Kawasaki GPZ750

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	738cc, 4-stroke, transverse 4-cylinder, air-cooled, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Bore / stroke	70 × 48.6 mm
Power	92 hp (67.2 kW) @ 9000 rpm
Torque	6.5 kg-m @ 7000 rpm
Ignition type	Electronic
Transmission	5-speed
Frame type	Steel
Suspension	Front - Telescoping fork Rear - 1982 Dual Shock 1983 onwards Uni-Trac rear suspension with aluminum swingarm
Brakes	Dual Disc (front) Single Disc (rear)
Tires	Tubeless 110/80-18 (front) 130/80-18 (rear)
Rake, trail	28°
Wheelbase	1500 mm
Dimensions	L: 2185 mm W: 775 mm H: 1215 mm
Seat height	780 mm
Weight	241 kg (wet)
Fuel capacity	22 Litres
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 utilized with uni-track 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. Power in '83 was 85 bhp (63 kW)@9500 rpm, with torque of 49.7 ft·lbf's@7400 rpm and wet weight was 234 kg (515 lb).

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

• Kawasaki GPZ

References

1. "Cycle World Test: Kawasaki GPz750", Cycle World (Newport Beach, California: Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.), March 1982, pp. 34–41, 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.