

This edition of the Kawasaki Gpz 400 S is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1988. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf.This particular Kawasaki Gpz 400 has a 399cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, V4 Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
The 1988 Gpz 400 shares its V4 engine and Sport-Touring style configuration with the likes of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Gpz 400's Sport-Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1985 Yamaha FZ 250 Fazer | 1985cc.1997 Suzuki RF 400 R | 1997cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Gpz 400 S in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 399cc 8 valve V4 2 cylinder engine produces 50 bhp (37 kW) @ 10500 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 26.0 lb-ft (35.2 Nm) @ 9000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Gpz 400 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1988 Kawasaki Gpz 400 S has a Power to weight ratio of 264.5 bhp per ton and 137.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1988 Gpz 400 competing with the 1992 Yamaha XJ 600 S Diversion [289.0 bhp\ton] and the 1979 Honda CB 650 Z [288.9 bhp\ton].
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 400 generating around 137.5 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 2017 Honda CB 500 X [162.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 2013 Honda CB 500 X [162.5 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 14.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 14.3 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Gpz 400 S similar in acceleration to the 2007 Kawasaki KLX 300 R (14.0 secs) and the 2004 Kawasaki KLX 300 R (14.0 secs). This Kawasaki Gpz 400 S 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).
When talking about the performance of the 1988 Kawasaki Gpz 400 S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1991 Honda XR 250 L (0 secs) and the 1996 Suzuki RGV 250 SP (0 secs).
The 1988 version of the Kawasaki Gpz 400 S has a maximum speed of 0mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1988 Kawasaki Gpz 400 S then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).