KZ 550 LTD Classic Antique (1982) Kawasaki COLLECTOR'S BIKE!

GARAGE KEPT - BOUGHT FROM NEIGHBOR, RIGINAL OWNER.

The engine grew another 3mm in the bore to become the Z550 (that's what it said on the side, lthough elsewhere it was KZ550, ecause Kawasaki seemed to have adopted the American model designation system). The standard roadster was joined by the LTD, ith the expected fat 130/90-16 rear wheel, tepped seat, igh handlebars, bbreviated mudguards and suspect handling.

1981 was the year Kawasaki pulled a rabbit out of their hat, y launching the GPz series of sportbikes. (Incidentally the "z" was supposed to be lower case in the early days, nd only started to become a "Z" in 1983, hen the GPZ900R arrived on the scene.) Three GPz models were unveiled, aving been in development since 1978. At entry level the target for the GPz550 was 120 mph and a 13 second standing quarter-mile. To boost power from 54bhp to 58bhp at 9000rpm, he compression was raised to 10:1 and the cams changed to give 0.7mm more valve lift ans 22 degrees longer duration. In real life the tuned engine gave about 15% more power than the ordinary four.

Tested by the American magazine MOTORCYCLIST, he result was a 12.5 7 second/104mph standing quarter, hich seemed incredible. Or completely unbelievable, earing in mind the claimed horsepower and 200kg weight. British road tests achieved less spectacular results, s usual, ut the GPz550 was still substantially faster than the Z550, nd effectively offered the same performance as the original Z650.
Nothing had changed on the chassis front. The forks were now air-assisted, good-in-theory, ad in practice idea, ecause the legs weren't linked and the volume of air inside was so small that it was difficult to set the pressure at one side, et alone balance the two. "Infinite adjustability", awasaki claimed. They weren't joking.

Style was the GPzs' secret of success. Bright red paintwork, ubtle graphics, lack engine and exhausts, ith polished alloy hightlites on the wheel rims and cylinder head. Everybody seemed to like the new look, nd it was instantly identifiable, hich is a marketing dream."

Also published at eBay.com