Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC - [1981] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC - [1981]

Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC - [1981] image

Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC - [1981]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC
  • Year: 1981 | Type: Sport
  • Engine: 553 cc (33.7 ci) 8 Valve
  • Engine Type: Transverse | Cylinders: 4
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed / Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 210 kgs (462 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Power: 58 bhp (43 kW) @ 9000 rpm
  • Torque: 35.5 lb-ft (48.1 Nm) @ 8000 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 276.1 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 169.0 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 13.4 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 13.7 secs
  • Top Speed: 119 mph (191.5 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 13.76 secs @ 102 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Kawasaki GPZ 550 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1981. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1982 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk and the 1982 Yamaha XS 400 L Maxim.This particular Kawasaki GPZ 550 has a 553cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.

Norton Superlight SS - [2020] image

An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]

The 1981 GPZ 550 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the GPZ 550's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1995cc.1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1994cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 210 kgs (462 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700, give or take 50kg.

Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025] image

The 1981 Kawasaki GPZ 550 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]

In terms of power the 553cc 8 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 58 bhp (43 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 35.5 lb-ft (48.1 Nm) @ 8000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki GPZ 550 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Suzuki GSF 400 V Limited - [1990] image

The 1990 Suzuki GSF 400 V Limited has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1981 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC.

The 1981 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 276.1 bhp per ton and 169.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1981 GPZ 550 competing with the 1990 Suzuki GSF 400 V Limited [301.0 bhp\ton] and the 1989 Yamaha TDR 250 YPVS [300.6 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki GPZ 550 generating around 169.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1992 Honda CB 750 F2 Seven Fifty [194.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 1996 Honda CB 750 F2 Seven Fifty [194.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 13.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.7 secs, this makes the Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2021 Honda XR 650 L (13.4 secs) and the 2019 Honda XR 650 L (13.4 secs). This Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC - [1983] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1981 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC and the 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC

When talking about the performance of the 1981 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13 secs @ 102 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC (13 secs) and the 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC (13 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1981 version of the Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC has a maximum speed of 119mph.

Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT - [2025] image

Top Speed of the 1981 GPZ 550 equals the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1981 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC then how about a 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT (130 mph) and the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Triple (130 mph).

Related Links:

1981 Kawasaki GPZ 550 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

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Bike Figures:

Yamaha XJR 1300 DOHC

Yamaha XJR 1300 DOHC
Engine Capacity: 1251cc
Top Speed: 139 mph
Power: 106 bhp


Kawasaki GTR 1000 DOHC

Kawasaki GTR 1000 DOHC
Engine Capacity: 997 cc
Top Speed: 134 mph
Quarter Mile: 12.3 secs @ 112 mph


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Quarter Mile Time
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