 H1…..and a few choice Ducatis as well. Lol
Do you have others?
@@thetemplar8695 I have a few bikes, but the GPZ isn’t mine, it is one of my good mates bikes. He also has a KZ900 that we did a video on not long ago. If you are into old school Suzukis, check out the video we did not long ago with a guy named Ian who has a couple of GS1000S models
@@BikerTorque I’m more of a full fairing, mid/late 80’s and 90’s sportbike guy. Lol Raced for Suzuki for a few years up and down the east coast. So naturally I have several Gixxers. Haha
Also, love your country. Spent some time over there in 1998, traveling up from Sydney to Brisbane and camping on the beaches. Was an amazing trip. Got to see Steve Irwin at his park before he passed. Wished I’d of had a bike and some buddies back then. Haha
@@thetemplar8695 85 would be an A2
Nostalgia and Top Gun aside , how long will it be until the manufacturer themselves deem this a "classic" worthy of a remake as they have with the Z* RS range harking back with a nod to the 70's Z series? After all, it's just a shell they'd need to design on established engine platforms 😎 Great video and nice to see the GPZ in colours other than the red/black, I think it looks even better in blue/silver
Thanks for watching. I agree, it’s something Kawasaki should look at doing, similar style to what Yamaha have done with the new XSR900GP.
It don,t sound like it's running right, sounds lumpy like a twin, it should be smooth an fast revving
Probably just the mic, certainly not lumpy
"Took my Breath Away" Pun intended 😉
How many batteries did those discmans chew!😂
Always had to carry a spare four pack of Duracel Coppertops.
Try again I owned one when they first came out and it was more like 160 MPH top end.
I knew they had a claimed top speed in excess of 100mph, didn’t realise they were that quick, certainly couldn’t find any info on an actual top speed
Caught that..AND!! the fact is TOP gun Came out in 1986 USA as well. Sorry To be a stickler!
@@BikerTorque I Had an 82 AND! an 83 Yam XZ550 VISION( teeeeeeRRible bikes..Needed TWO Please LOL!) Tops on the Speedo? 85 . Many were Club raced..easily Hit 120 Mph at Sea Level. Usa was then going after " Sports Bikes" after this . I lived in Missouri Usa..And our great senator tried to Illegalize " Sports Bikes " in 85 or so. Glad Danforth did not go far on that one! Oh!! then: the Usa Got the " Tarriff Bikes" I had Intruder 700 cc. Suz Gs 700, Honda "InterFESTER" 700 Etc.. We had Fun in the 80s withall the " rules..." Dave Boulder CO USA 74 Rd 350 2003 Triumph 900 Thunderbird, 2008 KTM 300 XCW
@@davestrain9529 that’s correct, I simply said that the bike is loved by Gen Xer’s because of Top Gun, not that Top Gun came out in 84.
Maybe on the speedometer but real world tested was around 151-153 depending on that test you read. The GPz1000R aka Nina1000R would do 160mph.
I think you meant "150 miles per hour"...
Might have been
It's called fishing for comments. It's a cheap youtuber tactic. He says something that is obviously wrong to get people triggered to correct him and boost the algorithm to push the channel Don't fall for it.
@@BikerTorque _Definitely_ was over 250k/150mph. I saw 255km/h on the dial and still rising, but the straight of most racetracks isn't long enough to find the full top speed.
I remember taking g a pillion ride on one. Rider was a nutter. He had purposely removed one of the pillion footpegs - a despatch rider based in West Yorkshire. First time I'd been well over 130mph, just my arse in contact with the bike, in the dark - raining! Blimey. Later I got one in the same colour as this video. Did its big ends in Ireland. Some top folks down in Cork rescued us. When I got back into Wales the turtle back recovery driver wanted to lay it on its side!! Oh no!. Rebuilt it after getting the crank regrouped. Where is it now?
Sounds exciting
150 Miles per hour in 1984 not 100 Miles per hour.
My mistake
1:55 a claimed top speed of 100mph? Ummmm, what? I think you meant 160mph. At least that's what I experienced 😉
Meant in excess of
@@BikerTorque all good 👍😎
The GPz900r was the bike to have in the 80’s. I love how manufacturers (in the 80’s) had their own distinctive look.
Those three fashions from the 80’s 🤮.
Agree, the ultimate 80s bike for me. Fashion wasn’t that bad😂🤣😂
So many bedroom-wall posters!
It sounds really rough
It’s had new carby kits installed since this video, now running superbly.
1.56. Top speed of what?
Already been addressed
Carb ici g was an issue
Didn’t know that. Maybe not in Australia
From the time when both pillion and rider got good seats. What has happened to new bikes? You are forced to buy a sports tourer to get even a good front seat. Let alone a comfortable pillion seat.
Also there was none of this short tail, like modern bikes have. Old bikes were covered properly by a complete mudguard effect. Again we need to buy a sports-tourer to get proper mudguard protection.
Is it really that important to cut the last gramme of weight off, to compete with other bikes. Surely bikers can make the decision between a complete bike, and cut-down bike made to go that fraction faster.
Yes, I hadn’t thought about the comfort of the seat compared to modern offerings. Good point.
Agree with you 100% Bugger all basic bikes with comfortable seating. I've got a FJR1300, it covers all the bases that you mentioned. Purchase choice was made with pillion comfort very high on the priority list.
@@swampmarshy I saw the MissendenFlyer's early review impression of his Kawasaki Z900 RS SE. While it has a great seat, it splashes the back seat and back of the rider. I am guessing the mudguard feature doesn't work as well as on the original 1970s bike. Doing a quick look online at the original Z1 Kawasaki Z900 from the 1970s, there's a noticable difference. On the Z1, the seat and wheel are much close together. On the Z 900 RS (and SE) there is a considerable gap between wheel and seat, I guess due to the monoshock. (Also maybe due to wheel size.)
I guess all that space on the 900 RS (and SE), leaves space for much to splash out sideways.
Still a great bike though, I hope there's a mod for it.
Discussing this as the Z900 RS (SE) is a passionate retro motorbike. To me it's comparable with all muscle bikes of old and not so old. Or not so transformer type looking as many modern bikes are.
You really have to go full on tourer to get it right, as you say.
Will Park
👍
Where is the real sound of that motor?
How sad...
Not sure what you mean.
The GPZ1000R is the real early 80s classic was the worlds fastest bike.
The 900r was the prototype the 1000r the finished article. You should ride a 1000 before you decide I own both.
would love to ride the GPZ1000R one day.
@@BikerTorque
make sure its a really good gpz1000r. I rode mine trough the Alps in four countries and rode across 10 countries home. I bought mine new from its original owner he said he never got around to using it.
150mph, not 100. My gt250 would do 100, going down the steepest hill, with wind on my back, and going by the factory speedometer.
Yes, my mistake as already mentioned
@@BikerTorque No worries. I had an 85. It was awesome.
Bahringer Pines
Ok
80s cool! My neighbour used to piss me off because he was a cool guy who had an Escort RS1600i and a Yamaha Rd500 YPVS … if he’d had one of these too I’d have just shot myself.
Lol, yep cool bikes
I had an XR3i and a GPZ900R - nowadays i don't tell anyone about the Ford because its a bit naff now - but wish i still had the Ninja...
I still own a GPZ1000RX, for me it was the better bike, the 900r only got the following it did because of Top Gun
haven’t ridden the 1000rx, but you could be right. Although when were they first released?
@@BikerTorque I think around the same time, mine is an 86, but I have seen them on an 85 plate, mine is just on display in my hallway 😀
@garyfallows1123 I had black red gpz 600 r Looks like smaller version to rx1000 , 12000 revs loved it, it only did 128 mph but got there quick
I has a GPz1000rx and found it heavier and the 16" front made it a bit odd handling. But toured well to Germany and elsewhere. Unfortunately had problems with it and broke it for bits - with the ex having the front end on her chop. Still have a few odds and sods from it. Interested in getting another black one
150mph, not 100mph
Yes, mean’t to say in excess of 100 mph
The original advertising said it would do 155mph. Mine had a sports exhaust and was dyno jetted producing about 115 at the rear wheel rather than the crank. On a 'Run what you brung' day at a UK airfield you could ride flat out down the runway and timing lights would record your speed. I am quite tall so not very aerodynamic but saw a measured 150.4 mph average over two runs. We were very jealous of our mate Bob who had a very tuned ZZR1100 bored out to 1260. Even though he was a lump he galloped through with a measured speed of 168! On the day a guy with a road legal (?) turbocharged ZZR100 managed 199 mph. Still a bike to be respected!
Aimee Ports
Does she ride one?
スズキみたいな色ですね
Not sure
@@BikerTorque You don't seem to know much about Japanese bikes.
@@MiMi-yu6hg maybe not, I don't know much about Sea Bass either
Such great looking bike but they always sound like they are running on 3 not a nice sounding power plant. The replacement 1000RX was awful. Poor old Kawasaki as just a year after introduction the world moved on to the FZ750 and GSX-R750 which were only about 10hp less but much lighter.
Fair enough! I actually don’t mind the sound.
Loved that "growl" sound
This particular bike sounds rough, doesnt sound like it should.
It’s had a tune since we shot this, running much better
Someone who had gpz in 80's was god... I would like to wake up in 80's was better time
👍