Kawasaki GPZ900R

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Kawasaki GPZ900R


aka =
manufacturer = Kawasaki
production = 1984 - 1996
predecessor = none
successor = Kawasaki GPz1000RX
parent_company = Kawasaki Heavy Industries
class = Sport bike
engine = 908cc, 4-stroke, transverse 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder head
transmission = 6-speed
ignition = Unknown
carburetion = Keihin CVK34
frame = steel
power = 115 hp @ 9500 rpm (1986 model)
torque = ~62.9 (8.7 Kg-m @ 8500 rpm)
suspension =
brakes =
tires = tubeless
120/80-16 (front)
150/80-18 (rear)
rake = ? degrees
trail = ? inches
wheelbase = ~58.8 inches (1495 mm)
length = ~86 inches (2200 mm)
width = ~29.5 inches (750 mm)
height = ~47.8 inches (1215 mm)
seat_height = ? inches
dry_weight = ~502.6 lb (228 kg)
wet_weight =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity = 22 L
related = Kawasaki GPz1000RX
similar = The Kawasaki GPz900R (ZX900A) was a sportbike manufactured from 1984 to 1996.

The 1984 GPz900R (or zx900a-1) was a revolutionary design that became the immediate predecessor of the modern-day sportbike. This design was years ahead of rival manufacturers' efforts. The compact 908 cc liquid-cooled 16-valve engine was a first for Kawasaki, and delivered 115 brake horsepower (86 kW) (depending on market). Prior to its design, Kawasaki envisioned producing a sub-liter engine that would dominate the liter bikes of the time. Although its steel frame, 16 inch front and 18 inch rear wheels, air suspension, and anti-dive forks were fairly standard at that time, it took Japanese Superbike performance to a new level. Water cooling and 16 valves allowed additional power, and the frame used the engine as a stressed member for improved handling. It had a top speed of about 155 mph (248 km/h) (holding the record for the fastest production bike at the time), and a standing quarter mile time of just 10.55s was recorded by specialist rider Jay "Pee Wee" Gleason. It won the 1984 Isle of Man Production TT at an average speed of 105 mph ridden by Geoff Johnson [ [http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/Events.aspx?meet_code=TT84%20%20&era=4 Meetings - The official Isle of Man TT 2007 website ] ] .

The 1984 GPZ900R was the first Kawasaki bike to be officially marketed (in North America) under the Ninja brand name. [http://www.khi.co.jp/mcycle/museum/gpz900r/history/index_e.html Kawasaki Museum: GPZ900R History - Development of the GPZ900R] ]

Although superseded in the US market within 3 years, the 900R remained popular in Europe and Asia for many years. In 1990 the A7 model saw the deletion of the anti-dive units, front fork diameter increased, and front wheel diameter increased to 17 inches. Although no longer competitive with the cutting-edge sportsbikes of the day it was marketed as a competent sports-tourer. Emissions controls meant that it ceased to be sold in Europe in the late 1990s. Kawasaki ended production for Asian markets in 2003 with the final models being significantly reduced in power due to emissions and noise requirements.

It was superseded by the Kawasaki GPz1000RX [ [http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Kawasaki_GPz_1000_RX_1986.aspx Kawasaki GPz 1000 RX 1986: technical specifications ] ] in 1986, although critics noted the newer machine was heavier and handled less well than its predecessor.The 1985 (zx900A2) version of the Ninja was featured in the movie Top Gun.

Original Color Schemes:1984: Red/Metallic Gray1985: Red/Black, Red/Silver1986: Red/White/Blue

References

External links

* [http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/ZX900_A1-A3:NINJA Specs and History of ZX900-A(GPZ)]
* [http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki/kawasaki_gpz900r_86.htm Specs of Kawasaki GPz 900R Ninja]
* [http://www.maclean-nj.com/kwak90.htm Strength's and Weaknesses of GPz900R]
* [http://www.gpz900r.co.uk/ GPZ Zone Portal - UK & German GPZ900R Owner Clubs and other links]