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Edition:
Kawasaki Z 550 GP - [1983]
This edition of the Kawasaki Z 550 GP is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1983. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S.This particular Kawasaki Z 550 has a 553cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 1983 Z 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 Z 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.
Weighing in at 210 kgs (462 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Z 550 GP in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple or the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple, give or take 50kg.
The 1983 Kawasaki Z 550 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tenere 700 - [2025]
In terms of power the 553cc 8 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 65 bhp (48 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 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 Tenere 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Z 550 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2023 Norton Commando 961 CR SP has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1983 Kawasaki Z 550 GP.
The 1983 Kawasaki Z 550 GP has a Power to weight ratio of 309.5 bhp per ton and 169.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 Z 550 competing with the 2023 Norton Commando 961 CR SP [333.9 bhp\ton] and the 2024 Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary [333.9 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 Z 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 2000 Honda CB 750 F2 Seven Fifty [194.0 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 11.9 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.2 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Z 550 GP similar in acceleration to the 2015 Suzuki DL 650 XT V-Strom (11.9 secs) and the 2014 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom ABS (11.9 secs). This Kawasaki Z 550 GP 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).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1983 Kawasaki Z 550 GP and the 1974 Suzuki TS 400 Apache - Hustler
When talking about the performance of the 1983 Kawasaki Z 550 GP 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 1974 Suzuki TS 400 Apache - Hustler (13 secs) and the 1982 Kawasaki GPZ 550 DOHC (13 secs).
The 1983 version of the Kawasaki Z 550 GP has a maximum speed of 119mph.
Top Speed of the 1983 Z 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 1983 Kawasaki Z 550 GP then how about a 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT (130 mph) and the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Triple (130 mph).
