Kawasaki Z500/Z550
< Kawasaki Z500
1982 Kawasaki GPz550 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | 1981-1985 |
| Predecessor | KZ500 |
| Successor | ZX600 Ninja |
| Class | Sport |
| Engine | 553 cc 4-cylinder 4-stroke |
| Bore / stroke | 58 mm × 52.4 mm (2.28 in × 2.06 in) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1 |
| Top speed | 119mph (period test) |
| Power | 54hp@ 10,000rpm |
| Ignition type | electronic |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Weight | 464 lbs (210.5 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.8 gal |
| Fuel consumption | 45-60 mpg |
The Kawasaki Z500/Z550 series began with the 1979 Z500, a scaled-down version of the Kawasaki Z1R. It used a double-cradle steel frame with a transverse-mounted air-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC (Double Over Head Cam) engine—a classic Universal Japanese Motorcycle.